LONDON - PARIS Boston Family Photographer

WARDROBE TIPS FOR HEADSHOTS

Wardrobe Tips for HEadshots

Feel Your Best, Look Your Best.

Not only do clothes convey a lot about who you are, they can make you feel confident. Feeling confident, comfortable, and relaxed is the first step to a successful session. Here is my best advice for choosing your wardrobe for headshots.

Setting the Tone

What kind of image do you want to convey?

Serious and businesslike? Laid back and casual? Cutting edge or creative?

Who you are and what your profession is will dictate this for you.

Choosing your outfit

- You can simply start with a color that you like, or choose an item of clothing that you know you feel great in. If you don't know where to start, here are a few tips:

- Layering is great. Jackets, sweaters, etc., will all help to frame the face and add interest.

- Don't be afraid of accessories like scarves or necklaces as long as they don't overwhelm.

- Long sleeves are best for headshots, since some of your arms will show which can distract the eye from your face, but that is personal preference.

- Don't ignore your bottom half. We may take some shots in seated poses and your bottoms may show.

- More formal could be suit/jacket, and dress shirt (or tie if appropriate).

- Feel free to bring a few options (including accessories) to your session and we can look through them together. If you are doing a custom session, we'll photograph you in more than one outfit.

A bit about Color

- Jewel tones and richer neutrals like chocolate, dark gray, or navy, are great alternatives to black.

- A neutral base with a pop of color adds interest.

- People often hear that they should stay away from black and white, but it's a matter of personal taste, and skin tone. You don't want black to drag you down, and you don't want white to wash you out. Both colors do well with accessories or layers.

- Patterns are OK as long as they don't overwhelm. Think small checks vs large plaids or florals.

- A fail-safe tip is to pick a top that accentuates your eyes.

- Please be sure that clothes fit well - A too-big blazer or button down will look messy.

- Don't forget to press your clothes - I can't stress this enough.

- Hair should be worn as you normally would, but hairspray will tame flyaways. Blowouts are a great idea, and retouch your roots if need be. Best time for a haircut is a week or so before your session.

- Make-up should be kept natural, and it can be a nice treat to have it professionally done. False eyelashes are OK as long as they aren't overdone. Matte is better than shine.

- Groom or shape your eyebrows a day before your session.

- Drink lots of water and be well-rested ahead of your session.

Figure FLattering Dressing

I feel like I'm never the size I want to be for photos and I can nit-pick myself for days. But then I try to remind myself that most often, no one sees or cares about the flaws that you see in yourself. That said there are a few tricks to dressing in a way that flatters and makes you feel confident:

- Define your waist rather than hide behind baggy clothes.

- V, Scoop, and Boat necks elongate your neck, and long necklaces that hang almost to your waist have a slimming effect.

- If you choose a dress, look for a-line or fit & flare. These are also nice because they can add movement to your photos.

- Wide-leg, long jeans or trousers will make you look tall and lean.

- Heels elongate legs, and if you go for a pair in a skin tone, even better.

- Prints distract the eye, and are a great option to a solid.

- Knowing how to "pose" (and I use the term loosely) is also important, and I'll guide you with that. Remember to stand up straight, shoulders back. I always say, "if it bends, bend it". You want your body to be in an "S" shape, rather than square to the camera, and I'll gently remind you of that as we go. You can practice in a mirror ahead of time too!

Lastly, because everyone asks -- yes, I have some Photoshop tricks up my sleeve, and I'm willing to use them (sparingly). This includes the basics such as smoothing fine lines (if you ask!) or blemishes, but not giving you a whole new physique. I don't recommend removing anything "permanent" such as birthmarks. Because honestly, I think you're perfect just the way you are.

Finishing Touches

Hair

Style it the way you usually do, but smooth down flyaways with spray. If you're getting haircut, do it about a week before your session. If you have long hair, definitely bring a brush along with you for touch ups.

Makeup (if you wear it)

A natural, matte finish photographs best. Professional makeup is a great option too -- just avoid super shiny products.

Facial Hair

If you shave, do it the night before to avoid redness. Beards? Tidy them them up.

Pearly Whites

Consider using a teeth whitening product for a week or two before your session, or at the very least give them an extra good scrub before you arrive to have them sparkling!

Come rested and hydrated!

Make sure you get a good night's sleep before your session and drink lots of water the day before.

BONUS: PRO STYLING HELP

If you're looking to book professional hair and makeup, check out Melissa Perrault's Instagram. She's fantastic! You can DM her on Instagram, or text her at 978.382.2501 for more information.

Lastly, Because Everyone Asks

Yes, I have some photoshop tricks up my sleeve, and I'm willing to use them (sparingly). Cleaning up acne is absolutely no problem, so don't stress out if a zit pops up that morning!