One of the questions I hear most frequently when a client books a headshot session is – “what should I bring?” Every photographer expects something different, but here’s what I would recommend:
The Eyes Have It
What to bring to a headshot session varies from person to person, but I find a good rule of thumb is to bring whatever you feel comfortable in. Plain, non-distracting clothing is always preferable as it will allow the attention in the picture to focus solely on your eyes.
The eyes are the window to the soul.
~ An Extremely Wise Old Man
Your eyes convey the intensity, focus and connection that is key to being called into an audition, and the colours you choose to bring to your session should compliment your eye tone. Here are a few common rules to follow:
For blue eyes: blue and deep oranges work best.
For brown: try out reds and greys.
For green or hazel: muted greens and brown colours work well.
My suggestion would be to bring a selection of black, white and grey tops with you along with one or two colour options that suit your skin tone and eyes.
Hair and Make-Up
Many people opt for changes of hair and make-up during a shoot. If you’re packing a bag, it’s usually good to have a few of these items on-hand:
Comb/Brush
Hair Product
Make-Up — pre-sharpen any pencils
Powder for men and women
It’s not essential to have all or even any of these items, but they can come in handy and may contribute to a wider casting range in your final three shots.
The Right Attitude Works Wonders
The single most important thing to bring to the headshot session is confidence and the willingness to experiment. If you have any particular sensitivities we will certainly discuss those (i.e. if you are self-conscious about a particular facial feature) and I will do my best to take those considerations into account.
On the other hand, it’s important to trust your photographer if they ask you to try something. The worst that can happen is that a picture gets deleted!
Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list of things you should or shouldn’t bring on a shoot, so if you have any more specific questions, please comment below or get in touch with me directly via our contact page!