SESSION PREP

A few hints and tips to point you in the right direction.

Ok so you have booked a session with me and are wondering what clothing to bring to your shoot right? You want your eyes to pop but not sure what’s gonna make that happen?

Well first of all, I’m essentially your stylist and will guide you along the way to match tones textures and colours together. I’m very good at this and love creating something special for you so it’s your job to make sure I have all the elements to work with.

Everything is a factor, your hair colour, eye colour the backdrop, you outfit! Headshots are an individual expression so my first tip is to bring yourself. your style. your.. shall we say.. Vibe!

You can never bring too many clothes as I LOVE the choice.

Below I have put together a brief headshots styling guide by no means are these strict conditions, they are general observations of what works that I have discovered over the years. Feel free to swim against the tide with a few unique option that you feel work for you.

Please don’t however just bring three tops and please don’t just bring only black clothing.

Tips

  • Dominating Logos or Text

    Avoid bringing t-shirts/clothing with branded logos, big text, a graphic or a picture with the exception of tiny logos that can easily be photoshopped out. Unless we are specifically going for a look that hints towards something edgy. The shots below are good examples of logos that can work.

      

  • Heavy Patterns

    Ok so heavy patterns and checked shirts are a total distraction right? Humm.. well yes and no. Don’t just bring those for options for your tighter headshots as ultimately we want to bring attention to your eyes and energy however that being said if we are going for a portrait that shows more of your body then I love using clash patterers and layers to create a unique look. See examples

     

  • Avoid strappy tops

    With the exception of dancers (mid length shot). 10×8 headshots crop just above the chest traditionally and what you end up with are two bars wrapping around the shoulders, which feels a little cheap. also if the hair falls in front of them you just look like you are not wearing anything! however I do love to photograph clavicles so wide slash necks are fine.

  • Fluorescent clothing

    Super bright neons and florescent colours are hard to photograph well and also distract quite a bit from the subject.. You! So avoid bringing them however for something very very specific we might be able to get away with it but not for a headshot!

  • Black only suits me!

    Ok, we all love it! it’s smart sophisticated and everybody owns it! The amount of times I’ve heard I only bought black because that’s all that suits me is incredible. if you are one of those people I urge you to trust me and bring a little colour with you also.

    Also if you have dark hair especially if its long then the dark hair can bleed/blend into the black clothing and not make you pop.

  • Cardigans

    So it’s not that I dislike them I just rarely pick them however for that specific style or if they really are apart of your personality then bring them.

  • Asymmetrical tops

    Again not my favourite and very rarely find they work!

  • Square neck or boxed neckline

    Just personally I don’t think they work as well because if you are cropping above the line of the square then it looks odd to have just the shoulders with fabric. They can work well from the side, however the jury is out on this one!

  • White

    White can work wonders but only if it is styled correctly otherwise you can look washed out. off white lace for a period look or white underneath a denim jacket is a classic example of white working well.

    Best to bring off white or slightly colour toned bright tops. White on its own can be tricky but still can work.

  • Baggy and oversized clothing

    Yes! bring it, I have clips to tighten the fabric if necessary. We can get some very cool looks with oversized clothing! but please don’t just bring that. make sure you have a good range of well fitted styles to.

  • Leather Jackets

    I used to photograph them a lot however a lot less now. Not saying they are out of fashion but I do prefer other options.

    However I do love a coloured leather jacket so bring those blue and red even pink ones!!

Tool Kit

Element I usually go for and a few of Kim’s go to favourite items!

  • Solid Colours

    Simple solid t-shirts, shirts, dresses and tops

  • Dark Layers

    Dark jackets, blazers, work brilliantly at breaking up the lower part of the frame and can add complimentary shapes at the bottom of the image that can accentuate  jaw lines especially with a slightly lighter tops underneath

  • Boots

    Yes I love me some doc Martens! or similar boots in general. if you have them bring them! not too high, see examples!

  • Over coats with collars

    These are a must for everyone! trench coasts, coats with collars. a dark jacket, camel coat. Bring it!

  • Clothes that make you feel good!

