Your headshot should look exactly like you. Your photo has to sell your looks and personality.
"What you see is what you get."

Share your intentions for the photo. Let us know what kind of look you want.

Do a dress rehearsal at home in front of a mirror. Practice poses and expressions (see below about characters).

Do not drink alcohol or take any drugs directly before or the night before your shoot. If possible, do not smoke cigarettes directly before your shoot.

Drink lots of water and be well rested (so your eyes will not have dark cirlces).

Arrive on time. Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes early (we may have other clients scheduled before you).

• The good guy/girl
• The popular guy/girl
• The guy/girl next door
• The bad guy/girl
• The professional guy/girl

Where is this character from? What is his/her disposition? What is his/her financial background (blue collar/white collar/middle)? These questions will help you decide what kind of wardrobe to bring.

• Solid Colors.
• Black is always a good choice. Avoid white shirts unless you plan to wear it underneath something.
• Darker clothes attract less attention and put the attention on your face and eyes.
• Avoid busy patterns and large lines/stripes.
• Blue/green/turquoise clothing can help emphasize blue/green/hazel eyes.
• Suits or a jacket are great for men as an additional look.
• Clothes should be neatly pressed and should look new or like new.
• Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you look great.
• Don't overdress.
• Keep jewelry simple.
• Avoid jewelry that would distract from your face or that looks dated.
• For multiple looks, bring a variety of clothing that emphasizes different roles/characters (professional, blue-collar worker, intellectual, sexy, etc...)
• Pay attention to details. Layers, ties, belts etc.
• Different necklines will change the apparent shape of your face. Bring a variety different shirts/blouses to see what works best.
• Turtlenecks are almost always a bad idea (since they crowd the face).

Select and wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Select something that makes you look good.

• Your previous headshots (so we can improve)
• Samples from magazines or other headshots to help communicate the look you want
• Favorite Music (CD or iPod/MP3 player)
• Various changes of clothing (see above)
• Good attitude
• Lip balm
• Hair brush/comb
• Makeup and hair products you prefer (especially if you have allergies)

• Hair styled and makeup already applied (if not using makeup artist)
• Nails manicured
• Already dressed in first outfit

• Make-up should be clean and natural.
• Wear a heavy layer of translucent powder - your face will appear flawless in photos. Shine disappears, pores seem smaller, skin looks even, and blush is smoother.
• Men may need base, concealer, and powder for the shoot. It is best to obtain your own so it is specially matched to your skin tone.
• Line lips before applying matte lipstick, then reline. Don't overdo it. Dip a cotton bud in powder and run along lip line to prevent color from bleeding.
• Avoid shimmers or products with lots of sparkle or shine.
• Avoid frosts or garish colors.
• Don't get a new hair cut just before the shoot (you may want to let it grow-in a bit or get used to styling a new cut).
• Do not try/use any new product on your hair, face or body the day before or few days before your shoot.
• Avoid over-styling (soap opera hair looks too staged) or the latest fad such as pinning tresses with lots of tiny barrettes.