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HEADSHOT TIPS:
Let’s make this easy and stress-free! Whether you're updating your LinkedIn, business site, or just need a great shot that feels like “you,” here are some tips to help you feel confident and look your best.
What to Wear!
Keep it simple, clean, and true to your style. Solid colors work best—think neutral tones like gray, navy, olive, cream, soft blues, or blush. Rich colors photograph beautifully and are super in right now, but steer clear of neon, bright red, super busy patterns, or large logos. The majority of photos will be done on white, black, and possibly cream backgrounds. The goal is for YOU to pop - not necessarily what you're wearing.
What Color Looks Good on YOU?
If you're really interested in a deep dive in what to wear, consider learning color profiles and learn what colors look good on you. Have you heard compliments every time you have worn a specific color? For me, it's coral. No matter if it's a t-shirt or a dress, I'm complimented on how good it looks on me. If you're like me and may not want to spend the $ to have a professional, you can look on pintrest and even ask
Chat GPT!
Black and White
I don't recommend going all black or all white. We don't want you to look like a floating head! If you really rock a particular outfit that is all black or white, make sure to break it up with some texture like pockets, rolled sleeves, etc. Don't forget the jewelry!
Layers
Layers work great—a jacket or cardigan can add polish and shape to your look. Keep jewelry simple unless it's part of your personal or professional brand. If you love bold earrings or glasses, wear them!
Clothing Fit
Fit is important! Ideally, wear what you feel good in. Photos are not the time to try and squeeze on an outfit that no longer fits. You are paying actual money for these photos - not a time to show up in something you didn't think through! An outfit that is too tight is better than one that is too loose, but ideally you need this outfit to fit perfectly.
Casual Vs. Formal
Really this is up to you and your brand. Are you a PHD that is wanting very serious photos? That's different than a person marketing a new makeup brand. This is all up to you and what you want for your marketing.
Ties Vs. No Tie
Ties are best when their tone lands between the suit and the shirt in color. For examples, a light shirt, dark suit, and a tie shade somewhere in between. Check that the tie is not too shiny,
because this can wash it out in my lighting.
Patterns
Patterns can be really distracting easily. Keep it minimal! Patterned shirts under a solid blazer/jacket is totally fine - it’s broken up and not as big of a deal. Note that tight patterns (tight grids or super small patterns) are an editing nightmare as they can have a blur effect when editing and sometimes cannot be fixed.
Jewelry
Wear it! But don’t go over the top. Remember - we want YOU to stand out.
Not your clothes/jewelry.
Glasses
If you wear them most days—wear them in your photo! Anti-reflective lenses are ideal, but I’ll work with you to minimize glare. If you’re unsure, we can take a few with and without and decide later.
Props
Do you have a prop that goes with your job? Bring it! Maybe it’s a book, or a laptop, or a microphone - sometimes it’s good to use something to market yourself. Note: No props for 5-10 minute sessions, sorry!
Just not enough time!
MakeUp
Go with what feels like your best “everyday plus” self. This isn’t the time to try a totally new hairstyle or bold makeup look. Clean, styled hair and medium makeup are perfect.
For makeup: A bit of extra blush is great, but don’t go over the top. You don’t want people to not recognize you from real life and your headshot! I’d go with “medium” application on headshot day, if that makes sense. Not like you’re on stage, and not like it’s a chill day at the office. Somewhere in the middle.
Blemishes and Hair
Zits/ Blemishes: Guess what. I edit them out. It’s not cheating - promise. For my specific info on what I do and don’t edit, go here: https://www.christiegare.com/edit
Hair tip: If you’re due for a trim or root touch-up, consider doing that before your session so you feel extra confident. Sure, I could edit that, but it would cost you more in extra editing fees than it would just to buy the $10 root touch up kit!
The Day of the Shoot
Try to get a good night’s sleep and drink lots of water the day before—your skin and eyes will thank you. Eat something light before your session
so you’re not hangry (been there!).
Do NOT cram pack your day and be coming in hot to the studio.
The stress and your smile will show.
And don’t worry about how to pose or what to do with your hands—that’s my job! I’ll guide you through the whole session and make sure we get a variety of natural, flattering shots.
Relax! I've Got You!
Most people feel awkward in front of the camera at first—and that’s totally normal. I create a relaxed, easy-going environment where you can just be yourself. My job is to help you look great, feel comfortable, and walk away with headshots you love. Everyone who leaves is like “wow, that wasn’t so bad!” You’ve got this!
Don't Forget:
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- I always edit out flyaway hairs, yellowing teeth, breakouts/blemishes.
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-Come dressed and ready. My sessions are booked by time and I count on you being ready to shoot when you walk in the door.
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- I will pose you! This is my job :).
Session Timing Specifics
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5 Minute Sessions: You have 1-2 backgrounds - white and usually black. There are no outfit changes – throwing on a blazer is fine. This is for the person who literally just wants “one good photo”. Pretty much all cropped in photos for “true” headshot framing.
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10 Minute Sessions: my most popular option - No outfit changes, but throwing on a blazer/jacket is fine. Usually 1-2 backgrounds (usually white and black) with some standing and some sitting poses. Mostly cropped in shots - no real full body shots.
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20 and 30 Minute Sessions: this is when we start getting more time for outfit changes and background variability. If you’re at my studio, then that means we will whip out the couch, and more backgrounds (black, white, tan, brick). If you’re at a rented studio, we will walk around more and get more furniture to pose with, etc. This is also good to split with a friend/colleague or keep it all to yourself and get a lot of variability in posing and outfits. If you have props, this is a session we can use those easily as well.
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I hope this helps!
Let me know if you have any questions and I'll see you soon!
My Best,
Christie
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