How to Prepare for a Headshot Photography Session

Headshots are always going to be the pride of your portfolio. Preparing for your headshot photography session should be treated as an important career investment. They make for the most striking statement. It's time to put your personality on display.

Clothing

Although there are no set in stone rules about dress, remember that color plays a big role in great headshots. Try and steer away from lighter pastel shades if possible, particularly lighter pinks and the like. Try and keep colors from getting too close to your natural skin tone.

Good choices for your photo session are medium to dark solids such as mahogany, deep greens, blues and black. Steer clear of loud prints and logos. Worst of all - solid whites. You want attention on your face not away from it. Make sure your clothes are really good fits - baggy clothing doesn't photograph well.

It's a good idea to bring in a variety of tops to your portrait session, eight to ten if possible. Your portrait session can take up a few hours of your time, so make sure your wear comfy shoes. If the weather is miserable, bundle up!

Ladies, make sure you include a good selection of necklines - boats, V's, camis, spaghetti, scoops and halters. Tops that accentuate the neckline make for great headshots. Also Include a selection of sheer materials and be sure to include appropriate bras as well.

Guys, we have it pretty easy. A collar shirt, T shirt, light jacket, Henley, rugby or a sweater are the norm and work well. Crew necks, V's and button downs also get the job done.

Last point on clothing. Mixing it up with layers is always a good call for your portraits. Make certain everything fits well. You headshot photographer should be able to help guide you on clothing options. Most have a stylist on hand to help out.

Style

Do your homework on this one. Get your marketing strategy down pat personally or with your agent. Know what final result you want to achieve from the headshot session. The more clear and specific you are, the better. And talk to your headshot photographer. A clear line of communication ensures that you are both on the same page.

Have a clear idea of the type of headshots you are looking for - full body, commercial, funky, conservative, lifestyle or character. Have fun and let your personality shine through. Casting agents and directors want to see the real you not some made up persona. Be yourself.

Grooming

Get yourself a really good trim or cut and do it with your regular stylist. You don't want unexpected results or surprises before your photography session. Make it as natural as possible. And get it done soon, a week before the shoot works.

One of the most overlooked details, your hands.Pay attention to your hands, they may be in some of the shots. This goes for the guys too. It's a good idea to go for a manicure. Dirty nails...not a good thing.

Most people have their makeup applied by a pro for their headshot photography session, although some don't wear makeup or do it themselves. Point to ponder, a pro can do a really great job, but make absolutely sure you can replicate the look for your auditions. If you can't, you're toast.

You really need to have the same look in your headshots when you walk into the audition. And keep it real. Wearing too much makeup for during your headshot photography session makes you look like you're hiding or insecure.

Don't tan. There's nothing that ruins a headshot session quicker than walking in looking burnt. Your headshots are about the natural you, so avoid spray tans. Casting agents and directors can spot a "fake bake" a mile away.

Final points about preparing for your headshot photography session:

Your headshot photography session is really important so make sure you and the photographer are in communicating. If something doesn't feel right, or you need something to make a shot work, speak up! If you are stressed relax. If you don't it's sure to show in your portraits.

• Rest. Be sure to get enough beauty sleep the night before.

• Skip the bars. Save the partying for after the session to celebrate you kicking butt during your photo session.

• Get psyched. Headshot portraits are your public image. The ultimate goal is to capture you, the real you. Bring your A game and work it!