Headshot Tips - How to Prepare For a Shoot

[Ignacio Taylor]

In order to get a great LA headshot, it's essential to prepare
yourself in the days leading up to your shoot. From getting your
wardrobe ready to drinking plenty of water to stay healthy and
hydrated, there is a lot that you must do in order to look and feel
your best on the day of the shoot. The last thing you want to do is
rush around at the last minute. This kind of stress will affect your
photos and you may end up forgetting something vital or being late to
your shoot if you don't plan ahead.
The key to success when getting headshots in Los Angeles is to be
relaxed, rested, and healthy. You should get plenty of sleep in the
days leading up to your shoot and this might sound obvious but you
should avoid showing up to your shoot hung over, intoxicated, or under
the influence of drugs.
Tips for Hair and Make-Up
If you are hiring a make-up artist, go to the shoot with your face
clean and no make-up on. If you are doing your own make-up for your LA
headshot, wear it as you would to a job interview. Don't wear
sunglasses within 15 to 20 minutes of your shoot in order to avoid
ruining your make-up and leaving little marks on your nose.
Get a hair cut before your shoot if it's necessary but try to get it
approximately a week before your shoot. Hair stylists tend to cut your
hair so that it looks best a week or so after you get it done. Plus if
you are disappointed with your hair cut, a week will give you enough
time to get it fixed before getting your headshots in Los Angeles.
Ladies, make sure to get the hair above your upper lip waxed if
necessary. Get it done two to three days before your shoot to give
irritation time to clear up. Make sure your fingernails are clean and
well-maintained as well in case your hands show up in your LA
headshot. If you have discolored teeth, have them cleaned and whitened
in the days or weeks leading up to your shoot. Do not drink anything
prior to your shoot that could stain your teeth. Also try to avoid
heavy sun exposure before your shoot because this can result in
unsightly sunburn and peeling skin.
To Eat or Not to Eat
As much as you may want to look slender in your photos, don't starve
yourself prior to your shoot. Eat a light meal beforehand and bring a
snack and bottled water with you. Many women getting headshots in Los
Angeles avoid eating before shoots because they think it will make
them look bigger in their photos. However, not eating will cause you
to lose energy and focus, which will in turn affect your photos.
Must-Have Items
A few must-have items for an LA headshot session include a small make-
up kit, compact mirror, chapstick, comb, eye drops, hairspray, blush,
concealer, foundation, and mascara. Bring at least three changes of
clothing to your shoot as well. Make sure your clothing is clean and
pressed. The last thing you want is the wrinkles on your clothing
showing up in photos.
Last but not least, make sure you know how to get to the shooting
location and have everything prepared at the latest by the night
before the shoot. There's nothing worse than having to run around town
right before the shoot to tie loose ends. If you prepare yourself well
beforehand you will be relaxed, energized, and ready to go when it
comes time for your LA headshot session.