Blazers and jackets are very flattering in photos - anything with a moderately open neckline (v-necks, crews, boat necks, etc.). Try to avoid turtlenecks and low-plunging necklines.

If you’d like different ‘looks,’ you can change or remove top layers in between shots. Consider bringing a few layers, to provide variety.

If in doubt, tighter-fitting clothing looks better than loose and baggy. If you’re self-conscious about your waistline, no worries; a little Photoshop goes a long way. :) And most head shots do not include the waist, anyway. 

Notes for Women’s Wardrobe-
- Consider keeping the neckline simple, so as not to detract attention away from your face.  Shiny buttons, strings, bows, etc. will add clutter to the image. 
- Try to avoid sleeveless shirts; most women end up not choosing the photos that highlight their upper arms.
- For jewelry, you want it large enough to be visible, but small enough not to become the main focus of the image. If you have dark hair, consider wearing shiny or light pieces, so they are more visible.
- Please note that sweaters and cardigans can sometimes come off as matronly, so make sure you are truly going for cozy-casual if you wear a sweater.

Notes for Men’s Wardrobe-
- Collared shirts, suit jackets, and blazers are traditional outfits that look very professional in photos. If you need something more casual, aim for a stylish jacket (not a suit jacket).
- For collared shirts, it looks better when there is not a large gap between the collar and the neck. 
- Tie or no tie? Your choice! Please make sure it is straight ahead of time; I have still not acquired tie-straightening skills. :)

Glasses
If you wear glasses that transition to sunglasses, please note that they will be sunglasses in the photos, even if we are indoors (due to my lighting equipment). If possible, choose a different pair of glasses. If you don’t have a second pair, please keep them away from the daylight for a minutes before we begin, and we will just take breaks during the session to lighten them up.

Please clean your glasses before your session. The camera picks up all kinds of smears and dust specks!

Hair
If you would like to have your hair professionally styled beforehand, make sure not to change your look too dramatically, and make sure to choose a look that you can maintain. You want to be true to yourself, and recognizable to others from your online photo. 

Please note that photoshopping grey hair is not included in my retouching services. If you are concerned about greys, please visit a salon ahead of time. Thank you!

Hair up or down? For traditional head shots, where you are usually looking at the camera, hair down tends to photograph better. Hair in a bun or ponytail is fine, but sometimes it will look like you have short hair or no hair. That being said, if you NEVER wear your hair down, don’t do it! You do you!

Bring along combs or any hair products your are accustomed to, just in case we’re outside and it’s breezy. 

Facial Hair (Ladies too!)
Depending on the light, chin hairs and other facial hair (even peach fuzz) can show more than you think. This product is incredible for gently removing peach fuzz.

Any facials, waxing, or other major grooming should be done a few days in advance, so that your skin has a chance to recover.

Make-Up
Foundation should not be applied too strongly. If you have any blemishes, it’s easier for me to re-touch them in Photoshop when there isn’t a lot of make-up over them. Choose thinner foundation, as thick foundation settles into your creases and makes you look older.
For under-eye areas, don’t worry too much about covering up bags and dark circles, etc., with more make-up than you usually use. Photoshop is amazing and I touch up that area on almost all adults.
Wear make-up in neutral tones and a touch darker than you normally wear, but don’t experiment too heavily, or you’ll end up rubbing your face raw right before the shoot!

If you can’t decide about make-up, or you usually don’t wear make-up, lipstick adds a lot, as well as mascara, to add definition. 

Don’t stress!
These are just guidelines. The only bad head shot I have ever taken in my life (that I know of) was the time a client wore a sweater with an opossum on it.

So you will be fine! Basically, avoid rodents, and everything will be amazing. :)

If you have any questions at all, send me an email. I’m happy to help!
Looking forward to our session,

Erielle

Owner and Photographer
Erielle Bakkum Photography
Head Shots • Events • Families • Newborns