Headshot Guide
Welcome
At Atlas Studios Bay Area, you’ve got a variety of photography options, and we are thrilled you’ve chosen us as your headshot provider. We pride ourselves on offering a relaxed, professional experience and getting to know the needs of our clients in order to create compelling, true-to-life images that capture you at your very best.
If you’re a working professional, having an average headshot is no longer going to make the cut. The working world is a highly competitive place and the finer details make all the difference. Your headshot offers potential employers a first look at who you are, which is why your headshot needs to project the right image.
The Process: How We Work
Headshots are typically shot from the waist or chest up. Prior to your session we take the time to get to know you. It’s important for us to learn more about your personality and what you’re all about as this helps guide the photos.
When you book a professional headshot shoot with us you can be sure to receive images that reflect your unique character and make you look both confident and approachable.
Retouching
To compliment your photo session we also offer photo enhancement and retouching services. Because headshots offer a close-up view of your face, we’ll work on any skin imperfections and blemishes where necessary. Any editing that is done will be subtle and your photos will still look very natural. Our retouching services are priced on a per customer basis, so please request a quote if interested.
A Guide to Headshot Options
So how do you decide which type of headshot is right for you? Below are a few different options to consider:
Corporate headshot - The corporate headshot is a traditional shot but this doesn’t mean it has to be boring. A good headshot is a great addition to your corporate profile and helps you create a professional first impression.
Acting/Modeling headshot - A professional headshot is a must for actors and models. It shows off your character and makes you look confident and credible.
Biography headshot - When you spend countless hours working on a book, adding a professional, creative headshot to the cover of your book really makes it stand out. A good headshot also helps your audience relate to you more.
Natural headshot - Some of the best headshots aren’t posed, if you would like to take a more creative approach you can opt for a shot that captures you working, laughing or in an environment that you’re comfortable in. This type of portrait usually feels more authentic too.
Preparing for Your Headshot Session
Clothing and accessories:
It’s always best to have a few choices that range in style and color. You may wish to have a professional look, a semi-professional look (featuring a richly textured sweater or simple blouse that could be worn in a business casual environment), or a laid-back look (casual long sleeved or short sleeved shirt). Try to bring a few options for each- if you want a look with more edge (leather jacket, etc), bring those items so we can discuss implementing them. Keep jewelry and accessories to a classic, elegant minimum.
Makeup:
It’s a good idea to enlist the help of a professional makeup artist in order to look your very best for your headshots. If you want to do it yourself, keep it simple - a coat of mascara, a subtle nude or rose-toned lip, a natural blush and a foundation that offers a natural, healthy-looking finish is ideal. The goal is for the makeup to highlight your best features without looking cakey or unnatural.
Colors:
Choose colors that compliment your skin tone and eye color. Rich jewel tones like burgundy, emerald/forest green and earthy, muted blues, dark blues, and grays usually work across the board. We recommend steering clear of heavy patterns/visual branding (images, logos, wording of any kind). We want to sell YOU, not someone’s brand, and we want the attention to be on your face!
Pre-shoot skincare:
If you do not have a skincare regime, right before a photo shoot is not a good time to start, because introducing new products can cause your skin to freak out- not a good look! If all you do for skincare is wash your face, then that’s all we suggest doing prior to your session. If you have products you use on a nightly basis, definitely feel free to indulge in them the night before your session.
Get comfortable:
Your comfort is our priority. If you don’t feel at ease, that’s going to come through in the images, so engage in anything that helps you calm your mind and relax your body. Many clients have found that simply engaging in some deep breathing prior to the session has really helped.
Trust in Us.
With 20+ years professional experience serving leading customers in the Silicon Valley - Bay Area like, LinkedIn, Google, Synology, Micron Inc, Cisco and many more, we look forward to earning your business and trust. Trust in Atlas!
