Make-up
Natural is best for professional portraits. You’ll want to achieve a natural even skin tone. Unless your look is crazy and out there.
Hands
Fingers / toes should be clean and groomed
Hair
Organise your facials or haircuts a week before the shoot date. This gives a little bit of time for your hair to grow out. Also, time to postpone the shoot should you hate you’re hair dresser’s work that much.
Brush your hair. Don’t forget to bring your trusty brush or comb for the shoot.
Start with your hair down and towards the end of the shoot tie your hair up for a more casual look.
Wardrobe
Have as many or little wardrobe changes as you like. The more clothes, the greater variety for your photos.
Organise everything that you want to wear the night before. Be sure it’s all cleaned, pressed and lint free. This saves on having to purchase retouching.
Choose clothing thats relative simple and not over crazy. Your clothes should be free of logos, unless its your own. You should also steer clear of busy prints and loud. (Unless its your personal style).
Start simple and slowly build up the layers of your wardrobe changes.
Unlike most photographers, I’m pretty easy going with clothing. I would prefer that you’re dressed to be the real you, not my ideal wardrobe to photograph. Dress the way people perceive, see and remember you. It’s your brand.
And for guys
Your facial hair should be neat. A good hair day. If you’re not normally shaven or go for the 5 o'clock shadow you could go for few ‘raw’ shots and then shave to include a smoother look. (BYO shaving kit and let me know if you’re planning something like this). Of course this option only works if you’ve planned for the extra time to shave and a suitable location.
Post created by Wellington headshots photographer, Tim Morrison