The First 10 Minutes: 6 Tips for a Great Headshot Session
A happy headshot client
A dramatic headshot of a musician
When it comes to a headshot or portrait session, I’ve found that the first ten minutes is, in many ways, the most important part of the shoot. This is because in those ten minutes you have the opportunity to set the tone for the entire session.
As photographers, we must be tuned in to our clients at an almost empathic level, because the reality is most people hate getting a headshot and only come to you out of sheer necessity. Simply put, they rather not be there.
But, therein lies a great opportunity for those of us who understand and care about our clients.
So what should happen within these first ten minutes? Well, here are some tips from my own workflow that I think will help you out.
My clients feel welcome, and enjoy the process of having their portraits taken
1.Welcome them like you would a friend coming to your home
When your client enters your space, receive them in the same way you would a good friend coming over. Offer to take their coat. Offer them a drink (in this case I offer a bottle of water or to make them a cup of coffee - no alcohol of course).
Since many of my clients arrive with garments for the shoot, I immediately help them with their things and hang them on a conveniently located clothing rack. Another small but important detail is that I ask them if they need to use the restroom before we begin, since I have no idea how far they may have traveled to get to my studio.
2. Play music (nothing obnoxious!)
Music can help or hurt your entire shoot. Sometimes I will ask my client if they want a specific kind of music, but the minute they arrive I have music going in the background to enhance the vibe in the studio. One artist I love for photoshoots is John Mayer. The music is great, with a laid-back vibe, and so far I have not met anyone who doesn’t like the playlist.
But, I have also had client’s entire demeanor change when I put on an artist they love, so if it’s dance music, heavy metal, or Bach, I’m happy to accommodate them.
3. Spend a few minutes to get to know them
Next, make sure to take a few minutes to get to know your client. Ask the important questions (if you have not already done this in a preliminary meeting). What are the headshots for? Are they changing careers? What are their goals for the photos? These questions will not only guide your session but get your client to open up about their lives and why they have come to you.
4. Observe their behavior
While you are speaking with them, the most important thing is to observe their behavior. Do they seem comfortable? Are they visibly nervous? Do they seem excited? Understanding where your client is coming from, and how they feel, will help you set the proper tone for the shoot. For instance, if my client seems nervous, I’m not going to jump around excitedly and add to their nerves. I’m also going to reassure them that they will love the photos, and that we will collaborate to make sure they do.
5. Describe the process and set them at ease
At this point, I will describe my process in order to set them at ease. I tell them that I shoot connected to a large monitor so it makes it easy for us to view the images and make sure we are both happy with the results. I remind them that I will put them behind the lights, take a few images to warm them up, and then bring them out to see the results, and that it is a collaborative process. Most of all, I make the entire experience easy and fun.
Making your subject comfortable leads to natural expressions
6.Get started!
All of this typically takes between 5-10 minutes, so I’m not saying you need to spend an hour chit-chatting with a client before their session begins. I am, however, encouraging you to take the time is necessary set the tone for your shoot. By doing this, you make the process much easier for both you and your client, and I guarantee that it will be a fun and rewarding experience for all involved!