“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” – Rachel Zoe

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Your portrait session is just around the corner.  Together we can create a series of images that reflect your spirit and tell your story. This guide will help you make the most of your portrait session. From wardrobe to hair and makeup, these tips will help you look your best.

 

Select clothing choices that represent your personal style and help you feel confident.

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Branding Sessions

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Stay true to your company's vision. If your brand is all about having fun, working in a relaxing environment, staying lowkey and relatable.

 

It’s okay to make a powerful statement with colors, styles, and accessories. However, we recommend:

- outfits that fit - while it is fun to get new outfits for your session, make sure they fit and flatter your body type so you will be comfortable in the session and look your best in the image

- clothing without excessive patterns, logos and other branding, as it can be distracting

- solid colors that compliment your skin tone 

- V-neck or scoop neck tops, usually the most flattering on all body types

- mid-length or long sleeves help draw attention to your face 

- layering! scarves and jackets elongate the body, add dimension to the look and can be removed to provide additional options for your session

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Select clothing choices that represent your personal style and help you feel confident.

- When considering clothing options, texture can be wonderful but baggy is not. Clean lines and

clothing that fits well will help you look sharp and awake. Let’s avoid the ‘just rolled out of bed’

look. (If you haven’t tried the clothes on in a while, do so a few days before the session so there

are no surprises.)

 

If your session allows for wardrobe changes, bring lots of options to work with. A wardrobe bag can be very useful in keeping items clean and organized. Make sure to include a few casual and formal selections, so you will have more variety to choose from. 

 

Hair

If you have a trademark hairstyle, try not to alter it too much for your portraits. A haircut a few weeks before your session is a nice way to clear up split ends, but we recommend a trim over a new style. On the day of your session, style your hair however you like—express yourself. Be sure to use styling products so your look will stay put throughout the day.  Please bring brushes and hairspray for quick touch-ups during your session as well.

 

Makeup

Makeup should be worn no heavier than you would for an evening out.  Even if you don’t normally wear makeup, we suggest a light foundation or powder to reduce shine and even out skin tones. Powder is great for even guys to use, and yes we promise no one will ever be able to tell you are wearing it. Heavier makeup applied near the end of the session is fun for more dramatic poses and black and white images. 

Select clothing choices that represent your personal style and help you feel confident.

 When considering clothing options, texture can be wonderful but baggy is not. Clean lines and

clothing that fits well will help you look sharp and awake. Let’s avoid the ‘just rolled out of bed’

look. (If you haven’t tried the clothes on in a while, do so a few days before the session so there

are no surprises.)

 Dark colors like deep red, blue, green and black are very photo friendly. A pop of bright color can

be fantastic and if you have a big, bright personality that fuchsia jacket could be just the thing.

 Does your business have brand colors? When possible, sneak in a pop of the brand colors so the

images work with the marketing color palettes.

 Stay with solids, avoid patterns and checks. Stripes are tricky so only wear them if you are feeling

lucky and are well pressed.

 Do certain colors accent your eyes? Use them! Headshots are all about the eyes.

 Bring a few shirt choices, especially if you are on the fence about what to wear. We’ll decide what

will suit you best.

 V-Neck shirts are usually your best option. Button down, open collar or a scoop/V-neck T works.

Boat necks or turtle necks can be tricky so if you are planning on one of them, bring a few V-neck

options too (just in case).

 Layers work! Jackets, blazers, scarfs, etc. are great anchors for your look but keep it simple.

 Inner layers that are lighter will give a leaner, cleaner look. Think light blue shirt with dark navy

blazer or a cream blouse with a dark red jacket. Try not to think bright white... anything.

 As much as you love your arms, you won’t in a headshot. Wear three-quarter length or long

sleeves. I know but trust me.

 Even if this is just a headshot, wear a clean classic pair of pants: dark jeans, black pants, dark

leggings. The contemporary profile look is longer so we may or may not catch a bit of them in the

image.

Hair and makeup should be based on your best day with your best client, not night out or friend’s wedding

ready.

 Look like you, the person your clients will see. In so many cases, this is the first time they are

meeting you so let’s make it a great introduction.

 Stay away from trendy colors or graphics, they will date the image.

 The most important thing is an even skin tone and great grooming so watch for stray hairs in

strange places eyebrows, noses, ears... It happens!

Make sure to get some rest the night before, and relax. We are going to have a great time and

somewhere in there I might take a few photos. Nothing to stress about, I promise!

Oh, and I have a magic camera, it doesn’t see blemishes so, seriously, relax. We’ve got this!