Headshot preparation

How to prepare for a headshot photography session

Ok, so you have finally decided to get a headshot, you may need it for your Linkedin Profile, a CV or to use it for marketing and communication for you or a business.

The first step has already been taken, so next you have to choose a photographer to take the headshot. You can google headshot photographers and find a few, you may find many so how do you decide who to commission?

Geography is important, if the photographer is near you can easily get to them, or they can come to you, but the most important thing to consider is how good is the photographer and what style does the photographer deliver?

Check they have great reviews, see the comments and if possible check with someone who has used the service, or knows them.

Award winning photographer, may sound impressive, but what award have they won and did they pay for the trophy or certificate? Sadly there are many photographic organisations that are more interested in making money from photographers, than running professional accreditation.

The Association of Photographers and BIPP are both respected organisations, but no organisation accreditation is a guarantee, you need to check the work they produce and check it is theirs.

You have to have a purpose for the shot and also that will dictate the style that you should have, if you are a professional in a business such as accountancy, the image you may want could be far different from a portrait for a health professional, a tradesman, financial advisor or a beauty therapist?

If you are an entrepreneur you may require many images, for a variety of uses, social media, website communication and many variations for material you send out for PR.

The photographer you choose should have the ‘types’ of headshots on their website that you want to achieve, hopefully a good professional shall only use images that they have taken, not generic images from a photo stock library.

I suggest that you speak to the photographer and get to hear about what they do, but more important they listen to what you want!

They should then suggest a way to achieve what you want or give advice as to what you need for a particular purpose .

A professional should then be able to give you an accurate quote and tell you what you should have delivered and how that process works.

You should not have to pay a deposit or pay upfront, if you go to a restaurant, you should pay the bill when you have had a good experience and the meal. There maybe some who insist on a deposit, but it is not good practice and if you are unhappy with the images, are you going to be happy with having to be reshot or ask for a refund?

Once you have booked with the photographer, they should discuss what you need to do, I always want to have the discussion with the subject, or with the person who is organising the session on behalf of a company or group.

When the purpose of the photograph is established there are many things to consider.

First, Hair – if you are a bald man this is maybe less of an issue, but if you shave the head, ensure it is done 24 hours before the session, so it can recover from nicks.

Male or female, ensure you are happy with your styling, do you need a hair cut? Is your style best a day after a wash? Only you know what works best, so plan any visit to the hair stylist to be before the photo session.

What should I wear for a headshot?

There are no rights or wrongs with what you wear, but there are many ways that the clothes you are wearing can enhance the end result and many ways an item can dominate the image in a way that is detrimental so here are some guidelines.

If possible bring an extra set of clothes, a spilt coffee can create an issue or a colour can clash with the background, especially greens & blues, as some photographers may use a ‘green screen technique.

For a business style headshot, consider using a pale coloured shirt or blouse, pure white can create a ‘floating’ head especially if the background is white. If you do want the mono-tone look, with Black jacket, the photographer will hopefully use a grey or pale background but with a dark black background he should employ a certain amount of back light to separate the tones, or you may start floating in a dark sea?

Fashion styles can date an image quickly, so this years ‘hot’ colour will not be so hot in less than a year, stick to the safer classics.

Avoid sports clothes with logo’s, it seems logical, but if you are a fan of a team, that can cheer many but maybe upset others, and it can adversely influence the viewer who could be a potential employer or client?

Choose a neckline that compliments you, a T shirt top can work for some, but a V neck, blouse collar or shirt opened are usually better to ‘frame’ the face.

A jacket that is not too ‘busy’. Checks and Jacquard patterns can create strange effects (moire effect) when on a screen or printed, have a choice if you can , with a plain alternative.

Should I wear a Tie?

The day of the tie are possibly numbered, but like all fashions, they may return, they are not a requirement as they were, but certain professions prefer a formal look, so its your choice, what tribe do you want to belong too? Bring choice of patterns and colours, discuss with the photographer as certain colours and patterns register in strange ways, often chemicals in dyes will look different to what the eyes register.

Do I need smart trousers or skirt?

