PREPARING FOR YOUR HEADSHOT MINI PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
To help you get the most from your headshot mini session, here’s some information, links and preparation tips which I hope you’ll find useful. If you haven’t done it yet don’t forget to download your free guide with 5 tips to make the most of your mini photography session. So, grab a coffee and have a browse and if there’s anything else you want to ask, feel free to get in touch.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER
Session duration – These sessions are short and sweet with just enough time to create a gallery with enough choice for you to enjoy a handful of fresh images. If you are looking for something totally customised with a wider variety of images you’ll find my personal branding sessions a better fit. Enjoy an experience which features locations aligned to your brand, time for outfit changes, more images for you to select from and which provide a comprehensive library of images telling the story of you and your brand.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where will the sessions be held?
Lakeside North Harbour
Western Road | Portsmouth
Hampshire | PO6 3EN
Website | https://lakesidenorthharbour.com
Parking | There is allocated visitor parking on site. Following signs to 1000 Lakeside Visitor Parking.
Directions | Sat nav postcode: PO6 3EZ
The location offers a fabulous range of backdrops to feature in your images and it may be possible to include images outside too if you’d like (weather permitting).
I will send you a questionnaire prior to the shoot to learn more about you, your business and what you want from your photos. I’ll then select the right backdrops and lighting for you.
What can I expect?
Once you book you’ll receive a short questionnaire so that I can find out more about you and your business or career. You’ll also receive my guide with top confidence boosting tips and a link on how to prepare for your session.
During the 20 minute session we’ll move to a few different locations to provide a little variety to your images, chosen with you and your brand in mind.
I’ll provide gentle posing guidance but these images are about the real you, feeling relaxed and enjoying the session – so nothing too stiff or awkward I promise!
2 weeks after your session, you’ll receive an online secure gallery with your images from which you can choose your favourites. Once you place your order I’ll give them a final polish and deliver them to you within 2-3 days. Sized ready for your social media platform and as a high resolution file, you’ll be able to instantly download and share them.
Who are these sessions for?
A great fit if a full personal branding session isn’t what you need right now and you’re looking for something affordable that won’t take too much time.
You’re looking for a handful of fresh headshots to connect with your audience. Whether that’s your perfect customer or with a dream employer and colleagues, these headshot mini sessions are the perfect opportunity to create authentic images which you’ll love to share.
Do I need professional hair and make up?
It’s not essential by any means. Take a look at the guide for tips for hair and make-up as you may feel more comfortable applying it yourself.
That said, it can be nice to have a little pamper and can also boost your confidence. If you’d like details of suppliers I’ve worked with (and used personally) drop me a line and I’ll send details over to you.
If you are planning a significant hairstyle change or colour try to plan this in 1-2 weeks before the shoot so your style has time to settle before the shoot.
For male clients it’s worth thinking about whether you want to shave pre-shoot. Removing stubble post-processing isn’t something I offer as it really.does.take.forever. Far easier to shave in advance.
The most important thing is that you look like you. This isn’t the time to try something completely new.
What should I wear?
Did you click on this one first? I’m not surprised at all as it’s the one question ALL my clients ask!
In our guide, Vicky Booker Stylist started by providing some simple styling advise for headshot sessions. Now you’re booked, here’s a little more detail about things to consider when you’re planning your wardrobe. which we hope you find useful.
DO….
- Think about your brand colours and wear colours that co-ordinate with these. Make sure the colours of your clothes will work on your linked in profile or if used on the company website.
- Make sure that the colours that you wear actually suit you.
- Wear solid colours…I love patterns but solid colours tend to work best at photo shoots as they don’t detract from your face. If you’re known for your patterns though, feel free to wear them for part of your shoot to mix things up a little. There’s so many ways to add pattern in your images without wearing it head to toe, if you’re stuck just ask myself or Vicky.
- Wear clothes that fit well. Avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose as that can make you look bigger than you are (think Gok Wan pulling in women’s clothes round their waists!)
