Preparing for your headshot photoshoot! "Clothing!" (part 2 of 7)

Clothing!

So what do you wear when you are getting your headshot taken? This is a very important aspect in the grand process of preparing for your headshot photoshoot. Choosing the right colors, style, and feel can have YOU popping off the screen, looking healthy and energetic. Choosing the wrong colors, style or feel can make your CLOTHES pop out making you a second thought, or make you look washed out or uneven. Since my knowledge of clothing, style and color goes so far I reached to a professional that I know to ask her a few questions. Mary Lou Manlove is an Image Con­sul­tant and Color Spe­cial­ist. She helps women and men find and hone their personal style. Making sure you know what colors look and work best with your skin tone, hair color, eye color and more. Do you have a shirt, pair of pants, accessory or anything else; when you put it on you know you look and feel damn good? Well, Mary Lou makes sure all the clothes you have in your closet make you feel that way. So I asked Mary Lou for some pointers for people that haven't had a chance to use her services yet. (if you haven't yet check out her website and schedule a meeting with her now!) 

Alright no more lolly gagging lets get to it. 

Me:  What is the first thing someone should consider when choosing an outfit for a professional portrait?

Mary Lou: My first consideration is where the picture is being used? The background and what the person is wearing needs to coordinate with the website colors, business card logo, or the wall on which a portrait hangs. Consider the end use first and work backwards from there. So if you are picking colors for your website or brand, consider colors that look good on you both in your clothes, logo and any background. Get your colors done.

Secondly, I want the person to show up in the best light possible. So wearing             medium value colors helps the photographer balance the light. Your best medium value color will come from one of the colors in your eyes, if you want to look approachable and engaging. Color can really change the feel of a photograph, so deciding the effect you want to have is the first step, is it formal, friendly, accomplished, casual and then pick the color(s).

Me: Are there certain things people should stay away from?

Mary Lou: Stay away from colors that turn you gray or wash you out. Pick colors that make your skin glow and eyes sparkle. Remember it is not about fashion or what is in style; it is about the colors that support your natural coloring.

Me: How does someone know that their colors are right for them?

Mary Lou: When you wear colors that are right for you people will engage with you, complement you and want to be around you. When you wear colors that are not right for you, people will be a little more distant. It sounds weird, but people do judge you by your cover and if the cover is pleasing to the eye, they will respond positively.

Me: How does someone know they have the right outfit?

Mary Lou: For a portrait or a headshot all you need to do is get it right from the waist up. Wear a color that brings out your eyes. Frame your face with the right neckline or collar and colors. Remove any distraction: i.e. Women should wear a sleeved top and men should not wear a white shirt whiter than the white of their eyes. And it is best not to wear white, wear a medium value color, i.e. teal, tan, peach, blue, green, etc. Then relax and trust the photographer. 

Me: What tips can you give for someone wanting to go shopping before their shoot?

Mary Lou: Shop with someone who looks like you, dresses well and gives good advice. If you cannot find that person, hire an expert who can put their personal preference aside and choose clothing that looks good on you. But you may consider taking my workshop: Mastering the Art of Illusion Dressing: A,B,C,D & E of Style  http://www.colorinsight.biz/style-workshop-abcd-e-of-dressing.

There you have it my friends. Before meeting Mary Lou I didn't know why I was really drawn to certain clothing and why I always circulated a handful of shirts and pants that I own. Once she created my color wheel I soon found out. Mary Lou is amazing at what she does.

If you would like to know more about Mary Lou and what she can do for you please checkout her website ColorInsight.biz. She would also be more than happy to answer any questions on dressing for a portrait with a complementary 30 minute consultation. You can reach her via text 650 400 2230 or e-mail: Marylou@colorinsight.biz

Preparing for your headshot photoshoot! "Attitude!" (part 1 of 7)

Attitude!

You may be asking what does my attitude have to do with me getting my photo taken by an awesome photographer? First, thank you for thinking I am an awesome photographer. Second, EVERYTHING! The below quote sums up how important our thoughts and therefor our attitude is.  

“Watch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

-Frank Outlaw

If you are not sure of my 7 recommendations for preparing for your headshot please click here to review the list. Then come right back! You don't want to miss anything. 

