RAHQ: Breakfast & Mingle
Hello, I’m looking forward to taking your headshots at the RAHQ Breakfast & Mingle, 21st October, and I find that people get the most from their photos if they prepare for their shoot - even if it is only headshots. It also matters to me that you enjoy your shoot and preparing for it is part of that.
This Guide covers the key elements for getting ready for your headshots:
What to wear
It’s best to wear what your clients expect to see you in - so for some of you, that maybe smart, wearing a blazer, and for others, it could be t-shirt and jeans - for many of you, it will probably be somewhere in between.
Some key ‘dos & don’ts’
It is best to avoid black & white - they can wash the colour out of us or highlight dark patches/ blemishes on our face. Cream/ ivory/ beige are more flattering and if you are looking for dark neutrals, then navy, greys, browns and greens are better options.
If you “know your colours” then this is a great opportunity to wear them!
Baggy/ oversized clothing can definitely add “volume” to your photos; it is best to wear clothing that fits well.
Hair & Make Up
Hair & make up can really elevate an image so do spend a little time trying to get it as right as you can.
Make up is a really personal decision so I don’t like to be prescriptive in anyway so here are a few tips to guide you
Artificial eyelashes can cause shadows under the eyes so if you do wear them, see if you can get them trimmed back or changed.
As far as you can, minimise light-reflecting make up as the lighting can make your skin look very shiny.
If you don’t wear make up, then please consider
A little powder to reduce shine
Vaseline (similar) for the lips
I know it’s a Monday morning but get your hair looking its very best!
Pre-Shoot Prep
When I am working one to one with clients, I find preparing yourself for photos, however long or short the session, really helps you get the most out of your shoot.
Spend some time in front of the mirror getting used to how you look
While you are there, if you can work out “your better side” then that is great - don’t worry if you can’t, half of my clients aren’t sure either!
Also, practice your smile so when you are in front of the camera, it will feel and look natural.
Take some time to visualise yourself feeling comfortable in front of the camera - it will lead to more relaxed, natural looking images.
Practice your favourite poses - you can see a few here and have a go at them. You never know how you will look until you try them!
On the day
We are calling these ‘headshots’ however we will be including images that show a little more of the body - to the waist/ mid-thigh which can be more flattering. You will have 5-10 minutes in front of the camera.
If you think that you will enjoy being in front of the camera, then you will! And here are a couple of tips while I am photographing you
Move slowly in front of the camera - as simple as shifting your weight from foot to foot as this leads to softer, more relaxed looking images.
Feel free to create poses that feel natural to you - so this might be hands in your pockets, crossing your arms, making faces or gestures that you are known for!
And if you feel like, add in some social media poses such as pointing/ specific expressions that you can use on Canva templates for your social media platforms. Have a look at the images below of how you can use your images.
….if there’s anything that bothers you when having your photo taken, please let me know on the day.
…and what happens after
On the day, please fill in your details when it’s time to have your photos taken, so I have your contact details. You will receive an email when the images are ready to access.
Once the images are edited, they will be uploaded to an online gallery where you can view and download your photos - all images are edited and you are welcome to download 3-5 images. The gallery is available for 10 days to download your images.
With regards to editing, please note that I don’t change anything however all images are edited to give you that “ 8 glasses of water, 8 hours of sleep” look!
(PLEASE NOTE - I do not retouch grey hairs, stains or creases or underwear.)
