![[Han Researcher Magazine vol.34] Job Application Photo Shoot: The Ultimate Checklist – 10 Things You Don't Want to Miss](https://storage.googleapis.com/monk-ai-images/blog/1776917841501_banner_EN_vol34.jpg)
****
"I prepared so hard, but I'm still disappointed with how the photos turned out."
This is what I hear most often after running a studio for 10 years.
People get their makeup done and dress well, but sometimes the results don't meet their expectations.
So, today, I'm going to introduce a checklist of small things that can significantly improve the quality of your job application photos if you follow them.
Today's tips are recommended for those taking these photos for the first time, but also for those who have taken job application photos several times and haven't been satisfied!
Today, I'll break down 10 things you should definitely prepare before your job application photo shoot, dividing them into the day before and the day of.
📅 Preparation - The Day Before — 5 Things
✅ 1. Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep causes puffy eyes, dull skin, and stiff facial expressions.
No matter how good your makeup is, a tired face will show in the photos. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep the night before the shoot.
✅ 2. Prepare Your Outfit the Night Before
More often than you think, people find wrinkles or missing buttons while choosing their clothes on the morning of the shoot.
Set up your suit, shirt, tie (for men), or blouse (for women) the night before. Iron everything in advance as well.
✅ 3. Avoid Harsh Skincare Treatments the Day Before
Finish any harsh skincare treatments like scrubs, peels, or massage packs at least 3 days before the shoot.
If you mess with your skin the day before, it can become red or break out the next day.
Just do light moisturizing the night before, focusing on hydration. In fact, skin with some oiliness or dead skin cells can look more natural.
✅ 4. Absolutely No Alcohol
Drinking alcohol causes facial swelling and uneven skin tone.
Your eyes can also become bloodshot, which can't be covered with any amount of retouching. Abstain from alcohol the night before the shoot and drink plenty of water.
✅ 5. Finish Hair Coloring/Perms 2 Weeks Before
Hair is unstable immediately after dyeing or perming, which can make it look unnatural in photos.
The color may be too vibrant, or the waves may be too strong. It's best to finish these treatments at least 2 weeks before the shoot.
#### ****
📸 Preparation - The Day Of — 5 Things
✅ 6. Wake Up 2 Hours Before the Shoot
Your face is usually somewhat swollen when you wake up. It takes 1-2 hours for the swelling to go down.
On the day of the shoot, wake up early, wash your face, and reduce swelling by washing with cold water or applying a cold compress.
✅ 7. Men - Shave on the Day Of
Some people shave the night before, but stubble grows even overnight.
Shave cleanly on the morning of the shoot, right before. We can remove stubble with retouching, but this can sometimes lead to excessive skin tone correction.
✅ 8. Use Hair Spray Sparingly
Too much hair spray can make your hair look stiff or reflect light, making it look unnatural in photos.
Also, if you're styling your hair yourself, spraying hair spray directly onto your hair can make it stiff. Instead of spraying directly, spray it onto your palm and gently style your hair.
✅ 9. Arrive at the Studio 15 Minutes Early
Rushing to the studio can make you breathless and flush. You need time to sit down for 10-15 minutes to catch your breath and check your final appearance in the mirror. Arrive with plenty of time to spare and stabilize your condition.
✅ 10. Practice Your Facial Expressions in Front of a Mirror Before the Shoot
It's a natural reaction to freeze up in front of the camera. Practice smiling slightly in front of a mirror, even for a short time after you arrive. Warming up by opening and closing your mouth wide is also effective. Even just 1-2 minutes of practice will help you achieve a much more natural expression.
📱 Checklist at a Glance: The Day Before / The Day Of
The Day Before
- 7-8 hours of sleep
- Outfit/suit prepared the night before
- Avoid harsh skincare (light moisturizing only)
- No alcohol, drink plenty of water
- Hair dye/perm completed 2 weeks prior
The Day Of
- Wake up 2 hours before, reduce swelling
- Men - shave in the morning
- Minimize hair spray
- Arrive at the studio 15 minutes early
- Warm up facial expressions in front of a mirror for 1-2 minutes
#### ****
📸 Want to check your style in advance before shooting?