How to Prepare for Your Manchester Headshots Photography Session: Tips and Tricks

A headshots session can be a rewarding and fun experience, but without preparation - it can also be nerve-wracking. Whether you're an actor, a business professional, or just updating your profile pictures, there are a few key things you can do to ensure that your headshots session runs smoothly. In this blog post, we'll go over some tips on how to prepare.

Have an idea of what you want:

A key part of planning your photoshoot is knowing what kind of style you're going for. Not only will this help you choose the clothing, accessories and setting for your shoot, it will also help you in finding the right photographer (more on this below). Take some time to research different headshots photography styles and take the time to figure out which ones appeal to you. Pinterest is a great place to gather inspiration, and to create a mood board to help you keep all your ideas in one place. 

Find the right photographer:

Choosing the right photographer is the most important decision to make, try not to rush this. Look for someone who has experience in the type of photography you're interested in, and who has a style and atmosphere that matches what you’re looking for in your headshots. Have a good look through their portfolio to get a sense of their work, and if you can find them - read reviews from past clients to see how their experience was. Share your moodboard and ideas with your potential photographer, to check you’re on the same page. For instance if you're located in Manchester, you may want to find someone local to the city. Or it might be worth researching nearby cities, because it’s worth traveling to your dream photographer! Ask the photographer about their timelines for shooting and also editing, and make sure to get a clear idea of the costs upfront and of how many images are included. Be confident in letting them know exactly what you’re hoping to achieve in the photos.,

Plan your looks:

Once you've found your photographer and chosen your location, it's time to plan what you want to wear. Think about the style of photography you're going for, and choose clothing and accessories that will complement it. Again, mood boards are super useful for this. Make sure you try on your outfit/s beforehand to ensure that everything fits well and looks good on camera, preferably with a friend who knows you well, and who can give you their honest opinion. Ask for the opinion of friends for outfit inspiration too, often they might remember a striking outfit they’ve seen you in that you may have forgotten about. 

Get plenty of rest:

The night before your headshots, make sure to have a relaxing evening and an early night. Being well-rested will help you look and feel your best on camera. Avoid drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, as they can interfere with your sleep and make you feel groggy the next day. Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal to give you energy for the day ahead.

Consider a makeup artist: 

A makeup artist can take a huge pressure off on the shoot day, by taking care of your makeup and hair and giving you one less thing to worry about. Again, make sure to choose someone who specialises in the style you’d like to go for. For headshots - natural and subtle makeup is usually the best. 

Practice posing:

Posing for photos can be tricky, especially if you're not used to being in front of the camera. Take some time to practice different poses in front of a mirror, with your friends and family, and experiment with different facial expressions. This will help you feel more confident and prepared during your photoshoot. 

Consider bringing any meaningful props.

If used well, props can add interest and personality to your photos, so consider bringing a few along to your shoot. Think about items that reflect your personality or interests, such as a musical instrument, your favourite bag or mug. Your photographer may have some suggestions for props as well.

In conclusion, preparing for a photoshoot takes a bit of effort, but it's well worth it. By following these tips, you'll be able to relax, have fun, and get some great shots!