GET READY FOR YOUR HEADSHOT
THE HEADSHOT GUIDE
Woohoo! I'm so excited to photograph you! To get the most out of your headshots, I've put together this easy guide to ensure you love your images and represent yourself and your brand how you really want to.
first things first
The big question. How will you use your images? Who are you speaking to?
When it comes to headshots and branding images there are so many different ways in which your images could be used. Make sure you have a think about how your images are going to be used now as well as how you might use them in the future.
Depending on the use, who you're audience is and even what platform the images will be used on, you might find you need a certain colour backdrop or maybe even a variety of outfits or locations.
If you're also building a new website or getting a headshot for a company you may find you that they have guidelines from the marketing department or even the website designer for your images.
Once you've answered those questions, you'll be able to decide from there how many images will you need, what poses or crops would be beneficial for you and whether you should do multiple outfits, backdrops or locations to future proof yourself.
No idea where to start? That's ok, here are some of the common uses for headshots you might want to consider.
- Linked in
- Tiktok
- Reels & Stories
- Video Blogs
- Websites
- Blog Posts
- Press Releases
- Internal Imagery
- Email signatures
- Google Business
- Business Cards
- Billboards
- Flyers & Brochures
- Introductory Posts
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Interviews
- Event Speakers
what impression do you want to make
CHOOSING WHAT TO WEAR
Think about how you want to represent yourself online and in print. What is the impression you want to make? How do you want to be presented?
A great idea for Headshot Shoots and Corporate Branding Sessions is to bring a selection of outfits that serve a range of purposes to ensure you have a good selection of images to choose from, in different outfits.
Express Headshots where you arrive ready in your chosen outfit, you can still bring along a blazer, jacket or a scarf to change up your appearance quickly for some of your headshots.
To get the most from your images, ensure your outfits are clean, ironed and fit well. That any under garments are the correct colour and fit well.
WARDROBE TIPS
clothing colour & shape
Blazers & Jackets
Solid Colours
Creating Shape
Outfits that cinch at the waist are a great way to create shape. The same goes for high waisted pant or peplum shaped pieces. When the change from one clothing piece to another at our smallest part of the body at the waist (instead of the hips), we create a slimming effect rather than a widening one.
Avoid solid colours with no layering where the piece is boxy, loose fitting or very long without any tapering at the waist. If you love solid colours, opting for a pattern, texture, sheer fabric or bare arms is more shaping than being covered head to toe. Another option is to add similar tones or a blazer.
Layering blazers, jackets and cardigans can have a slimming effect and are a great way to create more interesting images. You can quickly dress up or down an outfit, simply by adding or removing a blazer or adding a denim jacket or cardigan instead.
Torso Lengthening
Colour Lovers
Posing
Different poses and angles can help create shape just as our outfits can. Using our hands to come across the body or even leaning on tables, the backs of chairs or using props like a laptop held in front of the body are great ways to create a break in the space.
It doesn't always have to be muted colours. Pairing a bright fashion top with a pair of white jeans is a great way to add colour. Another option is to use a coloured backdrop rather than the traditional white backdrop headshot look.
If you feel you have a short torso, you can create shape and lengthen your torso by wearing a dress than cinches at the waist instead of pants. Trousers and a tucked in shirt can shorten an already short body in some cases, but you can create length by adding a longer blazer.
Another great way to change up an outfit could be as simple as tying your hair up in some shots and having it down in others or even adding or removing a jacket or glasses.
ADDING ACCESSORIES
Want people to take notice? It's a great idea to personalise your outfits with timeless jewellery. A piece of jewellery or even just a nice watch can really bring an outfit together making the overall image more appealing. Think earrings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, scarves and shoes.
ACCESSORY TIPS
Adding interest
Shoes
Jewellery
Watches & Glasses
Ditch the fitness watch - unless it's a part of your brand, audience or suits your outfit. Glasses can always be added in to create various looks.
Jewellery can always be added or removed depending on the look you are wanting to achieve, for example going from casual to smart.
Shoes with a heel will lengthen your legs. This is a great way to add height and to create a slimming effect.
Kind Words
Haley is a true professional. Having a self portrait done was not something I ever planned to do. I was feeling nervous and self-conscious but Haley made me feel at ease and relaxed - like the most important person in the world. Highly recommend for a family or self-portrait, a generational photo or a group of friends. You are given an outstanding branding opportunity if you require a portrait for work as well. Thank you for using your outstanding experience & talent for creating a beautiful portrait. It was such a privilege!