A headshot can include the jacket and show the waist, so it is recommended to have a suitable pair of trousers, jeans or skirt with appropriate belt if required.

What Make Up for Headshots ?

In an ideal world a makeup artist would be at the studio, as they are at most TV studios and most portrait sessions for magazines, however a headshot session will not have the time or budget to have a skilled MUA on set, so you have to be able to do the best you can, but in the style appropriate for the purpose, a business headshot should look as you would when you go to work, not out at a nightclub. Again this is guidance and many subjects shall take time to do a great job of their makeup.
However, shine can be an issue, when the photographers lights are employed, they can be more unforgiving so a reflective foundation or ‘oily’ skin can create a problem, a dab with tissue can sort it but consider a ‘matt’ powder/foundation, that can hide the shine.

Apply with care: a photograph is forever, so check lipstick, mascara for detail, when the final image is out you can’t reapply.

A good photographer shall check for the details that can be cleaned, a few dust particles on a jacket, a hair that has stuck across a face and blemishes that are not concealed, all can be sorted by a skilled retoucher but it is always best to start with little to rectify.

With good lighting and technique a headshot becomes a portrait.

There are lots of filters and effects that can be employed, creating an image that is more of an illustration or cartoon than a portrait of a real person, it is not recommended that you get a photographer to use these,

The Photo shoot

If the session has beed arranged at an office with many others, you should have a time slot, when the photographer is ready for you, however the previous subject may have over run or there are delays, ideally the photographer should have a dedicated room or space that just allows you to be directed to the space where you shall be photographed, most photography for headshots is done with the subject standing, it is harder to sit and move around on a chair or stool, but it can be that a seated session can work. If you find yourself seated, be aware that shoulders tend to relax and posture becomes an issue, sit upright to look good.

The photographer should direct you to the best spot to stand and how to face the camera, there are many ways to do this and a photographer who is skilled shall help you relax and present yourself in the best way to the camera.

Do I have a Best side?

This is where you can help the process and get the best from the session, you will have a ‘best’ side, and you may already know what it is, so that is how to start, but the photographer may have lighting that works for a different view, so you have to trust the direction, but don’t be afraid to voice your opinion, a headshot is a collaboration and you want the best from the session, a good photographer should listen and take on board your opinion, they should take shots that you want and what they feel is right, the choice can be made after, but try to alter the pose, position and expression, have variety, a photographer should capture the variety but should also direct, suggest and guide you.

A session should be quick if all is going well, but if there is time or if many alternatives are required, then a shoot could go on for hours. There are no rules or one way to do this.

It maybe possible to see the results as the photographer progress, either on a monitor or on the camera viewer, this can reassure yo and also allow you to check you are happy with the results,

Should I Smile for a headshot?

Our natural reaction when faced with a camera is to smile, but a forced smile is not attractive, ideally the photographer should direct you well and a natural smile will happen, but a resting face with ‘engagement’ with the camera is what great models and experienced celebrities can deliver, a natural smile happens and fades, but holding a smile will become painful and not look genuine.

A serious face is fine especially for business use, but the look should not be that of a ‘Rabbit in the headlights.’ Practice- before you go to the session, get in front of a mirror and try and find your ‘best side’ get to see what expression suits you and see if you can smile naturally.
Try also to ‘connect’ with the camera – smile with your eyes!

What is the best Body Position for your portrait?

Straight onto the camera is what you do when you have your passport taken. but especially for a female, a side on position can be more complimentary, it ‘narrows’ the shoulders and accentuates the breasts, a straight on pose can be seen as aggressive or powerful a more masculine pose? But in todays fluid society the choice is yours, but be aware, everything you do in front of a camera has significance, even nothing, can communicate to those who see the image.

Posing in front of a camera is what we now do in this instagram world, but been natural and relaxed is possible with practice and good direction from an experienced photographer.

Good posture is something that is difficult to define, but if you are reasonably healthy and do not have a disability, you should be able to look good, keep a straight back and not drop your shoulders, just a good intake of breath can make a difference to the way you look.

Selecting final headshot?

