prepare for your PORTRAIT session
how to prepare for your session
Make it stand out.
Clothing Ideas
What to wear
Don't be afraid of showing off your personality. Your photos are supposed to be of YOU, not who you think you're supposed to be. Sure, your photo might be used in the professional realm, but who says you can't have a few photos that show off the other aspects of your personality? These are great for social media and for companies that don't have a formal dress code.
Avoid outfits that are baggy or shapeless. Structured outfits will translate better in camera.
Don't shy away from your favorite glasses or chunky necklace!
Make sure your outfits are representative of you and your brand.
Don't dress like someone else for your headshot!
A pop of color is great, but avoid patterns and outfits that will distract from your headshot.
It is good to bring a variety of outfits that can be used for seasonal rotations.-
2 solid tops
at the least 1 Bold Shirt
1 Patterned Shirt
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Bring assorted jewelry
Rings, Necklaces, Bracelets, Cufflinks, Bring assorted accessories: Ties, Sunglasses, etc.
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Laptop, Cellphone, other gadgets Pen, Paper, Meeting notebook, Relevant books
what to bring
The checklist
SUITS / DRESSES
Fitted Suit and/or business jacket
Industry related uniform
2 fitted dresses
How to prepare
Know "WHO" you want the Portrait to speak to.
Someone Creative? Formal? Corporate? Everyday Consumer? Acting/Modeling? It DOES matter, because just like your other marketing materials, you want to make sure your target market can relate to you.
Bring 2-3 looks for your headshot session/branding session. It's always best to have options. Please don’t bring your whole wardrobe as we'll end up using up shooting time trying to sort through your clothes.
Bring a variety of necklines and fabric textures. Simple tops are best, and keep wardrobe options in line with your brand
Clothes that fit close to your body are more flattering in photos (no matter your body type, I can pose you in more flattering ways if your clothing is not baggy or boxy).
Bring colors that compliment your skin tones, and generally avoid black or pure white -- opt instead for colors that compliment and bring out your eyes, skin tone or hair are best.
Avoid flashy / busy patterns that will distract from YOU. The main focus of these photos should be your eyes and the connection we feel with your personality.
Jackets and uncomplicated layers can create variety without stopping for full changes.
If you can wear a light tank under tops, it allows for quick changes outside, and therefore more photography time.
Jewelry can distract from you, so unless it’s a vital part of your brand (and you're confident it will stay that way until your next headshot session), you might want to skip it.
TRY ON your wardrobe items before you bring them. If you’re only doing headshots, there’s no need to worry about pants (I mean, you’ll need to WEAR pants to the session, of course). Check that items still fit well. Hopefully this will remind you to pack outfit specific undergarments (i.e. avoid striped undershirts/black bras under light shirts, etc.).
**very important** launder, press, de-lint as needed.
2. Hydrate & Sleep well
Be sure to drink plenty of water and get a great night's rest beforehand. Don't schedule a headshot for Saturday morning if you know you're going to have a late Friday night. You want to look well rested with glowing skin. While yes, a good makeup artist will help correct those concerns, you want to do as much as possible to prevent a tired look as possible. Be sure to drink lots of water as far ahead in advance as possible to get your skin ready.
TIPs
Research
3. Clothing
5. Be on time
It might not seem that this is an important part of your photos, but it really does matter! I tell my clients that really good makeup, and hiring a makeup artist that specializes in knowing how to work with natural light really makes the photos. when hiring for your professional makeup artist, make sure you also ask them if they know how to work with makeup for the style of your photographer. i work with a team that knows exactly how to make sure that the makeup translates right for the camera. another thing to ask your makeup artist is what is their rescheduling policy. one thing i run into is working with weather. we live in a state that does experience plenty of rainy days, which puts a damper on some days which requires a reschedule. I do use makeup artists that know that there is a possibility of reschedules.
Check out LISA from LUXE MAKEUP AND BEAUTY LOUNGE in Boca Raton! She is giving 10% off your services when you mention “Portrait District by Lisa Glam."
Otherwise...
Hair: Bring a brush/comb and any products necessary to control static/flyaways (or to keep in place if there’s a light breeze). Please DO NOT try out a brand new haircut/style the week before your session (take it from clients who have learned this lesson the hard way)!
Makeup: Generally a touch more mascara/lip color and contouring is advisable for photos, and be sure to refresh right before our session (even if you don't normally wear makeup, mascara and lip tint is great to highlight your features but still look natural).
Please familiarize yourself with directions to our meeting place and leave yourself time to negotiate traffic and parking. Session times are chosen around flattering light. Nothing worse than arriving frazzled, except arriving late when light is changing (AND there might be a session scheduled after yours).
Portrait District Studio Address: 1700 N Dixie Highway #143. Boca Raton, FL 33432
When you first arrive, we’ll chat about your wardrobe for a few minutes, and then you’ll have time to relax into the session.
Trust that you’ve hired a photographer who has experience and will be able to direct you into your most flattering poses (this is critically important since you can’t see yourself, after all!)
Ideally, even if you’re nervous or don’t like being in front of a camera, you’ll be surprised and have a great experience while we produce fantastic headshots to help you land your next dream job, client or audience with confidence.
4. hair + Make up
What to expect
Cancellations/Rescheduling
If we need to reschedule due to sickness or inclement weather, your booking retainer is transferable. For all other rescheduling requests, please note that with 72 hours notice, your session retainer may be transferred once to a new session booking time/date. After the first rescheduling, or if you'd like to reschedule within 72 hours of your session, please note that there is a $100 RESCHEDULING FEE to book a different session date/time. (PRICE IS NON-NEGOTIABLE)
planning (via email and/or phone for headshots, in person for personal branding sessions:)
After reviewing this guide, we will schedule a call to discuss your desired location and styling for the session. I love photographing on location wherever light is flattering. Once I know a bit more about your plans for photos and what you do, we can come up with the best location for your shoot.
Be sure to leave extra time to arrive by your start time -- sessions are planned around best light, and there may be someone booked after your session time (AND you’ll look more relaxed in photos if you’re not stressed out!) When you arrive, we'll spend a few minutes going over your wardrobe... and then comes the fun part: your session! (Note to the nervous: I LOVE doing this and I have lots of ways to help you feel comfortable -- I promise this will be a good experience for you!)
After your shoot I will select a collection of best photos, which I then pre-edit (color balance, crop, exposure) for your proofing gallery. Approximately 3-5 days after your session for headshots (let me know if you have a deadline and I'll do my best to accommodate), or 1-2 weeks for full personal branding sessions, you'll receive an email with a link to an online proofing gallery with your proofs for you to make your final selections per your package (yes, you can share this gallery with colleagues / agents / etc.).
Once you have made your final selections per your package details, these final photos are then queued for hand-retouching. My goal is for you to look like YOU, so I don’t do heavy handed editing unless it is specifically requested by you. General rule of thumb is that if something will be gone in two weeks (blemishes, scratches, etc.), it will be gone in your photo!
Your final photos will then be delivered within 7 business days (for headshots), and 14 business days for full personal branding sessions after you finalize your selections from the proofs. Photo files will be delivered electronically, along with a digital and print release... and your awesome new image(s) will be ready to go!
