Bold Portraits. Thoughtful Direction. Timeless Imagery.
Headshot Prep Guide
Thank You For Booking Your Headshot Photo Session With Cody Van Horn!
I'm looking forward to meeting and photographing you! In the meantime, here is your guide to help you prepare for your shoot.
​Prelude
Preparing for a headshot session takes a lot of work and I frequently receive questions from clients about what to wear and bring to their session. As your photographer, it’s important to Cody that you look your best in your photos and that the photos are full of your personality and style.
To make preparing for your headshot session a little less stressful, Cody compiled a list of recommendations below. Keep in mind that the recommendations are simply that, recommendations. It’s your photo session so feel free to fully incorporate your unique style and flavor. If you are unsure about an outfit or prop you would like to bring and would like some advice, don't hesitate to contact Cody for assistance.
Where To Begin
First thing's first, there is one thing that I would like to make very clear: Every single person is nervous to have their photo taken and it's totally normal. It is Cody's job to create a space where you will feel completely safe to be yourself. There is no pressure, no expectations. During the shoot, it will be more relaxed than any other photoshoot experience you might have had. I want to capture you, and my mission is to make you feel safe, comfortable, and free to be your 100% self. You’ll be guided through the entire process and posing. Don't stress over this, I promise it will be a lot of fun! There is really nothing you have to do other than trust me. I guarantee we will get stunning images that you will love!
You are welcome to create a mood board on Pinterest or collect screenshots as a digital album on your mobile device to get an idea of what theme/style of images you desire to capture. Please note that these images will not be replicated, but used as inspiration.
About The Studio
Photography Studio Address:
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TBA...
Cody Michaels Photography studio is a creative space, with an industrial feel that is located in Indiana. The studio offers plenty of lighting equipment, seamless/ hand-painted backdrops, a private dressing room booth, and ample rooms to set up a variety of themes.
What Is Headshot Photography?
Simply put, a headshot is a closely cropped professional photo used in a wide variety of business and creative promotional materials. A headshot (or head shot) is a photograph of a person's face. The purpose of a headshot is to show the subject's personality, or character. Headshots are used in the modeling and acting businesses and is vital to the careers of many business and sales executives who use them on business cards, company web sites and social media sites like LinkedIn. Most models and actors have a headshot that they will provide to employers.
A Headshot Is Often Your First Impression To Important People. Be Prepared To Look Your Best.
Interlude
In this section you will be guided through the types of images you may want from your photo session, what to wear, things to avoid on the days leading up to your shoot, and tips to help you pose like a pro.
Types Of Images
Traditional Headshots
A traditional headshot often has the subject looking straight at the camera in a posed position. These types of headshots are usually shot within a studio with the help of studio lighting and a prepared background. These types of portraits are usually cropped at the head and shoulders and are what often come to mind when people think of headshots.
Business Headshots
Business headshots are a type of business portrait photo typically used for company websites, business cards, press releases, presentations, and LinkedIn profiles. Functionally speaking, business headshots are very similar to general professional headshots in attire, backgrounds, and overall feel. But, as opposed to general professional headshots, business headshots are slightly more focused on conveying the idea that you’re “good to do business with” – which can mean your photographer will make minor changes/suggestions toward that goal during your shoot. However, business headshots don’t necessarily need to be the “corporate” in look. Plenty of startup professionals or small business owners can benefit from a professional, yet more casual, headshot for their careers and businesses. A great business headshot should focus on showing your professionalism, friendliness, and competence to the outside world.
Acting / Modeling Headshots
Acting headshots are a type of portrait photo used by actors and actresses to help them land acting roles. Typically, casting directors use headshots to help them decide whether applicants have the right “look” and charisma for a given role. Acting headshots focus on showcasing the subject’s facial features, emotional range, and ability to nail one certain expression in their photos. A great headshot can help an aspiring actor or actress stand out from a stack of other applications for an audition.
Wardrobe Selection Tips
To make preparing for your headshot session a little less stressful, Cody compiled a list of recommendations below. Keep in mind that the recommendations are simply that, recommendations. It’s your photo session so feel free to fully incorporate your unique style and flavor. If you are unsure about an outfit or prop you would like to bring and would like some advice, don't hesitate to contact Cody for assistance.
