Welcome
to your Pre-shoot Prep Guide
I created this guide with you in mind, in hopes that it should help elevate any initial worries and overwhelm you might feel about planning your own branding photo shoot.
While the title of this session is ‘HEADshots’, the ‘artisan’ element introduces that little bit extra, so expect full length shots as well as close up portraits - we will switch up the backdrops as well as the poses, so consider this, when planning your outfit.
Be sure to complete the brief questionnaire here to help me get to know you a little better and so that we can hit the ground running at your shoot!
I can't wait to photograph you!
x .iana
Venue & Locations
The beauty of my mini headshot events is that a lot of the fuss has been taken care of for you.
I name the date and give you a choice of timings, I pick a location (because I know what works and I only go for the most versatile and stunning of spots!) and all you need to do is get psyched up, get ready and turn up.
Voila!
Once you're there, I take care of the rest again :)
Fantastic job on taking the exciting step to book in for a Mini Artisan Headshot!
You're on your way to showcasing your biz in a whole new light, and trust me, having photos you’re proud of will make all the difference to you showing up.
My mission is to create a fun, relaxed vibe during my shoots, so get ready to enjoy yourself!
It's completely normal feel a bit nervous, but I pride myself on making you feel comfortable and at ease throughout the process.
Now, you might be curious about how to prep for your headshot session! It can feel a bit overwhelming, but I’ve crafted this guide from my vast experience of photographing female business owners and discussing their concerns and wins with them ahead of the shoot and also after.
Remember, every headshot session is unique, just like you; be sure to use the tips that resonate with you and feel confident to leave those that don't sound true to you behind.
Let’s have a fabulous session!
Everyone shines, given the right lighting
Susan Cain
Wardrobe
What to wear?
This part can be overwhelming and I am here to help you.
The clothes you choose to wear tell a lot about you - so pick carefully.
Do you want to come across as Fun? Trendy? Creative? Professional? Easy going? Relaxed?
Clothes are the one thing that can really elevate your photos and act as a prop and a frame to your face.
Usually, when I help clients pick their wardrobe for the shoot, I stay away from being too 'bossy' and saying what the HAVE TO wear.
At the end of the day, you need to feel like yourself and, if comic book print and pink hair is your jam, who am I to tell you that a grey suit is what you need for your session?
Don't be afraid of colour. This can be the most important thing to get spot on as the right colours can light up your face and make your eyes sparkle. You don't have to be wearing all your brand colours in one photo.
In fact some people decide to wear colours that complement their brand colours on the colour wheel.
Hold the colours up to your face and see what they do to your skin tone.
Ask a friend to help or we can Zoom and see what looks best.
Neutral colours can look smart and professional but they can also zap your skin tone and stop your true personality coming through.
Think about your brand - do you have lots of warm hues?
If so make sure you are wearing warm colours - browns, maroon, orange and yellow.
If you have a black and white brand you could wear greens and greys, muted colours.
Do keep in mind the location we're shooting in - Stonehaven's harbour is going to have very natural colours to it - the blues, the greys, some green and there's an epic rust-coloured doorway we may use for you. Imagine yourself in this setting - what feels right?
Pick your clothes well in advance.
Try them on a couple of weeks before the shoot - don't repeat my mistake, when I planned to wear a stunning Ted Baker dress to a wedding only to realise as I was heading out the door that it barely zipped on me and left nothing to imagination on the bust front (pashmina to the rescue).
I honestly don’t mean to be patronising (trust me, as someone who hates ironing and doesn’t own a lint roller), but please take extra care to iron and use a lint roller on your clothes ahead of the shoot - camera (like my hips!) don’t lie and picks up on flaws on material and you don’t want your clothing to look untidy in your brand images.
Make sure your clothes fit properly and that they make you feel fabulous!
Try putting a favourite shirt with a new skirt, a jumpsuit with some statement earrings, or some fab new shoes with cropped trousers. If you are struggling, there are stylists that I can put you in touch with, who will help you piece together colours and clothes to suit your personality and body shape. If you want to ask my opinion on something, I'm always on hand and Instagram and Pinterest can also be a great source of inspiration.
Necklaces, earrings, hats etc can make an outfit. Many people who view your picture won't have met you in real life so you want to make the best first impression. Have a play around with jewellery etc. Take a few selfies to see if you prefer your outfit with or without.
Never underestimate the power of layers.
