Color
Neutral colors work really well in just about every headshot. Navy, gray, off-white are all classic and timeless hues that look great on everyone. Consider bringing a lighter-colored set and a darker option, along with some colors that reflect your personality. If you often wear green, then consider it for your portraits as well.
Fit
Form-fitting and figure-hugging tops can accentuate lines and curves in flattering ways. Consider bringing extra outfits that you love - even if they are slightly too small (like a jacket that doesn't button close) or too large (like a dress that can be clamped in the back) we can always modify them for the picture.
Patterns
Patterns can sometimes detract from your face, and create optical illusions in camera. This goes for stripes, checks, gingham, and any loud repeated patterns. Sometimes, a very subtle small pattern can work, when in doubt - bring extra outfits with you. ALSO remember, rules are ment to be broken. If you have a funky cool pattern - then bring it with you!
Textures
Textures can definitely add interest. Clothing items with lace, linen, or ruffles can create depth in your headshot without being over the top. Consider a monotone color pallet when adding layers and textures.
Sleeves
Sleeveless shirts and dresses will enhance the shape of your upper arms, perfect if you want to show off this area of your body. Otherwise, 3/4 sleeve lengths looks great a lot of the time.
Necklines
Bring a variety of necklines for variation within your looks. V-necks are classic and look great on most people. Sheer, off shoulder, ties, scarves and accessories can help transform your wardrobe.
Jewelry
Choose classic pieces that won’t overpower your portrait. If in doubt, bring everything you’re considering and we can style each outfit in person.
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Keep it simple
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Metals (gold, silver, etc) look great when all the same color
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Coordinate colors and tones with your outfit
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Clean and polish jewelry
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Bring pieces that are meaningful or that you wear daily
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Red - powerful, exciting, bold.
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Yellow - happy, cheerful, optimistic.
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Orange - warm, friendly, confident.
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Green - healthy, refreshing, positive.
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Blue - corporate, trustworthy.
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Pink - sensitive, feminine.
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Purple - creative, wise.
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Brown - natural, comforting, stable.
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Black - sophisticated, professional.
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White - pure, balanced, calm.
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Grey - maturity, security, stability
Preparing for Professional Hair & Makeup
Wash and Dry Your Hair
Your hair should be clean - the biggest distinction being that you’re not getting a blow out, but hair styling with hot tools. So it’s best to wash and dry your hair the morning of your photoshoot. Your hair should be completely dry, ideally, otherwise it will be difficult to set it into the hairstyle you want. If you have curly hair, or follow a specific nighttime drying regimen, then obviously you should wash your hair the night before and follow your standard process. If you typically have to blow dry your hair or it becomes frizzy and unmanageable, then please do that! The point being, we want a good starting point of clean and dry hair that the hair & makeup artist can work with.
Moisturize Skin
If you use moisturizing cream daily, then this should already be part of your routine… but if you don’t, it’s very important that you do this the night before and the morning of your photoshoot. When you arrive to the Studio, the makeup artist will make sure to apply appropriate makeup, but she still needs a good base to work with. So wash your face, apply moisturizer and eye cream, and you should be all set to go!
Hydrate
You can easily impact the hydration of your skin by simply drinking more water. So have a large glass of water when you wake up, and keep drinking more as the morning progresses. Extra bonus points if you can start this the day before.. and yes, it makes a big impact!
Bring Skin-Specific Makeup You Use
If you have specific allergies, are super sensitive, or simply found the best foundation or coverup for your skin, bring it to the Studio with you! The makeup artist will have everything else on-hand.
What To Expect When You Arrive
Hair styling is first. Making sure your hair is clean and fully dry makes the process really easy and quick. The hair & makeup artist will style your hair in any way you like - from a polished version of your everyday look, to a fancier style - and will move to makeup right after. Makeup can range from "enhanced natural" to "glam". We will work with the makeup artist to get the look you want. The purpose of hair & makeup is simply to make you look your best based on your preferences.
So relax and enjoy the process!
Hi, I'm Rachel
I help people show up with more confidence to create a business they love.
Guiding entrepreneurs to create an impactful Personal Brand with stunning visuals that combine storytelling and subconscious activation that speaks directly to their target audience.
And I create community through workshops and mentoring for up-coming photographers who need a push to believe in themselves.
If this is you, let's connect! I'd love to help you see yourself in a new way!
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