Preparing for your Headshot, Portrait Photoshoot

Self-image is just an opinion, how you think you look

is not a fact, just a perception.

Others may have opinions about how you look,

about the person you are, your overall personality,

not how you literally look – your nose, your chin, eyes etc.

Others don't care about the flaws you think you have,

not as much as you think because

they are preoccupied with their own flaws.

Knowing this you will be at peace.

Ignoring this you will suffer endless anxiety.

~ Ravi Putcha (that's me in the spirit of Tao Te Chin by Lao Tsu)

Self-image

Through years of photographing people, I noticed how people worry needlessly and endlessly about their chin, nose, forehead, their hair or lack of it, their head being disproportionally big or small compared to their body...(the list is endless). In fact others hardly notice these flaws, even if they do, it doesn't matter, not as much as we think.

• A few criticize you for your physical flaws that you have no control over, you didn't opt for - they are just pushing your buttons, exercising control over your emotions. Learn to ignore them.

• The majority don't notice or care or both

  
  

In any case...

When you argue with reality, you lose, but only 100% of the time

~ Byron Katie

If we can learn not to worry too much about these minute details, we can be happier. Not worrying is the first step. Accepting ourselves as is the next step. Some one who's not self conscious can be peaceful and mentally present.

The secret sauce of getting great portraits is in your head. If you are comfortable with who you are and the way you look (whatever may be that adjective you use for yourself secretly) it is easy to get great portraits and headshots that you love. Here are a couple of short videos for you - please watch them if you have time or scroll down.

Why Prepare? What Happens If You Don’t?

Good photos are a result of thoughtful preparation both by you and me, the photographer. Before the shoot, I get to understand what you need, I guide you with preparation that's 20% my part and 80% yours. During the shoot, I guide you and you work with me and we share the responsibility 50% each and after that post production is my responsibility (80%) and your put your portraits to use.

This is how your and my responsibilities vary before, during and after the shoot.

We are talking about your 80% responsibility before the shoot in this blog post. Your preparation or lack of it can make or break the photo shoot. The difference is either we finish the shoot with a set of best photos of you or with photos you don't like. No amount of artistic skill I bring to the shoot can help if you are not in your best possible grooming and attire.

If you are well prepared, you will feel confident and comfortable and that shows in your body language.  Otherwise, you'd be feeling insecure and struggling to hide things you don't like, your inner voice nagging, pulling and tugging at you...it's miserable, trust me...I had been there, I can tell you were there too sometime back, at least once.

Do you want to go there again? I don't think you do. 

Now are we clear that preparation is mandatory? Lets move on.

4 Most Common Fails in Photoshoots

(in the descending order of frequency)

1. Ill-fitting clothes: This is the most commonly observed issue because most people underestimate the negative effect of ill fitting clothes. Here are videos, (one for women and the other for men) that explain how to recognize ill fitting clothes and how to fix this issue.

   
   

2. Old, worn-out clothes: You love that top or that jacket, you have good memories associated with it, I get it, but you haven't perhaps noticed that the edges are fraying, the stitching is coming off, the color has faded already and that “thrill is gone!” (remember that BB King’s fantastic song?). Hey, you are not married to it, just donate it and fall in love with a new one.

3. Bad makeup: Foundation shade that doesn't match the skin color, poorly applied, going overboard with eye shade (Ladies, lipstick smeared over the eye lids? No, please don’t do that!). This is a commonly seen issue in photoshoots. Please avoid eye shade altogether if you are thinking about it – this is not a bridal shoot.

Please get a water-based foundation (matte lipstick please! – this is your excuse to get a new shade, go ahead!), thank you!

4. Poorly applied hair dye: Botched attempts at dyeing one's hair with forehead and ears stained or un-dyed roots. Here are two videos that have useful tips to avoid dyeing mishaps.

Please do this a day before the shoot & on the day of the shoot (I highly recommend these)

A day before the shoot:

a.       Avoid alcohol

b.       Keep hydrated

c.       Sleep well and completely (whatever your quota is 7, 8 hrs)

On the day of the shoot, BEFORE the shoot:

a.     Avoid heavy lifting, strength training, intense yoga or cardio BEFORE the shoot – that might dehydrate you, might make you feel tired. Keep it light or do it AFTER the shoot

b.    Continue hydrating, eat light

c.    Keep a hand towel (or two), a bottle of water, your comb, lip balm

Grooming & Attire

Here’s the fork in the road.

Ladies click here

Gentlemen: continue reading...

Attire

If you have time, head over to Suits Expert (click here), if you don't let's move on.

​​Shirts: Shirts with tight collar (if you can't close the collar button, it is too tight) and shorter sleeves don't look good. Please avoid tight shirts - if you can see the bulge of your paunch in the mirror, it is tight, no good! Solid colors do good, pin stripes too. Shirts with double cuffs, are great! ​

Avoid Giza cotton shirts, you can afford them, I get it but they crumple easily and are a nightmare for photo shoots.

No half sleeve shirts please!

Mandarin collars have their place not in a formal attire (unless you are going for Chinese formal attire)

​Blazers/Coats/Jackets: Please get a well-fitting jacket, please! I can't stress this enough. Don't borrow someone else's jacket, most likely it won't fit you. If you can't close the buttons standing up, it is too tight. Tight jackets look bad, period. If you already have one or many, get it/them dry cleaned and pressed before the shoot. 

No tuxedos please, are you kidding me? Tuxedos are not jackets, they are not coats, they are not blazers either.

Ties, Tie Pins, Cuff links, Pocket Squares: Decide the shirt, trousers, tie, pocket square combination beforehand. Contrasting tie and pocket squares are good. Tie pins may not show unless you are going to get a shot without your jacket/coat. 

Trousers & Belts: Tight trousers accentuate your paunch. Please get a pair of well-fitting trousers you are comfortable in. Don't forget the belt - of color that matches your shoes. The belt needs to fit well too.

​Shoes: Same color as the belt of your choice. In full length portraits and in seating portraits, they show. Get them camera ready.

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Grooming

​Haircut and Dye: if it is more than 3 weeks since your last hair cut, get one done. and the dye as well, if you are into dyeing your hair.

​Moustache, Beard and Eyebrows: Trim a day before the shoot. Don't put it off till the day of the shoot, you may not find time for that. If you are into trimming eyebrows, check. Otherwise we are good!

​Hair on Ears, on and in the Nose: a reality for some men. Those pesky fellows peek out of nowhere. Ask your mirror if this needs attention as well.

Here's a great 6 minute video by Ashley Weston, celebrity men's wear stylist.  If you are serious about dressing according to your body type here are two useful videos. 

Ladies

Please click here to check her checklist my friend and colleague Emily prepared. After you are done, come back to check out these videos about everyday, business makeup.

Here's a great video about dressing up:

And here are a couple more about body types and dressing up according to your body type:

If you have an questions, please don't hesitate to call me or message me.

Thank you and see you!