A session for a single headshot can result in tens of images, at least 10 images, but depending on the session and requirements the photographer should supply the client with a good choice of expressions, if the session has gone well it may only be 20 images but if the clients requirements are complex, using for serious professional use and more relaxed personal use, there can be a hundred images to choose from. The images are not ‘finished’ but to be seen and selected so that the final images can be further enhanced and delivered as final jpeg files, it is important to be aware that these proof images are an indication of what the images can be, it is to select the best expressions and maybe the way the clothes look and the lighting. A photographer may select a few suggestions, but ideally the client shall choose the final images.

Final Selection of Headshot

Once the image or images are selected, the photographer should work on the final image and edit, retouch and clean the images. To ensure that small defects, such as blemishes and stray hairs are removed, dust from clothes and possible enhancement of the lighting, if the subject is a male, it may require a more dramatic look, or with a female, the contrast is reduced to create a ‘softer’ look.

The final image then should be saved as a tiff or PSD file, for archive requirements . The final image should be large (8K ) and a web friendly version (4K or smaller) be delivered so the image can be used for most web uses, but if a print is required a stable TIFF file should be used, with correct colour profile. A pro photographer should advise all that is required once the end uses are know.

The final images should be valid for a while, but remember , people change and using an old out of date headshot however good you look is not always a good idea, update every few years so the headshot of you, actually looks like you!

project case study

Photography commissions are usually for one style or genre of work, but some require delivery of a variety of images, and that is a brief I love to have.

‘Do you photograph property and food? Oh and people?’

Music to my ears, the answer is always yes, but in this case it was a big yes! Property especially in the landscape is certainly a subject I love, certainly when it is for the hospitality industry, hotels and rental properties have always been a favorite subject, add to that Food and people I am delighted and if the location is in the Cotswolds (AONB) then I certainly get excited.

The property owners kindly allowed me to share some of the images, however its location is only revealed to those lucky enough to use it, but it’s near enough to Daylesford so you know you shall be able to get some great food and retail therapy when staying there.

An Historic farmhouse, additional cottages, a Barn or two and an outdoor heated pool are not found at your average weekend airbnb.

With stunning but understated decor and attention to detail, this property is to my mind about as good as it gets, it is wonderful to see that a rural location feels timeless and yet so contemporary.

The development is to be marketed for exclusive use in 2024 but till then please check out a few images I delivered for the marketing and comms.

Headshots for LinkedIn – Website – Personal Brand.

This is an area that does not have specific requirements, however the subject themselves often wish to have a ‘look’ that has a background that is more adventurous or fashionable?

Plain colours of all hues and gradations are possible, but remember the main subject is the person, so the more complex the background the image may say something far more confusing that a simple plain background and a well lit face with a great expression.

Choose your background with care!

White :

White shall be the ‘cleanest’, most clinical and the most official. It can also be the one that ensures your face is the most important element in the picture. Light coloured clothes can create a ‘washed’ out look, another consideration that has an effect on the final outcome.

Black:

Always dramatic in the nature of its ‘mystery’, a black background can ensure that the face is well framed and with diverse skin colour there can be a great subtly in the image, dark hair can blend into the background, as can dark clothes. The final image can also be effected by the way it is printed or delivered. Black can ‘spill’ onto a subject,  especially with poor printing, and it may impact images on the reverse of a page, especially if the background occupies a large part of the image and becomes ‘Low Key’.

Grey:

Increasingly I am shooting headshots on a grey background, more so than on any other. Maybe this is a fashion trend, in which case I have been well ahead of the game as I have advocated grey as the background of choice for over 10 years.

The problem with using a grey background for a headshot is that there is no ‘standard grey’. Black and white do have variants but most people see them as simple binary choices. Grey is something that has so many variations.

Even a grey background that is made out as a neutral is never, neutral. The colour temperature of the light, its direction, and quality can produce subtle colours. Many people see green when they see a grey background, whilst others see a magenta tint.

The great thing about grey is that it unifies a set of images, and works with people across ethnicity. The lighting can change but the uniform grey helps harmonise a series of portraits as well as individual images working well.

