Whether you booked a mini-headshot session or a more in-depth brand/lifestyle session with me, these tips apply to you. Photography is the first impression that your potential customers, employers, partners, or affiliates get of YOU. It’s your first opportunity to set yourself apart.

Make it count!

Consistent, beautiful, high-end photography creates trust, recognition, and high-perceived value in the workplace and across the internet.

Aside from the list below, remember that it is important to nurture a healthy mindset leading up to your shoot. Speak kindly to yourself. Do the prep work leading up so you feel prepared on shoot day.

When feelings of self-doubt creep in, remember that you hired a professional who:

a) is a pro photographer with well over a decade of experience and…

b) knows how to guide you through a session that feels relaxed, easy, and authentic. After all, that’s what you are paying for.

Bottom line: control what you can control and leave the rest up to me.

Investing in professional photography is also investing in yourself. This experience has the opportunity to be incredibly empowering! You'll give off a professional and legitimate vibe right from the start — unlike your iPhone selfies — and stand out in your field regardless of your industry. As always, please let me know if you have any questions at all!

PREPARING YOUR WARDROBE:

Bring 1-2 looks for a mini headshot session, 2-3 if you booked an hour, and up to 5 if you booked a thrive brand session.
Keep wardrobe options in line with your brand.
Clothes that fit close to your body are more flattering in photos (no matter your body type, I can pose you in more flattering ways if your clothing is not baggy or boxy). When selecting your clothes, please make sure you feel comfortable. It matters!
Bring colors that compliment your skin tones, and align with your brand -- opt instead for colors that complement and bring out your eyes, skin tone, or hair are best. Please note that aligning with your brand does not mean wearing your brand colors. Choose complimentary tones you look + feel great in.
Avoid flashy, loud, bright, and busy patterns that will distract from YOU! The main focus of these photos should be your eyes and the connection we feel with your personality.
Jackets and uncomplicated layers can create variety without stopping for full changes.
Jewelry should be something that won’t distract from you unless it’s a vital part of your brand (and you're confident it will stay that way until your next headshot session). Feel free to bring options and I can support you when we meet.
Ladies: please make sure you wear a nude bra if you are wearing a blouse. Sometimes studio lighting can pick up dark undergarments.
Glasses - if you wear them, consider bringing a pair of extra frames so that you can pop the lenses out to avoid glare/distortion. And PLEASE do NOT wear transition glasses for this session :)
TRY ON your wardrobe items before you bring them. Lifestyle headshots are more modern in that your pants will show, and you will be on stools, chairs, sofas, etc. so pants do matter! Make sure your clothes fit and feel great.
Launder, press, and de-lint as needed.
If you need a steamer, please bring one, I will not have one at the studio. And please remember if your clothes are not ready it will eat into the photography time.
Come prepared :)

FURTHER PREPARING FOR YOUR HEADSHOT SESSION:

BEFORE THE SESSION, GROOMING + MAKEUP >>

Think of this as you would preparing for an interview…

Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest in the days leading up to your session. Please avoid salt and alcohol the day before, as well. This will help keep your skin clear and avoid puffing from water retention. Don’t stress if you wake up with blemishes the day of your session (and don’t mess with them as it will generally make them worse -- let Photoshop do the magic there!)
Fun Fact: Light Exercise (even a quick walk) before your session can add a healthy glow to your skin.
Eyebrows / Nails / Facial Hair: clean up / trim / etc. as necessary. I recommend a nude or natural manicure for women.
Hair: Bring a brush/comb and any products necessary to control static/flyaways (or to keep in place if there’s a light breeze). Please DO NOT try out a brand new haircut/style the week before your session (take it from clients who have learned this lesson the hard way)!
Makeup: generally a touch more mascara/lip color and contouring are advisable for photos, and be sure to refresh right before our session (even if you don't normally wear makeup, foundation, mascara, and lip tint is great to highlight your features but still look natural). I cannot stress how little makeup shows up on camera and what a great impact it has.
Lips (this is for everyone!): a bit of lip balm or chapstick can be your best friend to avoid cracked lips (it’s been a cold winter!)!
Trust I’ve got you!

BE ON TIME:

PLEASE familiarize yourself with directions to our meeting place and leave yourself time to negotiate traffic and parking. SESSION TIMES are chosen around BEST LIGHT. Nothing worse than arriving frazzled, except arriving late when the light is changing (AND there might be a session scheduled after yours).

When you first arrive, we’ll chat about your wardrobe for a few minutes, and then you’ll have time to relax into the session.

Ideally, even if you’re nervous or don’t like being in front of a camera, you’ll be surprised and have a great experience while we produce fantastic headshots to help you land your next dream job, client, or audience with confidence.