So, you have done the easiest part. You have booked the session! Next comes the part most people don’t think about: the preparation. You don’t just show up for a premium headshot shoot in Manhattan and wing it.
Headshotphotographers capture what you bring into the room. So, the more intentional you are, the better.
Do this way before youappearin front of the camera:
Define Your Objective
Before you think about outfits, before you research poses, before you pull anything out of your wardrobe, get clear on your goal!
What is the reason for this shoot? The answer will determine the rest of the session:
- The backdrop
- The lighting
- The overall mood
- The pacing of the session
Corporate photographers work with clients from all industries. All seniorities. Typically, the most successful sessions begin with a clear purpose.
- Looking to revamp your LinkedIn profile?
- Making a strategic career move?
- Starting a personal brand on top of an executive position?
- Need to update company photos for a rebrand?
- Creating a speaker profile for conference and media events?
- Changing roles?
All these goalscall for different styles of corporate headshots NYC. Know your answer before your session and discuss it with your photographer in advance if you have not done so already.
That single piece of information enables them to make decisions that are in service to your actual goal. As opposed to delivering a generic result.
Research Your Industry’s Visual Language
Take time to observe the visual presentation of other successful professionals in your industry. LinkedIn can be a great place to begin with.
Pay attention to the:
- Formality
- Expression
- Background
- Styling, etc.
of the headshots of people you admire or aspire to be like. You don’twant to copy someone else. It’s a matter of:
- What you expect from the images in your field
- What your headshot should look like
- How it should feel
Plan Your Outfits Carefully and Bring Options
One of the most important factors in any headshot session and one of the most under-planned is wardrobe. Bring a minimum of three complete outfit options, including shoes. Even if you plan to shoot from the waist up.
Remember: Patterns usually don’t look as good in pictures. Opt for solid colors. Choose colors that match your skin tone. They should be in harmony with how you want to be seen.
Consider:
- Navy
- Charcoal
- Deep green
- Warm neutrals
These colors work well in various lighting arrangements for corporate sessions.
Avoid:
- White on white backgrounds
- Using heavy logos or branding. Unless it is intentional and for the purpose of personalization.
Also, wrinkles will be the first feature the eye will catch in a photo. So, steam or dry-clean everything the day before.
Get Your Accessories Right
The same guidelines also apply to accessories. Keep them:
- Simple
- Purposeful
Consider:
- Simple earrings
- A discreet necklace
- A formal watch
These elements can provide polish.But you don’t want to overpower your face.
Avoid anything that catches light unexpectedly. Every accessory in a headshot should support the overall impression you’re making. Not be the first thing everyone observes.
Get Your Grooming Right in the Days Leading Up to the Shoot
Avoid the day-of-the-shoot hairstyle or grooming choices. They tend to be worse than the days before.
Try to get a haircut a few days before. Not the day of. Fresh cuts might feel a bit different in the first few days, and after a few days it will look flattering!
For women, a professional blowout the morning of the shoot is worth the investment. Hair generally holds a shape for a good studio session.
In the run-up to the shoot:
- Increase water intake
- Up your moisturizing routine
This is to make sure that your skin is well hydrated. You want a more even headshot.
Sleep Well the Night Before
Late nights, alcohol the night before, and interrupted sleep are evident in photos and difficult to fix. Especially in the eyes.
Be disciplined! The same as you would before a crucial board meeting or a big pitch.
When you come in tired, you will look tired in the headshot. The camera does not lie.
Come Early and Take Time to Settle In
Mornings in Manhattancan be unpredictable. You’re already at a disadvantage if you arrive late. You will already be frazzled and panicked.
Allow for additional travel time. You could arrive at the studio 10-15 minutes before. Take advantage of that buffer to:
- Go to the bathroom
- Check out your outfit
- Have a glass of water
- Calm down from the commute
A good photographer will make you feel at ease during the shoot. But having a calm approach allows you a head start.
Understand Angles and Practice Your Expressions!
You don’t have to memorize poses. But 10 minutes in front of the mirror in the lead-up to the session can be really helpful.
Determine the angle that is the most comfortable for your face. The most natural one. Practice a confident and approachable expression. Not the strained smile that most people get when a camera suddenly appears.
The best headshot expression is typically an honest one that is:
- Relaxed
- Present
- Slightly warmer.
Be Open with Your Photographer
A premium headshot photographer is a collaborator. You should openly communicate with them. Explain your:
- Objective
- Concerns
- The sites the images will be published
- Your preference on how you want to appear and feel in the final images.
If you’ve not already, discuss your goals. The more context they have, the better they are able to make decisions about:
- Lighting
- Framing
- Direction choices for your particular needs
The Takeaway
Preparation is the difference between a good and an exceptional corporate headshot. The camera captures what you bring into the room:
- Your clarity of purpose
- Your physical presentation
- Your energy
- Your confidence
Put in the time in the days before your session, and you’ll be prepared to create photos that accurately reflect your identity and career goals. A premium Manhattan headshot session is intended to accomplish just that.
