Getting the Best Results from your Photo/Video Session

The key element in creating a successful headshot or spot video is a facial expression that connects with people. Your expressions should be subtle, positive and open and make the viewer feel as if they have already met you. There should be a real connection through the eyes where the viewer can feel the energy of the subject in the photograph.

So, what makes a great image? Here are a few things good ones have in common:
• An inviting smile – not too big. Not too small. Even a subtle smile goes a long way. If you don’t smile easily, a look that shows engagement works just as well
• Making eye contact – it says you are attentive and listening
• A relaxed posture – your body isn’t stiff or slouching. You look comfortable and present
• Decide who your audience is – who is it that you want to appeal to and what would you like your image to say about you?
• Choose the right clothing and take time to prepare for your session – it will present a polished, confident look

If you are worried about how you look…
All finished photographs are enhanced to take care of stray hairs, fine lines around the mouth and eyes and any blemishes that would distract the viewer. For still images, these can be retouched, but for video, professional makeup is a must – you will not believe how great you can look!

Here are some specific things to help get the best results:

Clothing – what looks good on camera:

What you wear sends a strong message about your personality, professionalism and success. The proper wardrobe selection can mean the difference between an image that’s simply attractive and one that’s truly impressive.

Wear clothing that you know looks good on you – it should be freshly cleaned and free of wrinkles (how it will look when you’re in front of the camera after traveling?). Whether it’s a formal or casual image of you, it should say something about your personal style.

If your image is one of a group of people you work with, you may want to decide on what type of clothing you’ll all wear. This communicates a look that is consistent when all your images are viewed together, as on a website and sends a powerful message to clients and prospects.

As an individual being photographed, it’s advisable to bring a choice of at least one other item, whether it’s a suit jacket, tie, sweater or blouse. Avoid stark white, if possible and choose quieter, grayed-back colors. Solids are better than small prints. Bring different colors; warm, cool, dark, light, so that we have a choice of what looks best. Darker colors appear more business-like, attract less attention and put the emphasis on your face and eyes. Remember, you can bring clothing from a different season, and that broadens your options.

For Men:
When you wear a tie, be sure you bring a couple with small, subtle patterns. The best colors are cool or warm, depending on your skin tone. Navy blue is a flattering color for most people, and other good neutrals might be burgundy, brown, deep gray or deep green. If you choose to wear a sweater, be sure to avoid big patterns and bright colors. You can mix a knit shirt with a sport jacket for a great casual look. Again, darker colors attract less attention and put the emphasis on your face and eyes. For a more formal look, choose a suit or sport jacket, tie and shirt. Please bring at least one color other than white for your shirt. It’s very important that what you wear fits you well – please make sure of this before your session. As a reminder, you want people to connect with your expression, not with what you’re wearing.

For Women:
Wear something you know is flattering to you, something you always feel comfortable in, that usually attracts compliments. You should avoid wearing anything that is low cut and revealing. If you wear a scarf, look for the ones that are soft – without patterns, or with small, muted patterns. Although jackets are usually thought to look more business-like, tailored clothing in general works well, too. You might consider wearing layers – maybe a sweater or blouse under a jacket. Be sure your outfit fits well and that you feel good wearing it.

Hair:
Don’t have your hair cut or colored right before the photo session; that goes for men as well – wait a few days, or a week to let the color and cut soften and look for natural. Remember to bring a brush or comb, or whatever you need to style your hair the way you like.

Grooming for women:
If you apply your own makeup, be sure you apply the right amount – less is more, and be sure to blend your makeup so that it looks natural, especially in daylight. Even if you never wear makeup, consider wearing a small amount because it will help define your features: lipstick and mascara as well as soft brow makeup. Make sure your lipstick isn’t too dark or light – you might bring several colors, and gloss, if you have it. Please avoid frosted makeup as it is distracting. Although most women want to look natural, you need to define your features because these are the keys to your expression. Some women prefer to call in a professional to do their makeup. Others go to a cosmetic counter and have it done right before their session. Having shaped eyebrows also helps define your features – it has surprising impact. You should also take a closer look at facial hair, if you have any that is noticeable. Any facial blemishes will be removed after your photo session. As for hair styling,
some women get your hair blown out or styled professionally. A list of hair and makeup professionals is available. A fresh manicure adds a more polished look.

Most important:
People should not notice that your makeup, or your hair “looks good” – together, they frame your face so that the viewer looks right into you eyes.

Grooming for men:
For men, be sure you are clean-shaven and your facial hair is carefully groomed. Take a few extra minutes to shave carefully – those little whiskers will often show up. Any facial blemishes will be removed. Have your hair stylist or barber trim or shape your eyebrows. If your photography session is scheduled late in the day, you may need to shave again.

Jewelry:
Classic works best, unless you are in the fashion industry, so avoid large pieces of jewelry. You can bring necklaces as well as earrings but do bring at least one set of earrings or necklace that is subdued in tone and small in size. If you like to wear pearls, those usually work well, depending on your neckline. Big watches tend to have too much impact, so just leave it off for the photograph.

What to Expect:
Lots of people who are otherwise very confident walk in and suddenly feel self-conscious; it’s natural, and hard to imagine trusting someone with your image – so you can relax: I work with a WIFI setup and show you your images as we shoot: it’s a natural sedative and you will feel better about your photographs immediately, as we work together to get the look you want. By the time we’re finished, you already know what the finished images will look like.

You can trust me: I’ve been photographing people for more than 30 years – I really do know what will photograph well and can help you imagine the finished product. But please do make a little time to prepare and help me by showing up on time, prepared and with the right stuff.

Sleep & Diet:
Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before to help your skin look fresh and avoid foods with lots of sugar and/or salt for a few days before – they tend to exaggerate puffiness in the face. Drink water to help your skin look great.

Some other thoughts if you are camera-shy:
• If you specify it, your favorite music can be playing when you are on-camera
• Think of something that made you laugh recently
• Sing or hum a favorite piece of music
• Think of something or someone who really makes you happy
• Think of a moment when you were responsible for a great outcome

In summary, remember:
• Everyone looks natural when they are relaxed – breathe a little!
• Give yourself an edge by being prepared: the photograph on your website and in your profiles is a key piece to your online identity
• People often respond to and make quick judgments based on this image – you don’t have to smile, but consider a positive, attentive and approachable look to help people connect with you
• Although it’s easier to relax on-camera when you like the way your hair,
makeup and clothing look, the most important thing is not how you “look” – it’s what you project. A good portrait captures what’s inside and gives people a real sense of who you are.
Finally, what’s important to me is to make your experience in front of the camera painless – really! People have even reported that they actually enjoy the process, and that it helps them present better afterward.

If you have any questions, or if I can help you feel more comfortable about being on-camera, please contact me at:
Karen@Headshotguru.com
703.307.1732
www.Headshotguru.com