Vara Pappas Photography

In the past I’ve primarily posted photos that I use in my portfolio. I recently shot some headshots, and I thought it would make for a great little blog tutorial on being in front of the camera. These are tips for regular people wanting pro shots, and possibly people wanting to model that haven’t before.

Headshots are something I found myself doing a lot in CA for needy young actors and entertainers. I was surprised when I found someone in need of them in Houston, but people in the industry can be found anywhere. This particular person is an MUA (photo lingo for Make Up Artist) who was updating her site. She was an excellent example of what you should do in front of the camera in a session like this. So, I thought I would use these images to go along with some tips.

The easiest thing, that shouldn’t even be worth mentioning, is that if there will be no stylist, come camera ready. (makeup, hair, the outfit you want to be shot in, etc.) Avoid bra straps, lucite shoes, and ill fitting clothes. Ladies, lotion up! Well moisturized skin will reflect the light more flatteringly. Probably the most important thing to note is to do everything you can to be relaxed, try to have fun with it (regardless of what personality your photographer is), expect to move, and make as many expressions as possible! A dull lifeless expression, like you think you’ve seen in a magazine, will only translate well in one or two shots. So, yes, give us a dead on pout, but not in every shot!

Don’t refrain from smiling! Some of my best headshots and portraits and even model shots are of smiles. Laugh if you have to, it can be helpful. Don’t forget that you have limbs either! Soft movements with your hands around your face, and playing with your hair will create more interesting images.

It’s also not bad to know what you want. If you aren’t a model, and don’t get to work with a pro much, then this should be a treat for you. If you’ve seen photos in magazines, email them or bring them with you to your shoot. A real pro should be able to replicate the lighting. This shot was based off of a half lit editorial image she liked. We replicated the composition, lighting, and some of the pose.

My last memo is something that very few people know I’m sure. Avoid tanning! At all costs. I know Playboy loves to encourage the orange look, but most photographers don’t enjoy it. From a photo standpoint, it’s very hard to shoot and edit. Most spray tans LOOK fake, they’ll shoot too orange, as will those lovely tanning beds. Anything you do to alter your natural color will make you look unnatural in our shots! So, why waist that session you’re paying money for? If you want to look your best, go as naturally as possible. Darker skin looks amazing in a photo, but only if it’s your natural skin. (of course this mention is not in relation to these shots, as the subject is tan)

I hope these tips will help some of you out there before you get in front of the lens!