Colour can easily be added to a grey background, with gel coloured lights as well as tone changes from dark to light.

Other Backgrounds:

In the context of headshots, I have suggested that the background is not a large proportion of the images, the headshot itself is what is the main subject, but there are reasons to choose different backgrounds, brand colours, design consideration all can be an argument for alternative backgrounds, but remember, if you are after a headshot, it should be about the head and expression, the background should be just that! Or should it?

The background of a photograph is an element that has to be there, it should be considered like every element but it is the sum of all the elements that makes up the final image.

So, when deciding who is going to be the photographer of your companies headshots, be sure to have the conversation about the background.

LG Nov 2023

There are two rules in photography.
Rule One – Look Cool
Rule two- there are no rules!                  

 – Lorentz Gullachsen 1988.

Festival Faces Project – Stratford Literary Festival Portraits

It has been a great privilege to be involved with Stratford Literary Festival since 2015, since then I have taken portraits of almost everyone who has appeared at the Spring and Winter Festivals.

The Festival was started in 2008 and has gone from strength to strength, providing two events per year as well as delivering wonderful work with children and exceptional work with a prisoners literacy programme, for many it is an opportunity to get a signed copy of a new book by their favourite author. For many it is the opportunity to see national and international stars and personalities and hear the anecdotes that gives them an insight into a world that few experience. Many Authors are at the start of their careers, hopefully the exposure at such festivals shall ensure they enjoy improved sales and an enhanced profile and enjoy a long fruitful career as authors.

I am lucky that I get to spend some time with all of the authors and guest speakers and I appreciate the time they give me so I can take their portrait.

A portrait is what I try and capture, but what is a portrait?

A portrait is an image that goes beyond just been a picture. It is subjective but a viewer should be aware of the difference between a picture and a portrait, at least I hope they do.

I want to capture something about the visual commuication of the subject, when as they are in-front of my camera they are truly engaged in the process.

The subject has an idea of what they want to look like in a  photograph and the photographer wants to capture an image that suits their own agenda, the result maybe a compromise, ideally both the subject and the photographer are happy with the result. However many of my most successful portraits are not the favourites of the subject.

The subjects either they want to produce an image that is well received and is celebrated, or as I hopefully try to do is capture a ‘truth’ an image that shows an insight to the subject.

So the series of portraits hopefully shall be a historic record of those who appeared at the festival and that most shall be happy with their portrait?

The Portrait project has now got a dedicated website and it is the long term goal to establish an archive of portraits to be held at a suitable Stratford location and also to join my existing archive at Birmingham Central Library where the second largest archive of UK photography is held ( The V&A been number one).

To find out more about the Stratford Literary Festival – Stratford Literary Festival

To see the whole Festival Faces Project  Festival Faces

Its like taking coals to Newcastle, I am always working on brand photography for clients, its what was called, Advertising photography, but as the conventions of Advertising have changed completely, marketing a Brand is what happened in the old days when a few major ads would appear across the country on poster sites for clients such as Esso or B&H (Remember when we smoked?) . Now its about awareness, on multi platforms, from Facebook, Tik Tok to a Poster site out of Home, ie on a location in public. Confused, so am I and I do advertising for a living.

The same goes for a simple sole trader like myself, I have to be on Brand and across many platforms, just to be seen in the market place?
Well last year I had a major technical problem with my website, it was sadly a little old and needed an update, as my website is my ‘shop window’ I thought I had better address the issue and so when about looking for a way forward, I was lucky that having loads of connections I could ask around , but I also had the concerns of an aging logo and concerns about SEO.

So as I would advise a client, I took the hard route and started a complete rebrand !

A strange thing to do especially as I was entering my 50th year as a professional photographer!
However, I have no plan to retire and in fact I only want to change to a more sustainable business, work within a more geographic area and concentrate on the types of commissions I like.

First, the website had to be started, I knew it would take a while (always work in progress) , but I needed a new logo. I have lots of great friends who could have done a great design, however I have had a few over the years and I would have had yet another element to build a recognition .

