Preparation is the key to a successful business headshot. Here are a few tips on wardrobe and makeup to make sure you’ll be happy with your photos.
Attire: Conservative dress, suit or separates. Medium solid colors are fine, though if you ordinarily wear bright colors that works, too. Try to avoid black clothing if possible. If hair is shoulder length or longer, jacket or top should be in a contrasting color – e.g. light hair and a white top will wash you out; dark hair and dark top may not provide enough contrast.
Long sleeved blouse or top is preferred, or, wear a jacket or blazer. Avoid attire with low cut neckline.
Avoid long or dangling earrings or large jewelry.
Hair and Makeup: Even if you don’t typically wear makeup, it’s a good idea to apply foundation, mascara and a bit of blush. Otherwise, wear your regular makeup, but avoid dark or heavy eyeliner (makes your eyes look smaller on camera). Also stay away from “frosted” or shiny products — we want a matte finish. You should avoid experimenting with a new hairstyle before your photo session.
If you wear glasses and would like to be photographed both with and without them, just let me know.
Feel free to bring extra clothing – ties, shirts, jackets, blouses – as well as jewelry (for women) to the session. Some styles and colors simply work better in front of the camera than others.
Please make sure all clothing is pressed and on hangers. You should try on your outfits before bringing them to the studio, particularly if you haven’t worn any of the items in a while.
I’m a headshot and portrait photographer. I post happy photos of successful people, or artsy shots of models and women. So this is a departure. A project I photographed for Pinnacle Communications, focusing on the rise in domestic violence since COVID-19. The campaign, “Together We Are Stronger,” is sponsored by the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s office, and is now appearing on social media as well as on billboards, bus shelters and other public sites throughout the city.
The photoshoot was sobering. After the makeup artist finished working with the model, we met a team from WJZ-TV who were doing a public service announcement on the campaign. They did their video first, then we proceeded with the still photos. Though the model was wearing makeup we could not escape the message. The campaign is running now, in print ads, on billboards, bus stops, and signs all over Baltimore City.
To learn more about TWAS visit http://togetherwearestronger.com/. I am proud to be part of this effort, and pleased that I was selected to work on the creative team.
Have you ever seen the faces of hope? At Marian House there are plenty! I had the pleasure of working with two of their residents recently, Renee and Malaika. They are preparing for their next step to independence, employment, and need a professional headshot. They came to the studio prepared with wardrobe, jewelry and tons of smiles. Both wanted environmental headshots, so we wandered around outside and picked a couple of colorful walls for backdrops. My commitment was to a headshot they could use on LinkedIn and other sites, but we couldn’t resist sneaking in a few fun portraits. I am happy to be a tiny part of this program, which offers rehabilitative services and housing to homeless women and their children. To learn more, including how to become an employment partner and hire Marian women, visit: www.marianhouse.org.
Having your headshot done soon? Here are a few tips on what to wear and how to prepare to get results you’ll be happy with.
Attire: Jacket and tie. White shirt, light blue or similar pastel shirt preferred. Light stripe acceptable, as is a shirt with a contrasting (white) collar. No dark shirts. Tie can be patterned, though small, regular patterns are preferred. Avoid button down collar shirts (tends to pull folds into the shirt). Try to avoid black clothing if possible.
Hair: If you have a heavy beard, consider shaving within two hours of the photo shoot. Also consider having a haircut within a week of the photo session. If you have a beard or mustache, make sure it is neat and trimmed the morning of the session.
If you wear glasses and wish to be photographed both with and without them, just let me know.
Feel free to bring extra clothing – ties, shirts, jackets, blouses – as well as jewelry (for women) to the session. Some styles and colors simply work better in front of the camera than others.
Please make sure all clothing is pressed and on hangers. You should try on your outfits before bringing them to the studio, particularly if you haven’t worn any of the items in a while.
Lawyer, writer, blogger, reviewer, journalist. Jack L. B. Gohn has multitasked for over 50 years. He’s still evolving, shedding his lawyerly pursuits for the joy of writing full-time. Jack created a website, www.jackgohn.com, where he’s aggregated his work and where he will launch his first book of plays in 2020.
Jack contacted me to provide photography for the site. He was decisive, wanting to look relevant and contemporary while communicating his theatrical writing experience. We thought a theater would be a great setting for the shoot. I moseyed around town looking at marquees and lobbies — there are some pretty cool options in Baltimore. On a whim I called the Parkway Theater in Charles North, and asked if we could shoot there. To my amazement they said, yes! Please do, we want people to learn about our organization and our historic facility. So, on a blustery fall day I packed up my gear, met Jack at the Parkway, and spent a couple of hours inside and outside of this glorious restored masterpiece.
Jack’s site is now live, and images from our session are beautifully integrated with the design. Take a look to read some of Jack’s work, and sign up for his mailing list to learn when his book will be published.
