Searching for a job or trying to build your personal brand? A headshot is essential for networking and getting that first interview. You might be feeling nervous about the photo shoot, but trust us when we say that it’s nothing to be afraid of. A headshot photography session isn’t as scary as it sounds; in fact, it can actually be fun! If you prepare beforehand, you can make the photo shoot an enjoyable experience that helps you stand out from the competition. If you are an actor this is especially important as professional headshots can make your submission stand out from everyone else applying for the role. If you want to look your best in your headshots and feel confident during the photo shoot, keep reading for insider tips from a professional photographer that owns Bartholomew Photography in Las Vegas. These suggestions will help you prepare for a successful shoot with little stress or anxiety involved.
1. Do your research
Before you start preparing for your headshot photo shoot, do some research to figure out what you want out of the experience. Figure out what type of photographer you want to work with. Learn about different types of photography studios, terms and conditions, and what services are included in the price of the shoot. What kind of headshots do you want? Do you want a black and white or color photo? Do you want a studio shoot or on-location photo? What type of pose do you want? These are all questions you should be asking yourself before booking your shoot, as you want to make sure you get exactly what you want out of the experience.
2. Examine their Portfolio
When you’ve found a photographer you like, the next step is to take a close look at their portfolio. Make sure that their style matches what you are looking for and that they have experience shooting the type of headshot you want. If you want a natural light photo, make sure they have examples of this in their portfolio. If you want a studio shoot with different looks, make sure they have experience shooting this type of headshot.
3. Meet the Photographer in Person
If you can, try to meet the photographer in person before booking a shoot. This way, you can get a feel for their personality and make sure that you will be comfortable working with them. It’s important to feel comfortable with your photographer, as this will help you relax during the photo shoot and produce better results.
4. Know what you want
Once you know what type of photo you want, it’s time to focus on what you want your photo to say about you. Think about the type of job you’re looking for or the message you want to send to your audience. It isn’t the same if you are looking for a job or you want Tinder fotoshooting for your favorite social network.
You can even write down a few words to describe yourself. Once you know what you want your photo to say about you, it will be easier to pick out a pose and wardrobe for your shoot. There are certain poses and clothing items that project a certain message. For example, if you want to project a professional and confident message, consider a hands-on-hips pose paired with a dark color button-down shirt.
5. Three days before: Light exercise and dry run
A few days before your headshot photo shoot, start getting into shape. Try light exercises like yoga, pilates, or stretching to help you feel more confident and relaxed during the photo shoot. You want to feel calm and relaxed during the shoot, and incorporating light exercises will help you do just that. A dry run is also a great idea a few days before your shoot. A dry run is when you go to the photography studio and practice the poses you want to do in the shoot. This way, you’ll feel more confident when it comes time for the real shoot. During your dry run, you can also ask your photographer any questions you have about the process. You don’t want to show up to the photo shoot without any idea of what’s going to happen. Doing a dry run will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the shoot.
6. Two days before: Shower, shave, and exfoliation
Two days before your shoot, shower, shave any areas you like, and exfoliate. You’ll want to shower two days before the shoot to get rid of excess oil and dirt on your skin. Showering two days before the shoot will leave you with clean and clear skin. It’s also a good idea to shave two days before the shoot. This will ensure that your skin is smooth, clean, and free of any unwanted hair. Exfoliating two days before your shoot is also a good idea, as it will leave your skin clean and help remove dry and dead skin cells.
7. The day of the shoot: Nutrition and rest
On the day of the shoot, make sure to eat a healthy and balanced meal. Avoid eating a large meal or large amounts of sugar before your shoot. You don’t want to feel bloated or have an upset stomach while on set. After eating a healthy meal, make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and calm your stomach. Avoid eating foods that are high in sugar or have lots of sugar, as this will make your blood sugar spike. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep before the shoot. Getting enough sleep will help you feel energized and relaxed on set. You also want to make sure you get enough sleep so that you don’t look tired in your photos. Sleepy eyes aren’t very attractive.
Conclusion
A headshot is an essential part of your personal branding. It’s important to make sure you get the right kind of headshot that highlights your best features. If you want to look your best in your photo, it’s important to prepare beforehand. A photo shoot isn’t as scary as it sounds; in fact, it can be a fun and relaxing experience when you’re prepared for it. If you prepare beforehand, you’ll be confident, relaxed, and ready to show off your best self in your headshots.
