How to Prepare for your In-Studio Lifestyle Shoot

May 12

Hello all! It’s Shannon your Raleigh studio and on location portrait photographer!

So you want to book your first Lifestyle Shoot with me, but you’re not sure how to prepare?

Pick three words that you would want employers, colleagues and your followers to use when describing you as a professional. Now, look at your current headshot. Does it convey those ideas? If not, how you would create a photo fitting that description? What would you wear? What facial expressions would best convey these qualities?

Communicate these thoughts with me and I will run you through a variety of poses, backgrounds, lighting - all to portray the person you want to highlight online!

What to wear to your headshot session

Be yourself with your style . You want it to be about you and not your clothes.

Think of clothes that have a contrasting neckline, contrasting colors, different shapes and different structures.

Choose clothing that is age-appropriate and fits well; make sure it is clean, neat, wrinkle-free that isn’t really old and worn.
The best part of this shoot is unlimited outfit changes! Bring more changes than you think you will need. Bring formal, cocktail, casual, and business attire. Men, bring a V-necked sweater, Tshirt, buttondown shirt, tie, and jacket.
Darker colors draw attention to your face. Saturated jewel tones are best – green, blue, red, purple, burgundy. Solids are best for your professional business photo. Avoid distracting elements such as big buttons, text, or logos. Be sure that the fabric closest to your face provides a contrast with your skin (fair-skinned clients should avoid pastels and cream/white).
V-necks are most flattering for women. Avoid low necklines, narrow straps, or strapless dresses, which result in too much skin in the frame.
Keep jewelry simple – necklaces tend to be distracting in a headshot.

Avoid Colors Close to White

After telling actors not to bring white clothes to a headshots shoot, they often bring a shirt that isn’t technically white, but it is so light or pale colored, that it may as well be white as far as the camera sees it. Pale or light colored clothing can bounce back too much light to the camera and appear as blown out or washed out in photos. So it’s best to choose midtones or darker than midtones shades. But that doesn’t mean you have to only wear black or navy blue! You can still wear a colorful shirt, just make sure it’s the right shade of color.

Black shirts are also a wonderful choice to put against a black backdrop. I love how the black on black looks - regal and elegant.

No matter what you wear - you’ll get each photo with the regular backround as well as two virtual backgrounds, which can be modern office vibes, outdoors, at a courthouse, whatever you need!

The Day of your session - Show up looking your best!

Treat a photo shoot like you would a performance. Don’t skip breakfast! Your body will need the energy. Hydration is a must for all of the smiling!

Leave plenty of time for preparation and travel; avoid rushing so you can arrive calm and focused. Arrive on time, with hair and makeup done. Things you will need: