Now that you’ve chosen your photographer and booked your shoot (based on the suggestions we made in part one of this series), it’s time to start preparing for your session.

Map Your Location

Most people save this step for last so we suggest you do it first. Even if you’re familiar with the location, remind yourself where you’re headed so you’re not scrambling around at the last minute.

Prepare Your Wardrobe

If you followed our guidance in Part One of this series and discussed clothing and location with your acting coach, agency and photographer prior to booking your session, this should be a fairly easy step. 

First get some new shirts. It won’t cost a whole lot of money. You’ll look more polished and feel more confident if you’re wearing new gear. Remember to pick colors and styles that fit your agency’s requirements and work well with your eye color and skin tone. When you look in the mirror, you should think: “Boom! I look amazing.”

Then put together a couple or three choices for each look, try them on and send some snaps to your photographer so you’re on the same page. This also helps him plan logistics so your time in front of the camera is 100% focused on capturing the best version of you. If possible, take your snaps outside, in natural light, so the photographer can get an accurate idea of colors.

If you’d like some ideas on what looks great, you can peep our headshot pages.

Dial In Your Hair and Makeup

If you’re doing your own hair and makeup, tell the photographer your plans. Better yet, do your hair and makeup for your wardrobe snaps so he can see it. Get his feedback and ask questions: are there certain colors I should avoid, certain things I should or shouldn’t do? Every photographer is different so be sure you’re communicating.

Drink Some Water, Get Some Sleep

Yes, photographers can (and often do) lighten up those dark circles under your eyes. But Photoshop and a tube of concealer only take you so far. Treat yourself like a star and get plenty of rest the night before your session.

Umm, Map Your Location …

… and plan for unforeseen things like traffic, parades, construction and long lines at the coffee shop. Showing up to your location in a rush never makes for a great session.

Take A Breath

As we said in Part One of this series, your most important marketing tool as an actor is a quality professional headshot. It’s an important element to furthering your career. That said, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Take a deep breath, have fun, be yourself and the results will be great. If you bring a fully present YOU to the proceedings, the very best YOU will shine through.

Check in with us next month for Part Three of this series where we share some inside tips on how to bring that remarkable YOU to your session.

Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors for more than a decade.