How to Get the Most Out of Your Business Portrait or Branding Session [Headshots Los Angeles, CA & Charleston, SC]
Your headshot or personal brand session is more than just a photo—it’s an experience designed to capture the real you and tell your story visually. Here are my top tips to make sure your session is smooth, fun, and leaves you with images that truly reflect your confidence, personality, and professional presence.
1. Plan Ahead
Preparation is the key to a session that feels effortless and produces images you’ll love.
Inspiration: Look through your old photos and images from other sources that inspire you. Save a few favorites and think: What do I like about these? What don’t I like? Bring these examples to your session or share them ahead of time. This gives your photographer insight into your style and goals.
Consultation: Schedule a consultation to discuss wardrobe options, hair, makeup, and the overall vibe you want your images to convey. This ensures we’re aligned on the story you want your photos to tell.
Hair & Makeup: Schedule hair appointments in advance, including root touch-ups if needed. Ideally, your hair is styled and makeup applied on the day of your session.
Wellness Prep: Drink plenty of water the day before and get a good night’s sleep. Feeling rested and hydrated makes a noticeable difference in how you show up on camera.
[Available for Headshots & Branding Photography in Los Angeles, CA & Charleston, SC]
2. Be Comfortable—and Be Yourself
Your session is about you. When you feel comfortable in your wardrobe, makeup, and hair, it will translate naturally in your images.
Clothing
Try outfits on before your session to ensure proper fit. Clothing that’s too tight or too loose can feel distracting or uncomfortable.
Avoid small patterns like checkerboard, stripes, or polka dots, which can create visual distractions. Instead, consider solid colors, textures, or subtle patterns that complement your personality.
Think about your message: bright colors can convey energy and fun, while softer tones can feel approachable and calm.
Bring 2–3 options so we can select what looks best on camera.
Makeup
Even if you don’t normally wear makeup, a little goes a long way on camera. Blush, mascara, and lipstick help your features pop, and a small line of eyeliner on the top lid can make your eyes shine.
Avoid moisturizer with SPF or Titanium Dioxide on session day, as it reflects light and creates “hot spots.”
Bring your makeup kit for touch-ups, or work with our makeup artist to achieve a polished yet authentic look.
Hair
Your hair should feel like you. You can style it professionally, but avoid looks that feel unnatural or uncharacteristic. The goal is to capture the real you at your best.
[Available for Headshots & Branding Photography in Los Angeles, CA & Charleston, SC]
3. Relax and Have Fun
The most important tip: enjoy the process. A session where you feel relaxed, confident, and playful will always produce the most authentic images.
Take deep breaths and trust the process. You’re not at the dentist, you’re showing up for yourself and your brand.
Embrace your natural expressions. A genuine smile or moment of ease will shine through more than anything forced.
Keep retouching subtle. Removing a blemish or smoothing the complexion slightly is fine—but your images should still feel like you, not a plastic version of yourself. Aging is natural, and your photos should celebrate the real version of you.
The Takeaway
A successful session is a combination of preparation, self-expression, and playfulness. When you plan ahead, dress in a way that makes you feel confident, and allow yourself to relax and have fun, your headshots and branding images will reflect the best version of you—authentic, powerful, and unmistakably you.
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