Top 5 Tips for a Successful Headshot Shoot

A professional headshot can be your best tool for making a strong impression. Be it for a professional audition, social media profile, or personal branding, your headshot speaks volumes about who you are. Capturing that perfect shot involves more than a good "cheese" or a cute outfit. Let’s explore five essential tips to ensure your headshot not only capture who you are but are able to convey that to employers/colleagues/platforms.

1. Choose a photographer that you feel like you can collaborate with.

The journey to a great headshot begins with selecting a photographer who aligns with your vision. Of course, this can mean finding a photographer on Instagram who has a kick-ass feed and has shot with Audra McDonald. But it goes deeper than that.

What is less obvious to clients looking for new shots is that the process is (and should be) a collaboration. Your photographer is as much working for you as say, an agent or a manager. Sure, them may have expertise in an area that you are less familiar with, but unless you are able to have an earnest and creative conversation together, the mutual goal is going to fall flat 9/10 times.

Don’t hesitate to have a conversation with potential photographers. Share your ideas, preferences, and concerns. There is nothing I enjoy more than a potential client coming to me with fears/concerns/questions because it allows for all the cards to be laid on the table. From there, we can work together to personalize your experience to match your needs.

A well-lit photography studio ready for a headshot shoot

2. Prepare Your Wardrobe

Your attire plays a crucial role in the outcome of your headshot, but that doesn't mean you need to go buy new outfits and dress to the nines...

We all have clothing pieces that we are drawn to when we are dressing for a fun gathering or are going out on a date. There isn't really a reason as to why these pieces speak to us, but the why isn't important. What is important is that you feel your best in them! This is what we want for your photoshoot. We are passed the days of having one button up and a simple tee for our two-look shoot - explore your pallet and create looks that make you feel fabulous.

Clothing is also a great chance to collab with your photographer. Send them a bunch of options that you feel good about and talk about how you can best get your dream shots through the looks you have. Feel free to play!

3. Mind Your Grooming

Grooming is vital for presenting yourself in the best light. Spend some time styling your hair and opt for makeup that highlights your features without being too heavy. For example, if you wear makeup, consider using a foundation that provides a natural look, accentuating the best of you rather than creating a you that looks completely different.

For men, a clean shave or a neat beard can enhance your appearance dramatically. Attention to detail is key; small adjustments in grooming can lead to remarkable improvements in your headshots. Again, talk to your photographer about looks and personality and allow this part of the process to be fun.

A grooming station with hair products and tools

4. Eliminate the notion of "Posing"

Many clients come into their shoots with a few "poses" ready to go. What I advise folks coming into the studio is to actually look through their camera rolls and notice what photos show happiness, worry, frustration, boredom, confidence, etc. Your expressions speak volumes about your personality and by better understanding how our own faces convey expression, we can be in front of the camera more aware of what looks we want to convey. There is no facial expression you need to "learn" or "put on" before our shoot, as we want the expressions that make you YOU. But by asking yourself what kind of performer and person you want too communicate to someone looking at your shot, you can start to zero in on what part of you to express.

As a photographer, I love to communicate throughout the shoot. I love to chat and get to know each other, eliminating the idea of "i'm taking your picture now," and instead allowing for organic communication and expression to take shape.

5. There is no such thing as over-communicating

Effective communication before and throughout the shoot is essential. Do not hesitate to share your thoughts on what feels comfortable or what doesn't feel comfortable. Placing your hands in your pockets might look/feel great for one client and feel/look restrictive on another. A good photographer will continue to check in and ask how certain things feel, but don't be shy in offering up the information. Your photoshoot is about making you feel like you are in your bedroom, rocking out to your favorite playlist, and feeling your best. So don't feel like you need to hide any part of what that looks like.

Final Thoughts

Successfully capturing a headshot involves thorough preparation, clear communication, and letting your photographer in on your confidence. Investing effort in this process can yield remarkable benefits in your personal and professional life; in fact, for those who approach their shoot with positivity and excitement, it can be an incredibly liberating experience. So keep my tips in mind, prepare to the best of your ability, and let yourself shine when you’re in front of that camera. Your perfect headshot is closer than you think!