    Ultimately we want to bring out an essence of who you are so bring those items that make you feel like you, an item that makes you feel a certain way or has its own charm and character?! bring it 😉

  • Turtle necks

    Bring them!! they look ace under layers or on there own. A solid black Turtle neck is a must!

  • Power Suits

    All the yeses to a power suit! Also all in one colour suits absolutely! turquoise, powder blue, salmon pink, power purple, crimson!! YES PLEASE!

    Also suit jackets that can be worn as tops with just a bra underneath work very well.

      

  • Tops that accentuate clavicles

    Slash necks and wide over the shoulders or baggy jumpers are a yes! Also coats and jeans jackets can be folded to create this look.

     

  • Scruffy white trainers?

    Yes!!

Bring Jackets!!

  • Bring Layers (Jackets)

    I love layers (mainly jackets) in my headshots work in fact I ask every client to bring at least two to play with. It adds depth brings seperation and adds leading lines that can help with cropping and ultimatley lead to what matters most, the eyes. Don’t get me wrong the right tone of block colour tee shirt can look great, simple and classic however breaking up that mass of colour at the bottom of the image with a jacket or a smart blazer can elevate the feel and add a touch of class.

    This is quite important to me so even if you want a really simple and clean look or your agent has specifically said don’t bring them. BRING THEM!  you would be surprised how much it can add to an image. So bring a couple to play with.

    there is a common misconception that a layer (jacket) especially a blazer makes an actor look to official. leaning towards it feeling corporate. this all depends on lighting and cropping and overall mood of the shots.

    Long camel coat can look amazing in a balck and white creative shot! Or similar style coat in navy blue or black. black suit blazer for example.

Colours that work

These colours have a lovely track record of really working well. Deep tones, royal blues dark colours have a sense of class.

  • Blue or green Eyes

    To compliment your eye colour definitely bring a few tops to play with that are slightly darker then your eye colour, this can really make them pop.

Colours that are too close to your own skin colour

Colours that are very close to YOUR OWN skin colour I would avoid. however yellows can pop on dark skin and brown tops can look good on fair skin so make sure you choose accordingly!

Colours that can work with darker layers

These colours might be a bit strong on their own but with a dark layer like a jacket, or blazer with the colour poking through can look fab!

General FAQ’s

  • Aaaarrh this is my first photo shoot!!

    Not to worry I’m here to guide you through. I aim to maintain clear and detailed communication throughout the entire process to ensure you are well equipped to get the most out of your session, especially if it’s your first headshot session. Most actors including myself don’t enjoy the process of getting their headshots taken and this is something I’ve worked very hard to ensure we get the best genuine moments possible. I’ve developed a series of ideas that help you to feel more engaged and in the moment. Giving you context that uses your imagination rather then feeling like you have to do something on top of what is actually there. I adapted my methods according to each client as different things work for different people, best thing to do is to keep an open mind and put your trust in me as much as possible. I know it’s a lot to ask however I’m confident that we will get more than enough tools for you to play with. Have a look at the testimonials page and see what others have said about their experiences if you wish.

  • Do I have to say no to that all night party the day before?

    Ummm, this is your photoshoot however turning up tired or even still a little tipsy or drunk (it has happened) from the night before will effect the energy we have to work with in your photo shoot. Even a shot or glass of wine to calm the nerves beforehand shifts your energy in a different way and you won’t look as sharp.

Ladies specifics FAQs

  • How should I do my hair and makeup?

    If you’re doing your own make-up please keep it minimal, natural, even and neutral to start with. Bring mascara, eyeliner and a few tones of lipstick to play with if this is in keeping with how you would present yourself at a casting.

  • I have chosen to have a MUA. What should I expect?

    If you have chosen the option to have a hair and makeup artist please arrive with your hair recently washed and your face clean without any makeup on. Your makeup will be applied in front of a large mirror in the studio so you can keep an eye on what’s going on at all times. There will be an opportunity to discuss with me and the MUA beforehand so we all get on the same page as far as what we wish to achieve together.

Gents specifics FAQs

  • Can I shave?

    Absolutely, there are bathroom facilities in the studio, just bring your own shaver or beard trimmer.