(1) Take It From The Top: You want to look your best, so pay extra attention to your grooming before your portrait session. If you need a fresh haircut, have it done a few days ahead. You are responsible for your hair. If your skin is oily, shiny or perspires heavily, you should dust it lightly with cosmetic powder. This goes for men, too. Men: you may want to shave an hour before your appointment to avoid the “five o’clock shadow” look. If you wear a beard or mustache, they should be neatly trimmed. If you normally wear eyeglasses they should be part of your portrait. However, we recommend you ask your optometrist to loan you a frame with no lenses for your portrait.
(2) Make up services: You may choose to hire a professional makeup artist to come to your portrait session or a second option is to make an appointment at either a department store cosmetic counter or a M.A.C. Makeup store at half the cost. You just have to allow for extra time prior to your portrait session. Lastly, while photographers cannot duplicate all their expert services, when budget is an issue, we have asked clients to (1) put on their own makeup as usual with one extra layer of foundation all over the face and down into the neckline area if visible and (2) put on your blush as usual but bring your blush-on and lipstick with you to the studio for final application. Men should know that your face may be powdered to minimize facial shine.
(3) Jewelry: Jewelry styles change from small and stylish to large and chunky. But generally when you are having a portrait made we recommend that necklaces be worn short, along the neckline of the blouse. Pins can be attractive but need to be fairly large to show up in the picture. Earrings need to separate from your hair and as told to me by image consultant, Sandy Dumont, big post-style silver or gold earrings look best if you wish a formal, powerful image. In fact, she advises executive women wear post style earrings when meeting with executive men as they find the dangling earrings extremely distracting.
(4) Look Your Best: Do not wear old outdated garments, hair or accessories suggest that your skills are also dated. Choose clothing that flatters your face. Mid-range neutral solid colors are best for close-up headshots for both men and women. To be blunt, bright whites will give the impression of an additional ten pounds to your frame; plaids and patterns can appear to add on five pounds. You want to draw attention to your face and use your clothing as a frame. Simple, classic styles will not look dated as styles change. Watch out for fabrics that wrinkle badly. A good fit is important for your suit and shirt/blouse. The camera will show if your clothing is either too tight or drapes poorly on your body. If you have an afternoon portrait session, you may want to consider bringing a fresh shirt to wear. If you choose not to wear a suit or jacket, remember that some whites or light pastel shirts tend to look washed out and draw attention away from your face. A better choice for business casual is a jacket with an open shirt or sweater.
(5) Casual or Dressy: No matter the size of your body, you can look and feel professional by selecting quality clothing and accessories that compliment your best features. Some may say there is a double standard in professional attire for men and women. Experts suggest that men who dress in more formal, boardroom attire create the appearance of a highly credible expert. Conversely, women look more professional and credible in high fashion styles that are distinctive and well tailored. Strive for classy, not flashy. Do not diminish your image by dressing too casual or too feminine. It is better to error on the side of dressing your best so that you convey your best image than appearing too casual and having potential contacts dismiss you even before your important contact has been made.
see photo sample portfolio at
www.inbeautephoto.comcontinued on next blog, see Part Three
