Prep Tips for Headshots
As a Bay Area Headshot Photographer, I get asked how to prepare for a headshot session. Upon booking you get a copy of my in-depth Headshot Guide that is a culmination of tips that I have put together over the years. Some are common sense, but as the saying goes, common sense isn’t so common for everyone! So here goes!
Choose Appropriate Clothing: Select clothing that reflects your professional image and make sure it fits well. Especially make sure it’s clean and freshly pressed. I love linen but you know how long linen stays crisp and wrinkle-free? About 1 minute after putting it on. Tip - stay away from linen clothing.
Grooming: Ensure you're well-groomed for your headshot session. This includes neat hair styling, facial hair neatly trimmed (eyebrows, nose hairs.) A good facial scrub a couple days in advance doesn’t hurt either. Because the nature of the headshot you will notice your pores and complexion. That being said, your images are professionally retouched but I can’t advise you enough about doing the prep work and not to rely on retouching.
Stay Hydrated and Rested: Aim to be well-rested and hydrated before your session to ensure you look and feel your best. Avoid excessive alcohol or salty foods the night before, as they can lead to puffiness or dehydration. Dry skill and puffiness will be noticeable.
Bring your Eyeglasses: Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot wear your eyeglasses in your photos. However, you will need some kind of glare-free coating for the best results. If you have a few pairs, bring them with you.
Communicate with Your Photographer: Clearly communicate your expectations and any specific preferences you have to your photographer before the session. Discuss the intended use of the headshots, the desired style, and any concerns you may have. A collaborative approach will help ensure the final results meet your needs and expectations.
Top 5 Tips for Actor Headshots
Showcase Versatility: Your headshots should capture a range of emotions and characters that you can portray. Include shots that reflect different aspects of your personality and acting abilities, from serious and dramatic to lighthearted and comedic.
Focus on the Eyes: The eyes are the window to the soul, and they should be the focal point of your headshots. Ensure they are sharp, expressive, and engaging, as they can convey a lot of emotion and depth to casting directors and agents.
Keep it Simple: Avoid distracting backgrounds or cluttered compositions that take away from your face. A clean and simple background allows casting professionals to focus solely on you and your expression.
Stay True to Yourself: Your headshots should represent the real you. Avoid excessive retouching or heavy makeup that alters your appearance. Casting directors want to see the authentic you, so keep it natural and authentic.
Invest in a Professional Photographer: A professional photographer with experience in actor headshots can make all the difference. They know how to capture your best angles, bring out your personality, and create images that stand out in a competitive industry.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your actor headshots effectively showcase your talent, versatility, and personality, increasing your chances of landing auditions and roles in the entertainment industry.
Headshots for Models and Actors
In the Bay Area, there’s so many creative people that fuel my own creative energy. A very fun afternoon in the studio and on-location brought Sean’s vision to life to create more variety in his modeling portfolio.
Whether you're a seasoned actor or model seeking fresh images, or if you're just starting out, we're here to craft captivating images that grab attention.
Celebrate Woman's History Month
Calling all Tri-Valley ladies!
To celebrate Women’s History Month, Nina Pomeroy Photography is selecting 2 woman-identifying applicants to receive an Express Headshot session at our Downtown Pleasanton studio.
To apply, briefly describe the impact you are making in your community or industry on the form HERE!
This is kind of embarrassing....
I did a thing….
A local shop was offering free headshots and I thought I'd check out what the experience would be like.
As a professional photographer I can list all the things wrong with their photo on the left. But in a nutshell, just about anyone with decent vision can see that it's not flattering compared to the one on the right.
This photographer used some studio lights but the biggest differences were:
Technical Expertise: The person who took this photo was not a HEADSHOT photographer. She might have used “studio lighting” but she had no idea how to carve the light to best flatter the subject. (There's a real science on how to utilize different kinds of studio lighting to create a beautiful portrait.)
Attention to Detail: Experienced photographers pay attention to details such as background distractions, hair positioning, clothing wrinkles, and facial expressions to ensure a polished and professional final image.
Communication and Direction: She literally told me to sit on a chair and smile. No direction on how to accentuate or de-emphasize features that I might not be happy about.
Editing and Retouching Skills: No retouching offered and it looks it!
The key takeaway is the importance of thorough research and careful consideration when choosing a headshot photographer. Taking the time to find an experienced Headshot Photographer who aligns with your vision and requirements can make a significant difference in the outcome of your photoshoot.
While it may require an investment of time and money, it ultimately saves you from potential disappointment and wasted resources in the long run.
Headshot Crew Associate
Last October I met up with my mentor Peter Hurley and after lots of tough love involving portfolio critiques, weekly contest entries and practice I learned that you can never stop learning and improving! As a result, I have been Certified as an Associate Photographer with the Headshot Crew, demonstrating that I've successfully completed rigorous training and coaching. This positions me as one of the top headshot photographers worldwide.