- jason dawson
Kind Words
The team at Haley Adele Photography were amazing! They were very professional, friendly and approachable. Haley responded in a timely matter and offered advice that catered towards what was best for my photograph. It was a comfortable and friendly environment that focused on empowering the person to look and feel unique. I would recommend this service to anyone that is interested in a headshot or portrait.
- stacey ruru
Kind Words
The fact that Haley managed to take not only one decent photo of me, but an entire album of them shows that she is one of the best photographers I know. Her calm and fun demeanor meant the whole session was fun and relaxed. I am the most awkward person in front of the camera but she talked me through each step perfectly. From one photographer to another, keep up the epic mahi!!
- Joel de vries
Kind Words
I would recommend Haley to anyone looking for photography and I'll return to Haley Adele photography the next time I need photos taken. I feel that she understands my goals well, she planned and carried out photography that would achieve those goals. Haley helped me feel at home. She is warm and kind and genuinely listened to me. She is quick to give feedback and seemed to intuitively understand how to put a smile on my face on and off camera.
- Alex C
Kind Words
Haley is so welcoming and amazing! I was so nervous to have my photos taken but Haley made the whole experience so much fun and I felt really confident after seeing the results. Such a cool photography studio, and her work is stunning! I have done a couple of photoshoots with Haley now and I have loved all of them!
- shikita smith
Kind Words
Haley took my photo in her beautiful studio in Casabella Lane. She has created such a welcoming warm environment which really helped someone like myself relax in front of the camera. She provided so much guidance throughout, and combined with her genuine personality, created a very enjoyable experience for something that could have been quite nerve-wracking!
- gabrielle houghton
Kind Words
It was AMAZING being photographed by Haley the other day! Haley is a true inspiration to me and a fantastic mentor, I've assisted her in the studio and watched her work her magic with so many wonderful women, it was an honour to be on the other side of the action! It was truly special and a huge confidence boost to see myself looking my absolute best. Haley was wonderful working with my crazy kids and my hesitant husband too! Haley a genius with so many different types of photography - 1000% recommend her ❤
- sarah grayson
Kind Words
I was super nervous beforehand, I was expecting it to be super awkward and way out of my comfort zone. Haley is so accommodating so my experience was completely the opposite, everything was sorted out, and there was no room left for awkwardness. Her team of makeup and hair artists are committed to their work and I felt that everything was absolutely perfect. I felt super comfortable and have come out the other side with some amazing pictures! Will definitely be coming back for any future pictures!!
- sarah grayson
Kind Words
I couldn't recommend Haley enough. She's super accommodating, fun to work with whilst being extremely professional. Our team of four (none of us particularly photogenic), found her instructions & lead of great value. Haley, go up on your prices, you offer way more then what you charge for!
- Emi, Aspire home loans
Kind Words
I took the plunge and booked in with Haley Adele Portraits for professional headshots and branding photos. Haley made the whole experience absolutely amazing throughout.
Haley had me absolutely speechless today going through my reveal! I honestly can't thank you enough for the time you gave me, the direction and laughs! I am most certainly booking in regularly for updated shots simply because everyone needs to see themselves through Haley's eyes. Haley, thank you so much! ❤
- Charly
MAKEUP, BROWS & SKIN CARE
Make the most out of your headshots
Whether or not you're going to have professional makeup done, a great skin care routine on the lead up to your headshots can really help you appear your very best. And I'm talking not just looking after your face but also ensuring you moisturise and exfoliate your arms, legs, elbows and hands, basically anywhere that is going to be visible. This is key to ensure you don't have any dry patches on your skin in your images. This is for the men too, dry skin is not something that can be easily photoshopped!
If you are someone that prefers tidy brows, ensure you get them done or do them yourself before your headshot session. Imagine if this image went on the back of a bus or in a news article online but you'd forgotten to tidy your brows up!
A great way to get more from your images is to get your makeup done. Even if the look you'd like is something as small as evening out a red skin tone, it can really help. Both men and women can have a little bit of makeup for a photoshoot and I have some great recommendations of artists if you'd like to visit them.
Don't forget to think about your nails, if you're not a nail polish person and for men as well, simply ensure they are clean and tidy before your photoshoot.
If you are a nail person, you could always go and treat yourself to new nails or give them a fresh coat. You definitely don't need to paint your nails or have acrylics or gels done at all. Just ensure they are as you'd like them to be if you were meeting a potential partner, buyer, client or employer, because effectively that is what this image is for right.
Lashes
Bronzer/Blush
Eye Liner
Darker liner on the waterline under the eyes can make the eyes look smaller, where as white or left natural can actually make them appear larger and more open.
