Maybe you have done a few photoshoots before and have ended up slightly disappointed with the way you look or the quality of the images. When it comes to your photoshoot you want to ensure you are well prepared from what you wear to your appearance to how to pose. For your next photoshoot be sure to consult this quick checklist to better prepare so you look and feel confident for your headshots.
You want to look your best during your shoot but you also want to be comfortable. Comfort isn’t just about how the clothes feel on you it also has to do with how you feel in the clothes. Depending on what you discuss with your photographer will determine how many outfits you want to bring along with you. If you are limited you want to ensure you have something casual and something more dressed up. Also consider what add on’s you can easily bring like belts, hats, scarves, vest or jackets that can give your wardrobe a whole new look and feel.
Try to avoid just black and white options as well as patterns that can be distracting. Instead, choose colors that compliment your skin tone. If you are doing a shoot to expand your acting portfolio consider what your ideal character would wear and choose outfits that the type of character you want to be cast in would wear.
Nerves may get the best of you the night before your shoot but getting enough sleep is essential. Try to have everything set out and ready to go the night before and get to be a little earlier than you typically would, especially if you have an early shoot. Not only does this ensure you have the energy to perform your best in front of the camera it is also great for your skin. Lacking sleep will leave you skin looking puffy and irritated so be sure to get plenty of sleep before your shoot.
Keeping your skin hydrated will also keep it looking its best for the day of your shoot. When you don’t drink enough water your skin will look dry, dull, red and puffy. Leading up to your shoot you want to drink at least eight glasses of water each day to ensure your skin is well hydrated.
If you are planning on having your haircut or a facial, schedule these appointments a few days prior to your shoot. While you want your hair to look flawless you want to avoid the just freshly cut look. If you are getting a facial you want your skin to have time to recover and reduce the risk of your skin looking red or irritated. Men should shave the night before the shoot to avoid any skin irritation that shaving can cause.
While you can do your hair and makeup yourself to save so extra money it is always a good idea to leave these tasks to a professional. If possible have your hair or makeup artist accompany you to the shoot. This way you have someone there that will be able to catch the little details of your appearance that need a quick fix. Be sure to do a trial run of your hair and makeup before the shoot so you and your stylist know what to expect and accomplish. A professional hair and makeup artist will not only allow you to achieve the look you are going for they can also give you a confidence boost and assure you that you look your absolute best.
It is always a good idea to know what type of poses you want to try out during your shoot. Doing the research to have posing ideas in mind can make you feel more prepared and confident during your shoot. Look through other headshots of models and actors to see which poses would best fit with the type of rules or jobs you want to be booked for.
Practicing for your shoot is always recommended. Posing in front of a mirror or even doing a quick test shoot prior to your actual shoot will help you pick on the body language and positions you need to be aware of during your real shoot. Where should you place your hands? How should you tilt your head? Should you sit or stand? Which way should you turn your body? There are many aspects of your poses you may not even be thinking of but once you see yourself in the images you will notice what you should do differently. Practice your poses so you are better prepared for the shoot.
While there is plenty that you can do to prepare for your photoshoot the most important thing to remember is to trust your photographer. While you may have a clear idea about the poses and look you want to accomplish with your images your photographer has the experience, knowledge, and professionalism to know what makes you look best. You will know how you should be positioned so you are perfectly lite and how to create the mood so your personality really shines through in the images as well as being able to perfectly capture the types of characters you want to portray. When it comes to your headshot, it is important to always keep in mind that these 1 or 2 photos are everything. These are part of your first impressions, and how people will likely see you for the first time, so you want to make sure that your photos are the best representation of you. Taking these important steps into consideration will most certainly help in rendering the best outcome.
