You've decided to invest in a headshot portrait session. A fantastic choice! Whether you're an actor seeking to convey your range of characters, a musician showcasing your unique style, or a professional looking to strengthen your online presence, a headshot is an invaluable tool.
As a leading portrait photography specialists, I understand the difference a professionally taken and expertly edited headshot can make. So, let me share with you five invaluable tips to ensure you're well-prepared for your headshot portrait session.
1. Plan Your Wardrobe Carefully
Deciding what to wear for your portrait session is more important than you might think. Your outfit should reflect your personal or professional brand without overshadowing you - the main focus of the photograph. Choose clothes that you feel comfortable in and suit your skin tone. Solid, neutral colors often work best as they don't distract from your face. Avoid logos, busy patterns, or overly bright colors that might distract the viewer. Remember, the purpose of a headshot is to capture you.
2. Mind Your Grooming
When it comes to grooming for your headshot, less is more. Aim for a natural look - something that reflects your everyday appearance. If you're wearing makeup, apply it as you would for a typical day. Gentle retouching can address minor skin imperfections, but heavy makeup can make you look unlike yourself. Ensure facial hair is well-groomed or freshly shaved.
3. Rest and Hydrate
Make sure you are well-rested before your session. Tiredness can show up in your photos and can be tricky to edit out. Hydrate in the days leading up to your session; it makes a surprising difference to your skin in photos. Try to avoid alcohol or salty food the night before your shoot as they can lead to puffiness.
4. Practice Your Poses
Take some time before your session to practice your poses and expressions in front of a mirror. Remember, a good headshot is all about the eyes and the emotion they convey. Experiment with different smiles and facial expressions to see what feels comfortable and looks genuine.
5. Bring Your Personality
The best headshots capture the subject's personality. Think about what you want to convey in your portrait and communicate that with your photographer. Confidence? Approachability? Creativity? Your headshot should be a reflection of who you are.
Each portrait presented here beautifully captures these elements, showcasing not just a face, but a story - a personal brand. And it's not only the skill of the photographer that brings these images to life. It's the magic touch added in post-processing, courtesy of PICTS Lab.
Every photo featured in this article has been edited using PICTS Lab presets. As a professional photographer, I've created these presets as tools to give other photographers the ability to achieve the film look with just one click. The presets make editing photos easy and fast, whether you're shooting weddings, portraits, food, street photography, or more.
The 'Kodak Portra' and 'Kodak Film' packs are especially handy for portrait and headshot photography. They emulate popular film stocks like Kodak Portra 400, adding a timeless and professional feel to digital photos. You can check out the PICTS Lab Kodak Film pack, which includes Kodak Ektar 100 preset, Kodak ColorPlus 200 preset, Kodak Gold 200 preset, and Kodak Kodachrome preset. And, the PICTS Lab Kodak Portra pack includes the Kodak Portra 160 preset, Kodak Portra 400 preset, and Kodak Portra 800 preset.
Armed with these tips, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your headshot portrait session. Remember, a great headshot can set you apart in your industry, and the preparation you put into it is a crucial part of the process.
If you're ready to take the next step and book a portrait session, please get in touch. With my professional experience and unique editing style, I'm confident that we can capture a headshot that you'll be proud to share.