I’ve been shooting portraits for all kinds of businesses and professionals throughout my 20 years old photography career. A bit of anxiety is usually the first feeling I need to work with my clients, especially when it is the first time they are posing in front of a pro camera, pro lights and a fully bearded photographer. What I usually assure my ‘models’ is: after a relaxed chat on your arrival, the first 10 clicks, and a pause to check the images on the screen, you will start to feel more confident and get fully involved in the creative and functional process. It will flow and the only issue will be choosing just a few photos from the contact sheet.

Your Headshot session starts 3 days before the first click

Yes, the preparation to get the best results from your headshot photos starts at least 3 days before the session, here are the steps you should follow to get the best results:

Make sure you get some good sleep

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to ensure that you look and feel rested on the day of the headshot session. As we all know, sleep plays a vital role in your physical and mental health, and it can significantly affect your appearance. Lack of sleep can cause puffy eyes, dark circles, and dull skin. Being fresh for the session is 90% of the way towards great results.

Lots of liquid indeed

Drinking enough water and other hydrating liquids like coconut water, herbal tea, or fruit-infused water can help your skin look healthy and refreshed. Staying hydrated also helps to keep your energy levels up, improving your focus and performance during the session. So, be sure to drink plenty of water and other hydrating liquids throughout the day leading up to the session, as well as during the shoot.

Eat healthily

Your diet plays a significant role in your physical appearance and energy levels, and making healthy food choices can improve your skin tone, brighten your eyes, and boost your overall vitality. Additionally, eating a balanced diet with nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide sustained energy, which is essential for staying focused and productive during the shoot. Avoid sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

Slow down alcohol and caffeine

These delights can dehydrate your skin and make you look tired. To look and feel your best during a headshot session, it’s best to avoid alcohol and limit caffeine consumption. Alcohol can dehydrate your skin and cause redness, while too much caffeine can make you jittery and dehydrated. Again, stick to hydrating liquids like water and herbal tea instead.

Avoid long sun exposure

To look your best in your headshot, it’s important to avoid long sun exposure in the days leading up to your session. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause skin marks that can be difficult to correct in post-production. If you must be outside, wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to any exposed skin.

Try the mirror

Practising your poses in front of a mirror before your headshot session can help you feel more confident and comfortable in front of the camera. It’s a great way to become more aware of your body language, facial expressions, and overall posture, allowing you to fine-tune your poses and angles you like. Remember to pay attention to your body languages, such as your shoulders, chin, and posture, as they can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your headshots.

Send a detailed brief to the photographer

Sending a detailed brief to your headshot photographer before the session can help ensure that you’re both on the same page and that you get the results you want. In your brief, be sure to include any specific details about your goals for the headshots, the intended use of the images, and any specific requirements or preferences you may have. Making a mood board with references on Pinterest is always a good call. Here are the topics you should pay attention:

• Lighting
• Background
• Mood
• Goals
• Outfit
• Time frame
• References

What to wear for my professional headshot session?

The clothing you choose can greatly impact the overall look and feel of the photos, so it’s important to choose wisely. For a professional look, opt for solid, neutral colours such as black, navy, grey or beige. Avoid patterns, bold logos, and bright and strong colours, as they can be distracting unless it is part of the brief or relevant. Remember, the focus should be on you and your face, so choose clothing that complements your features and allows your personality. I ask my clients to bring at least 3 outfit options so we can match with different backgrounds and moods.

Oufitt options for headshot sessions – Ⓒ Rafael Bastos

The postproduction for Headshots

The goal of an outstanding headshot session is to create a portrait collection that displays the true features of the person, who will appear for an interview, a speech, a business meeting, or an actor audition. Following the recommendations above will certainly lead to a successful session with more natural results. It means more effective postproduction: greater results for skin touch-up, hair shape and makeup adjustment. 

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Thank you for your visit, here are some inspirations for your first headshot session:

Rafael Bastos Photography

My Professional Headshot