Resources
Insecure About How you Look? You’re not alone. Check out this video
Most people don’t realize how differently other people see them. This video’s core message is that women are often their own harshest critics and that they may be more beautiful than they realize. The same applies to men.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrHoDJinMQI&feature=youtu.be
How to prepare for your headshot session
Tips for Actors, Business Professionals, and Dating Profiles
A headshot is more than just a photo—it’s your first impression. Whether you’re auditioning for roles, building your business brand, or enhancing your dating profile, showing up prepared makes all the difference. Here’s how to make the most of your session:
Actors: Show Your Range, Stay True to Type
- Know your type, then expand it: Dress and express for the roles you’re most likely to book but bring 2–3 variations to show range.
- Bring character into your looks: Let wardrobe and grooming suggest archetypes without going full costume.
- Camera-ready, not stage-ready: Clean, natural makeup; groomed facial hair; avoid heavy contour or shimmer.
- Know your emotions: Subtle expressions matter—emote, don’t pose. Make a list of past events you can recall to express how you felt at that time.
Business Professionals: Confidence, Clarity, and Approachability
- Dress the part—but better: Solid colors, fitted clothes, and no logos. Think of your best client meeting outfit.
- Match the photo to the platform: LinkedIn, company website, or speaker bio? Let that guide your style.
- Polish matters: Fresh haircut, natural makeup, trimmed beard—small details elevate your image.
- Relax and be real: Professional doesn’t mean stiff. A warm, natural expression builds trust.
Dating Profiles: Genuine, Attractive, and Approachable
- Dress to express, not impress: Choose outfits you’d wear on a great first date or that reflect your lifestyle.
- Skip over-editing: Go easy on the makeup. You want to look great but still like you.
- Let your personality show: A soft gaze, playful smile, or thoughtful expression invites connection.
- Think of it like a conversation: Relaxed posture and openness go a long way.
Final Tips for Everyone:
- Come with positive energy—your photo will show it!
- Sleep well and stay hydrated the night before.
- Dry clean or Iron your clothes. They should fit well and bring them on hangers or neatly folded. Make sure they are free of stains, tears, and pet hair or lint. For headshots, no bulgy shoulders, and a high neckline looks best.
- If in doubt about what to wear, call ahead or bring a variety of options to select from together.
- Avoid new skincare routines or hairstyles just before the shoot. You need to love the way you look if you want to love your images.
- Avoid hair products like glimmer or glitter. If it needs taming, bring product and clips.
- Nails should be clean and groomed to match the look you’re going for.
How to Prepare for a Model Digitals Photo Session
How to Prepare for a Model Digitals Photo Session
Model digitals (also called “polaroids”) are clean, simple photos used by modeling agencies and clients to see your natural, unretouched look. Here’s how to prep like a pro:
- Time It Right
- Skin should be clean, moisturized, and rested. Avoid sunburn or skincare experiments right before the shoot.
- Hair should be simple and freshly washed. Plan to show it both down and tied back.
- Nails should be neat and neutral—no polish or distracting designs.
- What to Wear
- Fitted, solid-colored clothing that shows your figure.
- Women: Tank top or crop top with leggings or skinny jeans. Bring heels.
- Men: Slim-fit T-shirt or tank with fitted jeans. Barefoot or neutral shoes.
- Avoid logos, patterns, or accessories.
- What to Bring
- Hair ties or clips
- Basic makeup or wipes (for a clean vs. slightly polished version)
- Heels or sneakers, depending on the agency’s request
- Makeup & Grooming
- Keep makeup minimal—clean skin, light coverage, groomed brows. No shimmer or fake lashes.
- Men should shave or groom facial hair cleanly and moisturize.
- Know the Standard Shots
Most agencies expect:
- Headshot (neutral and smiling)
- Profile (side view)
- 3/4 length
- Full body (front, side, back)
- Optional: Hair tied back, minimal makeup
Final Tips
- Stay confident and calm—authenticity is everything
- Sleep well and hydrate the night before
- Avoid trying anything new (skin, hair, makeup) right before
- Practice relaxed, natural poses in the mirror
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my headshots?
Your headshot should be a current and authentic representation of you. Authenticity builds trust and familiarity when you meet in person, especially for actors! If your headshot is a few years old, if you look different than you did on your last one physically, if your hair style changed substantially, if your typical attire look or feel has changed, or if you had a significant life event, you may want to consider updating your headshots.
I get very uncomfortable in front of a camera and rarely like my pictures, can you help me with that?
Absolutely! As a photographer, my goal is to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera so I can capture genuine expressions. I work in a casual environment without set time limits, and I probably won’t ask you to smile. We will have a nice conversation, I will guide you throughout the session, tell bad jokes that will hopefully make you laugh, and you will get a chance to review images as we go along so you can feel at ease.
Are the headshots taken indoors or outdoors?
Depending on the type of session, I’ll take headshots in the studio, outside the studio, or both.
What type of lighting do you use?
During a headshot session, I may use professional studio lighting, natural light, or both.
Do I need a makeup and hair artist for my session?
It’s highly recommended (but not mandatory) that you hire someone to do your hair and makeup professionally. The better your hair and makeup look, the faster the session will go, you’ll have more usable images, and it will speed up the processing time of your images. Flyaway hairs across the face or clothes, and improperly applied makeup will incur additional costs for retouching. Remember, a professional camera will capture every detail!
What is a look?
In general, styling, hair, makeup and mood (lights and background) are selected for a specific feel or character type. This creates a “look”. It’s typically one outfit with the same hair and makeup. Slight variations, like pulling the hair back or putting it in a bun, putting on a jacket or taking it off, and adding or removing sunglasses are not considered a new look if we can use the same setup.
Why are corporate and event headshots custom quoted only?
There are too many variables when it comes to corporate and event headshot sessions. The answers will determine the need for things like travel and lodging, hair and makeup artists on site, number of assistants or photographers needed (if any), additional equipment and insurance, etc.
When can I expect to see the proofs and receive the retouched images?
Most session proofs will be ready in less than 48 hrs, and retouched images are usually ready in less than 72 hours from the time the selections are confirmed. Time varies depending on weekends and holidays. Please let me know when you book if there is a tight deadline for them to see if I can accommodate it.
Can someone else retouch my images?
In general, no. Every professional photographer has their own style and artistic vision they bring to their work, and this is reflected in the final version of the images. If it’s imperative for you to work with a third-party editor, you’ll need my express written permission and approval of the final images to make sure they won’t misrepresent my work. There is also a fee per image for usage rights.
What type of payments do you accept?
Cash, Venmo, Zelle, credit card.
Do you travel?
Yes, I can bring my studio or light setups just about everywhere. Travel fees start at $250.00