A casual jacket, long cardigan or a wrap can give a certain edge to the look and help your outfit look more structured, nipping in your waist. Layers can really help with posing you too.
Think leather jackets over floaty dresses or blazers over a t-shirt and denim jeans.
Layers also helps keep your shoot 'season neutral'. This means you can use your photographs all year round (hello, Scottish seasons!). Especially fortunate with our setting for these minis - hard to tell what season it is on a Scottish beach!
Hair and make up are really such a personal thing - I'm not going to tell you that you must get your hair done or have a make over before the shoot.
If professional make up is your thing then go for it. For what it's worth, it can be a really relaxing and pampering experience.
When I got my own branding shoot, I chose to get a stunning blow dry in a salon, but did my own make up. No regrets on either front!
If you are doing either or both yourself, I usually recommend you go with the ‘going out for a fancy cocktail brunch with girlfriends on a Sunday’ approach. This usually results in a ‘not too much, not too little, just perfect’ look.
I can recommend hair and/or makeup artists for your shoot, if you want to take that approach. What I will say is that taking your time over your hair, make up and nails makes for a flawless photograph.
Weather
Welcome to Scotland, friends. Unfortunately - as you may well know - weather is where we have to hope for the best, but make the most of what we get.
The short of it, is we go for it, unless we get rain or a storm (obviously).
I have to be honest, in the 5 years I've been running Mini events, I only had to adjust plans once - when we had a storm and moved indoors (which worked out incredibly, but that's a different story) and so can't help but keep optimistic.
In the lead up to the Minis date, I will be watching the weather like a hawk and, should we need to make changes to our plan, I'l be in touch!
props
We aren’t doing a full on personal branding shoot, so a variety of props won't be accommodated.
But, we could easily incorporate your phone (be mindful of the case, is this the perfect time to upgrade it to fit in with your brand lewk?), a notebook or a travel mug.
I would encourage you to travel as light as possible and - unless it’s part of the look you’re going for - leave your handbag in the car. We want as little alien lumps and bulges as possible and nothing to slow us down - once we get going, we’re in a flow!
Wellbeing
The self-care you do before the shoot is your choice and has to fit in with your regime and beliefs, so please just take the suggestions below that resonate with you.
Again, speaking from personal experience, I know that if I don't look after myself, don't drink enough water, don't get enough sleep, I start to feel unhappy with how I look.
I am sharing these tips from the heart and from a place I've been before and would rather not find myself again the day of my own photo session.
Hopefully this countdown to the shoot will help you feel extra prepared!
2-3 WEEKS BEFORE
Ensure you have completed the brief questionnaire
– review the need for new clothes and buy them
– if you are booking a make-up artist, book them now and have a good chat about your vision
1-2 WEEKS BEFORE
Book in for a haircut for this time if necessary so it has time to settle before the shoot
A FEW DAYS BEFORE
Treat yourself to a manicure or take some time to give yourself a manicure. We might take some photos showing your hands, so it helps if you're confident about your nails! (Also a great opportunity to involve an on-brand color or a color that fits in well with your brand)
– Get your eyebrows shaped or your lashes done if this is something you normally do
– Avoid drinking alcohol and eating super salty foods a couple of days before your session so your skin doesn’t look tired (sorry!)
– Drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep so that your skin is glowing for the shoot
DAY OF THE SHOOT
Allow enough time for you to get ready without feeling rushed.
Bring any spare jacket/layers with you and any props that you will be using.
Try and stay relaxed, remind yourself of why you are brilliant at what you do, and trust that I will get the best out of you.
Arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of your slot (please wait in the car), take this time to decompress, unwind and get excited. Touch up your hair and make up, psyche yourself up and tell yourself how awesome you are!
I promise we’ll have fun!
Take this time to really connect with you and your brand, and feel happy in the knowledge that you’ve taken a big step in taking your business to the next level and attracting your dream clients.
I have probably mentioned already, but I am incredibly excited for your session.
To see the tale of your passion and expertise told through a professional photo shoot and delivered on your website and social media channels is a game-changing experience.
My mission for your photo session is to help you show up proudly in your business with amazing imagery.
You personal brand is not just about you... it is about the feelings your customers experience when thinking of working with or buying from you.
You offer a very unique and special service and product to your clients - let’s show them how unique and brilliant the person behind the brand is too!
I look forward to photographing you!
x .iana
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.