Studio Session Prep Guide

 So you booked your session. Now what? 

Preparing for a studio headshot session is key to ensuring that you get the best possible photos. Here's a brief guide to help you prepare for your session:

Choose Your Outfit Carefully

Solid Colors: Opt for solid colors that complement your skin tone. Avoid overly bright colors and complex patterns that might distract from your face.

Fit: Wear clothes that fit well. Clothes that are too loose or too tight can be unflattering in photos.

Layers and Options: Bring a few outfit options and consider layers, like a blazer or cardigan, that can easily change up your look.

Grooming

Hair: Choose a hairstyle that looks like you on your best day. Avoid trying a new haircut right before the session.
Makeup: Aim for a natural look. Professional makeup can be beneficial, but it should enhance your features, not hide them. Local MUAH stylist recommendations at the bottom of this page.
Facial Hair: For those who wear facial hair, make sure it's neatly trimmed or styled.

Skin Care

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your shoot to help your skin look its best.
Moisturize: Apply a good moisturizer the night before and the morning of your session to avoid dry skin.
Avoid Sunburn: Stay out of the sun to prevent burns or uneven tans that can be hard to correct in photos.

Practice Your Poses

Spend some time in front of a mirror practicing your smile and finding your best angles. Being familiar with how you look when you're smiling naturally or posing will help you feel more comfortable during the shoot.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Ensure you're well-rested before the day of the shoot to avoid looking tired in your photos.

Communicate with Your Photographer

Discuss your goals for the session, any concerns you have, and the style of headshot you're aiming for. Providing examples of headshots you like can also help guide the session.

Children

Remember that children are not usually fond of being told to pose or smile. It is best that we give children time to relax and to capture their natural selves. Please avoid trying to direct your child to smile unless asked to do so. They often don't respond well or look in a direction other than the camera. With older children, I will usually make jokes and ask them questions to warm up to me naturally.

Don't worry if your child is being silly or active; most of the images you see of young children on my site were captured while the children were having fun being themselves.

To get the most out of your session, make sure that your little one has rested and has had adequate snacks and water before.

Prepare the child for the session by letting them know that a friend will be taking some photos of them; it's best not to surprise them. My studio has a little waiting area with coloring activities for the kids while they wait. Let them know that the camera, lighting equipment, and computer are off-limits. 

Plan Your Arrival

My address is 475 Coloma Street, Suite 220, Sausalito. There should be plenty of parking. Aim to arrive a little early to your session to have time to relax and make any last-minute adjustments to your appearance.

Relax and Have Fun

The best headshots come when you’re relaxed and enjoying the process. Trust your photographer, and don't be afraid to let your personality shine through.

Personal Styling: The incredible Katie Collins has styled them all! She is ready to help with any look from the runway to the mountain top. Contact her directly through her website here. Are you just looking for a bit of inspiration? Click here for styling help styling code SAPHOTO.

Preparing for your headshot session can make a big difference in the outcome of your photos. Following these steps will help ensure that you look and feel your best, resulting in headshots that you'll be proud to share.

Make-Up & Hair Stylist Recommendations:

Kat Louis, Novato & Bay Area - katlouis.com
Maria Lee, San Francisco - marialeemakeup.com
Elise Bigley, SF & LA - makeupartbyelise.com
Salon 171, Mill Valley - salon171millvalley.com
Style Bar, Greenbrae - the-stylebar.com
MilVali, SF & Mill Valley - milvali.com
Stacey Khuu, Marin County - instagram.com/staceykhuu.hair staceykhuusalon@gmail.com