Preparing for a Headshot or Portrait session

Here are some suggestions to help you prepare for your headshot or portrait session.

Locations

Whether you choose to have your shoot in studio or on location is a matter of personal choice and partly dependent on what kind of look you are trying to achieve. A studio offers the benefit of air conditioning which is nice in Manila’s heat. On the other hand we are blessed with a huge variety of outdoor shooting locations which can add a real flair and sense of place to your images that a studio just can't match.

For studio shoots there is an additional charge for studio rental. For outdoor locations many places that you might like to shoot are free of charge, while some others, a museum for example, may incur a fee to the venue. You may have your own ideas or preferences for locations that will give the kind of look that you are trying to achieve, if not I can run any number of options past you for consideration. 

Clothing

It is usually best to avoid baggy clothes and bright patterns. Solid colors are better than checks or stripes. Your clothes should fit well so that you don't appear like you are wearing a bag. Dark colors (deep red, blue, green, black) usually are the best but sometimes bright colors can be amazing. Try to choose colors that compliment and bring out your eyes, for blue eyes include grey or blue tops for example. Generally keep tops darker than your skin tone. Bring a few tops in a variety of necklines, we may not use them all but variety is a good option to have.

For women sheer material can be nice and spaghetti strap tops, scoop and V necks and singlet tops can all work well. Importantly bring whatever makes you feel handsome or beautiful, even if it contradicts everything I have written!

Bring a comfortable pair of shoes and a pair of well fitting pants such as jeans. Women, if you like the feel of a good pair of heels have a pair handy.

If your session is for a corporate look then bring a small selection of formal and informal business clothing that follows the above ideas.

Hair and Make Up

If you are including a hair and make up artist in your shoot please show up with your hair as close to "audition ready" as possible and your stylist will take it from there. If you are not including a hair and make up stylist please arrive with your hair good to go and with light or subtle makeup already applied. A quick touch up before we start and you're off to the races.

Relaxation

You might like to bring some of your own music along to help you to get in the groove, otherwise I have a fine collection that your parents would love!

Make sure to get a good nights sleep the night before your shoot, making sure that you are well rested and in a good mood and I will take care of everything else.

Finally please arrive on time. The time allotted begins when the session is scheduled to start.