You've been careful to choose a good photographer, but it takes two to make a great headshot: the photographer and you. This article will help you do your part and get great results.
Step 1
A few days before the session, make a checklist of things you will need the day of the shoot. Possible items to include: clothes, haircare products, comb, brush, bottled water, makeup kit, balance due (credit card, checkbook, or cash), directions to studio, photographer's address and phone number.
Step 2
A few days before the session, make sure you have the clothes you need. If you paid for three "looks," don't waste them on a gray suit, a blue suit, and a brown suit. Make them distinctive: a CEO in a power tie, a blue-collar worker, and an ordinary guy ready to take his kids to Disneyland, for example.
Your clothes should be cleaned, pressed, and spotless (unless you're going for a specific look like homeless person or grease monkey). If your collar is supposed to have collar stays, put collar stays in. Nothing near your face should look rumpled, stained, or limp.
Choose the most flattering colors for your skin, hair, and eye color. Bright colors are better than black, white, or pastels, and solids are preferred over busy patterns or stripes. If you have doubts, bring some options and let the photographer help choose.
Put your selections aside where they'll be ready to go when the day comes. Don't wear your best shirt the day before and risk ruining it.
Step 3
Work on making your appearance the best it can be. Get a haircut now so you have time to settle into it, rather than waiting until just before the shoot. Get electrolysis or waxing done while your skin has time to recover. If your teeth are discolored, consider whitening. If you haven't already made exfoliant, moisturizer, and lip balm part of your daily routine, now's a good time to start - yes, guys, that means you.
Drink plenty of water and eat healthy, avoiding excess fat, salt, and alcohol. The difference will show in your face. Use sunscreen and avoid excess exposure.
Step 4
The day before the shoot, go over the checklist you made earlier and make sure everything is in place so you won't have to run around looking for it tomorrow.
Step 5
Get to bed on time the night before the shoot so you'll be nice and rested the next day, but make sure you set the alarm early enough so you'll have plenty of time in the morning.
Step 6
The morning of the shoot, eat a breakfast that's nutritious enough to get you through the session without running out of steam but light enough that you won't feel sluggish or bloated.
Step 7
Sitting in the car but before you turn that key, go over the checklist one last time.
Step 8
Put on sweats or a track suit or something else you can change in and out of easily. Save your good clothes for the camera. Leave early enough that it won't matter if you hit traffic. There will ALWAYS be traffic. Give yourself time to park, pay the photographer any balance due, change clothes, check your hair and makeup, and still have a minute or two to relax before your session is scheduled to begin.
Step 9
During the session, face the camera straight on. Casting directors want to see your full face, not just your "good side." Maintain strong eye contact, as that will result in a much more engaging photo than glancing to one side or other.
Step 10
You will probably want to have both "theatrical" (serious) and "commercial" (smiling) shots to choose from, but think of the headshot session as any on-camera acting assignment and avoid putting on faces; rather let the expression come from within.
Step 11
Any time you change looks or there is a break in shooting, take the opportunity to check yourself in the mirror before resuming.
Step 12
Before you leave, make sure you know when you can expect to have negatives, proofs, and/or CD from the session.
Now you're well on your way to having great headshots.
NEXT: Select your photos.
(Photo by Ben Gribbin)
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