Solid Colors Are Better
For portrait sessions, I recommend solid colors because they put more focus on you, the subject. Clothing in medium to dark tones of blue, green, brown, gray or burgundy are pleasing choices when being photographed outdoors. Selfishly, solid clothing also makes it easier for me to edit stray hairs or wrinkles in the fabric. When picking colors, be aware that darker colored clothes will make you appear more slender on camera. If you want to pop out and draw attention, wear a vibrant color for one of your primary pieces: a jacket, shirt, or scarf. For a more detailed breakdown, check out how to pick the best colors for your photos.
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Don't Fear Prints
Most photographers would advise against their clients wearing prints and patterns...not me! Prints and patterns are always an option for my clients. The trick to successfully pulling offprints in a portrait is not to overdo it. It is generally best to avoid patterns, logos and fabrics that will become distractions by drawing attention away from the faces. A portrait should showcase the people and not their favorite clothing brands. If someone in the group chooses to wear a print, I recommend having others wear solid colors that complement the print.
Pants And Shoes Do Not Matter If You’re Only Getting Headshots
Headshots are shoulders-up. If you’re getting a full-body portrait, wear well-fitting and wrinkle-free pants or skirt and consider cleaning/polishing your shoes prior to your session.​
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Layers Are Great
Depending on the lighting, a solid color shirt or blouse can blend in with the background, so we highly recommend wearing a jacket or sweater in a contrasting color to add interest to your headshot. Jackets are designed to give your body a flattering shape and frame your face. Jackets add a defined structure around your shoulders and arms and create flattering vertical lines, framing the body to make it look neatly proportional. Solid suit jackets will be the most formal option, patterned suit jackets are semi-formal, and textured or patterned blazers and sport coats will look more business-casual.
Simplicity Is Best!
Choose timeless clothing instead of clothes that are more “trendy”. A t-shirt with jeans, a dress, slacks, and a jacket; these are all very clean and easy outfits. The more complex your outfit, the more you’ll be fidgeting with it during the session to make sure it looks exactly right. Keep it simple so you can focus on having a good time during your portrait session!
Avoid Logos, Graphics, & Illustrations
Pretty straightforward here, they can be distracting. Also, cameras do weird things with tight patterns and produce a funky pixelation effect. Plus, you may hate that logo/company 20+ years after your session. Don’t ruin a good picture with a bad symbol.
Stick With What You Already Own And Love
Be comfortable, dress like you would every day, and you’ll feel at ease. There’s a significant emphasis on being comfortable and relaxed when doing a photo session; I’m telling you it makes all the difference. There’s no need to buy something just for the photoshoot. You’ve got everything you need in your closet.
Wear Clothes That Give You Confidence
Select clothing that makes you feel unstoppable when you put it on. I know I always feel confident in my blue-checkered button-down shirt so you can bet I wear it whenever I have a big meeting. If you’ve got a pair of jeans, a shirt, or a dress that makes you feel like a rock star, try to make it part of your ensemble. Dressing confidently helps influence your mood during a portrait session. If you feel confident, it’ll show up in your images.
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Wrinkle And Lint Free
Make sure your clothes are wrinkle and lint free before arriving. Cody does have a clothes steamer on hand in the studio if you need to use them, but keep in mind, the more time we spend preparing your clothes, the less time we have to create.
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Have Several Outfits Picked Out
We can go through them together before your session to determine what will photograph best. We will have time for 2-3 outfits.
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Try To Incorporate A Variety Of Pieces Into Your Wardrobe Selections
You should always have multiple outfits ready for your session. Your photographer may notice something that makes one piece better than another or an outfit that’s a better fit for a specific location. Try to do variations in lengths, textures, and colors. I also recommend bringing outfits that are a mix of casual, formal, and in-between. It’s wise to have multiple outfits just in case you spill something or brush up against some dirt or paint. Back-ups are handy.
Bring Clothing On Hangers
Keeping your clothes on hangers will minimize wrinkles and help you sort through the pieces when looking for the next outfit during your session. Plus, it keeps clothes off the ground.
Wear Reasonably Fitted Clothes
Loose, baggy clothing may be the comfiest thing ever, but I’d steer away from it for your photos. Clothing that fits your figure is not only more comfortable to pose, but also looks more flattering.
