STYLE GUIDE
What To Expect
We’ll Take Care of You
We understand that having your headshot taken is not everyone’s favorite time of their year (or decade). We’ve been at this for 20 years, and know how to make the session quick and painless, especially for those arriving at our studio under duress.
Choose Three Words
At the beginning of your shoot, we’ll ask you to name three adjectives you’d like your finished shot to portray. Give this some thought ahead of time! This is a great way to be sure these shots are as “you” as possible.
What To Wear
Number of Outfits
Most of our corporate clients have their team photographed in just one outfit (your company’s headshot coordinator will let you know if they require more!). That being said, you are welcome to bring one or two extra options if you are unsure what will photograph the best.
Arrive in your top outfit choice, and we will go from there!
Color
We are BIG fans of color, so don’t shy away from something bold - it adds interest to your photos, and can be an excellent way to incorporate your personal or corporate colors. A standard black jacket is a headshot mainstay, but color is a quick and easy way to stand out and help create a more memorable photo.
Patterns
Patterns should generally be simple and not too contrasty, as they tend to be distracting from your face. There are of course exceptions to every rule, so if you’ve got your heart set on something, bring it along or send us a photo in advance so we can help advise!
Fit
Fit is an important part of looking your best in your headshot. In general, clothing that closely follows the actual shape of your body is most flattering in photos. Anything that is too flowy can quickly lose shape and result in you looking messy. Clothing that is significantly too tight can also be problematic, but don’t worry if your clothing doesn’t fit perfectly in either direction, we have a few styling and posing tricks up our sleeves for items that fit a little too snug or too loose.
Accessories & Jewelry
Little things can make a big difference. Think about what items go best with your outfit, and wear or bring them with you. Think: watches, jewelry, tie clips, cuff links, and scarves. Again, if you’re unsure what will photograph well - bring it with you and we’ll advise at your session!
Styling Tips
Grooming
Grooming issues are some of the hardest to fix in retouching, so don’t leave them to chance. Make sure your fingernails, lashes and eyebrows / facial hair are in order and how you like them. You don’t need to do anything significantly more than you usually would, just make sure they are the best version of whatever is in your wheelhouse!
Hair
This is not a good time to try a new hairstyle! It’s important that your images look like you and that you feel confident in them. If your hair is very short, a 1-2 week old cut is usually best so that it has had time to grow out a little. Do what you usually do, just a bit more polished and ideally without flyaways. Feel free to bring a brush or hairspray with you, but any hot tools (straightening iron or curling iron) should be used before you arrive.
Makeup
Wear your makeup the way you normally would, with a little more time and attention paid to making your eyes pop (don’t forget that mascara!). Skip any products with glitter or sparkles, because the reflective flecks will photograph poorly (shimmer eye shadows are fine!). Products with SPF in them usually photograph too bright. Don’t forget to bring any lip color with you for a fresh application!
Pre-shoot Checklist
Dress for Success
Wear your desired outfit and accessories (or top choices thereof), with your outfit being clean, pressed and as close to wrinkle-free as possible. We have a lint roller for those with furry friends :) While shoes are rarely in the outfit, wear a pair that make sense just in case.
Bring Extra Outfit Choices (Optional )
Pressed and wrinkle-free, on hangers or neatly packed in a suitcase. Make sure you have shoes and shape-wear as desired!
Grooming
Tend to your facial hair (beard, eyebrows or unwanted stray hairs), grab your hairspray, and any tools you might need during your shoot (hairbrush, lipstick, etc!).
Excitement (real or feigned)
We promise it won’t be as bad as you think. We’re here to make it seamless and painless! See you soon! You’ve got this!
Still have questions? We’re here to help!