How to stay in the “Safe Zone” with your wardrobe choices

[Professional Headshots Near Me by Vanie]

If your headshot package includes four outfits, you should bring four outfits to your shoot right?

WRONG! ❌

Darin Juarez: Detective or PI / Hipster

I stress this during my consultations, and yet actors STILL show up with just enough to shoot in, instead of bringing more options. 

The problem with only bringing the exact number of outfits is that you may end up with results that are outside what I call the ‘SAFE ZONE’.

Lindsey Schuberth: Best Friend / BBQ Mom / Love Interest

Greta Sesheta: Upscale Professional / Suburban Grandmother

The “safe zone” is where most agents and managers will be happy with your headshot with no complaints. 

Outside the safe zone is where most agents and managers may have a complaint about your headshot.

Because there are so many subjective opinions in the industry, you’re NEVER going to make everyone happy at all times 💁‍♀️, but you want to aim to stay in the safe zone when you can.  

Nathalie Rudolph: Troubled Teen / Love Interest / Hipster

Jacob Van Tine: Secret Agent / Jamie Henkin: Girls’ Night Out

For example–

I had a client bring in a graphic tee for the “Gamer” look, BUT it was black and had a very bright white image in the middle.

That white image would end up as a hot spot in the headshot, causing it to distract from the face. 

The idea of a graphic tee for the “Gamer” was spot on, but this particular t-shirt was not. 

Javonta Light: Stock Broker / Hero / Casual Hip

Sarah Stark: Offce Girl /Dillon Peyerk: Love Interest

Because the client didn’t bring more t-shirt choices, we had to settle for wardrobe outside the safe zone.

And because we had to settle, there’s a chance that his agent might think that shirt is distracting and ask for a re-shoot.

So, take my word for it, always bring more options than you’re shooting and let us help guide you and avoid re-shoots.

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