Get Variety
Pick out several outfits to bring and we can go over them on the day of the shoot where I can guide you towards the pieces that will fit the style that we are working with. We will use one outfit per 15 minutes of shooting time (nude counts as an outfit). That’s four outfits for the default session.
Keep Clothing Updated
If your current wardrobe is out of style, showing signs of wear and tear, or ill-fitting, it may be a good opportunity to treat yourself to some new clothes and invest in items that flatter your figure and make you feel confident. Consider keeping the tags on until after your photo shoot just in case you reconsider your choices after seeing the photos.
Colors And Tones
Do wear colors but don’t overdo it. Solid colors and tones always work best. Earth tones such as brown, beige, and olive green can add depth and dimension to a photo and are great choices for a natural, understated look. Steer clear of multi-colored items and wearing too many colorful pieces together. Stick to one or two colors at most for a harmonious look. Avoid bold colors: Bright and vibrant colors such as red, orange, green, and yellow can draw attention and be too distracting. They can also clash with skin tone and hair color. Muted colors and color shades are less dominating and more complimentary. It’s good to have contrast between dark and light tones.
Dress According To Weather
Don’t torture yourself! If it’s cold out, then wear a jacket and maybe even a sweater. If you’re miserable and uncomfortable, then your face will reflect that in the images. It’s hard to smile happily when your socks are soaking wet. At a minimum, bring the appropriate clothing and wear it when you’re not actively getting your picture taken. If it’s super hot out, try to shoot early in the morning or late afternoon/evening.
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Match Your Surroundings
Unless you live for irony and juxtaposition, streetwear does not fit well with the woods. Personally, I love it. If you’re shooting in downtown Indianapolis, then dress it up a bit. And if it manages to snow, then don’t be afraid to layer it up with a jacket, vest, or sweater!
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Match Your Activity
This goes along with the above tips – if we’re trekking to the top of a mountain, you may want to leave the heels or all-white kicks at home. At the same time, if we’re going to a farm or field, don’t be afraid to pull out the jeans and cowboy boots!
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Pressed And Pretty
Make sure your wardrobe selections aren't wrinkled. Keep in mind that if it looks a little wrinkled in person, it will look extremely wrinkled on camera. Wrinkles cast shadows that are very obvious in photos. If necessary, change into your shirt once you arrive at the location for the portrait session. Don’t wear it in the car on the way to your session. This will eliminate those seat belt wrinkles or crumbs and spills from that last-minute Starbucks run!
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Mind Your Underwear
Something to keep in mind is the color and fit of your undergarments. If you’re wearing a white shirt, ladies, don’t wear a hot pink bra underneath it. Double-check your outfits with your selected undergarments of choice to make sure nothing is visible. The safe option is to go with nude-toned garments. Guys, make sure your boxers don’t bunch up underneath your pants. It could look odd or suggestive.
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New/Barely Used Is Best
That new feeling will help you enter an uncomfortable space feeling fresh. Also, you are preserving this look forever in a keepsake that you will look at in 30 years - you want to make sure this experience is tied to the outfit that isn't one that looks beat up. Let the outfit be new and part of the experience.
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Necklines Are Important
Turtlenecks or V-necks are flattering provided neither is exaggerated in style. A V-neck or scoop neck is best if your neck is short and your face is full. A turtleneck or high necked shirt is more flattering if your neck is longer and your face is slender.
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Keep Jewelry To A Minimum
Remember to keep jewelry simple and avoid wearing a watch to the session. Jewelry can be a big distraction from you, the subject. I typically recommend not wearing any jewelry, but if you do, try to keep accessories to a minimum and choose simple / understated pieces that complement your outfit. Jewelry should be simple and professional. Necklaces are always a great addition, especially if you are wearing a low-cut top or deep V jacket. Thin chains are okay but can get lost in a small photo. Thick or multi-strand necklaces, especially pearls, have proven to work well in headshots.​
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Test Your Outfits Before Your Session
There’s no point wearing something if you can’t walk in it. Test out the clothes you want to wear for your portraits before the session. Stand, sit, kneel, and walk. Make sure you can do all of that. And check that nothing pops out or that you can see any undergarments.
