PREPARING FOR YOUR SHOOT
At Ivory House Photography, our goal is to provide a comfortable, holistic photographic experience. A headshot could take as little as five minutes but our sessions last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. My goal is for you to walk out the door feeling confident in the person you portrayed to the camera. To ensure this, I guide you through the whole experience, from helping you with clothing selection to directing your facial expression, posture and body movement. My hope is that with strong guidance, you can relax and let the professional take care of you.
GROOMING TIPS
Grooming issues are the toughest Photoshop fixes, so please show up as your freshest self!
Facial hair is the first thing to consider. Eyebrows should be shaped, plucked and waxed to your liking.
Hair is one of the most defining elements of your photo. Make sure your hair color and style are recently updated but remain true to your daily look. Wispy hairs around the temple can be difficult to eliminate. If you have a stylist you trust, I suggest making an appointment with them prior to your session.
Hands might be in some images so freshen up the manicure in advance. I suggest a neutral color palette - a French manicure, pale pinks and gray work well on camera. When in doubt, clean nails are the best route as we can’t change colors in photoshop.
Portrait makeup should be reflective of your daily application but with a bit more emphasis on the eyes. While too much eye makeup can be problematic, just the right about can brighten your face and draw attention to your best features.
When in doubt, call the professionals. We recommend Ivy Boyd, and Blonde Blur Designs.
Gentlemen, nice clean nails and a recent shave are best. Beards or second-day scruff add great personality if they are intentional and well maintained.
WHAT TO WEAR
Consider your personal brand and profession when choosing your outfits. If you wear a suit to work everyday, mimic that in your selections. For an artist, jeans and a patterned shirt might be more on brand. A chef might come in wearing their apron. Every profession has a different dress code. Make sure your clothes reflect the expectations of your target audience.
Well-fitting, even form-fitting clothing is better than baggy. I would prefer a blazer we a little snug than hanging off you.
Iron your clothes and make sure you are lint and animal hair free!!!! This is the biggest tip to creating a polished look.
Blazers photograph well on all body types and the classic black dress or dress shirt is always a great go-to, but don’t be afraid of color. I suggest bringing a few neutral basics along with a pop of color. Subtle patterns can be a great addition and easy way to show off your personal style.
Accessories are a great way to spicy up a professional look. Don’t be afraid to let your jewelry shine. A great watch or statement necklace can be the perfect way to finish an outfit. Long necklaces are harder to photograph. Mid-length or close to the neck is best.
If you have a watch tanline, but don’t want you fitbit/fitness watch in the picture, please bring a professional replacement watch. If you do end up with a watch tan line, this is something we can smooth out in retouching.
If you wear glasses, consider wearing a frame without lenses or not wearing your glasses in the photographs. Though these aren’t a dealbreaker, it will take more time in our session to pose and ensure the best results. Blue light glasses and transition lenses are nearly impossible to photograph.
BRING THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT
YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PART
Your clothes, shoes, jewelry, hair, and makeup are all important aspects of photography - but what makes you really shine is your energy. If you find yourself getting nervous or fighting back critical thoughts in your head, just remind yourself of what you said yes to this experience in the first place. You get to be seen as the magical, attractive, confident person you are, and I am 100% confident I can guide you towards creating images you are in love with.
See you soon,
Whitney and the Ivory House Team