GETTING READY FOR YOUR HEADSHOTS

A professional headshot is essential because it serves as the first impression for potential employers, clients, or colleagues. It conveys professionalism, credibility, and confidence, which are crucial in building trust and establishing a strong personal brand. A well-crafted headshot reflects the seriousness with which you approach your work and your commitment to presenting yourself in the best light. In today’s digital world, where online presence plays a significant role, having a polished, high-quality photo can set you apart from others, ensuring that you are perceived as approachable yet competent.

HOW TO PREPARE?
These are just a few things I have learned through the years as a photographer. These suggestions are not must-do's. Always wear and prepare to the level you feel comfortable and confident!

GLASSES:
To wear no not to wear?
If you usually wear glasses, decide whether you’d like to wear them in your portrait. If you aren’t going to wear them, or aren’t sure, take them off around 15 minutes before. This will allow enough time for the red marks around your nose to disappear.

WHAT TO WEAR:
My advice would be to generally stay away from trends, be it fashion choices or hairstyles. The headshot or portrait should last you at least two years. Depending on your position or what you are getting your headshots for, whether casual, business casual or all decked out, solids are sometimes the best choice. Also, make sure your clothes fit well. Try them on a few days before your session to check. Generally, a little snug is better than baggy and loose.

These suggestions may help:

If you know “your colors” bring items from that palette, or try hues that bring out your eye color and enhance your skin tone. Rich colors and jewel tones are great choices for almost all women.
Crew, boat, or narrow v-necks are always flattering and will always lay nicely. We want to be sure we can see your top after the image is cropped. Stand-up collars don’t always cooperate, so I suggest women avoid them.

WHAT TO AVOID:

low necklines
busy or trendy patterns or plaids. Moiré patterns leave a wild illusion when photographed
turtlenecks
shiny fabrics — no silk or satin.
regardless of your portrait style and setting, simple colors and subtle patterns usually look best on everyone. Bold or busy patterns tend to distract from your face and can lead to a rippled, lustrous finish which can be an unpleasant visual side effect of repeating patterns. (Moiré pattern)

ACCESSORIES:
If you want to add a little pizazz to your outfit, go for it but maybe keep it simple, especially if your headshot will be cropped closely to your face (as most are).

CONTRAST WITH YOUR BACKDROP:
Consider your portrait backdrop or the surrounding environment when choosing clothing colors for your professional headshots. Unless you’re getting a company-branded headshot, choose wardrobe colors that contrast with your background so you stand out. This is especially true if you plan to have black-and-white headshots. However, sometimes the same colors look great stacked. White on white, black on black, solid colors with variations of a lighter or darker same color look amazing, too!

EXTRA TIPS:

Don’t wear your portrait wardrobe in the car; seat belts can wrinkle you up. Bring your clean, neatly pressed pieces to the session on hangers. Make sure everything is clean, pressed, and fits well. (optional of course)
Bring at least two to four choices. We only need above the waist for headshots. But if you feel more confident by putting on the full wardrobe, feel free to bring the pants and shoes along. You never know if we'll take full-body, shots!
Men, if you want the clean-shaven look, then shave at least an hour before your session. Women, if you get your eyebrows done please do those the day before if you can. That may avoid any red or irritated skin.

I hope this has helped you prepare for your headshots!

GALLERY

Check out the headshot gallery for inspiration!

WHAT TO WEAR

PREP AND PACK

PREPARING BEFORE YOUR SESSION!

Do not wait until the night before to start preparing. You will have the best outcome with your images if you give yourself enough time to get things picked out. TRUST ME! Preparing for any portrait session is important because it ensures you feel confident and ready to capture your best self. Planning ahead allows you to choose outfits that reflect your personality and style, ensuring you’re happy with how you look on camera. Packing your clothes neatly is equally essential—wrinkled outfits can distract from your overall appearance and take away from the polished, put-together look you want. By folding or hanging your clothes carefully, you avoid wrinkles and ensure that everything looks fresh and sharp, helping you feel relaxed and confident during your photo session.