If you're doing your makeup yourself, placing this higher on your face than is traditional instead of under your cheeks will give a more complimentary face shape for most people.
Extra individual even half strip lashes can really open the eyes up but a nice lash lift can do this too, especially for those wanting to add length but also look natural. I love the girls over at LAB Brow Bar for mine.
HAIR STYLING
How your hair is styled can have a huge effect on whether you love your headshot. Even if you're not going to go all out and have your hair and makeup done, a little bit of styling for men or a quick curl of the front of your hair for women to create shape can make a massive difference to your images.
If you want that really high fashion classy or edgy look go for super straight hair. If you'd like to shape your face and create some depth to your image, light waves or curls can be a great way to frame you nicely.
If you're not usually someone that does your hair a lot, having hair (and even makeup) done professionally can be a great way to ensure it looks amazing. If that isn't something that you're wanting to do but you don't know how to do it yourself, Youtube is a great place to find how-to videos.
HAIR TIPS
complimentary
Volume
Foreheads
Regrowth
If you're wanting to hide regrowth or grey roots in your images, but don't have time to refresh your colour you can buy root hair spray to hide it.
Hair that sweeps across the forehead will make the forehead appear smaller in an image, like side fringes or curtain bangs
Hair styles with more volume or that fall around the face will make the face appear less prominent in an image than sleeker styles will.
Up Do vs Down
Straight vs Curly
For Men
For men, freshly groomed facial hair can really create a professional look. This doesn't necessarily mean a clean shave (unless that is what you do!), just a tidy up to create clean lines. If you're someone who does this regularly yourself or you don't have the right tools, many barbers will offer this as a service or add-on to your hair cut!
Partially straight hair with a curl outwards from the face on either side will frame the face nicely and help create a put together look. You can always tuck one side behind your ear to frame the face as well.
Loose hair around the face will create a softer appearance and frame the face more than hair pulled back tightly. If you're opting for an up-do, consider leaving some loose pieces around your face if you'd like a softer look. If you like the high fashion sleek look, pulled back tightly can be a great choice.
PROFESSIONAL HAIR AND MAKEUP
Want to organise your own hair and makeup but not sure who to go to? Perfect, these are some of my favourite recommendations!
Seamless & DIGITAL BackdropS
When you make your booking you can choose from our popular colours, a digital backdrop or simply go with white! Remember to plan your outfit to compliment the backdrop you want. Outfit colours can change how an image looks overall by complimenting the colours in the image, by standing out from it or by contrasting against it depending on what you want to achieve.
pure white
off white
cream
brown
light grey
dark grey
purple
Pink
Blue
olive
navy
black
ON THE DAY
Ensure everything you'd like to bring along is packed, ironed and ready to bring to your photoshoot. That you have your shoes, jewellery and any accessories or props ready and don't forget an umbrella if it looks like rain!
DON'T FORGET
It's ok to be nervous, but don't stress - I'm going to tell you exactly what to do with your hands, your feet and will even guide you through different expressions and poses during your photoshoot and I'll even retouch any temporary blemishes for you too. And better yet, you even get to be the one to choose your images from the best of your shots!
READY TO BOOK?
EXPRESS HEADSHOT
Headshot Shoot
includes:
includes:
includes:
Style and Wardrobe Planning Guide
Arrive ready in your chosen outfit
One backdrop
10 Minute Headshot Sitting
Online Proof Gallery
Two images of your choice
Style and Wardrobe Planning Guide
1-2 Wardrobe Changes
1-2 Backdrops
20-30 Minute Headshot Sitting
Online Proof Gallery
Three images of your choice
Style and Wardrobe Planning Guide
2-3 Wardrobe Changes
2-3 Backdrops
Allow up to 45 minutes
Online Proof Gallery
Six images of your choice
$300 + Gst
$450 + Gst
$750 + Gst
Corporate branding
Need extra images?
Easy. You'll have access to your headshot proof gallery for 12 months, so if you need extra images, you can purchase right from your online proof gallery!
1 Extra Image
Including standard skin retouching
$150 + GST
5 Extra Images
Including standard skin retouching
$500 + GST
10 Extra Images
Including standard skin retouching
$750 + GST
3 Extra Images
Including standard skin retouching
$300 + GST
have a team?
BOOKING CALENDAR
Easy, just use the booking calendarS to book your time slot!
on location
in studio
On location, I'll come to you or a location we choose together. In Studio means you'll come to a studio in the Hamilton CBD.
GET THE GUIDE
I know it can be hard to know what photos you need and what you images you simply might not have even thought of so here is what you need to consider for your shot list!