How to Crush Your First Headshot Session
Are you gearing up for your first professional headshot? As your Detroit photographer, I’ve put together a list of four key pieces to a successful portrait or personal branding session.
Picking the Right Photographer
Choosing the right photographer for your first headshot is critical. I always recommend hiring a specialist, someone who regularly works with professional headshot clients. By hiring a specialist, you get an expert who knows the finer points of posing, lighting and expression coaching with respect to professional or personal branding images.
Take a good look at the work of any photographer you’re considering. Look for some consistency in the work. You should have a good idea what your image would look like based on the portfolio.
The Right Outfit
Remember, the image is about you. You’re not modeling the clothing you’ll be wearing. So if they take the attention off you, there’s too much going on. Keep things simple—solid colors to start. If you have a bold color of choice, bring it for a second look.
And make sure things fit properly. That said, a jacket that’s a little tight can actually help you appear thinner. When buttoned, we can leverage some great posing tricks to lose that camera weight!
Professional Makeup
While not required, I strongly recommend making the investment. A makeup artist will ensure you look amazing under the power studio lights. It also takes some of the last minute stress off your day.
Guys, this applies to you too. Male grooming (makeup for men) has been a big hit among my clients!
Have Fun
You’ve prepared, done the homework and watched all my videos. When you finally get in the studio, enjoy yourself! Have some fun. This means playing along, even goofing off a bit. Letting your guard down helps to ensure you’ll get a range of expressions in your session.
You don’t have to use them all, but it gives you so many options for all sorts of applications.
Your social followers will love the outtakes and your work colleagues might be just a bit jealous when they see your new profile photo in Zoom or Teams.
