Whether you’re needing a new LinkedIn headshot or an entire suite of branded photos for your company site (or even a publication feature!), these tips will help you nail the vibe you’re going for.
If you’re wondering how to prepare for your headshot sessions, the most important piece of advice I give for professional business portraits comes down to one main thing: don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for your session! Give yourself time to find a couple outfits that you not only look good on you, but that feel good, too. If you are booking me for a full half hour or hour long session, I always ask that you bring a couple options to your session: at least one business look and a more casual outfit, too.
If you’re buying a brand new suit or blazer, be sure to give yourself enough time to wear it a few times, get it tailored, and get comfortable in it before your session. When you feel comfortable, you look more comfortable in photos.
Don’ts
These don’t happen often, but I have to say them just in case:
- Get a haircut the day of (or the day before, for that matter) your session. It is possible to look too polished, which is why I recommend giving yourself time with your new ‘do. A more lived-in cut and style looks much more natural in photos.
- Get a spray tan right before the session. Unless you usually look naturally tangerine, don’t get that spray tan. Maybe skip the tanning bed, too—sunburn is a rough look for professional photos.
- Wear your hair or makeup a brand new way for your shoot. When in doubt, go with what you know. How do people most often see you? Make sure you’re choosing a look that’s recognizable for you.
If you have limited time and are going with a basic headshot session, then you need to think about your brand and what you’re aiming to portray to the world. Yoga studio owner? Embrace that leisure wear! Wine maker? Pop that bottle! Realtor? Keep it casual. But if your co-workers and clients are used to seeing you in a suit, that’s what you should go for.
That said, you can always add flare to your polished look—think about the visual identity of your brand or business: colors in your logo or marketing materials can be incorporated as ties, pocket squares, suit patterns, and even socks.
Your headshot is a representation of not only you, but also your business, so consider how the two can work together to best represent your values. Even if you don’t have a clear brand identity right now, it’s always smart to have headshot options on hand. Who knows, in the near future, you may join a board, club, or group where you’ll need to provide an image: it shows some serious professionalism to have these photos on deck.
Reach out to me to learn about my branding packages and how I can help you uplevel your visual presence. We’ll talk about how I can help you reach your business goals and I’ll answer any questions you have about preparing for your session.
Lauren Lindley offers commercial photography, professional business headshots, lifestyle and branding sessions, and environmental portraits in destinations nationwide, including Reno/Tahoe, Austin TX, Las Vegas, Sacramento, the Bay Area and New Orleans. Revamp your professional presence today now that you know how to prepare for your headshot sessions!
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