In part one of this three part series, we talked about how to choose a headshot photographer. In part two, we discussed how to prepare for your headshot session. In this article, we talk about what to do when you arrive at your session to insure you have the most enjoyable experience and get the best results.

Arrive Early

Treat your headshot session the same as you would an important audition (or, if you’re getting business headshots, an important meeting). Get there early. Better to be sitting in the parking lot reading or meditating or playing Among Us than to be dashing in the door at the last minute. GPS is your friend but sometimes friends make mistakes. Whatever GPS says, add a half hour. As my Mom used to say: “You can’t be too early but you can always be too late.”

Take A Breath

Because you’ve shown up early, you have time to take a breath and remember why you’re there: to capture an authentic image of your true self that introduces you to casting directors (or potential business partners) and prompts them to think: “I’d like to meet this person.” Getting headshots is really that simple so take a minute to center yourself and remember that.

Communicate Where You’re At

If you’re nervous or stressed or otherwise distracted, say so. Then you and your photographer have a baseline from which to work. If you’re not present in the moment and you try to hide it, your pictures will tell that story. 

Trust The Process and Take Direction

If you’ve followed the advice we gave in parts one and two of this series, you should walk in the door trusting your photographer has a working process that will deliver great photos. Trust that process and be willing to take direction. You’re hiring him for his experience and expertise so get your money’s worth.

Have Fun

Remember that you’re getting headshots not having surgery. Have fun and enjoy the experience.

Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in acting and business 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.