Welcome to your Client Experience Guide!

Table of Contents

01. What to expect
02. What to bring
03. Style guidance
04. Other helpful tips

Let's get you ready for your session!

Welcome

I am so excited to be working with you for your headshot session! This Client Experience Guide is a resource for you so that you feel prepared and confident going into your session.

Keep on scrolling to read through on what to expect before/during/after your session, what to bring, locations, style guidance, and other helpful tips.

01. What to Expect

BEFORE


If there's a chance of rain, Shen will reach out to you about rescheduling the event.


Plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early so we can start on time. These mini sessions are booked back-to-back for this event, so arriving 10 minutes or later will require you to forfeit your spot. There will not be any reschedules. Arriving early ensures you get the most out of your time!


Any late arrival time up to the 5 minute mark will be deducted from the total session time.

During


I will also ask you questions about your favorite side, favorite features about yourself, anything I should be aware of, etc. This information helps me when I pose you, and having the conversation before your scheduled time lets us use your entire time to take photos! The time will fly by!

AFTER


I will edit and deliver your photos within 2 weeks via an online gallery where you can download your photos. You will receive 1-2 headshots.


All packages include basic retouching, which is removing temporary blemishes like a zit or two. I will not do body manipulation as that is not my style. Any particular requests are taken on a case-by-case basis and may incur an additional retouching fee.


Your gallery will stay up for 6 months. It is your responsibility to save and backup your photos, so please make sure to do that! There will be a fee if the gallery needs to be re-uploaded.

02. What to Bring

  • Outfit(s)
  • Water & snacks
  • Makeup to touch up if you plan to wear makeup (setting powder & setting spray are your friend!)
  • Lip balm
  • Hairbrush / comb, bobby pins, hair ties, hairspray, etc. Really anything you'll need for your hair
  • Lint roller


Pro Tip: If you have a LOT of stuff you want to bring (or just don't want to break a sweat carrying a bag), a carry-on suitcase is a great way to bring everything!


WHAT I WILL BRING!

  • Compact mirror

03. Style Guidance

At a bare minimum, wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. When you look back on your photos, you will remember how you felt wearing your outfit.

However, you should also make sure to dress for your industry or the industry you want to be in.

// Dressiness Level //

Cocktail / Business Casual


This would be the dressiest option of the three examples I'm giving. You could easily go to an interview after your session with this kind of outfit.

Smart Casual


This is what I consider to be between cocktail / business casual and casual. You could easily go to either a nice restaurant or a casual restaurant after your session with this outfit and be dressed appropriately for both.

Casual


This can range from jeans and a t-shirt to scrubs (for those who work in a medical profession).

// COLORS, FIT, & ACCESSORIES //

Complementary Colors


Choose colors that complement each other, whether that's within your outfit itself or with your skin tone. As you can see in the above photo, my client used orange as a pop of color in his tie, but his tie also had orange, which went with his suit color.

Patterns


Be selective about patterns. Try to keep it to something light and minimal, or if you want to do a busier pattern like above, tone down the outfit with a solid-colored, neutral blazer. Pair neutral shoes and accessories with a patterned outfit.


In terms of texture, they can really add to a photo, so don't be scared to consider it!

Fit & LayeRs


I always encourage people to bring layers to help give different looks. We were able to get two different looks just from the above outfit since she was wearing a sweater underneath her blazer.


Think about what types of styles make you feel. For example, I don't love super tight clothing (especially in the stomach area) and will usually opt for a dress that is in a "fit-and-flare" style because I know that's what makes my body proportional! If there's anything that doesn't make you feel your best, I suggest leaving that at home. Think about what makes you look at yourself and go, "DANG! I look GOOD."

05. Other Helpful Tips

// Posing //

Need ideas? I have a Pinterest board with headshot poses here.

Practice your smile


There's the saying that practice makes perfect. In this scenario, practicing your smile before your session does help! It's good to know if you like smiling with your teeth, without, or a mix of both.

Know your Preferred side


Not everyone has a preferred side, but if you're someone who does, please let me know! I want to take the majority of the photos on the side you like best. I also want to know if there's anything you're self-conscious about so I can strategically pose you.

// Lookin' Good //

GET QUALITY SLEEP + HYDRATE


Good, quality sleep and staying hydrated via water and lotion leading up to your session will do wonders for your skin and your mood for the day of your session! Also make sure to fuel your body beforehand. You don't want to feel fatigued during your session (it won't be fun for you, and the whole point is to have fun during your session :)).

ELEVATE YOUR NATURAL LOOK


  • If you are going to wear makeup, a good base (your skin) is critical for making that makeup last and look amazing. Elevate your usual look just a tad more as the camera won't pick up on your normal makeup *as well* as in-person.
  • If you want to wear makeup but aren't used to it, consider sticking to basics like eyebrows, mascara, and a slightly darker lipstick than your natural lip color (look up MLBB, aka my lips but better, for guidance on this).
  • If you have facial hair, make sure to trim and groom it.

More Makeup Tips


  • Make sure your foundation matches your skin and to blend it down into your neck to avoid any harsh lines.
  • Unless you're comfortable with makeup, don't try crazy new looks the day of your session. Consider doing a practice run if you want to try something completely new.
  • Set your makeup with setting powder and setting spray, especially during this time while it starts to get humid.

// Expectations //

GET THOSE WRINKLES OUT


Make sure to iron or steam your outfit! I do not remove clothing wrinkles.

PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY!


Make sure you give yourself ample time to find parking, grab your things, and walk over to where we'll be meeting so we can start on time. You don't want to feel rushed going into your session, and planning to arrive early will give you a little leeway if you're running behind.

Still have Questions?

Email me at hello@anhpointphotography.com so we can talk them through!