Match your photos to your brand and how you need to be seen Are you a CEO? An HR manager? Those jobs require a slightly different look. If you are a CEO, you’ll want photos that convey authority and expertise, whereas if you are an HR manager, you may want photos that are a little more relatable and welcoming. If you are a small business, think about your brand colors and themes and the tools of your trade. All of these things are things you want to incorporate into your photos.
Consider where the photos will be used If they are going on a website or in a publication, we’ll need to think about orientation. A lot of websites need long thin images for banners, which requires a zoomed out image with all of the important components contained in a smaller area. Some magazines or websites may need a tall skinny image for a sidebar, again we’ll need to get all of the important components, whether they are people or tools, in to the photo.
Choose an environment that matches the needs of your images and brand Certain locations may not work well with all professions. If you are the owner of a landscaping company, you may want your images to be outside, rather than the typical inside photos.
Dress to Impress Dress for your best day. You might consider shopping for something new or meeting with a personal shopper to make sure you feel and look your best on the day of your session. You can find out more about what to wear here.
Keep hair and makeup simple and professional Today is not the day to try something new! It’s best to stick with your normal routine or take a day or two to try out hairstyles and makeup options. You will want something that you don’t have to fuss with or worry about.
Remember your posture! This one is simple, but easy to forget. Better posture makes you appear more put together and it makes you look thinner!
Stay loose. Try not to tense up and remember to relax your fingers! You don’t want to look to rigid in your photos, so try to stay loose and relaxed. If we are indoors feel free to bring some music to relax you. Strangely enough, fingers are one of the hardest things to pose! They can make a photo feel just right, or very off.
Think about props Do you use a computer? makeup brushes? etc If you do use a tool in your trade we will want to include it in your branding session. Nowadays we almost all use computers, so a laptop is a great place to start. And then get creative! If you always have a coffee in your hand, that might be appropriate. Or maybe you’re always on the phone. We’ll chat about this at your consultation and help you come up with a few ideas.
Drink lots of water and avoid salt the day of and before your session Both of these will help ensure that you aren’t at all puffy on the day of your session.
Get plenty of sleep the night before your session This is pretty self explanatory! Better sleep equals a more refreshed face.
Do you wear glasses If you wear transitions, consider switching to another pair of glasses for the day. Transition lenses can be slightly shaded by the bright lights we use and if we are photographing outdoors, there will definitely be a shading problem. The additional glasses don’t necessarily need to be your current prescription, so an old pair or a pair of reading glasses may work. If you do wear transitions, please let us know during your consultation.
Get a headshot at least once a year. That way they are always up to date and current with your brand.
