Preparing for your Headshot Session with Wendy
First, thank you so much for choosing WVP for your headshots!
Use this page as a guide to prepare, but please know that you are ALWAYS welcome to contact Wendy and discuss any questions or concerns you have. From wardrobe worries to narrowing down the details, she is always available to help via phone call or text or email.
Please fill out the form at the bottom so that Wendy can prepare and be ready for you on the day of your session.
I’m excited to create images that are authentic and representative of you, your personality, and your business.
What type of headshot is best for you and your business?
Traditional Headshots
This is the most common style of headshot out there. These are usually done in studio with a neutral background. Traditional headshots are usually cropped vertically from the shoulders up, and focus on the face of the subject.
Traditional headshots are often used by companies to present their employees , but it is also used on social media sites, such as Linked-in and Twitter, and as a profile picture.
Editorial Headshots
These shots are for those of you who want to get a little creative! There are several ways to make your headshot more editorial- the crop, the background, the pose, and even where the subject is looking can make a headshot look more editorial.
If you want your headshot to stand out or if you want a more unique and less traditional look, these are the portraits for you.
Environmental Headshots
Headshots taken outside of the studio (or in your “environment”) are known as environmental headshots. It can be indoors or outdoors, and can be shot with natural or artificial light to create whatever type of photo you’re looking for. These are usually more casual photos, and are perfect if you’re looking to portray friendliness and openness. This can also be perfect if you’re looking to show off exactly what your business is. For example, if you’re a chef or catering company, we can take photos in your chef’s hat and coat with your kitchen as the background.
What to Expect the Day of Your Session
My office is located at 250 W. Main Street in Turlock, California. There is no parking on Main Street, but there’s a large parking lot in the back of the building. You can access that lot from Lander Avenue or Locust Avenue.
Your session will last approximately 45 to 50 minutes. Please be on time so we can get started and get everything done within your session time.
You should arrive with your hair and makeup done unless you’ve arranged beforehand with Wendy to have the makeup artist at the studio.
Here’s a synopsis of how the session will go so that you have an idea of what to expect:
First 10 minutes: Wardrobe consultation with Wendy. We will narrow your outfits to two choices.
Next 15 to 25 minutes: Session time! Wendy will work to quickly guide you through a few different poses in each outfit. Wendy keeps the session conversational and comfortable. Hopefully the result will be images that you love.
Final 10 to 15 minutes: Your Ordering Appointment. We will quickly review the images and narrow them down to the images you love the most. Once you’ve chosen your favorites you’re free to go!
After the session: Wendy will edit the images you’ve chosen! Within 1 week you’ll receive your digital files and within 2 weeks you’ll receive any prints you may have purchased.
Matching Your Headshot with Your Brand or Business:
It’s important to think about your brand or business before you get your headshot taken. If you’re an actor, your headshot is going to be very different from a lawyer, and a realtor is going to want a different look than a chef.
Especially if you own your own business, it’s important to think about how you want to make your potential client feel when they see your photo. Do you want them to see your professionalism? Your warmth? Your creativity? Your fun and free spirit? No matter your profession, Wendy can create a look that can portray the image you want.
If you work within a national corporation or franchise, you might have specific guidelines for your portrait. Wendy is happy to create an image within whatever parameters you have, just let her know what they are. We can still find ways to let your personality shine through!
What to Wear and How to Plan your Wardrobe
Choose 3 or 4 options to bring with you on the day of your session. Right before we begin, Wendy will help you narrow down your options to 2 choices that will flatter you and look great on camera.
The ultimate goal with any headshot session is to make you appear confident so that the focus is YOU, not your clothing. With that said, your clothing choices can help you look and feel your best, and Wendy will help you with the final decisions on the day of your session.
Here’s some General Wardrobe tips to consider when you decide what to bring:
Solid Colors look great in headshots, if you want to wear a pattern, keep it simple.
Make sure your clothing is clean and pressed before the shoot. You’d be surprised what a difference it makes in your photos!
Try to avoid trendy looks, as you want your headshot to last and be timeless.
Don’t worry too much about shoes, as most of the time they won’t show in your photos.
Bring a lint brush with you or a lint roller for any last minute touch ups.
Decide whether you want a corporate look or a business casual look.
With jewelry, you want to keep it simple. Feel free to bring options for earrings, bracelets, and necklaces with you. They add interest to most photos. If you don’t normally wear jewelry, this will not apply to you.
Tips for the Corporate Look for Women:
If you choose a tailored suit, make sure the jacket fits your body perfectly. Gray, blues, black with tailored details are great accents for this type look.
Silky fabric can be really complementary underneath your jacket. Silky fabric looks great on camera. A solid colored top or silky accents always add interest to the photo. Some flattering colors for most skin types are: Eggplant, Indian Teal, and Mellow Rose
Make sure to wear proper undergarments.
Business Casual Look for Women:
Wrap dresses or tops that wrap around your waist are a flattering cut for any type of body or shape.
V-Necks s elongate the neck and are a great choice. A complimentary colored tank top that goes underneath the top can also add dimension to your outfit.
Layering with a cardigan or jacket adds interest to your photo.
Belts are always great to have for the occasional medium shots.
Corporate Look for Men:
A tailored suit with a crisp and pressed dress shirt are a classic option.
Feel free to bring several tie options, all which complement the shirt(s) you are bringing.
For a more stylized and polished look, bring a pocket square or suit vest.
Colors that look great on most skin types are french blue, or white underneath a dark grey, navy blue, or black suit jacket.
Unless it is an important part of your brand, checkered or plaid suits are not advisable.
Business Casual Look for Men:
Dress shirts without a jacket and tie is always a classic, but casual look.
Solid colored sweaters with a collared shirt underneath are great for a relaxed look
Make sure that any shirt you choose fits you well
Unless it’s a work uniform, avoid polo shirts. Button up shirts are usually more flattering than a polo shirt.