Top 10 Tips For Essential Headshot Sessions in 2024

Eye-catching headshot photography in Sussex

A professional headshot is arguably one of THE most important photos a model/actor can have in order to attend the perfect casting call or to help get the dream job. 

It offers you the chance to showcase yourself creatively to a much wider audience; including casting directors, producers and modelling agencies. 

A headshot image can be the first real photo that professionals see of you so you’ll want it to make a good impression whilst also showcasing your creativity as an individual. 

You’ll want it to be eye-catching and striking too whilst offering the ability to expand your potential to help show others what you’re capable of.  

Now, attending your first headshot shoot can feel pretty daunting at first - but don’t worry - we’ve created our unique ‘Top 10 Tips For Essential Headshot Sessions’ to help you feel relaxed and comfortable when capturing your images. 

1 - Get plenty of rest and sleep as early as possible before your photoshoot. It’s understandable that you’ll feel nervous and anxious about the day ahead but the last thing you want is to turn up feeling exhausted and tired. You’ll want to feel glowing and refreshed so make sure you give yourself enough time beforehand to do so. Why not pamper yourself and have a lovely hot relaxing bubble bath with some essential oils the night beforehand too; it’s surprising how much this can help when it comes to getting a good night's sleep! Not only that, but having a hearty breakfast can also help to settle the stomach. It doesn’t have to be a lot, just enough to help combat the nerves whilst also seeing you through the day.

2 - Make sure you drink plenty of water. Not only will this help to rehydrate you but it’ll also help to make your skin look rejuvenated and refreshed ready for your photos. 

3 -  If you suffer from tired and dry skin, make sure that you start moisturising at least 3 days before your photoshoot. Not only will this help your complexion, but it’ll also help to prevent you from having any dry or flakey looking skin on the day. 

4 - Decide on what style of makeup you want for the photoshoot at least 2/3 days beforehand. This will help you to create the style that you’re after whilst also helping to prevent a mad rush last minute. If a basic shot is required then you might be willing to capture it with no make up on. A lot of casting agencies like to see the more natural look. However, if you’re looking to get into the entertainment industry or make up adverts for example, then you might want to go for a more glamorous look. Being prepared is key! 

5 - Make sure the day before the photoshoot, your bag is packed with all of your vital essentials for the day -

• Make up

• Make up remover wipes

• Hair brush/comb

• Hair spray

• A change of clothes if doing different styles

• Any jewellery you might like to wear

• A bottle of water

• Some snacks perhaps

6 - Plan your outfits in advance. We all know how stressful it can be sometimes to find the perfect outfit for a special occasion so being organised in advance will certainly help. Also, try to think about what styles you’re trying to create in your images and dress accordingly; whether that’s a simple look of jeans and a white top, neutral colours perhaps or even a more sophisticated look. Once you’ve chosen your outfits, be sure to pack them into your bag ready for the day ahead. 

7 - When it comes to headshots, you might want to show some different styles. Think about the different angles you’d like to capture. Will you be having your hair up or down? Plan and discuss with your photographer what type of images you want to capture on the day. The more you discuss what you’d like to achieve with your photographer the better the images will be.

8 - Be sure to include the left and right side of your face. Everyone is different and no two sides are ever same but that’s also what makes us all so unique! You might have a slight scar on one side of your face which you feel self conscious about; don’t be afraid to show it off. Scars can add character and depth to your facial structure and could potentially be exactly what someone is looking for. You could have some freckles or moles that you don’t necessarily feel confident about too. Again, that could be the unique feature that they’ve been looking for so remember to feel confident in yourself and your beauty. Don’t be afraid to practice your poses in a mirror the day before. It’s great to visualise what you’re trying to get across on your photos and being able to see what works and what might need adapting.  

9 - Don’t be afraid to show off your best features too, so whether that’s your gorgeous smile, your longing stare into the distance or even a seductive yet powerful pose - work it! Showcase your identity in the best possible way and make yourself shine to others. It might feel nerve wracking at first but it’s surprising how quickly it can help boost your self esteem. 

10 - Lastly, professionals want to see you as a person but they also want to know that this is what you want to do. It’s important that you look your best whilst also coming across professional and approachable. Be proud of who you are and what you want to achieve. And finally, remember to relax, have fun and enjoy this unique opportunity. It could potentially change your life!

To find out more information, visit the link here: https://www.darrengrittonphotography.com/professional-headshot-photography or email me at info@darrengrittonphotography.com