Headshot tips for business photos

Professional portraits for actors, corporate, business and more

please see our page of headshots https://www.jlbsnap.com/headshots

General Tips

·       Tell us your expectations and intentions. Let us know what kind of look you want

·       Tell us how and where the photo will be used (so we can be sure it's appropriate)

·       Drink lots of water and be well rested (so your eyes will not have dark circles)

·       Your skin/eyes might not look their best after drug/alcohol use. Try to abstain from these before your shoot

·       Arrive on time. Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes early (we may have other clients scheduled before you)

·       Please call if you are running late or arrive early

What to Wear - Everyone

·       Bring at least 2-3 clothing variations so we can pick the best options at the shoot 

·       Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you look great 

·       Make sure your jacket and shirt fit you well. A poor fitting jacket or shirt will be obvious in the photos (especially around the neck) 

·       Don't overdress

·       Turtlenecks are almost always a bad idea (since they crowd the face)

·       Clothes should be neatly pressed and should look new or like new 

·       Avoid busy patterns and large lines/stripes

·       Blue/green/turquoise shirts/blouses or accents can help emphasize blue/green/hazel eyes

What to Wear - Men

·       The standard business look is a suit jacket, dress shirt and tie 

·       A casual business look is often a jacket and open-collar dress shirt, shirt and tie (no jacket), or dress shirt on its own 

·       Polo shirts are an OK casual look for some businesses. However, be sure the shirt is in good condition and fits properly 

·       For a no-jacket casual look, bring colored shirts - ideally darker than your skin tone 

·       A white dress shirt by itself is a bad idea (too bright) - unless you plan to wear it underneath something (jacket or sweater) 

·       Bring a few different jackets, shirt colors and ties so we have choices for the photo

What to Wear - Women

·       Avoid big prints and busy patterns 

·       Bring a variety shirts/blouses with different necklines. Neckline will influence the apparent shape of your face 

·       For a no-jacket casual look, bring various colored blouses - ideally darker than your skin tone 

·       Be stylish and fashionable, but remember the picture is about your face and not your clothes or jewelry 

·       Sleeveless tops/dresses can draw attention to your shoulders/arms. Consider bringing items with a variety of different sleeves 

·       A white shirt/blouse/sweater by itself is a bad idea - it draws attention away from the face. Better to wear white under a jacket or sweater 

Remember: Select and wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Select something that makes you look and feel good 

Jewelry

·       Keep jewelry extremely simple - small is better 

·       Avoid jewelry that would distract from your face or that looks dated 

·       Consider if facial piercings or multiple ear piercings are appropriate for where your photo will be displayed 

Remember: the picture should be about your face, not your jewelry 

What to Bring

·       Your previous headshots (so we can improve)

·       Sample headshots to help communicate the look you want 

·       Various changes of clothing (see above)

·       A good attitude

·       Lip balm

·       Hairbrush/comb

·       Makeup and hair products, you prefer (especially if you have allergies)

General Grooming

·       Check your eyebrows - have your hair stylist or barber trim them when you get your hair cut 

·       Check for stray nose hairs - trim as needed 

·       Men - check for chest hair peeking out when wearing an open collar shirt 

Hair and Makeup Tips

·       Make-up should be clean and natural 

·       Wear a heavy layer of translucent powder - your face will appear flawless in photos. Shine disappears, pores seem smaller, skin looks even, and blush is smoother 

·       Line lips before applying matte lipstick, then reline. Don't overdo it. Dip a cotton bud in powder and run along lip line to prevent color from bleeding

·       Avoid shimmers or products with lots of sparkle or shine 

·       Avoid frosts or overly bright colors 

·       Don't get a new hair cut just before the shoot (you may want to let it grow-in a bit or get used to styling a new cut) 

·       Do not try/use any new product on your hair, face or body the day before or few days before your shoot. In case you have a bad reaction to the product 

Please Arrive With

·       Hair styled and makeup already applied (if not, I have a makeup artist and hairstyles)