A Guide to Pageant Headshots
One of my favorite parts about competing in pageants is taking my headshots! Your headshot is one of the first impressions you give the judges before they even see you in person, and it is so important to take a headshot that reflects you. To help all my pageant girlies out, I put together this headshot guide, full of tips and tricks and a ton of my favorite shirts for headshots!
Headshot Tips and Tricks
Why Headshots Matter
A first impression is a lasting impression. Headshots are most likely the first thing people see of you during pageant season. Judges may receive them with your paperwork, contestants see them online, and it will most likely be used in a program book for marketing. Act as if your headshot is the first time you are meeting someone. How would you want to look? What would you want the vibe to be?
Choosing the Vibe of the Headshot
Something important to note is that every pageant system has a different vibe for what they are looking for in a headshot. If you don't have a coach, talk to someone else who has competed in the system or look at headshots from previous years to get some inspiration. The vibe also changes if you're a teen or miss. Teen headshots normally include bright colors and a smile, while a miss may go for a softer, smirky smile and a neutral color.
Always Look Like Yourself
First and foremost, you want to ensure you look like yourself in your headshots. You never want to walk into an interview room or on stage and find out the judges don't even recognize you from the photo you submitted. While headshots can seem like a chance to change your appearance, it's actually the opposite, and trust me, you look perfect the way you are!
Do Your Research for a Photographer
Always make sure to do your research before hiring a photographer. I would suggest looking for one that specializes in pageantry, as they can help guide you during your photo shoot and give you ideal results. Make sure to discuss packages (number of edits, wardrobe changes, turnaround time, etc.) to ensure your photos come with ample time before you have to submit them.
Taking Headshots Yourself
If you choose to take your own headshots, it is essential they still look super professional. Make sure you have a clean background, the camera's focus is only on you, the lighting is superb (sunlight would be best), and you have someone else take it for you or you set up a tripod. Don't use selfies! Again, this is the first impression, so make it look like you put in a lot of effort.
Picking What to Wear
Your hair, skin, and eye color will help you decide what shades photograph and look best on you. Or pick the colors that you feel most confident in! When shopping for headshot shirts, I love looking for textures and different cuts, as what looks crazy may photograph super well and help you stand out. When in doubt, go for classic, clean, and timeless (this goes for hair and makeup, too!).
Bring Multiple Options
Don't just pick one headshot top and hope it works out. Bringing multiple outfit options will help ease some of the stress you may have. Plus, it helps test out what is translating best on camera. There have been so many times I purchased a top for headshots that looked PERFECT on the hanger, but when I put them on, they fell flat in front of the camera. In these instances, I was so happy I had a ton of backup options.
Get Your Hair and Makeup Done
I personally love having my hair and makeup done by a professional when I take headshots. Many of these artists understand how pageant photography works and can help translate your vision for the photos into your look. It's also SO important to make eye contact with the camera to show confidence and allow everyone to see all your features. That confidence can be elevated by a hair and makeup artist that makes you feel AMAZING on the screen.
Get Feedback
I suggest asking a director, coach, or pageant friend for honest feedback. Again, your impression, the vibe of the pageant, and so much more go into picking the perfect headshot, so getting the opinions of others before submitting your headshot is crucial. Ask people in your life who will be able to understand the vibe you are looking for and pick out the best option to achieve your goals!
The Tops
Included in the slideshow below are some of the best pageant headshot tops I found! Remember, always go out of your comfort zone a little bit, as shirts that may not look great on the hanger look AMAZING in photographs! Just click your favorite and enjoy!
Whether this is your first time taking a headshot or your millionth, I hope this guide helped you find newfound confidence in taking photos or a new headshot shirt! If you're interested in my own pageant journey, check out my pageant playlist on YouTube, which is full of taking headshots, competitions, and more!