Clothing Examples For Women
No Spaghetti Straps Or Strapless Tops​
Strapless or tube tops may look flattering in person, but they tend to make your shoulders look wide in photos. Keep this in mind depending on how you feel about your shoulders. Also, avoid wearing spaghetti strap tops because they make hiding bra straps impossible. Sleeveless works great but keep some material up there.
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Bring Hair Ties Or Hair Clips In Case Of Wind For Location Shoots​
There are few things more annoying on a photoshoot than the wind blowing hair all over the place and ruining all the hard work your makeup artist put in. Hair clips, bobby pins, and a hair tie (as a last resort) will make pictures in the wind more manageable and keep you looking put together
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If Wearing Heels, Bring A Set Of Comfy Shoes Too​
If you plan on wearing heels for your images, I suggest changing into them when you get on location. After 45 minutes of standing on your feet, you’ll be grateful for a pair of sneakers, especially if you’re walking between locations. Change back into your comfy shoes until it’s time to shoot again.​
Clothing Examples For Men
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Plain, Heavy Cotton Shirt Or Polo Works Great
I’m a big fan of guys wearing business casual for their portrait sessions. If you’re after a more relaxed look, a plain shirt or a polo will work great. V-Necks are also acceptable. Make sure your shirts are a heavier material to avoid wrinkling and seeing any skin underneath.
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Jeans Or Casual Trousers Look Best​
Jeans are pretty universal and go with almost anything. They’re an excellent base for most outfits. They can look super casual or semi-formal. A casual trouser like beige jeans or even a pair of slacks is perfect if you want to dress up a bit.
Self Care / Headshot Beauty Tips
Men should be clean shaven or facial hair should be carefully groomed: Haircuts for men should be done about one or two weeks before the portrait session. Women should be photographed whenever they are happiest with their hair in relation to the time it is cut and styled. This applies to men and women, i.e. one week after the last visit to their stylist.
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Waxing: If you are planning to wax for your session, please allow 3-5 days for you to heal before the session to avoid any bumpiness or redness.
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Eyebrows: Make sure your eyebrows are nicely shaped and groomed. You want to have your eyebrows waxed or threaded, be sure to schedule the appointment for at least a few days before your boudoir session. Otherwise, an eyebrow trim/touch up at home could be done a day or two before the shoot. Don’t try anything new here, you don’t want a small mistake to be documented and be feeling self-conscious.
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Salon: If you’re planning to visit the salon for a haircut or color, then give yourself a few days to make sure you are happy with it.
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Manicure: You want your nails to look their best. Natural nails are perfectly fine for your photoshoot, just as long as they are well maintained and clean. A manicure can help achieve this, but is not required. If you’d like to get a mani/pedi, it is advised to aim for soft, neutral, or gem tones colors. Be sure to get a salon manicure and pedicure if you want a flawless finish. You can stick with neatly shaped, clear nails. Soft, neutral colors work well for fingertips. Toes can get away with any color. Think about the outfits you’re bringing and be sure to choose a color that will compliment your choices.
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Clean Your Bling: If you're wearing a wedding ring, make sure it looks its best. You'll definitely want to be showing it off in your session.
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No Sunburns: Stay out of the sun for the week prior to your shoot! – while a base tan will be nice in photos, red, blotchy skin will not. Day to day exposure is fine, but avoid long hours in the sunlight to avoid sunburns. Photoshop can do amazing things, but sunburns will have a negative impact on your shooting experience, and will likely be present in your final images. It will be significantly more expensive to have to remove sunburns during retouching. Be sure to wear sunscreen when you know you're going to be in the sun!
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Do NOT Spray Tan: If you want to have a faux glow, please have it done at least one week prior to the shoot at a professional salon and do so in the nude. You want to avoid creating tan lines that can show up when you’re not wearing a lot of clothing. No matter how natural tanning sprays and lotions may seem, they create an orange glow that cannot be retouched after your session.
It is best to wear your usual makeup or even slightly less makeup: Styling your hair and applying makeup at home is the most convenient, but feel free to bring what’s needed for touch-ups. If you wear foundation or powder, do so sparingly or not at all because it is easier to fix irregularities on your skin. If you wear too much powder or foundation, your skin will have a deeply textured look that cannot be fixed without making your skin appear to have an unflattering plastic appearance. If you plan on applying your own makeup, the most important thing is to wear a photo quality matte powder makeup that will reduce shine on your face. Also, try to balance out your skin tone and color, especially if you have red areas. Please bring your makeup with you to your session for touch-ups.
