Danielle

A while back, I wrote an FAQ for my website.  It included a downloadable PDF document of things that you might want to bring to a headshot shoot.

I thought I’d share a few of the items that performers might not think about.
Keep in mind, this is by no means a complete list.

• Floss.  Remember how you ate a Subway sandwich right before dropping into the studio, so you wouldn’t be hungry?  I always have those one-use plackers on hand for just such an occasion.  Not every photographer does.
• Toothbrush.  See above.
• Mostly for women: a straw.  Why do you want a straw, you ask?  Because you spent 10 minutes putting on that lipstick, and roughly 1/3rd of it is going to end up on the water bottle you bought with you. (Again, I keep straws on hand.)
• Music on your phone or Ipod.  In my studio space, I always have a way for you to plug your music in.  It helps you relax.  If you’re relaxed, taking your photo is a cinch! Make your playlist for the shoot ahead of time.  HINT:  If you’re trying to keep upbeat, don’t make it the Les Misérables mix.  Unless music about “the depressed” is what makes you happy.
• A light snack. Fruit is awesome; it packs a bunch of energy, and it won’t leave you crashing.  Although you’ll want to keep away from anything that will stain your tongue or teeth.  Blueberries are a bad idea.  Same for coffee.
• Matching underwear.  It seems like a given, right?  But you’d be amazed at how many times I hear something along the lines of, “oh… I bought this white shirt to wear… but I only have a black bra.”
• Lipstick and makeup that you’d normally wear, even if you’ve hired a stylist.
  The first question that any good stylist will ask you is:  are you allergic to any type of make-up?  The second question is: what do you normally wear?
  It gives them a jumping off point.  It also makes them aware of what you’re used to wearing, and what you can use to make yourself look like you do in your headshot.
• For men, lip balm.  We get chapped lips too.
• For women:  Heels.  And comfortable shoes.  I have to admit, I didn’t know this until a woman explained this to me.  We were just photographing her face. She wanted to feel classy.  So she put on her heels, and it made her “feel different.”
  The same thing applies to thigh high boots, sneakers, or anything you wear that makes you feel different.
• For women, again: Nail polish.  You just know that you’re going to chip your color on the way here.
• For men: a sharp razor.  Just in case you were in a rush, and missed a spot.
• And most importantly: Your playfulness, and ideas.
  I get my best ideas from my clients.  I take my best photos when you are just having fun. Come and have fun.  Taking headshots can be a blast!