- Wear layers to create a different look in your photos simply by removing or adding a jumper or jacket. We won’t have time for a full outfit change but layers can help to give you a few different looks without having to go to a changing room.
- Accessorise. Swapping jewellery around for different shots has the same affect. Try to wear just one statement piece, so either big earrings or a statement necklace rather than both.
With regards to glasses, if you wear glasses all of the time then it makes sense to wear them for your shoot as well. If you only wear them some of the time then I’ll take some photos of you wearing your glasses, but most will be without as they can cause problems with reflections. If you wear glasses with non-reflective lenses in then this is great as it really helps combat the glare.
- Add variety by bringing a couple of different options and send pictures in advance. If you’re not sure we can review them when you arrive or ideally in advance of the day. We may have time for one change during your session and also have options if the tops aren’t working with the light conditions or background.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Whilst it’s true that heels elongate your body and make your legs look longer. Whether male or female consider your photoshoot location as well as what you would typically wear. This is all about your personality shining through and avoiding painful expressions due to painful footwear!
Location Styling Tip:
Lakeside has a mix of hard and softer ground so you may like to bring a change of shoes just incase (especially around the lake). Even if you wear wellies I can shoot from the waist up so whatever is most comfortable and practical for you!
AVOID….
- Avoid wearing something you wouldn’t normally or something that makes you feel uncomfortable. If you feel good, you’ll look good!
- Avoid wearing clothes that are old, bobbly, stained or creased (including spare clothing you are bringing along with you during transit). This is likely to show up in your photos and could end up costing you more in retouching fees.
- Avoid logos, neon colours, or busy prints. Did I mention that these will overpower the images and make clothing the focus rather than you? Also please be aware than thin stripes can warp in your images so are best avoided.
- Avoid too much skin. We’ll also be able to include a wider range of poses without the risk of flashing anything we don’t mean to!
- Avoid polo necks as these can make you look like you have a floating head. Not such a good look.
- Avoid stark white or jet black tops where possible. Black jackets with different colour tops under is ok, or a black or white top (not polo neck) with a neck line is fine. But if you can, cream, grey or navy tops are better than white or black, especially against the black shiplap cladding of the threshing barn.
Overall, remember the key to a confident session is that you’re comfortable in clothing which is truly representative of you. If you’ve taken the above into account you should be ready to go!
Do you offer personalised styling advice?
Alongside styling tips in our guide and faq you may like to take these one step further and curate a session wardrobe which will make you feel super confident with personal colour and styling advice from Vicky Booker Stylist.
Vicky ‘s styling packages have been developed specifically for these headshot sessions, tailored around the areas you want to focus on, your personality and brand style.
For more details and to get in touch click here.
When should I arrive?
Please aim to arrive 10 mins in advance of your session as unlike my full sessions, these will run back to back throughout the morning and any missed sessions cannot be refunded.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
The location has plenty of indoor space with light, airy areas and glass bringing the outdoors in. There are covered areas outside too so unless it’s torrential we should still be able to capture some outdoor photographs for you.
What is the cancellation policy?
- Please note that sessions cancelled less than 72 hours in advance are non-refundable as it is unlikely your slot will be filled at short notice.
- A minimum number of sessions need to booked to enable the morning to ahead – in the event this number isn’t reached you’ll be offered a full refund, option to upgrade to a fully customised session or a credit to book when the next mini’s are released.
- In the event of the photographer having to cancel an alternative session will be offered or upgrade to a fully customised session if you prefer. A full refund will be offered if this is not suitable for you.
Can I order additional images?
Yes of course! In addition to your 3 digital images included in your package you can order single images priced at £25 each.
You can also choose to enjoy a volume discount when you purchase a bundle package. These offer great value if you’re looking for a few extra images (or simply just can’t choose)!
5 extra images = £100 (each individual image £20 after that)
10 extra images = £180 (each individual image then £17)
15 extra images = £225 (each individual image then £15)
You will also receive an unlimited commercial licence to use your images.
Got other questions?
