SLEEP

This is one aspect of your shoot that you have complete control over. More than any other type of photography, headshots are 100% about your face…and even more specifically your eyes. Unless you have a preexisting condition which causes circles under your eyes, then you have control over whether or not you are rested and have energy for your session.

MAKEUP

The goal is for you to look equal to, if not better, in person. My general advice is to do your makeup so you look like you- on a really good day…not during quarantine. Think about it, if you walk into your audition and the admissions team or casting director says “Wow, you look nothing like your photo” then you have made an error somewhere in the process.

Although entirely up to you, I don’t necessarily recommend experimenting with new techniques or big lashes unless it is authentic to who you are and you can conceivably recreate this look when you go for your audition. That said, if you don’t feel confident enough to highlight your best features or if you don’t want to worry about it…then hire a pro.

Hiring a professional makeup artist for your headshots is entirely your decision and an expense independent of the session itself. It will likely cost an additional $150-$300. My young clients do not usually work with a professional MUA, but you are entirely welcome to do so if you choose. Professional makeup artists are fantastic! They make my job easier on the backend and help you to feel extra confident for your session. You may use anyone you’d like, but please know in advance if you want to hire a MUA and keep that in mind when you book your session.

JsniderPHOTO personally recommends Alexandra Angelone

HAIR

If you want/need a haircut prior to your headshots, I recommend you plan ahead. Same day or day before haircuts are not recommended unless you are really confident with your stylist. I suggest making your appointment at least a week in advance of your headshot session. Day-of blow outs or styling are fine if you feel quite confident with your stylist

SKIN

You’ve heard it before - the best practice for great skin is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. This does not mean just drinking water, although that is a big part of it. Applying hydrating moisturizer after showering when your skin is still porous is also a great practice. If you are not paying attention to your skin at the moment, once you book your session make it a point to pay attention and hydrate for the weeks leading up to your appointment. I guarantee you will notice a difference!

Let’s just accept the reality that your skin is going to break out or you will have one annoying blemish pop up 24 hours before your session. Do not worry about this. I can handle it. If you have been hydrating your skin, getting enough sleep, and limiting foods that cause your skin trauma, all will be well.

Stress + Anxiety also greatly affect our skin. If you know you are particularly stressed for any reason and can book your session outside of that time period, your skin may look better as well. If you are stressed particularly about your session please reach out and we can talk through it all together.

• Earth tones + Jewel tones are pretty universally flattering

• Black + White are the go-to for a lot of people. There are far more interesting options, but if this is what you feel most confident wearing feel free. Please do not bring only solid white or solid black

• Patterns- that are not distracting can work sometimes- If you love something, bring it along and we can see in the moment (notice how some men in the gallery wear plaids or layer their pattern under a solid sweater)

• Logos- not recommended unless they are unavoidable. Your headshot is about your fantastic mug, why promote someone else’s brand

• On The Bottom - You will be sitting a lot so please plan accordingly and wear something on the bottom where you do not have to be concerned about modesty. If you are a dancer and we are doing some 3/4 shots, please pay attention to what you wear on the bottom. Boys- even if we are not going to see them, please bring a pair of pants/jeans along Even if it’s hot outside, you are going to carry yourself differently if you look a bit more pulled together in jeans or slacks

• Solid color tops with some texture work well (see Alley above)

• Thin Strap Tanks + Low Cut Tops are questionable. Headshots, specifically are generally tight shots and you may potentially look as though you are not wearing anything or that we are highlighting a more personal aspect of your body. Keep this in mind with your selections and select tops that bring focus to areas where you want focus.

• Layering - Specifically for boys, laying is great. Layering creates a pulled together look + sophistication that a t-shirt alone just does not do

• Wear Clothing That Fits- tops that are too baggy on both boys + girls just looks sloppy. The goal is to draw attention to your face, not your clothing

• Wear Clothing That Is Neat- wrinkles will not be retouched so please handle your tops with care and iron them, if necessary prior to wearing them.

• Shoes - Please where real shoes for your session. Feel free to bring flip flops, but not as your “session shoes.” We carry ourselves differently when we are being professional and one way to achieve this is to wear professional clothing and shoes.

QUICK TIP FOR SENIOR CLOTHING

• One outfit to make your parents happy

• One outfit to make you happy.

• One outfit that works for a variety of situations

QUICK TIP FOR HEADSHOT CLTOHING

If you would wear it for your college audition or any audition….it is likely right for your headshots

If you are overwhelmed by selecting clothing, free 30 minute, virtual consults are available to clients.