How to effectively use wardrobe for your headshots

Headshots by Vanie Poyey

It seems that one of the biggest challenges when preparing for a headshot session is how to put together wardrobe that best represents the looks you are trying to achieve.

Here are some simple guidelines to help you with your selections!

• For a “Mom” or a “Dad” look, plaids, cardigans and sweaters with layers are always the safest way to communicate caretaker on a still photo.
• The “Professional” look is best demonstrated with the obvious suit and tie for men, or for the ladies, a suit with a blouse or a button-down shirt.  For the “Young Professional” where a suit is not necessary, only a button down shirt would make it clear that your intention is to communicate a business look.
• Conveying the “Edgy”/”Urban” look can be achieved by a simple leather jacket or textured colors as well as layers with a jacket to top!
• The “Guy Next Door” or the “Girl Next Door” both call for casual everyday attire.  For women, a soft top with a nice neckline revealing a little skin works well.  For men, a T-shirt or collared shirt will do the job.

Thanks to some well prepared clients, the following pictures perfectly demonstrate the suggestions above!

Robert Wright was able to bring out that laid-back office look perfectly.

Shooting four marking looks for the day, Eduardo R. Terry was able to cross the board with a full range of commercial and theatrical essences!

Erik Kowalski handsomely fits the role of a clean-cut young professional.

Returning client, Carol L. Mack is quite the chameleon!  Here she portrays the hip side of grandma and the stern side of our third grade teacher!  I think the wig was a great touch!

With one day notice, Jennifer Steets took advantage of an opening on our wait list !  As a beautiful woman, she proved that she can also bring out range!

Jaclyn Quiton was able to bring forward a range from the in-your-face city girl to that innocent yet sexy sweetheart we all love!

In this little series, Jennifer Sorenson displays the many faces of a warm and caring mid-western mother!

I always say it takes two to tango in regards to shooting headshots!  I think Brittney Bond and I made a great pair!

Christina Birdsall and Julia Smyth drove all the way from Sacramento to shoot a friend session with me.  What an honor!

Eric Schwartz was truly a pleasure to work with!  Next time you’re in Big Bear, you should check out his other talents at his restaurant Get the Burger!

Daniel Amerman easily merged from that sweet kid in the neighborhood to the young  Ivy League student!

Meet Joshua Davis and Connor Ross!  These two young men were  a breeze to work with!

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Comparing Apples to Apples

Headshots in Los Angeles by Vanie Poyey

When I get calls from potential clients, I often only hear one question.  What is your price?

Price is certainly a factor in choosing a headshot photographer, but what are some other questions to ask while shopping around?  To compare apples to apples, it’s important to also ask what the headshot package includes for the price.

The following are a list of additional questions that should be on your list when shopping around!

1. How long is the session?
2. How many final images will I receive?
3. How many marketing looks?
4. How and when will I view my images?
5. Will I receive a CD with low resolution files re-sized for online directories?  Files for printing proofs?
6. How much are high resolution files for making hard copy duplications?
7. How much is retouching?
8. Is hair and makeup included?

Above, Kristina Denton brings forth a sexy essence in her edgy look and Asher Glynn is coming up with the next great business idea!

These two did an amazing job showing off different essences in this professional business look!  Angela Kerwin is the woman in charge whereas Gabriel Loeb is the comedy relief!

Venk Modur has the shoulder we cry on after a recent break-up, Joy A.  Medieros is the funny girl that makes us laugh during final week, and Peter Young is the friendly neighbor that will watch our dog when we’re away!

Check out Venk’s recent work on Outsourced here!

These ladies are simply striking! Sarah Lieving blows me away with this leading lady headshot and Bonnie He proves that intelligence and beauty are one in the same!

Michael Legum is that young professor that engages his classroom with insight and Jaclyn Mason is the only woman we turn to when we’re having a bad day!

She’s beautiful and mysterious! Hollis McLachlan really pulls off this classic look with ease!

Holly Montgomery-Webb has everything covered as the smart and quirky gal.  Watch out Tina Faye!  Richard W. Cox is appropriately accessorized in the cowboy!

Subscribe to this blog and stay tuned for our next posting on “Headshot Do’s and Don’ts:  The Agent’s perspective.”

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Hollywood Headshots by Vanie Poyey

Actors Headshots

The following clients helped wrapped up 2010 for Vanie Poyey Photography!  I’m pleased to say there were a great variety of fantastic shoots which took place all around the city on location.  Check out the following head shot sessions to see just what I mean!

Jierra Clark and Jorjeana Marie are an example of a friend session where each person receives a $100 discount.  Jierra is an amazing singer-actress and you can check her out on her YouTube Channel here.  Jorjeana is a hilarious comedian and actress as well. Click to view some of her stuff!  It was clear that their respective fields helped them shine as naturals in front of the camera.

Brett Johnston was such a sweetheart!  Here he shows off his good guy persona with ease.

The following three ladies were so much fun!  Yimmy Yim and Sally Weller both had a great quirkiness about them.  Jenette Goldstein is a hard working actress and a true chameleon.

Anjelah Johnson is a hilarious comedian who was looking to get some shots to use for her acting work.  I loved being able to help her achieve the marketing looks she needed.  Check out some of her funny stuff here!

The following shot was taken with the graduate students of UC Irvine.  I can’t express how much fun this session was as all of the students brought so much sass and personality.  They were willing to try ideas “out of the box” and their interaction with one another was amazing!  Below, we also took individual headshots for some of the students as well.

Alison Plott and Jesse Sharp were part of the UCI group shot and they also took advantage of getting personal head shots that day.  Here Alison has such a nice dramatic essence, while Jesse portrays the perfect detective.  These two just happen to be a couple!

Ryan Imhoff, Nich Kauffman and Erika Haaland were also part of the UCI group shot.  I just love the variety of looks here!  All of them were very talented and easy to shoot!

Paul McKinney was a real pleasure!  His expressions were really specific and I think we captured his fun personality perfectly here.

We truly captured a beautiful essence in returning client, Rayne Hagstrom.  In the first picture she shows a professional, stoic kind of beauty, while in the next photo she reveals her sexy and playful side.   Rayne was a bit concerned about the angles not showing her in a flattering light.  I disagree! What do you think!?

These next two gentlemen were such a pleasure to shoot!  Rez Ketabchi was your classic college good ‘ole boy.  Albie Selznick, is an actor who works quite often.  Here we captured a high powered executive marketing look for him.

Finally, Brian Slaten did a fantastic job of transforming from a possible Firefighter to the All American working class guy.

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