{"id":233,"date":"2016-04-20T15:37:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-20T15:37:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mgs.performerstuff.com\/?p=233"},"modified":"2020-03-21T03:04:20","modified_gmt":"2020-03-21T03:04:20","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-a-headshot-session","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/how-to-prepare-for-a-headshot-session\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for a Headshot Session"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How to Prepare for a Headshot Session<\/h3>\n
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Written by Ashleigh Gardner<\/p>\n

April 14, 2016<\/p>\n

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Getting your headshots taken soon?\u00a0Here’s a list of tips to help you look your best for the first (or fifth) time in front of the camera.<\/p>\n


A Week Out<\/strong><\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re getting a haircut, schedule your appointment to be at least week in advance of your session.<\/strong> Sometimes new haircuts give your hair harsh angles and choppy layers. While these look fresh and clean in-person, in pictures they might look severe and unkempt. Let your haircut soften out over a week. Additionally, allow yourself a week to settle into your new haircut so that you can practice styling it.<\/p>\n

Make sure you are well-rested.<\/strong> Late nights really start to add up, especially under your eyes. Reduce the possibility of those inconvenient dark circles appearing by getting enough sleep the week before your session. The National Sleep Foundation<\/a> suggests that teenagers get at least 8-10 hours and adults at least 7-9 hours of sleep a day.<\/p>\n

Drink water on the regular.<\/strong> Usually, it\u2019s advised that you follow the 8×8 rule: drink eight 8-oz glasses of water per day. Keeping yourself hydrated helps to keep your skin clear and bright and helps with brain function.<\/p>\n

Eat healthy foods.<\/strong> As above, what you put inside your body directly affects the outside. Stay away from junk food and fatty, greasy, or salty foods; in addition to these being unhealthy, they also make your skin appear oily and make you feel bloated. Instead, opt for healthy foods like yogurt, fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, and whole grains.<\/p>\n

Exercise once a day.<\/strong>\u00a0Exercising once for thirty minutes a day the week before your headshot session will boost your confidence and help you feel good about how you look in your pictures. Looking toned is just an added bonus!<\/p>\n

Plan your route to the studio.<\/strong>\u00a0Make sure you know how you\u2019re getting to the studio of your photographer before the day to you go. Even better, if you can get to your destination early, do it!<\/p>\n

Practice your poses and expressions.<\/strong> If you\u2019ve never done a headshot session before, you may not know exactly how to pose for a picture. That\u2019s okay! Usually, your photographer will coach you. There are usually poses for men and poses for women. Men tend to be shot straight-on so that they appear more dominant and strong. Women tend to be shot from above and from the side, giving the appearance that they are more coy\/demure\/shy. And, as you probably know from taking selfies, shooting a picture from above makes the face appear slimmer and more feminine. Men usually lean forward with their elbows on their knees, or they lean back with their arms folded or their hands on their hips. Women usually keep their hands close to their bodies, and their posture is more soft, with slight curves to the neck and back. Of course, there are always exceptions to these rules, especially if you want to go for a different look to emphasize your personality. Also, practice posing the way the character you are interested in would pose. This might help you become more comfortable and creative with your physical expression during your session.<\/p>\n

Prepare your headshot bag.<\/strong> Be prepared to walk out the door with the following essentials:<\/p>\n