How to Prepare for your Personal Branding or Professional Headshot Session


A great branding and/or headshot session is about more than just looking good; it is about feeling authentic and telling your story. The steps below are meant to help you feel confident and prepared when walking into your photoshoot.

STEP 01

 

Define what you want to convey

Choose some keywords that help define what you want to convey about yourself or your business. Are you going for a light and airy vibe, or something more moody and dark?

Creating a mood board can not only help you define your aesthetic, but it is also a great way to convey your vision to your photographer.

Additionally, decide if you would like your photos taken in a traditional photography studio, on location, or both. This decision may affect who you would like to hire as your photographer. That being said, take time to research your options. It is important to choose someone you are confident will be able to bring your vision to life.  

STEP 02

 

Choose a few different outfits

It is important to feel confident and comfortable for your photos. Choose a few outfits that you feel your best in. Having a variety of both casual and formal attire lets you show different aspects of your personality and also gives your photographer options based on their backdrops, lighting and sets.

Be aware that some bright colors can affect your skin tone in photos. When in doubt, get suggestions from your photographer about what outfits may work best for your overall vibe that are also flattering for your photos.

STEP 03

 

Invest time into self-care

I like to recommend to my clients that they have a "spa day" prior to their session. No, you don't have to go to an actual spa or set aside the whole day; but do take some time for a little grooming session. Give yourself a face massage, do your nails, put on some eye masks and take a moment to breathe and enjoy taking care of yourself and being in your body.

If you would like to invest in professional hair and makeup, do your research or ask for recommendations. Also, book your professional far in advance.

Don't feel like you have to go over the top with fancy new clothes or dress up in a way that doesn't feel authentic. If you prefer to not wear makeup or to have tousled hair, then that is great! Your photographer is there to hype you up and help you feel amazing in your photos.

If you happen to have a breakout that day, or just don't like something about how you look, please let your photographer know. This helps with how we photograph you and edit your photos.

Drink plenty of water and try not to party too hard the night before.

STEP 04

 

Plan your props and what to bring

Is there anything else you would like to bring to your photo session that helps you tell your story? If you are a yoga teacher you could bring in yoga gear. An author could bring in their book. An artist could bring art supplies. Think about anything that would visually portray more about who you are.

If you have a longer session, I would recommend bringing in water and snacks or allotting time for a meal so you can rest and recharge.

Some clients even like to bring in a hype person or pet that can help them feel a little more at ease. Make sure to check-in with your photographer about what they have available and what makes sense for you to bring with you.

STEP 05

 

Come as you are

Showing up to your session with a positive attitude is great, but not always realistic. You may have had a bad start to the day or are feeling general nerves about being photographed. Communicate how you are genuinely feeling with your photographer. A good photographer will help you work through your nerves and shake off any negative energy. Honesty before and during your session is very important. If you feel self-conscious, or if you aren't really feeling the vibe of a particular outfit our setup, please communicate that to avoid any misunderstandings, or you not feeling satisfied with your photoshoot.

Also, ask for help. If you aren't really sure what to wear or how to pose, ask your photographer for input. As a professional, they should be able to help guide you in order to give you the best experience possible.

 

Final Note

Feeling prepared for your photoshoot can really help calm nerves and also allows time for you to communicate clearly with your photographer. That being said, take a little time to shop around for a photographer that feels like a good fit. Your photographer should make you feel comfortable, hype you up, and provide an experience that is professional and uplifting.