Pre-Session checklist

Thanks for booking your headshot session with Headshot Laboratory. Our studio is comfortable and fully equipped with professional equipment. We have a clothing rack for your wardrobe options, a change room and make-up area, and a comfortable kitchen and lounge to enjoy a coffee or tea and a chat before your session. Everyone comments on how comfortable they feel when they arrive at the studio - and the session is so relaxed you will find that any pre-session worries are quickly forgotten!


Feel free to plan some of your favourite tunes so that we can listen to music you love - otherwise we can subject you to our favourites :) Shoots are tethered to a large screen so that clients can see the results as we shoot, and subjects are empowered to collaborate in the shoot to get the most effective range of genuine expressions and interesting looks. A mirror is available during the session so you can check for stray hairs or defiant collars! It's the small things that count. To ensure we have the most successful session, here are some suggestions for you, to help you plan and arrive well prepared for our shoot. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Before the session ::

• Make sure you are healthy - and drink your quota of water and get plenty of sleep

• Get your hair cut / coloured / trimmed / revitalised if necessary

• Tackle any unwanted facial hair (eyebrows / lip for the girls; shave for the boys) - avoid doing this on the day of the shoot to prevent any skin reactions

• Use lip balm in the days before the session to ensure lips are well moisturised

• If you wear glasses please please bring in an alternative pair in case we have issues with the shape and reflectivity of the lens

• Watch the 2 short video links below to help you understand expression management (it’s easier than it sounds)

On the day of the session ::

• If you have booked a hair / makeup artist, please arrive with clean hair and face - no sunscreen

• If you are doing your own hair / makeup, please prepare yourself with a clean, professional and natural look - as you would for an interview or casting session - no sunscreen

• Prepare the clothing you will bring to the session - select carefully (please see below) and please ensure tops are clean, and without damage or creases - or pet hair :)

• There is no need to wear any jewellery for your shoot - studs or loops are OK though

• Think positively and please don't worry about how you will look - we are trained to make you look your best and feel totally at ease :)

What to bring along to the shoot ::

necklines copy

• Please bring LOTS of tops for us to select from (no less than 6);

• Avoid strapless tops, unless you want to wear them under a jacket;

• Select SIMPLE tops, but also bring along all your favourites - anything you love and feel good in;

• Avoid sleeveless tops unless you are very confident with your upper arms - if you are then go for it, these are great!

• A variety of necklines please - see the guide here. If you're not sure, pack it anyway;

• Avoid any text and visible brands;

• Vibrant colours and busy patterns are fine if you love them;

• Avoid pictures or single designs;

• Select neutrals as well as colours that suit your eye, hair & skin colour - different textures are good too;

• It may be handy to have plain tight black or white thin-strapped tops to wear underneath other tops;

• Jackets are great too;

• Bring in all the tops that you feel confident and comfortable in;

• Hair ties if you want a hair-up option;

• Comfortable pants with pockets & comfy shoes;

• Retouch makeup as required.

Necklines ::

Here are some reasonably common necklines. You may already know what style suits you best, but it is worth reflecting on what options are available. Perhaps you haven't tried alternative styles that may actually be more flattering?

I've put a cross on the styles that are not suitable for a headshot - not because they are not flattering, but because they can make too big a statement. Please avoid these for your session, unless you love them to bits and want to wear them anyway.

I've put a question-mark on those that may look OK but could also be too complex and distracting. By all means bring these along but please don't rely on them exclusively.

The rest are all great - try to make sure you have a RANGE of different necklines that we can work with. If you only have one style option that will make our session too limited.

GUYS...

Please bring at east 2 different necklines for your shoot. Try the traditional round / crew neck and also a v-neck. Different colours and textures are great so that we have the maximum range to select from. A scoop neck could also work. See this link for more information.

Here is an interesting guide for collars and suits - lots of handy tips. Please make sure that jackets are a good fit. Jacket collars shouldn't stand away from the neck. Please make sure all tops are clean, and crinkle-free. If you want to bring along your shaving gear we could try a clean-shaven look at the end of the shoot, but be wary if your skin is sensitive and needs time to settle after shaving.

Helpful Links ::

Sam Oster (principal photographer at Headshot Laboratory) has trained under international headshot guru Peter Hurley, and is an active member of his Headshot Crew, a group of professional headshot photographers from around the world. Here are some of Peter Hurley's videos that can really help you to pose better for your headshot session. Don't worry, you will be carefully directed during the session to help you look your best.

• It’s all about the Jaw (Peter Hurley) - http://youtu.be/Qe3oJnFtA_k

• It’s all about the Squinch (Peter Hurley) - http://youtu.be/ff7nltdBCHs