GETTING READY FOR YOUR HEADSHOT SESSION

I’m so excited to work with you! Please arrive promptly at your selected start time.
If your start time is 9:10am for example
It is important to arrive on time in order to keep everyone on schedule
as we have allotted exactly 10 minutes per person
If you need to change your time slot please contact me.
loricardwell@outlook.com

Please read below for few getting ready tips! If you’re properly prepared for the shoot you’ll not only have an easier and more stress free time during the shoot, but you be happier with your images because they will look better than if there wasn’t any preparation.

PREPARATION

Modeling for photographs is actually a lot like acting.  Take some time in advance to consider what kind of feeling you are trying capture in your image. Prepare by then practicing their "looks" in front of the mirror. Don't worry if you are not certain about this, I will help you figure this out, but if you can come in with your own ideas that will help!

Pamper yourself a bit before your photoshoot to help you get camera ready.

If needed, remember to schedule a haircut about 3-5 days BEFORE your headshot session, not the day of your session. Sometimes after a haircut, we’re left with tan lines and hair that isn’t quite sure how it wants to be styled yet. By giving yourself a few days, you’ll have some time to learn how your hair lays best and how you want to style it. A little trim will help your hair look healthy in your images.

The night before brush your lips with your toothbrush to help get rid of any dead skin.
Moisturize your face and use lip balm to keep lips looking soft.

Don’t do any extreme beauty regimens right before your shoot, like facial peels, tanning or extensive exfoliating that could irritate your skin. Give yourself a 1-2 weeks between the session and extreme regimens. 

Get rid of any unwanted hair a few days before your shoot. This includes cleaning up brows and any unwanted facial hair above your lip, along your jaw line, in your ears/ nose, etc. We all get it but we don’t want it showing up in your best photo of yourself.

Most importantly…

Get plenty of rest the night before so you do not look tired in your photos

Remember to drink lots of water and lay off the soda/ wine/ salty drinks/ snacks at least 24 hours before your shoot so your skin glows from the inside out.

WHAT TO WEAR

A few days before your shoot you’ll want to pick out your outfits.

See the suggestions below to help keep clothing choices (and your photos) classic and timeless:

  1. Keep it simple
    Solid colors look timeless and photograph best.
    As a rule of thumb, choose colors that compliment your eyes and skin color.

    A black or a white top, whether it’s a shirt, t-shirt, dress, you name it, is a safe go-to – neutral but elegant, and suits almost everyone. Have at least one simple outfit, so one of your headshots is ready to go for anything.

    However - avoid ghost-white shirt if you have very pale skin. Is your skin tone warm or cold? If your skin tone is warm, try colors and shades that are warm, and vice versa.

    Vivid color tops or Jewel tones - like Emerald Green · Ruby Red · Purple · Royal Blue · Navy Blue · Yellow - will help your headshot ‘pop’ and stand out from the rest. Extra points if it matches your eyes and complexion!

    Avoid trends and dress for your body type.

    Avoid stripes and patterns - we want to keep the focus on you, not your clothing.

    Avoid logos on clothing.

  2. Shirt options…

    Business Casual Look for Men:

    • Dress shirts are always a great choice as the photographer can always dress it up or dress it down. Bring an undershirt if this is necessary.

    • If you normally wear a tie, bring two options, all which compliment or can be used with the shirt(s) you are bringing.

    • Jackets and blazers with a casual shirt underneath are great for a more relaxed look.

    • Flattering colors for men are usually French blue or purple in combination with a dark gray, navy blue or black jacket.

    • Bring outfits that fit you the best, that you feel confident in, and dress the part that would attract your ideal client!

    Business Casual Look for Women:

    • Wrap dresses or tops that wrap around your waist are a flattering cut for any type of body or shape.

    • V-Necks are an excellent choice as they always elongate the neck. But be careful not to overdo it, a deep V-Neck can show too much cleavage. Make sure everything is in proportion.

    • Avoid U-neck shirts that will make your neck look shorter if it’s close to your neck. The further the neckline is from your neck, the longer your neck will appear.

    • Avoid turtle-necks as it tends to shorten your neck. Also, sometimes it might result in a ‘floating head’ look, if the color of your top matches the background.

    • Off-shoulder look is very feminine, showing off your neck and shoulders in the most natural way.

    • Jackets and blazers are always a good choice for layering.

    • Bring extra accessories or jewelry. It can add a little 'pop' to your look!

  3. Make sure that clothes are ironed /wrinkle free Wrinkles on your clothes stick out in photos. I’ll have a lint roller for last minute touch ups

  4. Make sure you are comfortable
    When you aren't comfortable, it shows. Also remember not to wear anything too baggy, it can actually make people look bigger than they really are, at the same time you also don’t want to wear anything too tight. Find that just right fit that gives you confidence and looks great.

  5. Not sure on what color to wear?
    Check out my blog on the meanings of different colors: https://loricardwell.com/indianapolisphotographerblog/2021/7/28/choosing-the-right-color-to-wear-in-photos

  6. Remember to Breathe! I know that there aren't many people that actually look forward to having their photo taken, but I promise, I will make this an enjoyable experience for you. I'll have music playing for you to get into your groove.

THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION

Your photo shoot will begin immediately at your scheduled time.

I will direct you into various poses that flatter you and give you options to choose your favorite images.

After we capture a few difference expressions and then review the unedited photos right away for you to make your selection!

ORDERING

Once you have made your selections, I will complete editing and give you a date that they will be delivered!

Optional to select additional images onto your initial package at viewing.

Professional photos pay for themselves over time by communicating your expertise, which helps generate more leads, and sets you apart from the competition.

Thank you for choosing me to set you apart from the competition!