HAIR AND MAKEUP!

Styling your hair and makeup for your headshot shoot is crucial because it enhances your features and boosts your confidence. Well-done hair and makeup can help you look your best and create a polished, cohesive look that complements your outfits. Whether you go for a natural, fresh-faced style or something more glam, it's important to feel comfortable in your look. Hair can frame your face and add texture or volume, while makeup can highlight your eyes and even out your skin tone, ensuring you look vibrant and fresh on camera. Proper styling makes a big difference in the final photos.

I have seen firsthand what it looks like when my client shows up and pull their outfits from a duffle bag and everything is wrinkled. I have witnessed hair that wasn't done or eyebrows that were red because they JUST got them tweezed.OH, and a big one is fingernail paint chipping off and SUN BURNS or tan lines. Some of those oversights can be edited for an additional charge, but some can't. I have heard from other photographers' experiences that clients who were not prepared do not like their photos and expect a refund. I would like to be as transparent as possible and inform you that I do not offer discounts or accept returns for issues related to hair, cosmetics, or wardrobe choices. Please keep this in mind as you make this important investment. You may book another session. Check booking rates.

You are going to look and feel amazing and because of that, your photos are going to also be amazing!

Headshot Pricing

LOCATION

When planning your headshot photo or business branding shoot, choosing the right location is key to capturing the look you are going for. You don't ALWAYS have to have the typical headshot.

I have listed locations that are a bit out of the box when you think of "backdrop" or "office" headshots.

Please keep in mind that some areas in the Twin Cities require a permit to photograph on their property and parking rates may apply as well.
Rachael Hundley Photography
does not cover the cost of most locations.

Location Types

Beaches & Lakes (Think water sports action shots!)
Urban Areas (City streets, alleyways, brick road paths, graffiti)
Farms (Wildflowers, animals, barns, farmhouses, ponds)
Woods & Tree Farms (Tall evergreen trees, beautiful birch trees, paths, nature, wildlife)
Parks (Grass with a variety of greenery, trees, hills, docks, ponds, walking paths)
Gardens, Sculpture Gardens, Botanical Gardens (Lots of color and pop, paths)
Scenic Locations (Rolling hills, wild grasses, sunsets, nature)
Cityscapes (City lights from a distance, bridges)
Museums & Sculpture Parks (Unique look, moody in some areas, indoor and outdoor)
Rooftops (Up-high views, blue skies, cityscape buildings)
Your Office or Building where the office is located. (public areas, own office, conference room)

GETTING READY FOR YOUR HEADSHOTS

If you know “your colors” bring items from that palette, or try hues that bring out your eye color and enhance your skin tone. Rich colors and jewel tones are great choices for almost all women.

Crew, boat, or narrow v-necks are always flattering and will always lay nicely. We want to be sure we can see your top after the image is cropped. Stand-up collars don’t always cooperate, so I suggest women avoid them.

WHAT TO AVOID:

low necklines

busy or trendy patterns or plaids. Moiré patterns leave a wild illusion when photographed

turtlenecks

shiny fabrics — no silk or satin.

regardless of your portrait style and setting, simple colors and subtle patterns usually look best on everyone. Bold or busy patterns tend to distract from your face and can lead to a rippled, lustrous finish which can be an unpleasant visual side effect of repeating patterns. (Moiré pattern)

Don’t wear your portrait wardrobe in the car; seat belts can wrinkle you up. Bring your clean, neatly pressed pieces to the session on hangers. Make sure everything is clean, pressed, and fits well. (optional of course)

Bring at least two to four choices. We only need above the waist for headshots. But if you feel more confident by putting on the full wardrobe, feel free to bring the pants and shoes along. You never know if we'll take full-body, shots!

Men, if you want the clean-shaven look, then shave at least an hour before your session. Women, if you get your eyebrows done please do those the day before if you can. That may avoid any red or irritated skin. I hope this has helped you prepare for your headshots!