STYLE GUIDE
PREPARATION IS KEY
A big part of a successful session is the preparation. Please take a moment to read the information bellow with many tips of what works best on photos
Lets get you ready for your session
You Got This!
Hi There, I’m Alice Pepplow, your photographer, thanks for entrusting me with your image.
Before any guidance on the styling you need to prepare for your headshot by taking care of yourself in the week leading up to your headshot:
- Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking;
- Drink plenty of water for a few days and on the day of your session;
- Get plenty of sleep the night before so you’re rested and ready to go.
This will make your skin very hydrated and rested filling in lines and wrinkles, under-eye circles, and give you a healthy glow. And remember to have fun and not take it too seriously!
I promise to make this experience as relaxing as possible!
I look forward to seeing you at your session.
MAIN TIPS FOR EVERYONE
The idea is to keep it simple and classic.
The goal is always to draw attention to your face, the outfit should support your overall message as a professional.
BUSY PATTERNS ARE BAD
TIP: SOLIDS WORKS BEST
Patterns create a distraction from your face. Crazy patterns, busy graphics, stripes and plaids are very bad for pictures.
Solids works great!
NECKLINE
TIPS: V-NECKLINE ELONGATES
Is your neck short or long?
A V-neckline lengthens the neck and a round neckline shortens it.
A collar frames the face well, without taking away length from your neck. A collared shirt with a few buttons undone is most popular creating the same V-effect.
Turtlenecks completely hide the neck, which is very unflattering and should always be avoided.
EYE GLASSES
TIP: GET AN EMPTY FRAME
If you always wear glasses, keep them on for the photo shoot. Lighting can be adjusted to eliminate glare or bring an empty frame.
If you have glasses that will distort your features it is wise to borrow an empty frame for the session maintaining a natural look.
WHAT COLORS WORKS BEST ?
Try to wear colors that compliment you, for example:
- Colors that work well with your skin tone (mid tones are great);
- Match your eye color;
- Use one of your brand colors (your photo will look great on your website next to the company logo and branding colors)
If you are considering a traditional look like a suite, then add color on your tie, choose something that pops and that will make you stand out.
See here an example of Patrick Royce wearing a nice gray suite for a corporate look with a green tie to match the Webster 5 Bank brand.
NOT FOR THE CORPORATE LOOK?
No Problem!
Depending on your profession, you have a bit more room to play with clothing and styling.
For instance, if you are a kids dentist you don’t want to be all formal dressed in a suite, or if you are an artist, mechanic, fitness trainer, actor, etc. You got the idea here.
In that case, think of the objectives for your photos and dress well as if you are meeting your clientele for the first time.
Thinking a bit outside of the box will create an unique headshot.
IMPORTANT: Still take in consideration the rules above to make your outfit work well for you.
Make sure to iron your clothes
Wrinkled clothes will show on your photos
Still not Sure?
BRING EXTRA OUTFITS
If you are unsure or want a different, just bring extra set of clothing and I’ll help you decide what works best. I love photographing different looks for you. I recommend that you bring a MIX OF STYLES.
CORPORATE | CASUAL | CREATIVE
WOMAN BEAUTY TIPS
JEWELRY
Avoid distracting accessories, such as large, shiny jewelry. If you have a pierced ear, wear studs or small hoops. No matter how much you love your gold necklace, remember it will take the focus away from your face. Keep timeless.
MAKEUP
Avoid shimmer makeup as they accentuate wrinkles, prefer to use matte finishes. Avoid frost or garish colors.
Mascara is a must for everybody, even if you don’t wear makeup. No nude colors for the lip, prefer a light berry tone as they will delineate your lips and mouth and photographs best.
HAIR STYLE
You want hair to frame your face, so if your hair is long, give it some body and style to accentuate your face. Avoid over-styling, soap opera hair looks too staged. Don’t cut your hair the day before your shoot! Give your hair at least a week after a cut to relax to a natural look.
Investing on professional hair and makeup always pays off elevating your final portraits.
MAN GROOMING TIPS
SHAVING
Unless you are going for the stubble look, be sure to shave on the morning of your session! 5 o’clock shadows cannot be retouched to look natural.
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!
SKIN
A very light coat of translucent powder will help even out your skin tones and avoid shinny spots while being unnoticeable that you have something on. If you don’t have or don’t want to use the powered, I have bolting paper at the studio which will take away any oils on the skin.
HAIR STYLE
Don’t cut your hair the day before your shoot! It will look like you just got a haircut, and not in a good way. Give your hair at least a week after a cut to relax and look more natural.
Remember: It is MY JOB to make you look great
WHAT NOT TO WORRY ABOUT
RETOUCHING
Don’t worry if you just got a zit on your face.
I can remove that during retouching for your ordered photos.Don’t squeeze it as it will make worse.
POSING & EXPRESSION
I’ll help you on what to do in front of the camera.
I’ll walk you thru some posing, body language and capture a variety of expressions, just relax and trust the process.
VIEWING & ORDERING
You will be able to see all the photos following the camera time. I’ll make sure you are happy with plenty to choose from. My goal is for you to love and want to buy them all.
OUR STUDIO
Got Questions? Reach out
STUDIO ADDRESS: 172 Shrewsbury St. 2nd floor Worcester MA 01604
Its the brick building next to East Park. You should be able to find on-street parking in the area, if not, there is a city parking lot behind Mac’s Dinner on Fantasia St.
IMPORTANT: If your appointment is after 5pm or during the weekend, there is big chance that the main entrance to the building may be locked.
Please call me at 508-579-8080 and I’ll come down to open the door of the building.
Please don’t hesitate to call the studio if you have any questions. My goal is for you to have the best session possible.
See you on your session day!