However, instinctively I though I should return to my 1980’s ‘classic’ ? I had left it behind as fashion changed, but my GULLACHSEN hand painted logo was a thing of beauty, originally designed by Stu Newman a friend and Art Director/ designer who got a caligrapher to paint my surname, it was a recognised graphic that was a bit marmite but mostly loved, it was very much of its time, but as the 80’s and other decades has recently become more celebrated.

Once that logo was decided, it was down to my fried, Simon Hume at Milkbar Studio to put a site together, but that is only the start, I shall use the logo for marketing and comms, but also do what I have avoided forever, market me!

My work is what matters, however it is obvious that all marketing, is now about ‘people’. My clients work with me, and new clients need to recognise and engage with the person behind the camera.

So my logo shall become more visible, but also so shall I, sorry!

Branding photography from a photographer who does not have a presence and ‘Brand’ is sadly what I need to do, I hope that all the work I take for clients shall reflect their brand and market them, but in order to be commissioned, I need to show I can do it for my brand, so be aware. Brand photography should be seen to work or why would you commission the creator if he didn’t walk the walk?

Ember Home – new website photography for Leamington Spa retail and e commerce outlet

Some commissions start of with a simple on line enquiry and I was lucky to have responded to Ember Home and popped in to meet the owner, Rav, it was obvious they had great home products, a mix of antiques, vintage and new furniture with wonderful fabrics and decorative items the shop looks like a wonderland of decoration that is hard to define but is certainly very desirable. They already had a great website and were producing their own shots of products, however they required high resolution major images of the ranges that they could use as heading images. This is where it got interesting, because a large studio was required to shoot that large a group of products, would be expensive to higher and a logistical nightmare. So it was the shop itself that would be the venue, however to get the Brand colour backgrounds and to light such a space was challenging. The challenge of wanting the brand colours as a background for each collection require a big paint job, the use of coloured paper (which I hate) or green screen/ retouching? But I had a cunning plan and using fabric in the colour of the brand for each collection made sense and just needed finding and  rigging. The colours Orange and Teal were impossible to find in the width of fabric that was required so, useing plain material I dyed the fabrics and the result worked.

With a lot of flash lighting and a lot of grip ( Kit that holds the lighting and background), I turned the space into a large studio. The execution of the shoot was totally a collaborative venture, Rav seemed to have a superpower when getting the appropriate items together, moving items that weighed more than me and onto the set, I can claim the years of experience in studios was very useful when lighting items such as giant mirrors and textured wood were concerned, the resulting 8k images worked as the main image for the intro sections.

I suggest you check out Ember Home website and certainly take a trip down The Parade in Royal Leamington Spa to Ember Home shop, for me it is a great retail experience and I don’t like shopping.

I have enjoyed access to a studio for many years, I was lucky to have had one in the grounds of my old house in Wimpstone till I moved in 2007, then it was somewhat ‘interesting’ with moves to Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, London and Spain. Then back to Stratford on Avon! In 2013 I helped set up a studio near Stratford and until the owner sold and moved away in 2019 it was a great base and I was able to shoot most studio portraits and product shots there.

As change happens, I managed to work from a home base with a great production facility and use hire studios, however I did miss a studio, a place I can easily set up, have kit on site and feel it is my creative space. I still shoot most of my work on location, however when a suitable location recently became available I jumped at the opportunity to have a dedicated studio.

So now May 2023, I have a studio base in the North Cotswolds, its only 5 miles from home so a bike ride away, and it is already making life easier, shooting still life products and naturally sculpture!

I shall be able to shoot portraits and am planning more experimental work that I would be unable to afford at a hire studio at £500 a day!

Like everything that sounds to good to be true, here is a catch.

As it is in such an idyllic location not far from the world famous National Trust Hitcote Gardens , I shall not publish the address as it is strictly visit by appointment.

I have already had a few clients and friends visit and google does not give great directions, it sends everyone past the studio entrance, however, three words works and when anyone gets near I can talk them down as a seasoned air traffic controller.

I look forward to working in this space and hope to welcome many old clients and hopefully many new ones to this small but wonderfully located Cotswold photography studio.

The Post Code start is GL55 .