HEADSHOT PREP GUIDE

This isn’t your typical prep guide — and your session shouldn’t feel typical either. A great headshot is more than just a nice photo. It’s often your very first impression with casting directors, agents, producers, brands, and potential clients. The goal is to create authentic, confident, casting-friendly imagery that still feels polished, cinematic, and true to you. Preparation matters more than most people realize, and the better prepared you are, the stronger your final images will be.

THE GOAL OF A GREAT HEADSHOT

The focus of a headshot should always be YOU — your eyes, expression, personality, and presence. Wardrobe, styling, and lighting should support the image, not distract from it. The strongest headshots feel natural, believable, confident, and effortless while still standing out professionally.

WHAT TO BRING

• Multiple solid-color wardrobe options

• Layers and jacket options

• Neutral undergarments

• A dark pair of jeans or simple pants

• Water/snacks if desired

• Any wardrobe requested by your agent or manager

• Inspiration/reference images if you have them

Please bring more wardrobe than you think you’ll need. Sometimes pieces that look great in person don’t photograph as well on camera — and vice versa.

WARDROBE TIPS

Solid colors almost always photograph best.

Avoid:
• Busy patterns

• Logos

• Large graphics

• Neon colors

• Distracting text

Textures and layers can work beautifully, but overly busy clothing can pull focus away from your face. Earth tones and colors that complement your eyes, skin tone, and hair generally work best. If you have brown eyes, greens, blues, and lighter earth tones often photograph very well. Simple white, black, and grey shirts are always great staples to bring. Layering jackets, overshirts, hoodies, or textured pieces can help create additional variety and character types within your session.

HOW MANY CLOTHING OPTIONS SHOULD I BRING?

1 LOOK SESSION

Bring approximately 5–6 tops/options

2 LOOK SESSION

Bring approximately 6–8 tops/options

3 LOOK SESSION

Bring approximately 7–10 tops/options

More options give us more flexibility and allow us to create stronger variety throughout your shoot.

FIT & STYLING

Well-fitted clothing photographs significantly better than oversized or wrinkled clothing. Please steam or iron wardrobe before your session if possible. Avoid overly distracting accessories or styling choices that may pull attention away from your expression.

Necklines matter more than most people realize in headshots:
• V-necks can help elongate the neck

• Scoop necks can highlight collarbones

• Layers can add dimension and personality

Women are encouraged to bring nude, black, and white undergarments to maximize wardrobe flexibility.

SKIN, REST & PREPARATION

Preparation leading into your shoot can dramatically improve final results.

We highly recommend:
• Drinking plenty of water leading up to your session

• Getting proper rest the night before

• Avoiding excessive alcohol or smoking prior to the shoot

• Moisturizing skin regularly in the days before your session

Please avoid:
• Spray tans

• Botox

• Skin peels

• Cosmetic procedures

• Aggressive facials

• New skincare routines

for at least 2 weeks before your session (preferably longer). Skin irritation, peeling, bruising, swelling, or reactions caused by cosmetic treatments can negatively impact the final images and may require additional retouching fees if correction is possible.

DAY OF SHOOT EXPECTATIONS

• Please arrive camera-ready and on time

• Hair & makeup services must be booked in advance

• Wardrobe changes should be planned and efficient to maximize shooting time

• Please avoid arriving with wrinkled clothing, visible skin irritation, or fresh cosmetic procedures

• If bringing an outside hair/makeup artist, all prep must be completed before arrival unless approved in advance

• Phones should remain silenced during the session to help maintain focus and flow

• Additional editing may be required (and billed accordingly) for issues caused by tanning, cosmetic procedures, damaged wardrobe, or excessive skin irritation

• Josh will help guide wardrobe selections, posing, expression, and image direction throughout the session to create the strongest final portfolio possible

RETOUCHING PHILOSOPHY

Retouching is designed to keep you looking like your best natural self while maintaining authentic, casting-friendly imagery. Final images are professionally polished without overly altering appearance or removing defining features that make you unique. The goal is natural, believable, professional imagery — not artificial or over-edited photos.

RAW IMAGE DELIVERY

Proof galleries and RAW image deliveries are intended primarily for image selection purposes. Final retouched images represent the completed professional product and are recommended for public-facing promotional use whenever possible. Please choose your retouched image selections within 30 days of gallery delivery.

MEN

• Bring a few simple dress shirt options if wanting commercial/business looks

• Freshly groom facial hair photographs best

• If planning both clean-shaven and scruffy looks, bring shaving supplies

• If coloring hair, please make sure roots are addressed before the shoot

WOMEN

• Professional hair & makeup is highly recommended

• Bring a variety of flattering necklines and layers

• Avoid excessive shimmer makeup or SPF-heavy products if possible

• If coloring hair, please address visible roots prior to the shoot

CHILDREN

• Solid colors photograph best

• Avoid logos and patterns

• Bring simple, comfortable wardrobe options with variety

IF YOU HAVE AN AGENT…

Ask your agent what types or looks they feel are missing from your current portfolio. Think about the roles you realistically see yourself booking and the characters you naturally fit. The best headshots feel authentic to who you are while still giving range and versatility.

PLEASE NOTE

Headshots are collaborative. Preparation, wardrobe choices, hydration, rest, and openness to direction all play a major role in creating the strongest final images possible. The more prepared you are, the more freedom we have creatively during your session — and the stronger your final portfolio will be.