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Shaving: Shaving can be done the night prior to the shoot, avoid shaving several days prior to the session to keep your skin smooth and not irritated. Consider products designed to help minimize razor burn if that is often an issue for you. Shaving the night before the shoot or the day of can help avoid this.
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Hydrate And Moisturize: Drink plenty of water, and maintain a great skincare routine for luminous skin.
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Skip the alcohol: Avoid partying or drinking the day before your shoot, as alcohol depletes the skin of vital nutrients and can have it looking dehydrated and dull, even in small doses. This goes hand in hand with the last bullet point on hydration.
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Tattoos: Don’t get a new tattoo right before your session. If you want to have a new tattoo for your boudoir experience, be sure to get it done well in advance to allow healing time. You don’t want to be sticking to sheets or having any pain during your session. Having to constantly alter poses and outfits to account for this can result in less images from your session and an overall less enjoyable experience.
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Sleep: It's no secret that a good night sleep will help you look healthy and refreshed and prevent those dark circles and bags under your eyes. The number one thing we see people most critical about in their own headshot are the bags under their eyes, so we recommend getting plenty of sleep the one or two nights leading up to your headshot session. If for some reason you didn't get much sleep and you do have bags under your eyes, applying a cold compress to the area will help reduce the swelling. If you booked our makeup artist, the makeup will help reduce the appearance of swelling or darkness, and Cody can further reduce it in retouching, but this shouldn't be a substitute for getting plenty of sleep.
Business Headshots
Dress The Part
Consider the industry you work in and dress appropriately. For example, if you work in a creative field, you may have more flexibility in your attire, while a more traditional business may require a more formal look.
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For more conservative industries like law and finance, the standard suit-and-tie, or female equivalent is recommended. Otherwise, the best rule-of-thumb is to take a look around LinkedIn to see how peers and senior executives in your industry are dressed. Make sure to pay closer attention to people who are successful vs whomever is in your immediate network.
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Professional Outfit Examples For Men
Suit With Tie
Suit Without Tie
Dress Shirt With Tie
Dress Shirt Without Tie
Sport Coat With Dress Shirt
Dress Shirt With Tie Under V-Neck Sweater
Dress Shirt Without Tie Under V-Neck Sweater
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Professional Outfit Examples For Women
Suit Jacket With Button-Up Shirt
Button-Up Shirt Alone
Suit Jacket With Blouse (Silk Shirt, Bow-Tie Blouse, Cowl Neck Blouse)
Cardigan With Blouse
Blouse Alone
Suit Jacket With Professional Dress
Cardigan With Dress
Dress Alone
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Wearing proper fitting clothes is the most overlooked and one of the most important steps you can take to look your best in your headshot and in everyday life. Get that suit and those shirts tailored or buy fitted shirts and suits. For both men and women, off-the-rack shirts and jackets that are noticeably too big or too small for you will not be flattering for your body and will make slim people look slimmer and large people look larger. Overall, improper fitting clothes will result in a sloppy, unprofessional look, and there is not much Cody can do even in retouching to fix this.
Tips To Help You Feel And Pose Like A Pro During Your Headshot Experience
Create A Music Playlist
Music can help you get into the super modeling zone! Cody has a bluetooth speaker to stream your playlist. Throwing on your favorite playlist is a simple yet highly effective way to set your mind and body at ease! You’re in full control of the tunes during your session. Sing, move your body- loosen up and set the mood for a fun-filled session!
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Plan Ahead
Nobody wants to arrive to a relaxing photo shoot feeling rushed or late. Try to plan for traffic and arrive about 5 minutes prior to your scheduled session time. ​
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Trust Your Photographer
This is incredibly important! It’s Cody's job as a Portrait Photographer to make sure you’re feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Let’s discuss your intentions, your emotions and why this session is important to you. Let’s talk about any insecurities you might have, and how we can work together to set your mind at ease. He will not do anything that is going to make you look bad. As a professional, Cody Michaels has both the experience and proven ability to make you look fantastic with unique posing, strategic lighting, and flattering camera angles. We’ll throw on your favorite music, get loosened up, take a few deep breaths and dive in. During the session we will review a few images as we go to make sure you understand how amazing this photo set will be!
