NAILING YOUR HEADSHOTS
- Prep your skin
- Prep your hair
- Use the right products
- Be the best version of yourself
- Hire the right professionals
Preparing your skin
The truth is, the right makeup/makeup artist can dramatically improve the appearance of your skin. However, even the best products and the best artist can’t really change the texture of your skin. This is why it is so important you take care of your skin and not just rely on makeup and photoshop (which can add up to big bucks ). Not only will your skin thank you, but makeup looks and sets better on top of healthy skin. It’s like the best primer in the World! That is why we suggest you hyper focus on your skin care a week before your photo shoot is scheduled.
● Drink Water. I know you have heard this time and time again but you need to hear it again! Drinking water will make more of a difference in your skin than you think. Being properly hydrated helps tighten skin, minimize pores and brighten skin tone. Hydrated skin = Happy skin
● Exfoliate. This comes down to texture again. If your skin is dry and flaky or oily and slick your makeup will not sit smoothly on top of it. Find a gentle exfoliant and start to exfoliate 1-3 times (depending on your skin/product) the week of your photo shoot. This will get rid of dead skin and reveal a fresh layer of beautiful skin underneath.
● Moisturize. No matter what type of skin you have, moisturizing cannot be skipped. Make sure to find a moisturizer that suits your skin type. For example: If you have oily skin, look for an oil free or light weight moisturizer. PRO TIP : Coconut oil does wonders for the skin. Try applying a thin layer on clean skin before bed. It will absorb over night and you will wake up looking more refreshed. Great for all skin types!
Preparing your hair
● Update your color and get a trim. When I say “update” and trim, I mean improving on what you currently have. No roots or dead ends! I don’t suggest doing anything dramatic to your hair that month. Just a refresher so you look and feel your best. Remember a headshot is only about ¾ of your body so if you have unflattering color or split ends, it will really show up in your photos.
● Wash your hair the night before or morning of your photo shoot. Make sure your hair is clean to avoid looking heavy or weighed down at the roots. If it is possible, treat yourself to a hair wash and blow dry from your stylist. You will be amazed at how good you feel and it will make a big difference in your photos. Clean hair but still feel heavy? Dry shampoo is your best friend! Spray a little at the root for instant volume.
● Keep it simple. Headshots are not the time to experiment with trendy hairstyles. The trick to nailing your headshots is to keep your hair simple. A headshot should be a reflection of you, not the latest hair trend. So keep it easy and let your personality shine through.
Use the right products
● Use the right products for YOU! Whether it’s skin care, makeup or even photography, the trick is to use what is designed and catered to YOUR style, skin type etc. So often I see people follow what they see from social media influencers which isn’t necessarily wrong but it isn’t always right either. A lot of the time they don’t look like you, they have more time or skill than you and let’s not forget tha they get paid to endorse those products, which aren’t always made for YOU. At the end of the day your hair and makeup need to reflect the best version of you so read labels and reviews and choose wisely.
● Avoid SPF. Usually I would never recommend you skip the spf but on photo day it is a good idea. SPF can look reflective on camera and not flatter the skin tone. Opt out of spf based lotions or makeups the day of your photo shoot.
● HD (High definition) is usually best.
Depending on the camera, screen, lighting etc. I would recommend opting for makeup that is designed for HD. It’s not always necessary but its better to be safe than sorry. Especially since your hair and makeup will be the focal point of your headshot. Usually having a simple HD setting powder will do the trick.
Be the best version of yourself
● Stick to the basics. This means being the best version of yourself! This is not the time to experiment with new hair colors, eyeliner looks you found on Pinterest or the latest throw away trend out there. If you normally wear your hair straight, leave it straight but give it that extra polish for the photos. Keep your makeup natural but put in the effort and time to make sure it is blended and accentuates your favorite features. If you feel it will be hard for you to achieve this on your own, it brings me to the next ingredient on my list for perfecting your headshots…
Hire Professionals
● Do your research. Always do your research before blindly jumping into a commitment with a photographer, makeup artist or hairstylist. Look up reviews, social media or get a referral from a friend or your agent. Look for a photographer who fits your style or a makeup artist who takes the time to discover your needs. This relationship should be one that feels comfortable for you. Feeling comfortable means a more relaxed and happy version of you in your photos.
● Trust the Process. At this point you have done your research and hired professionals that you know will portray what you have to say. Now it is time for you to stop overthinking and RELAX! You hired them for a reason, now enjoy the process and HAVE FUN!
Photo by Jay Bee www.jaybee.photography
Things to remember…
● Coconut oil does wonders for all skin types.
● Remember to skip the spf the day of your photoshoot.
● A headshot is a direct reflection of your personality so you should look like the best version of yourself. Not someone else.
● Keep it simple!
● When it comes to booking your glam squad for the day, do your research! You wont regret putting in the time to make sure you get what you want.
● When in doubt, hire out! It is not everyday you get headshots taken so putting in the extra effort or hiring a professional will make a bigger difference than you think.
● Relax and have fun!
Xoxo Red Lip Ink
Hair and Makeup on model by Kristina from Red Lip Ink http://www.dripbook.com/Kristinamakeup/
Photo by Shelli Wright https://www.shelliwrightphotoworks.com/
Model Maya Pauline from https://www.exmodeltalent.com