Our Top 7 Tips for Professional Headshots
Is it time for new headshots?
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, re-branding your business or you’ve been in the business for many successful years, professional headshots are a must. They can help you connect with potential clients, strengthen your online presence and even create consistency between channels and digital platforms.
If you’re due for new headshots or it’s time for your very-first session, these tips can help you get started and achieve results that you absolutely adore.
1. Arrange a Consultation
Booking a consultation with your photographer is an excellent way to begin. This consultation will provide you with the opportunity to learn more about your photographer, explore their portfolio, discuss costs, and ask any questions you may have.
Your photographer will outline their process, providing you with a wealth of information, such as their availability, deposits, delivery timelines, the review process, and more. They may even provide you with guidance on what to wear, which make-up is best to apply and even how to style your hair.
During your consultation, you may discuss the cost and if a deposit is required. Be sure to ask about timelines for payment and what kind of payment is accepted.
What to Expect During a Consultation with LivePixels Photography
Our consultations are about one hour long, so you can expect to have all of your questions answered and access to a wealth of information. Consultations are scheduled on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.
You can learn more about our process and how to prepare for your photoshoot here!
2. Preparing for Your Session
With a little preparation, you can enjoy a seamless experience with us and the stunning results you deserve!
Hair
With LivePixels Photography, professional hair styling is included in every session. Please arrive to your session with hair that is freshly washed and dried, with no products or straightening.
Skin
Expect to be pampered and well taken care of throughout your session! Not only is professional hair styling included in your shoot, but make-up as well! Please arrive at your photoshoot with your skin completely clean and free of any cosmetics. For natural results, we suggest that you avoid a spray or artificial tan prior to your session.
Nails
Your hands play an important part in any portrait, including headshots! Ensure that your nails are trimmed and maintained, with either no polish or a light, neutral tone. Bright colours and bold designs can take the focus away from you.
3. Find the Right Outfit
Planning an outfit for your headshot session should never be overlooked! The right outfit can bring the entire photo together, helping you maintain professionalism while at the same time adding a flare of your own character to the image.
Whether you’re borrowing an item from a friends closet, selecting a piece from our studio wardrobe or shopping for your dream outfit, here are some things to keep in mind:
Colour
Tie your outfit together with a colour palette. We suggest starting with the basics, including black, white, neutrals, and earth tones, and then adding a splash of colour if you wish.
While choosing the colour of your outfit, why not consider the branding of your business? By including tones that correlate with your brand colours and aesthetic, you can help ensure that your headshots will flow seamlessly within your website design, social media feeds and more.
Pattern
As a rule of thumb, we suggest steering clear of vibrant colours or patterns, as these elements can affect the overall composition of the photo - taking the focus away from you.
Of course, this isn’t always the case. Some patterns can offer the perfect finishing touch!
Textures
The texture of clothing can have a larger impact on the results than you may think. We often suggest opting for fabric with a soft texture and to always test for how easily it can wrinkle prior to your photoshoot.
Style and Fit
Your clothing should fit just right, with a little bit of wiggle room! We recommend choosing a flattering shirt or sweater with either a v-neck, scoop or crew neck.
We generally suggest that you avoid wearing a sleeveless shirt for headshots to maintain professionalism and maintain the focus on you, rather than your arms or exposed skin. If you’re set on a sleeveless piece, consider layering with a cardigan or button down shirt.
Accessories
When accessorizing for a headshot photoshoot, less is always more. A simple bracelet, necklace, watch, or pair of earrings is all that you need to add those finishing touches.
4. Book a Trim or Root Touch-Up
Prior to your headshot session, you may want to pay your hairdresser a quick visit! A small trim or root touch-up can really make all the difference, freshening up your hair to result in a healthy glow. Aim to schedule your appointment at least two days prior to your photography session.
Did you know that professional makeup and hairstyling is included with every LivePixels Photography session? You can sit back, relax and we will handle the rest!
5. Practice in the Mirror
Feeling nervous about having your photo taken?
Your photographer will want you to feel both confident and comfortable. To help prepare for your upcoming headshot photography session, take some time to first practice your smile and various poses in the mirror.
Looking to take it a step further? Have a friend or family member take some practice photos of you. This will give you a better idea of how a certain outfit, pose or smile might look once on camera.
6. Stay Hydrated and Well Rested
Nothing can put a damper on your headshots quite like baggy eyes and an exhausted expression.
By drinking more than enough water and getting 7+ hours of sleep each night, you can help your skin slow, reduce the appearance of baggy eyes and arrive at your session full of energy!
7. Trust Your Photographer
We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to trust your photographer and the process! While some positions may feel a little unnatural or awkward, there is likely a good reason why your photographer is asking you to sit or pose a certain way.
The right poses can lead to exceptional (and sometimes unexpected) results! To make the most of your photography session, it’s important that you put your full trust in your photographer.
Book Your Headshots Today
Is it time to book your headshot photography session? Learn more about my process, what to expect and ask any questions you may have. I’m more than happy to help you get started through email or via a phone consultation.
The services offered at the LivePixels Photography studio include:
For more information, take a look at the other articles in our blog!