Over the few years that I've been specializing in headshots and portraits, I've picked up a lot of useful tools for photos in the studio and on location.
Lint roller- It's so much easier to fix something "in camera" than it is to fix small details in Photoshop. When I'm giving someone's jacket a once-over with the lint roller, I get to chat with them for just a minute to help them relax and feel more comfortable during their photos.
Matte powder and disposable applicators- This is a trick I picked up from the headshot master, Gary Hughes. Matte powder is a great way to keep clients from looking too shiny. Shine can look cool in a fashion photo, but shiny skin is the enemy of the headshot! It makes people look sweaty, even if they are not perspiring.
Hand mirror- This one may seem silly, but maybe the person who stepped in front of my camera forgot to check their makeup in the bathrooom. Or, maybe their hair became tousled in between the bathroom and the photo room. It never hurts to have one.
Small clamps- I always have a couple of small clamps in my travel bag, so that I can clip the back of someone's jacket or blouse if it is too large or baggy. Side note- it's a great idea to try on your headshot outfit a few days before photo day!
Hand sanitizer- This one needs no explanation, especially in the time of Covid. All of these handy objects are now part of a DIY station at a distance from where I'm shooting. Let's hope that we can all go back to business as usual soon.
