A guide to a headshot session with Kate McNeil Photography

​Although I'm known mainly as a baby, family and branding photographer, headshots is also an area of photography that I offer and really enjoy!  

I thought it may be useful to create this blog to give you some information in preparation for your upcoming headshot session.

​People in all walks and stages of life will need a headshot at some point - whether you're a CEO, or you run your own business by yourself, or you're starting a job hunt and need a professional image on your LinkedIn, application form, or even on your CV - whatever your reason for needing an up-to-date headshot, this is your chance to make a good first impression. 

For a successful shoot, which will give you great images to be proud of, take a look at my top tips below:

What to expect
I offer headshots both in clients offices and at my home studio.  We will work together to get a variety of different looks in your gallery - whether it's the darker, more corporate feel you like, or the light, bright and airy images you're after, we can work together to try and accommodate your ideas .  When we meet we'll discuss the type of images you prefer and how I'll work with various angles and poses to get the desired look that you're after.  You may want to have an extra tie, sweater or jacket so that we can try some different looks in the images as well.  
Once the shoot is over I will then edit the images and put them in a gallery for you to view and download in your own time.

Outdoor or studio?
Studio sessions are done in the home studio, with backdrops and off camera lighting, which gives a very corporate, professional look.  Alternatively, you may wish to have your shoot take place in your workplace or even an outdoor headshot, with soft natural light and beautiful green backgrounds - this gives a more friendly, approachable feel to the picture.  Whichever you'd prefer just let me know and we can plan accordingly.

What to wear
Colour is really important, along with pattern - or lack of!  Choose an outfit that doesn't distract the eye from your face, so little or no pattern is preferred, solid colours work well, along with colours that you know work well with your skin tone.  If you're unsure which colour(s) work well for you, take a look at this website, which has some great information.
As headshots are just that - usually from your torso upwards, it's always best to choose tops with long or 3/4 length sleeves and outfits that are well tailored to your body and not baggy or loose fitting.

What to bring
Apart from an extra tie, sweater or jacket, you'll just need to bring some styling products such as your brush/comb and lip salve/gloss (chapped or sore lips need to be avoided!) - and of course, a relaxed, confident smile!

Professional hair and make-up
If you're not very confident in styling your hair and doing your make-up to a good standard, it will always be a good idea to hire a hair and make-up artist to really make you feel amazing, and this in itself will give you confidence when having your photos taken.  It's by no means essential, but more of a personal preference.  ​Locally we have some amazing contacts, try Jo Budden or Daisy Jade

Preparing for your shoot
Before the shoot there are several things you can do to prepare yourself for the session.
#1 Plan ahead - think about where you are going to use your headshot images and let me know the look and feel that you are after.
#2 Get your outfit ready - try this on a few days before the shoot, make sure there are no gaps in shirts/blouses, they fit well and add an accessory if you feel this compliments the look. Don't leave it until one hour before the shoot, to then find out you don't feel happy with the outfit - feeling stressed or sweaty is not conducive to a good shoot!
#3 Drink lots the days before your shoot - clear bright skin always looks great and it's amazing how drinking lots of water and eating healthily affects your skin.

You haven't yet booked your shoot so what do you need to do?
Great!  All you need to do is send me a message (just click the link below), let me know your preferred dates and times and I will respond within a few hours and book you in!

​And that's it!  Great headshot images will give you confidence and make you come across as professional, approachable and will elevate your professional image. 

​Message me! I look forward to hearing from you!

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