Preparing For Your Acting Headshot Session.

At BK Rose Studio, we understand the stress that comes with preparing for a photo session.
That's why we've created this guide to help minimize your stress and ensure a successful shoot.

Wardrobe Tips To Help Your Headshots Shine

When you’re choosing what to bring, think solid colors as your foundation - but avoid limiting yourself to only a handful of basic solids. Headshots are an expression of you, so bring clothing that feels joyful, authentic, and true to your personality. Please don’t arrive with just a lineup of black and white tanks and tees (Chicago actors, we’re looking at you). If you’re aiming for markets like LA or NY, adding color is essential.

Take a moment to browse the wardrobe choices in our sample headshots. You’ll see beautiful examples of texture and color that enhance the image without stealing attention. Lace, textured knits, structured collars, and layered pieces can give your headshots the subtle lift that helps casting directors pause on your photo instead of the next one in line.

Patterns are welcome too, as long as they’re layered thoughtfully under a jacket, cardigan, or another piece that grounds the look.

Most importantly, choose colors that flatter your skin tone. Think rich jewel tones and layered pieces. Avoid neon shades or colors that bounce harsh reflections back into your face.

ADD LAYERS!!!
Layers (and sometimes accessories) can help add a lot of texture to a photograph. What we mean by this is bring a jacket (or cardigan, or sweater, etc) to throw over a top you love. Jewelry works if it helps tell the story of the character you are trying to portray.

PREPARE WARDROBE EARLY
Choose your outfits well in advance of your shoot day. Once you have the outfits picked out, place them on hangers and put them on one side of your closet. Selecting your outfits ahead of time will help eliminate day-of stress of finding the right outfit and also help you avoid forgetting something at home. If possible, arrive with your clothing hung and ironed.

BRING ONLY WHAT YOU LOVE
If you don’t love the outfit, you won’t love your pictures.

A NOTE ABOUT GLASSES
Glasses that have anti-glare coating and are not light sensitive are the best for photos. If we see a heavy glare on your glasses or they are transition changing with the light, we may ask you to remove your glasses so we can clearly see your eyes. If you think your glasses will be problematic, consider an alternate pair without these issues, or a pair of glasses with the lenses popped out (we will not be able to see the lenses are popped out in the photos).

Makeup/Hair/ Nails

Please arrive with your hair styled and your makeup done. We recommend spending additional time getting ready in the morning than you normally would. If it normally takes you 20 minutes to get ready, plan 30-40 minutes to get ready the day of your shoot. This will allow you to look a little closer at yourself (make sure makeup is blended evenly, hair is styled just as you like it, etc).

If you are interested in having professional makeup and hair done for your session, please check out our makeup artist recommendations HERE.

NAILS
Make sure your nail polish is freshly manicured and not chipping. We rarely see nails but just in case it’s a good idea to have a clean manicure.

GET YOUR HAIRCUT EARLY
Don't wait until the last minute to get a waxing/haircut/tan/etc. You may need time for healing if something doesn't go as you liked.

WOMEN
Please use new mascara. Even mascara that is a month old tends to clump. Bring a variety of lip colors with you in case your first choice doesn’t look good on camera. Spend extra time blending foundation and eye shadows. Make sure your foundation is blended into your neck as well around your jaw line. We also encourage you to bring your makeup kit with you to your shoot in case you need to do any last minute touchups. Please make sure your nails our manicured as sometimes hands are in photos.

MEN
Take extra time to look over yourself before you leave the house. Things that are often missed are stray nose hairs, eyebrows, food in teeth. This sounds redundant but it does make a huge difference to take extra time in the mirror prior to your shoot.

TEENS AND KIDS
Agents really like kids and teens to look like a kid or a teen. Meaning, they don’t usually like heavy makeup or to be too “dolled-up”. For younger children (3-12), you can add a tiny bit of mascara (for girls) to help elongate and highlight lashes. Also a tiny bit of lip balm can help accentuate lips and avoid any dryness. Any blemishes can be touched up with a natural color foundation but avoid anything heavy or that we can see. Kids over 12, you can apply a tiny bit more makeup but please keep things very natural. Hair should be styled nicely. Consider using hair product for even younger children to help maintain fly-aways, etc. Using hot tools (curling iron, etc) is acceptable and welcomed.

Consult With Your Agent

If you have an agent, please let them know that you are getting headshots. They may have certain looks they would like to see from you to help when they submit you for auditions.

What To Expect When You Arrive

Our studio is a converted garage that’s fully temperature-controlled with both heat and A/C. You’ll have access to a designated changing area and a mirror for any last-minute touch-ups, and you’re welcome to pull your car right up to the garage for easy loading and unloading. If you need it, we also have a bathroom inside our home available for use.

We kindly ask that you arrive right at your scheduled time. We’re often working with other clients before or after your session, and early arrivals can disrupt the flow. Thank you so much for helping us keep everything running smoothly!

Prepare Your Mind

As best as you can, try to let go of any stress you have felt from the day. Leave any family arguments or stressful emails at home and arrive knowing you are doing something positive for yourself and your career!

Feeling Stuck?

If you feel stuck with your wardrobe or need additional suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us anytime. We welcome our clients to send over photos of what outfits they are thinking about ahead of time. We are here to help!

Email: BKRoseStudio (at) gmail.com