GETTING READY TIPS
FOR LHD

I’m so excited to work with you all! Please arrive camera ready within your scheduled time frame.
It is important to arrive on time in order to keep everyone on schedule

We will be taking several photos with different poses and expressions
Then selecting your1 favorite photo to be edited

You will receive 1 image of your choice

Your photo will be used for a headshot with an environmental office background, and in a group composite image

Dress code:
Business Professional Clothing.
See tips below.

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 TIPS
1week before your photo shoot

  • Having your photograph taken is a lot like acting.  Take a few seconds to practice your smile in the mirror so you know what type of smile you want in your photo. I will help you with this on the day of as well but practicing before will help you to be comfortable in front of the camera quicker!

  • Pamper yourself a bit with your favorite self care routine before your photoshoot to help you get camera ready.

  • If needed, schedule a haircut or color 5 days BEFORE your headshot. Sometimes after a haircut, we’re left with hair that isn’t quite sure how it wants to be styled yet or you may need time to re-learn how to style the new cut. Give yourself a few days after the haircut before your session. If you’re not making a drastic change you may think its ok to go ahead and get the little trim right before your session. Use your best judgement.

  • If you do a facial peel, tanning, or regimen that could irritate your skin, make sure to schedule that appointment 2 weeks before your photo. 

  • Pick out your shirt/outfits 5 days before your session AND Try. It. On…. Yes. 5 days before your session.
    Does everything fit? Can you button your blazer jacket if wearing one? Is the shirt to big? Is the shirt too small? Does the collar lay weird? Does the fabric not have enough structure? Do you like the color? Does the color wash out your complexion? Do you feel confident in the outfit …without pulling on the sleeve, collar, or waistline? Is this the shirt you want to have in your photo that you could be using for the next couple years?
    Seriously, spending just a couple minutes really looking at the details of your outfit will prevent any remorse later. The amount of times I’ve hear someone say under their breath.. “I should have wore a different shirt”… is waaay too often considering the details I provide in my getting ready tips. I provide this info for a reason ; ) Please make sure you like how your shirt/outfit actually looks on you.

  • Iron or steam your clothing to get wrinkles out. Use a lint roller to remove any pet hair or lint. It’s always best to get these details right in camera.

PREPARATION TIPS
1 - 2 days before your photo shoot

  • Get rid of any unwanted facial hair a few days before your shoot. This includes cleaning up eye 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.

  • The night before your photoshoot, brush your lips with your toothbrush to help get rid of any dead skin.

  • Stay hydrated, drink lots of water so your skin glows from the inside out

  • Reduce the amount of soda/ wine/ salty snacks at least 24 hours before your photo to reduce facial puffiness

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

  • If needed bring some eye drops to reduce redness

  • Moisturize your face and use lip balm to keep lips looking soft.

  • Try on your outfit again and make sure it looks and fits the way you want to! I can’t stress this enough. Your photos can be used everywhere - make sure you look and feel like the confident professional that you are!

OUTFIT TIPS

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

  1. Choose colors that compliment your eyes and skin tone. If your skin tone is warm, try colors and shades that are warm, and vice versa.

    Avoid trends and dress for your body type.

    Solid colors look timeless and photograph best. Have fun with it and mix colors, textures, add layers or fun accessories.

    If you have pale skin tone - Avoid a white or black top because a stark white shirt can wash you out and Black absorbs light so you can look paler than you are with either color. Consider a warm Ivory or Grey.

    Try a vivid color top or Jewel tones if you want to make a statement (Jewel tones = Emerald Green · Ruby Red · Sapphire Blue · Royal Purple · Navy Blue · Citrine Yellow) will help your headshot ‘pop’. Extra points if it matches your eyes and complexion!

    Patterns can be great too Just make sure the pattern is not too distracting. For example some stripes or high contrast plaids can look overpowering in photos. (See the plaid jacket to the right for a good example of a low contrasting plaid blazer)

    Snap a photo in your mirror with the pattern on if you have any doubt. Some patterns can look different in a photo than just looking in the mirror.

  2. More suggestions…

    Business Casual Look for Men:

    • Universally flattering colors for men are usually light blue or grey
      If pairing with a blazer, a dark gray, a navy blue jacket works well in combination.

    • Wear a shirt that fits you well, that you feel confident in.

    Business Casual Look for Women:

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

    • The further the neckline is from your neck, the longer your neck will appear. Avoid short U-neck or crew neck shirts that will make your neck look shorter if it’s close to your neck. Avoid turtle-necks as it tends to shorten your neck.

  3. Make sure that clothes are wrinkle free and spot free
    Wrinkles, lint, hair, and stains or spots on clothes will 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 can show in your facial expression.
    Baggy clothing 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 how we interpret different colors: https://loricardwell.com/indianapolisphotographerblog/2021/7/28/choosing-the-right-color-to-wear-in-photos
    The colors we wear can influence how others perceive us, and can even affect our own mood!

  6. Remember to Breathe! I promise, I will make this an enjoyable experience for you if you are open to it! These tips are here to help you be prepared and confident on your photoshoot day!

Low contrast prints are great!

Love a bold blazer for a fun pop of color!

THE DAY OF
YOUR SESSION

Your photo shoot will begin immediately at your scheduled time.

Home Studio: 6638 W Mallard Lane, McCordsville, IN 46055
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ShxEjMzUbNiZsrVU6

Park in front of the garage door and walk around to the front door where I will greet you.

Arrive camera ready.

During your session, I will direct you into various expressions and angles.

Then we will review the unedited photos and you will choose your favorite image to be edited before your leave!

AFTER YOUR SESSION

Once you have made your selections, I will complete editing and your images will be delivered via online gallery link
via email about 1 - 2 weeks of your session date.

If you have any questions please email me at loricardwell@outlook.com