Preparing for headshots and portraits
Congratulations! You’ve booked an on-site headshot or portrait session with me. Here are some suggestions on how to prepare to make the session efficient, fun and productive:
Site prep:
This is the equipment I will bring: cameras and lenses; strobes, modifiers and lighting support; tripods; backdrops and supports. I may need access to electrical outlets to re-charge some of the equipment.
The strobes I will bring are sufficiently powerful to produce well-lit headshots and portraits in any environment, or to complement available window lighting. All to say, no need to worry about lighting.
A “standard” stool, ideally between 24 and 36 inches, is an essential prop. If you don’t have any, let me know and I can bring one.
This may be a surprise to some: There is no need to conduct a major cleanup of your space, unless it is to be featured in the photos. I am quite accustomed to setting up my equipment in a semi-cluttered environment.
Be “camera-ready” roughly an hour before the start of the shoot. What does this mean?
General guideline: Be fresh and comfortable.
Wash, style, brush or comb your hair before the shoot. Make sure your hair (and, of course, the rest of you!) is dry.
Have your brush or comb as well as necessary hair products and a mirror nearby in case of need.
Brush and/or floss your teeth.
If applicable, make sure your makeup is fresh and, ideally, free of sparkles, which can create specular highlights.
For the same reason as above, choose wardrobe that do not have shiny buttons or other highly reflective elements.
Check your fingernails to see if clipping or a fresh coat is polish may be required.
Have a jacket available for an easy change into a new look.
Have two or more shirts or outfits on hand.
Mental preparation:
Some folks are camera-shy while others are