Now that we know the impact of our attitude how do we go about changing it for the better? Again a great question! The following list is not my own but rather parts of other lists that I like and agree with. These are just ideas to get yourself in a positive thinkings state of mind and may not be for everyone. But they are a great starting point. (Click the bold and italic links for the original articles)

1. Start in the right direction. - Start your day with positive energy/affirmations. Say things like "Today is going to be a great day!" or "I'm going to look and feel my best today." It's as simple as that.

2. Use the right words. - Stay away from saying things like: "I don't look good in photos." or "I'm awkward in photos." replace it with "I look damn good in photos!" or "I always look confident in photos." Remember the quote from above. "watch your words, they become actions;"

3. Believe that you are able to change. - Know without a shadow of a doubt that you can and are able to change your thoughts. YOU and only YOU can put YOU in a great mood. Or vice versa!

4. Forgive all who attempt to harm you. (Me: Especially yourself) - Let go of all the negative things people might have said or wrote about you. Their thoughts don't reflect who you are. More importantly let go of all the negative thoughts you have of yourself. Let go of that moment you made a fool of yourself in front of a client or boss, that you are not good enough for someone or something, or that you are not smart enough to do something. They serve you no purpose. Instead put that energy into positive thoughts focused on the great things in your life.

5. Monitor your thoughts and substitute new ones. - When you catch yourself with a negative thought quickly change it to a positive one. If you find yourself saying "I can't do ______." or "I'm not smart enough for _____.", as soon as you realize it say "No! I can do ______." or "I am smart enough for _____." Too easy isn't it? All you have to do is try it. 

6. Write out affirmations/Write out how you’d like to think - "When you’re training yourself to move toward new thought patterns to replace the old ones, it helps if you know in advance what the new thoughts are and should be."

7. Help someone - (This one can be found on many lists.) Truly help someone. It doesn't have to be anything big. Help your neighbor with the trash or yard work. Open the door for someone that has their hands full even if you are not going into the same building. Helping others makes us happy.

8. Have an attitude of gratitude - (This one can also be found on many lists.) When you appreciate all that you have in your life you realize how good you have it. Even if you are going through something truly hard look at the things you do have. It can be anything. Appreciate that you woke up this morning, that you can read, that you have internet (no matter how slow it is), that you have shelter, food in your belly. The list can go on forever. 

Well there you have it "my" list of ways to help change your attitude to be more positive. Please click on the links. Each link has even more ideas on how to change your attitude. And remember every time you get your photo taken to have an attitude that you look damn good! 

Preparing for your headshot photo shoot session.

Many people are not sure on how to prepare for their headshot photo shoot session. Many don't even know that they should prepare for a headshot photo shoot session. In todays post I will suggest a few things to keep in mind. 

1. A Great Attitude: Why does this matter? This matters because the way you feel and what you are thinking (i.e. "I am not photogenic." "I hate getting my picture taken." "I always look awkward." Etc.) shows in your photos. So in the days leading up to your shoot think positive thoughts. (i.e. "This will be the best photoshoot I have ever had." "I love getting my picture taken." "This will be fun. I will look my best." Etc.)
2. Hair and makeup: For both women and men if you plan on getting your haircut it is recommend to do it a week before. So that you have time to make sure it is the way you want it. Women, commonly there are two options for you as far as makeup goes. First option is do it yourself. Second have a professional hair and makeup artist do it for you. If you choose to do it yourself you will want to make sure it still looks like you. Think of your headshot as you on your best hair and makeup day. 
3. Sleep and Hydration: These two are very important. You want to make sure you are getting plenty of sleep in the days leading up to your shoot. This way you are energized and ready to go. Also this will help minimize bags under your eyes and redness of the eyes. Keeping hydrated in the days leading up to your shoot maintains fresh and healthy looking skin.
4. Clothing: You want to keep in mind that a headshot is all about you and not what you are wearing. With that you will want to stay away from any distracting designs or patterns. Also stay away from flesh toned colors.
5. Accessories: Only have accessories if you are known for them otherwise do not wear any. Same goes with eye wear. 
6. Relax: This might be the hardest one of all. Just remember that this is not a life or death situation and that you can have some fun with it. A great photographer can have you feeling relaxed in no time. Once you are able to relax you will see that your photos will turn out ten times better. 

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These are my six basic suggestions for preparing for your headshot photo session. I can't emphasize enough the importance of #1. Even if you are unable to do the rest of them make sure you have a great attitude coming into the shoot. You will see a world of difference in your outcome.  

If you have any question or suggestion please leave a comment.