When booking your headshots, you already know to wear solid colors, get good sleep and show up on time

But what you may not know are a few simple things that separate standard photos from pictures that are brand aligned. What follows are some tips that will help you prepare for any upcoming professional pictures, especially corporate ones. 

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1. Test your outfit on a video call first, not just a mirror. 

Mirrors can lie. What might look good in person, what you feel good in naturally might read differently on camera. Busy patterns can create weird effects, your favorite necklace might cast strange shadows or reflections. 

Instead of assuming what you’re going to wear is going to photograph well, set up a zoom call, face time or whatever. Sit in front of your computer and move around from site to side looking over the opposing shoulder. Notice how your clothes land, what your collar does, how your tie works with your shirt. Make sure that you feel confident in what you're wearing and that what you're wearing reads well on camera. 

2. Bring some “just in case” belongings 

In the studio we have: 

• Lint rollers

• Safety pins 

• Stain remover (tide pens)

• Fabric tape 

• Bobby pins 

• Face blotting cloths 

But we don’t have your specific color of lipstick, an extra tie, your glass cleaning cloth, your setting powder. We suggest you bring a small bag with some essentials: 

• touch-up makeup

• backup shirt/tie

• Clips and hair ties 

• Glasses and contacts as needed 

• And any medical needs

I know it sounds excessive, but I promise, like most things in life, preparation goes a long way when it comes time to take pictures. 

3. Schedule your session when you're at your best. 

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We offer sessions in the morning, midday, afternoon and early evening. Unfortunately, if you’re looking to book your session at 12am or 2am, I’m not your girl. Unless, of course, I’m on assignment and we have those clearly negotiated in our contract.

Some clients book whatever is first available. That’s understandable. Or they book around what’s most convenient to their schedule. Also understandable. But the best way to book is when you’re personally at your best, the time of day you feel most confident, most energized, most alive.  

If you’re a morning person, then book in the morning. Afternoon person? Book in the afternoon… you get the idea. When possible, book when you’re at your best. 

4. Look at your company website just before your session. 

Before coming in for your session, consider what kind of energy your company website profiles are giving off. Do you work at a law firm that is showcasing professional yet approachable profiles or are you part of a creative agency that showcased more unique flair? What color palette do you notice, muted tones, bright and colorful or something in between? SInce your headshot, portrait will live on this site it should feel like it belongs…. Even if you’re going to use it on other platforms. 

5. Prepare 3 thoughts to keep front of mind during your session 

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When I’m photographing lawyers I remind them of all the work they put into getting where they are. Overcoming the LSAT is a big deal, not to mention the pressure of going to law school, the course load, the internships, the material and so on… I have them focus on their personal sense of accomplishment and perseverance that brings us to the moment where we're taking their firm pictures for their website. Business owners, finance executives, technology CEOs have adversity and accomplishment they’ve overcome and achieved to consider too.  I try to encourage them to stand in their pride, while remaining approachable.

Alternatively, thinking about things that generally excite you, relevant recent funny stories and people who bring you a warm sense of joy can also bring about strong cohesive energy that takes your headshot beyond a picture and creates a professional portrait. 

Most importantly when we have a quick 20 minutes together and I ask you to think about something funny, or to stand in your pride you’ll have those thoughts easily available to bring forth which will help you forget the camera's existence, even if only for a quick minute. 

6. Honestly, the pictures process is a 50/50 effort 

Technical skill, lighting, composition, backdrops are all part of the picture process. But so are your presence, preparation, mindset, outfit choices, energy level and authenticity. I know you’re paying me 100% of the fee for service. But if you show up late, under pressure, under prepared we’re still capture your and all your glory,  but it’s kinda like showing up un-flossed for a dental cleaning. Sure you can do that. And sure your hygienist will still clean your teeth, but do you want them to spend the hour removing last night's dinner from your teeth or do you want them polishing your pearly whites so you can flash them to the world?

I’ll bring the skill, you bring preparation and together we’ll create something solid that you’ll want to use and share. Promise.