General Tips

Tip #1 - Hydration is King

No matter the scene, I always suggest hydration first. Hydrate yourself, thoroughly, with water throughout the morning and day of the session, the day and night before, and if you're next level healthy, the entire week before. Your face and your eyes are the two number 1 keys to a successful portrait. An optimal level of H2O will create a fuller face with fewer wrinkles, less eye bags, better skin, and fuller, clearer, brighter eyes. Your body and your mind will thank you for this.

Tip #2 - Meld Professionalism with Comfortability

Find clothes that match my recommendations, but don't sacrifice your comfort in the process. Wear sharp clothes that make you look AND feel your absolute best. You will find you will enjoy the process more if you aren't squirming and grimacing in-between shots. You will also be pleased with the results more if you wear something that you know matches your style and you looks good on you. This headshot is the best representation of you. So simply be you.

Tip #3 - Watch Your Patterns

Simplicity outperforms busyness. We want the focus on your eyes and face, so please keep shirts, blouses, coats, etc. simple. Wear solid colors and nice textures while keeping patterns subtle and busyness to a minimum. If you are an actor/model, please refrain from picking shirts and v-necks with any visible outward logos.

Tip #4 - Know Your Accessories

The same goes for accessories as does the clothing. Simplicity. Earrings and such should remain simplistic and minimal in nature. Tie-clips and watches should be classy but not gaudy.

Tip #5 - Complimentary Colors, Avoid The Reds

I highly recommend matching colors that best compliment your skin tone and your eyes; this is the best place to start when picking suits and etc. Generally, light blues and such work for everyone. Reds, however, do not. Red competes highly with your eyes so stay away from those power ties!

Tip #6 - Smile more

This tip actually refers to the hours and days before I have my camera in hand. Attitude, along with hydration, is often an unpreached element to obtaining The Perfect Headshot. The photographs I take aim to communicate a positive and lasting message to your audiences and that is best accomplished when you are mentally prepared by exuding a confident, charming, gratuitous personality in camera. You will notice a huge difference when you approach the headshot sessions with a positive mental attitude. I understand not everyone thinks they're photogenic or even enjoys being in front of the camera, but the sessions are laid-back and fun. So if you prime your subconscious, your body and face will follow. Smile today, smile tomorrow and I will see you smiling in studio.

Tip #7 - Know Yourself

While you are practicing exerting a huge gracious smile 24/7, might as well look in the mirror and study your positive self. Know if you have a 'favorite side' or if there are any quirks about you that I can work around in session. Feel free to bring up anything to me, I am all ears and know creative ways to make your face look its absolute best in every situation.

General Wardrobe Advice – Keep it simple!

You’ll want to wear a sharp outfit that makes you look and feel your best. Choose an outfit you would wear to an interview, or a sales pitch meeting, or if you were being interviewed on television.
Darker jackets are traditional for business headshots.
For shirts, wear solids or shirts with non-distracting subtle patterns.
For women, a bright colored shirt/blouse with a dark jacket is a very nice look.
Don’t wear all-white unless it’s underneath another article of clothing. (Exception: for women, white jacket + darker shirt underneath)
Avoid very light pastel colors unless they’re combined with dark clothing.
Strong stripes and patterns make a fashion statement and will be noticed – only wear these if it’s your personal style.
Avoid shiny clothing, turtlenecks.
Don’t wear all black – have some color in your outfit.
For inspiration on outfits, take a look at the photos in my portfolio and see what outfits capture your attention!

Ties

Bring a few tie options! This is one of the easiest changes we can make in your session if we need to add variety.

Hair

You’ll want to time any hair cuts, coloring, or styling so that you’ll look your best on the day of the photoshoot. You know your hair best! Keep in mind the date of our photoshoot when scheduling your hair appointments.

Makeup

Your makeup should be light and basic, as if you were going to a nice function. In many cases, less makeup is more classy. Bring your favorite lipstick and some powder if possible.

Shaving

You should shave on the day of the session. We’ll retouch out any nicks or scratches if they happen to occur that morning. We can’t edit out stubble after the fact, so make sure your facial hair looks just right for the session.

Jewelry

Keep your jewelry simple and classy. We want the focus to be on you! Anything that’s not too loud will work great.

Glasses

If you wear glasses every day, you should wear them in the photo. We can do photos with and without glasses if you like.

Note: if you have adaptive lenses that turn into your regular lenses into sunglasses, please let us know in advance so we can discuss your options. Adaptive lenses cannot be photographed outside.

Retouching and Editing

Every professional headshot you see has been retouched and edited in professional photography software such as Photoshop – yours will be too! Our retouching is honest and natural, and it doesn’t look fake. The editing process also ensures technical excellence for your image.