The Associate Photographers of the Headshot Crew continually refines techniques, skills, and approaches to capture engaging images. This includes paying close attention to details, mastering lighting, composition, posing, and fostering friendly and effective communication with subjects to create portraits that are both impactful and visually appealing.
Want to learn more about how I can get you the best headshots in the bay area? Contact me by clicking below.
Are Headshots Tax Deductible?
Maximizing Your Deductions: Are Headshot Fees Tax Deductible?
Did you know that if you are self-employed you can deduct your headshot or personal branding photoshoot AND images. Expenses directly related to the headshot session, such as makeup and a haircut are deductible as a business expense. If clothing is purchased or rented for a special shoot, a tax payer can also deduct those “props” as a business expense. Definitely consult your professional CPA for exact details.
In today's competitive job market, presenting yourself professionally is more important than ever. Whether you're an actor, model, or business professional, a high-quality headshot can make a significant difference in how you're perceived by potential employers, clients, or casting directors. But did you know that the cost of obtaining these essential headshots can often be considered a tax-deductible business expense?
Understanding Tax Deductions
Before we delve into the specifics of headshot fees, let's first clarify what tax deductions entail. A tax deduction is an expense that you can subtract from your taxable income, ultimately reducing the amount of income subject to taxation. This means that deducting eligible expenses can lower your overall tax liability, potentially putting more money back in your pocket.
Are Headshot Fees Tax Deductible?
For individuals whose professions require a polished and professional appearance, such as actors, models, or business executives, headshot fees are often considered a legitimate business expense. This is because headshots serve as a marketing tool, helping you promote yourself and secure opportunities in your field.
Who Can Deduct Headshot Fees?
While headshot fees are commonly associated with actors and models, they can also be deductible for a wide range of professionals. Anyone who relies on their appearance as part of their job or who uses headshots for promotional purposes may be eligible to deduct these expenses. This includes (but not limited to):
Actors and actresses
Models
Corporate executives
Entrepreneurs
Real estate agents
Public speakers
Authors
Artists
Documentation and Record-Keeping
To ensure that your headshot fees qualify as a tax deduction, it's essential to maintain detailed records of your expenses. This includes keeping copies of invoices, receipts, and any other documentation related to the cost of obtaining your headshots. These records will be crucial in substantiating your deduction in the event of an audit.
Consult with a Tax Professional
While headshot fees are generally considered a legitimate tax deduction for qualifying individuals, it's always advisable to consult with a qualified tax professional or accountant to ensure compliance with relevant tax laws and regulations. A tax professional can provide personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances, helping you maximize your deductions while minimizing the risk of errors or audits.
Conclusion
Investing in professional headshots is an essential aspect of building your personal brand and advancing your career. Fortunately, for many professionals, the cost of obtaining these headshots can be considered a tax-deductible business expense. By understanding the eligibility criteria, maintaining thorough documentation, and seeking advice from a tax professional, you can leverage headshot fees to reduce your tax liability and invest in your professional success.
Remember, the information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax advice. For personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation, be sure to consult with a qualified tax professional.
The Headshot Experience
It’s not just a photoshoot to take a technically good picture. So much goes into your photoshoot to make it successful. Planning, clothing, coaching, and of course the private the studio - the list goes on!
I absolutely love what I do and I’m so grateful for reviews like this.
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Nina whose talent and skill impressed me thoroughly. From start to finish, the entire experience was nothing short of exceptional. I am not comfortable being photographed, and I mentioned this to Nina who immediately made me feel at ease with her warm, friendly, and humorous demeanor. This played a crucial role in creating a relaxed atmosphere during the photo shoot, allowing my genuine personality to shine through in the pictures. Her professionalism and attention to detail were evident from the outset.
Nina took the time to discuss my preferences, goals, and the image I wanted to convey through the headshots. This personalized approach along with her technical prowess ensured that the final images were visually stunning, artistic, and professional. The post-production work further enhanced the images, showcasing Nina’s expertise in refining and perfecting a final product that far exceeded expectations. I would recommend Nina without reservation for anyone who needs to up their game with a professional headshot. Thank you, Nina!”
What's the best color background for headshots
The most important part of a headshot is your face. The background acts as a subtle framing to your portraits.
GREY
Grey is my favorite background, and what I utilize most of the time. It works on all skin types. It’s timeless and rich and not like a department store portrait. The tone of the grey can be adjusted with the lighting style we use.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Environmental can have the widest variety. The best types of environmental backgrounds are simple blurred backgrounds such as office buildings or outdoor venues.
COLOR
Solid colors can be fun and can bring out a little more personality in your photos. However, we have to carefully select your wardrobe so there’s no clashing in colors.
Bottom line is if you come into the studio we can try them all out and see what suits you best.