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*Posing Tips*
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No Need To Go Crazy On Your Poses For Headshots
In our sessions, Cody tends to focus on minimalist poses. He has seen other photographers force clients into some truly bizarre poses. But, he avoids this practice like the plague.
He is, after all, showcasing your professionalism and/or acting skills — not Cody's photography. At the beginning of your session, you should warm up with simple and straightforward poses. Simply sit or stand there and smile. Later, you and Cody will work toward some arms-crossed headshots and perhaps a couple candids.
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Keep Your Back Straight As Much As Possible
Straight backs elongate the body and help prevent from appearing "hunchback" on camera by properly adjusting your posture. Pulling your shoulders back while sitting or standing straight up is also a helpful tip to keep in mind.
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Relax---Breathe
Don’t force it! When you find a pose and lock your body in- take a moment to breathe through your diaphragm (the middle of your chest) and relax your muscles and facial expressions until they feel natural and comfortable.
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Never Hesitate To Look Up Images, Watch Tutorials, Or Ask For Help
When you book a session with Cody Michaels- He is all yours for the entire journey. Here to help, coach, inspire- and answer all of your questions. Video platforms like Youtube and Image directories like Pinterest also have some amazing reference material that you can practice on your own schedule in the comfort of your home.
Confidence Booster Tips
Create A Music Playlist
Throwing on your favorite playlist is a simple yet highly effective way to set your mind and body at ease! Music will help you get into supermodel mode. I have a bluetooth speaker at the studio to stream your tunes. You're in full control of the music during your session; sing, move your body - loosen up and set the mood for a fun-filled photo session!
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Bring A Soft, Lightweight Robe
Write Something Here.​
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Plan Ahead
Write Something Here.
Trust Your Photographer
Write Something Here.​
Postlude
In this section you learn what to expect before, during, and after your photo session.
What To Expect
48 Hours Before Your Shoot
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Expect to receive a booked session reminder email from Cody along with the address, where to park, start/end times, and a phone number just in case of a last minute contact. He will also ask if you have any last minute questions.
The Day Of Your Photo Shoot
Use clear deodorant please.
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Wear loose-fitting clothing to your session to avoid red marks on your skin (no jeans, tight socks or tight clothing).
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Eat something light but filling before you leave your home.
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Arrive with hair, and makeup camera ready (whether by a MUA or yourself). Bring lipgloss or lipstick for re-application.
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Have your final payment ready (check, credit card, or cash).
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Most important: Take a deep breath and RELAX. It’s completely normal to be a wee bit nervous before your shoot, but please don’t worry because you will be in very good hands. Cody will show you exactly how to pose and work with you to get the perfect shot.
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Upon arrival, you may enter through the main entrance of the building. Once you are in the lobby/waiting area, someone (or Cody) will greet you at the front desk. If you arrive before Cody, just say that you are here for a photo session with Cody, and he will meet with you as soon as possible.
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Once we arrive to the set, we will go through your selected outfits and take a moment to get to know each other a little more. We will hang up your clothes on a rack and look through them together. I accept mood boards to get a good idea of what style you want your images to be. However, please note that these images will not be replicated, but used as our inspiration.
The entirety of the photo session itself lasts about 1 hour.
During The Photo Shoot
During the shoot, it will be more relaxed than any other photoshoot experience you might have had. I want to capture you, and my mission is to make you feel safe, comfortable, and free to be your 100% self. You’ll be guided through the entire process and posing. Don't stress over this, I promise it will be a lot of fun! There is really nothing you have to do other than trust me. I guarantee we will get stunning images that you will love! ​
After The Photo Shoot
When the shoot is over, you will pack up and go to lunch (or a break) for an hour as your images will be prepared for you when you get back for your same day viewing and ordering appointment.
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When the hour is up, you will receive a text to meet back with Cody. We will go over images, pricing, and narrow down the images that you want selected for your choice of pricing package.
Once you've made your decision, I will then retouch your purchased digital images.
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*You will receive your completed images within 3-5 weeks after your session via online gallery.*