CONGRATS ON BOOKING THE BEST HEADSHOTS IN TOWN!

Take 30 minutes to prepare for your shoot by reading these details:

By deciding to hire Happy Hour Headshot, you've officially completed the hardest part of getting amazing images. While we do all the hard work from here, there are some details that can help you prepare for your stardom.

First, if you haven't already seen it, check outHow It Worksfor an overview of how we work with our clients. Also be sure you have read ourFAQspage so that there are no surprises. As a reminder, our headshot packages start at $349 and are paid for at your session via cash or credit card (less your $49 deposit). All sales are final once your appointment is complete.

Next, some insider secrets to help you get ready:

5 days before: Take a discerning look: are your teeth in need of some sparkle? Do-it-yourself teeth whitening makes a world of difference in your photos (and your everyday)! Consider using Crest White Strips for 4-5 days prior to your pictures. You can find these at the drug store. They are quick, easy, long-lasting, and painless (even on sensitive teeth). Our clients are constantly thanking us for this little suggestion.

1-2 days before: Watch this 15 minute video and learn how to "accentuate your jawline." Your photographer will also go over this with you. And if you're super inspired, spend 15 more with this video learning how to "squinch!" Acclaimed photographer Peter Hurley coaches you on two of the best secrets to looking amazing in your photos. (Or, for a short cut, just watch Greta’s dog-client do the squinch. Greta is one of HHH’s photographers, and her dog-client is a natural :) It may feel kind of odd, but seriously practice up: you'll never take an ugly mugshot again!

Limit alcohol and sugar the night before your shoot to avoid puffiness. Don't eat after 7 p.m. and drink loads of water for several days leading up to your shoot. Think camel thoughts. (Pro tip: if you notice frequent inflammation in your face, a fast can help. Some of us at HHH swear by the Lemonade Cleanse. You can do this the night before, the entire day before, or longer. The recipe is simple: lemons, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. Amazingly, it eliminates inflammation and hunger!)

What to wear, hair, makeup, etc.:

Your favorite shirt and/or best color. Stylish, classy. Simple layers or basic textures —like a blazer, sweater or scarf— and patterns are all good. Grays are great and pastels and bright colors work too. Logos like “polo” on clothes are not. Unless the logo relates to your line of work, best to not have the visual distraction. Men, if you’re wearing a dress shirt, don’t wear a visible undershirt. (V-neck if you need for sweat is OK.) Also, even if you plan for only a "head" shot, we sometimes shoot at waist-length and also may do a few full lengths so make sure you have something nice on the bottom even if it's just jeans. And bonus single ladies and gents, you may find that one of our more casual shots is just what your dating profile needs!

You may bring more than one top (or scarf/blazer/jacket) if want to change or if you are not sure and want your photographer's advice. But keep in mind that we are going to be cruising around outside getting you in front of a variety of cool scenery so wardrobe changes must be quick to pop on/off outside. If armpit sweat is an issue (trust us, we understand!), a blazer/jacket to pop on/off can help.

Makeup. Ladies we recommend but not too heavy or pancake-y. Men, we don't recommend.

Hair. Ladies, a blowout is never a bad idea. Men, go easy on the hair gel.

Teeth. Please brush (and floss!) your teeth prior to your shoot and don’t eat afterwards. If you’re not coming from home, bring a toothbrush with you so you can brush before you arrive!

Glasses. We love them. Just be sure they aren't “transition,” the kind that turn dark in the sun. Also, you’ll need anti-reflective lenses (which are common).

Day-of: Please arrive at your Happy Hour Headshot location 5 min. in advance of your scheduled time so you have time for a last minute mirror check before your appointment. Look for your photographer who will have a very large camera.

Step 1: First, you'll spend a few minutes in a short discussion about your image: what you are going for and how you will use your pictures.

Step 2: Next, you'll pop outside for about 20-25 minutes and shoot. Don't worry, your photographer will guide you 100% of the way. Whether you consider yourself photogenic or not, our No. 1 goal is to make you look great.

Step 3: Think like an actor with your photographer as your director. It's our job to coach you into poses that will look natural and amazing. And while some techniques may sound a bit strange, go with it and trust them. Our photographers are really good at what they do and are among the top portrait photographers in each city. They have taken hundreds —sometimes thousands— of people’s headshots, real people of different ages, sizes, colors, and styles. Additionally, we will use several different locations at each cafe during your shoot. We do not guarantee a particular backdrop and often mix it up. We look for the best light and composition when positioning you.

Step 4: Afterwards, you'll return indoors to preview your photos. Based on the initial consultation about what you want from your photos, your photographer will help you select your most flattering images. He or she acts as both your photog + personal image consultant. (And no... we ask you not FaceTime your girlfriend for another opinion. ;) You won’t walk out the door with bad photos, guaranteed.

Step 5: Go out somewhere special and bask in your gorgeousness. Your edited images will be emailed in 7-10 business days. Your photographer will explain how the edit and digital delivery works.

Tips on choosing your photos: Your photographer will be your “second opinion” and together you will decide which images are your best. You might not realize how much you rely on your online image to represent your first impression. Consider what that means to you: first impressions of a potential client, an employer or even a date. If you are an actor, your headshot is your key to entry! You will have many photos to choose from so please be prepared to look intentionally while pondering how you might use your photos: community and business ventures, social media or dating sites, professional and personal, all with a variety of looks to put your best face forward. Finally, clients often wonder if they should tip their photog. Our photographers are all local contractors and do not expect tips but of course always appreciate them.

For day-of issues or if you have to cancel last minute, as a courtesy please call/ text your photographer (cell number above). If weather looks questionable, check your text during the day for cancellation or alternate timing. Please understand that we shoot in natural conditions - this means moisture, wind, heat, cold, sunshine, clouds - and this means that your headshot will be “non-static.” So your hair may blow around a bit or be affected by weather. We love this natural look, but if you don’t then please cancel your shoot (prior to 48 hours for a full refund) and consider a studio photographer. Also, most of our times are booked, and we do not refund your deposit if are unable to make it last minute.

You can find us on Facebook @happyhourheadshot and on Instagram @happyhour.headshot.

See you soon!