Before you arrive
Quick prep steps people forget, but they matter if you want your photos to look their best.
Sleep + water + Food
Sleep, hydrate, and eat! Even if it’s a light meal. Shoots take more energy than you think, and it shows in your photos if you run on fumes.
Skin
Moisturize. Glowing skin performs better on camera, period.
Avoid shimmer on skin, it looks cute in person and turns into white specks on camera.
Hair
Hair should be clean and fully dry. If hair gets oily fast, wash the morning of. If hair gets frizzy, wash the night before and use a smoothing product. Bring a brush or comb and a couple hair ties or clips.
Makeup
Makeup is optional. If makeup is added to your session, arrive with a clean face unless told otherwise.
If doing makeup at home, go a little more defined than everyday, especially brows and mascara. Avoid heavy SPF that can flash back.
Hands and nails
Hands show up in photos more than people expect. Clean nails, neutral polish, or no polish are safest. If a bold nail is your signature, own it. Just make it intentional.
What to wear
Wardrobe stress is the #1 thing that messes with people’s confidence. This section fixes that.
Best rule
Wear what fits well and feels like you. Tailored always photographs better than trendy.
Best rule
Wear what fits well and feels like you. Tailored always photographs better than trendy.
Colors
Solid colors photograph cleanest. Neutrals, black, white, earth tones, jewel tones, and deep colors usually work great. Avoid tiny busy patterns, super thin stripes, and loud logos unless the session is meant to be bold and branded.
Fit
Anything too tight pulls and bunches. Anything too loose looks bigger than it is. Fit matters more than size tags.
Necklines
If you're getting headshots, pick a neckline that flatters your face and collar area and feels comfortable. Bring options if you’re unsure.
Layers
Jackets, blazers, leather, denim, structured tops, and sweaters add shape and look expensive on camera.
Shoes
Shoes may or may not show depending on the crop. If shoes matter for your session, bring clean ones.
BrinG options
Bring a minimum of 2–4 outfit changes, even if you only plan to wear 1–2. Sometimes an outfit looks great at home and weird on camera, too bulky, too boxy, not enough shape. Options give quick backups so we can swap fast and keep the shoot moving.
BrinG options
Bring a minimum of 2–4 outfit changes, even if you only plan to wear 1–2. Sometimes an outfit looks great at home and weird on camera, too bulky, too boxy, not enough shape. Options give quick backups so we can swap fast and keep the shoot moving.
EDITORIAL Style Headshots for work
Match your industry
A realtor and a tattoo artist don’t dress the same, and that’s the point. Bring outfits that match the version of you clients should hire.
Keep it classic
A clean, well-fitted outfit will outlast trends.
Details matter
Ironed clothing, lint-free fabric, clean glasses, and minimal pocket clutter.
Tell The Story
Bring props that actually belong to your life or business, like a laptop, notebook, camera, tools, product, packaging, or signature accessories. Skip random props that mean nothing.
EDITORIAL Style PORTRAITS For Personal Use
CHOOSE THE MOOD
Decide what you want these to feel like: bold, soft, dramatic, clean, romantic, edgy. Bring outfits that match that mood so the photos look cohesive, not random.
WEAR THE STATEMENT PIECE
Strong pieces photograph best: a fitted dress, blazer, leather jacket, structured top, sleek set, denim that actually fits. If it feels like a costume, skip it. If it makes you stand taller, bring it.
DETAILS MAKE THE SHOT
Textures show up beautifully on camera, leather, satin, denim, lace, knits, anything with shape. Add a few finishing touches like earrings, a belt, rings, sunglasses, or a bold shoe. Clean nails and a lip product for touch-ups go a long way.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Accessories, nails, hair, and skin prep matter because the camera sees everything. Bring a lip product, a brush, and one or two signature accessories.
TALENT HEADSHOTS (ACTORS, MODELS, PERFORMERS)
KEEP IT CASTABLE
Casting needs to see you, not your outfit. Go clean, fitted, and simple so your face and expression do the work.
CASTING TYPE
Pick 2–3 roles you want to get called in for, then dress for that vibe. Commercial headshots usually read warmer and brighter, theatrical reads moodier with deeper tones, so bring options that support both.
SOLIDS WIN
Choose solid colors and simple lines. Skip loud prints, big logos, and anything that steals attention from your eyes and facial structure.
QUICK VARIETY
Bring a layer piece or two (jacket, blazer, overshirt) plus a simple accessory option if it fits your brand. Small switches create new looks fast without turning the session into a wardrobe change marathon.
CAMERA-READY
Match your current look, no surprise haircut, color switch, or brand-new style right before the shoot. If you’re getting a cut, aim for about a week ahead so it settles. Go easy on shimmer and SPF-heavy products that can cause flashback under studio lighting. Add pro makeup by Ashley to your appointment for quality results.
AGENT NOTES MATTER
If an agent gave direction, stick to it. It’s not bossy, it’s strategy. They’re trying to match your headshots to your casting type so you get called in more. Your photos should look like the roles you want, not a totally different person.
Pageant Competitor Headshots
MATCH THE SYSTEM’S VIBE
Different pageants reward different vibes. Some lean classic and approachable, some lean fashion and high-glam. Many pageant headshot guidelines lean toward a clean, light background, often white, with a little space around head and shoulders for cropping. Crowns and sashes are commonly a no for the official headshot. If your program has a handbook or photo rules, send it to the photographer or bring it to the shoot.
PLAN FOR ALL Multi SHOT TYPES
Headshot, a three-quarter, close up, and a full-length. Choose a look that wins at every crop. Neckline matters for the headshot, fit and shape matter for the full-length. Shoes and hem suddenly become relevant.
HAIR, VOLUME WITH CONTROL
Volume photographs great, crunchy does not. Hair should be smooth, touchable, and movable, with flyaways tamed. If you want fuller hair, extensions or a piece can seriously help, as long as it’s blended clean.
MAKEUP FOR STUDIO LIGHTS
DON’TS
DON’TS
-
SPF-heavy products and silica-heavy powders, they can cause flashback and look chalky under studio lighting.
-
Chunky glitter, and go easy on heavy shimmer, especially on the body. It can photograph as white flecks.
-
Too much matte. It can read flat on camera. Add soft dimension with shadow and highlight that hits your natural high points.
DO’S
-
Lashes that fit your eye shape and look clean, not costume.
-
Lip liner + gloss tends to photograph better than a dry matte lip.
-
Neutral tones that complement your skin tone and bring out your eye color.
PRO OPTION: Add Makeup by Ashley ($120) when booking for the cleanest, most consistent results.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Groomed brows, moisturized lips, neutral nails, and bring a tiny touch-up kit (lip color, blotting sheets, lash glue if wearing lashes). Show up rested and hydrated because tired eyes read loud on camera.