Erin Clayton

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Headshot Resources: Preparing for Your Headshot Session

Getting Ready for Your Headshot Session | Victoria BC Professional Portrait Photographer

Whether you're an actor, musician, realtor, lawyer, doctor, counsellor, scientist, creative, or other super awesome person in business, headshots are a very important and effective way to market yourself and your brand in a digital world. 

If you've scheduled a headshot session with a professional photographer, and are wondering how to look and feel your absolute best for the big session date, check out the following three tips to help you prepare for your headshot photo shoot.

1. Outfit Planning

Determining your outfits depends on what you are trying to portray about your brand with your headshots. Are you looking to appear corporate, business casual, or brand specific? Clothing plays an important role in your photographs because it reflects your personality and brand. Bringing 3-4 different outfits to your session from casual to dressier styles will provide you with a wider range of options and looks. 

2. Hair & Makeup

For Women:

If you're planning to style your hair and apply makeup, it's a good idea to bring a few essential items to your headshot photoshoot including a hair brush, hair spray, and makeup essentials in case a few quick touch ups are needed.

If you prefer to hire a professional hair stylist and makeup artist, allot time before your session to schedule your hair and makeup appointments.

Erin Clayton Photography also works with makeup artists who are mobile and can meet you at your home before your session. 

For Men:

It's best to shave the day of your headshot session to avoid unwanted stubble or five o'clock shadows. If you would like to have a fresh hair cut for your headshot session, I recommend booking your hair appointment 4-6 days before your photo shoot so that you have a chance to figure out your favourite way to style your new cut.

It's best to avoid any big changes to your hairstyle immediately leading up to your headshot session.  

3. Headshot Style

Do you like a studio backdrop or are you more drawn to environmental portraits? 

Studio backdrops create a more business, corporate feel, where environmental headshots offer a more casual look for your session and incorporate natural elements in a beautiful way to enhance the vibrance of your imagery without being distracting.

If you have a preference between studio backdrops and environmental, it's best to let your photographer know in advance of your session for them to plan accordingly. 

Studio Backdrop

Environmental

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ABOUT ERIN CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Erin Clayton is a Victoria, BC headshot photographer and offers both studio and outdoor portrait photography services.

Learn more about headshot sessions with Erin Clayton Photography.

Contact Erin to schedule your headshot session.