10 tips for actors and entertainers to absolutely crush your headshot session.

It's essential to approach your headshot session with the same level of preparation as you would for a pivotal audition. Imagine arriving at the studio feeling exhausted from a few sleepless nights, dealing with the aftermath of a long night out, or having just come from a disagreement with someone close to you. In such a state, your headshots may not capture the attention they deserve. On the bright side, you might find some extra time for rest since you won't be inundated with audition calls.

In all seriousness, taking the time to prepare for your headshot session can significantly enhance your performance on the day of the shoot. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your success:

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Your session is coming up, great! Are you ready for it? Is there anything you need to do to prepare? How are you absolutely going to crush it? Well, if you're readaing this post before your session then you've already got a huge head start and I have your back. Here are 10 things for you to consider. If your consultation is coming up soon, we'll talk about all of these points. Ready? Let's go!   

Know your type – Think about the roles you typically get cast in and what roles you really want to play. Are you going for film roles or commercials? Are you the "hero," the "villain," or the "quirky sidekick"? Your headshot should reflect that and I'll shoot it specifically to make it work for you. We want your look to match your type.

Wardrobe selection matters – Choose clothes that fit well and complement your natural style. Avoid bold patterns or logos; go for solid colors that highlight your face. For variety, bring a couple of different looks (casual, business, etc.) to capture your versatility. Transport your clothes so they don't get wrinkled. Disheveled clothing takes attention away from your face and can make you appear unprofessional. I have a steamer just in case but that takes time away from shooting. Avoid wearing jewelry, hats, or anything else that would take the attention away from you.

Natural hairstyle – Aim for a hairstyle that feels natural to you but is still neat and tidy. Make sure it’s not too trendy unless that's part of your brand. Grooming is essential. Ensure your hair is well-groomed and facial hair is neatly trimmed.

Stay hydrated the night before – Drink plenty of water to keep your skin looking fresh and vibrant. Avoid drinking alcohol in the days leading up to your session. Salty or greasy foods could cause puffiness so embrace the suck and double up on the veggies for a few days.

Bring a touch-up kit – Have some makeup for touch-ups during the shoot. Blotting papers and a little powder can help minimize shine. Use the minimum amount of makeup to make you look natural. Avoid bright colors, eye makeup, etc. Remember, your headshot is for you to get gigs, not your makeup artist. And, whatever you do - leave the color-changing contact lenses at home!

Facial expressions are key – Practice different expressions in the mirror before your session. Be ready to switch from a neutral look to something more dynamic or intense, depending on the type of headshot you need and the roles you're going for. I'll help you feel the emotion but it's up to you to bring it.

Get plenty of rest – A good night’s sleep the night before helps you look refreshed and reduces under-eye circles.

Be prepared to communicate your vision – If you’ve seen headshots you like or have a specific look in mind, let me know. The goal is for you to have headshots that work for you. Honestly, it's less important for you to like your shots. It's more important that they bring you work. Collaboration is key for the best opportunity for success!

Let me guide you – Trust my direction. I know how to light and capture the most flattering and professional headshots. Small movements make a big difference. You'll see.

Most important, have fun with it! – Enjoying the process will always make for the best headshots. Relax and let your personality shine through!

There you have it. The blueprint for success. Now go crush it!

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Are you ready for a new headshot? Call or text me directly at (928)246-0225 or jeff@jeffreykaiserla.com to book your session.