You never get a second chance to make a first impression. professional headshots

We recommend everyone to bring at least 5 to 10 different options for clothing. For headshots, you’ll really just need to concentrate on the top half of your body, so waist up. Rule #1: You have to love it!  I don't want to shoot anything that you don't feel comfortable wearing. If you don’t feel comfortable in it, you won’t shoot well while wearing it.

People always ask me what colours are best and I really don't have a hard and fast rule about it. It's better for me to get a visual of something, so I suggest bringing a wide variety of colours. That being said, I’ve found that in most cases, bold solid colours tend to look best on camera. Jewel tones usually look great on everyone as does black and grey. Pastels and lighter colours tend to wash out but I certainly have shot many great headshots with light colours so if you love it, bring it. Don't be seasonal; everything from t-shirts, tank tops to sweaters and light jackets can work. I love textures and layers, but would generally stay away from crazy patterns or busy prints. 

If it's not in the studio we can't shoot it, so if you find yourself questioning whether or not something will work just bring it along. I also suggest having some fun with this, if you feel your wardrobe is missing something then go shopping and we'll keep the tags on it and you can return the items you don't want to keep after the shoot. Also, no need for any jewellery or accessories, Ladies. This is about your face, not your bling. 

WOMEN

Pro Headshots strongly recommend that our female clients consider having hair and makeup styling done prior to their photoshoot. Our preferred hair and makeup professional Nicole will arrive an hour and fifteen minutes prior and will ensure that you are looking your best ahead of the photography session. Her portfolio can be viewed here. The rate for hair and makeup starts at $99 per person and must be pre-arranged in advance.

If you are comfortable with doing your own makeup, please remember to keep it natural. Here are some tips below to consider when applying makeup ahead of your headshot session:

• Liquid foundation always looks better than powder
• Keep the lipstick colour close to your natural lip colour or a shade darker 
• No hard-edge lip liner
• Go easy on the blush
• Keep eyes looking defined yet natural by using neutral coloured eyeshadow 
• No lines of demarcation or heavy smoked-out eyeshadow
• Softly blended eyeliner, please no hard-edge liquid liner
• Wear mascara and curl your lashes

For hair, style it how you would normally do it on a good hair day. Hairstyles are extremely personal and you know how you like to wear it best. You want to look like you in your headshot and hair is a big part of that. If you need a haircut or colour, I encourage you to get one before your session but not the day before. At least 3 days prior. If you have long hair, especially thick, heavy long hair, you might consider putting it up in a ponytail or bun for your headshot. Putting up your hair draws even more emphasis to the face which is great for headshots. If you want to stop by your usual hair salon/stylist and have your hair blown-out or styled on your way to the session that is always a great decision. 

MEN

Pro Headshots doesn't recommend men to wear makeup in headshots. If you are a man that wears a little concealer on a daily basis that is fine. I do recommend men to wear a facial moisturizer of some kind so we don't have any dry skin issues. And if you tend to have oily skin, I have a wonderful product that we can put on you to cut the shine if need be.

For hair, please arrive with your hair looking good how you would normally style it. Feel free to bring your hair products with you if you want to change up the look throughout the shoot. If you need a haircut, we encourage you to get one before your session but not the day before. At least 3 days prior.

Make sure you shave well the morning of your session. Dark 5 o'clock shadow is nearly impossible to remove in post-editing so take the time to shave well before you come. If you want a little scruff, that is just fine and if you have a full beard (or anything in between), just ensure the edges are nice and tidy. If you would like to get some shots with and without facial hair, feel free to bring your grooming products with you and you can have you shave half-way through your session. 

One more note about wardrobe for you gents. If you are going for a business look (i.e. jacket and tie) I suggest bringing at least 2 different options for jackets and shirts and at least 10 ties. A bad tie can really ruin an otherwise great headshot but it's hard to describe what makes a good tie so I just like guys to bring a lot of choices and pick out 1 - 2 that work best.