NSP SESSION PLANNING Guide

HEADSHOTS

Within this guide, you will find information on what to expect and how to prepare for your photo session! We know it can be stressful to be photographed, which is why we are here to help! Below you’ll find information on what to wear, choosing locations, hair & makeup styling, what props to bring, what to expect throughout the entire process with our studio, how to use your images, and a pre-shoot checklist. From start to finish, we’ve got you covered! Read on to get started crafting the shoot of your dreams.

What to Expect

Headshot Photography Features

CHOOSE THREE WORDS

At the beginning of your shoot, we’ll ask you to name three adjectives you’d like your finished shot to portray. Give this some thought ahead of time! This is a great way to be sure these shots are as “you” as possible.

FINAL USE

Think of all the different uses you may have for your finished images, and make sure your preparation efforts suit them well.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH

You’re going to love the finished images! If you do need additional help preparing for your shoot, we’re always just an email away!

What to Wear

Wardrobe & Accessories

When selecting clothing, it’s important to take color, fit and pattern into account.

COLOR

We are BIG fans of color, so don’t shy away from something bold - it add interest to your photos, and can be an excellent way to incorporate your personal or professional brand colors. A standard black jacket is a headshot mainstay, but color is a quick and easy way to stand out and help create a more memorable headshot.

PATTERN

Patterns should generally be simple and not too, contrasty as they tend to be distracting from your face. There are of course exceptions to every rule, so if you’ve got your heart set on something, bring it along or send us a photo in advance so we can help advise!

FIT

Fit is an important part of looking your best in your headshot. In general, clothing that closely follows the actual shape of your body is most flattering in photos. Anything that is too flowy especially can quickly lose shape and result in you looking messy. Clothing that is incredible too tight can also be problematic, although don’t worry if your clothing doesn’t fit exactly perfectly in either direction, we have a few styling and posing tricks up our sleeves for items that fit a little to snug or too loose.

Number of Outfits

The NUMBER of outfits you’ll be photographed in depends on the session that you (or your company) has booked.

INdividual BASIC

Wear your best look, bring one extra look, and a few different accessories to change it up!

individual DELUXE

Wear your best look and bring up to 4 other outfit options that speak to your brand and your goals. You will be photographed in up to 3 outfits.

CORPORATE OR “MINI” FUNDRAISER EVENTS

Wear your (one) outfit, and bring accessories as options.

Get Ready

Styling Tips

Grooming

Grooming issues are some of the hardest to fix in retouching, so don’t leave them to chance. Make sure your fingernails, lashes and eyebrows / facial hair are in order and how you like them. You don’t need to do anything significantly more than you usually would, just make sure they are the best version of whatever is in your wheelhouse!

Makeup

Wear your makeup the way you normally would, with a little more time and attention paid to making your eyes pop (don’t forget that mascara!). Skip any products with glitter or sparkles, because the reflective flecks will photograph poorly (shimmer eye shadows are fine!). Feel free to bring a change of lip color as well. If you love a strong lip but don’t want it in every shot, we’ll start without it and have you add it part way through!

HAIR

This is not a good time to try a new hairstyle! It’s important that your images look like you and that you feel confident in them. If your hair is very short, a 1-2 week old cut is usually best so that it has had time to grow out a little. Do what you usually do, just a bit more

polished and ideally without flyaways. Feel free to bring a brush or hairspray with you, but any hot tools (straightening iron or curling iron) should be used before you arrive.

HIRE A PRO

If you have a team you normally work with, that’s great! If not, our studio works closely with Chrissy from Special Occasion Hair Design - she does both hair and makeup. We can coordinate this directly for you, just let us know. She is well-versed in a wide range of styles, skin tones, hair textures, and will make sure you look like the best version of YOU :)

Headshot Photo Checklist for Success

“Pressed and wrinkle-free, on hangers or neatly packed in a suitcase. Make sure you have shoes and shape-wear as desired! ”

— Outfits

“Don’t forget your scarves, belts, earrings, necklaces, watch, etc.”

— Accessories

“Check that mirror and grab any tools you might need during your shoot (hairbrush, lipstick, etc!). ”

— Grooming

“Don’t forget the most important thing you can bring to your shoot: YOU! We will take care of you and make sure your headshot photos capture your true essence and that your personality shines through. We will direct you through every single step of the shoot—we can’t wait!”

— Excitement