Professional Photo Session Guide

WHAT YOU WANT YOUR IMAGES TO SAY

Before we think about wardrobe, it helps to get clear on what you want your photographs to communicate.

Your images may be used for LinkedIn, your company website, press features, speaking engagements, marketing materials, or your personal brand. The strongest photographs feel aligned with both your goals and your personality.

You may want your images to feel confident, polished, approachable, modern, creative, or quietly authoritative. Once we define the direction, every styling decision becomes easier.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR SESSION

The goal of your clothing is simple: it should support your overall image without distracting from your face.

I recommend planning your outfits in advance, ideally a few days before the session. Arriving with a clear wardrobe plan allows you to relax and focus on the experience rather than making decisions at the last minute.

Clothing that photographs well is usually:

well-fitted
clean and pressed
simple and polished
comfortable enough that you feel like yourself

Solid colors tend to work best because they keep the focus on your expression. Soft neutrals, blues, earth tones, and rich jewel tones are all strong choices. Loud prints, large logos, and anything overly distracting are usually best avoided.

For headshots, bringing a few neckline or collar variations can add subtle variety to your final images. If you are not sure what to bring, I recommend bringing two or three options. A blazer, jacket, or second top can create useful variety without making the session feel complicated.

Make sure everything is steamed or pressed before the session, and remove anything bulky from your pockets so the overall look stays clean and polished.

DRESS FOR YOUR PROFESSION AND YOUR BRAND

Your wardrobe should reflect the kind of image you want to project.

For corporate headshots or executive portraits, that may mean a blazer, suit, collared shirt, or a refined dress. For branding photography, there is often more room for personality, texture, and variety. Creative professionals and small business owners may want a polished look that still feels approachable and personal.

The goal is not to dress like someone else. The goal is to look like the strongest version of yourself.

If you would like input before the session, you are welcome to send me photos of your outfit options.

CHOOSING COLORS THAT PHOTOGRAPH WELL

Color has a subtle effect on how your images feel.

Darker tones like navy, charcoal, and deep neutrals tend to feel polished and professional. Softer tones often feel more open and approachable. Blue is one of the most versatile choices because it adds color while still feeling professional and timeless.

If you love a white shirt or blouse, it often photographs best when paired with a jacket or layer. This helps create balance and dimension in the final image.

HAIR, MAKEUP, AND GROOMING

A little preparation here goes a long way.

Style your hair the way you would for an important professional day. If you plan to get a haircut or color, do it a few days before the session rather than the day before so everything has time to settle naturally.

For makeup, think polished and natural. The camera tends to respond best to a clean, refined look rather than anything too heavy. A little powder can also help reduce shine.

If you wear glasses, make sure the lenses are clean before you arrive. If you have more than one pair, feel free to bring options. I adjust lighting carefully, but clean lenses always help.

And do not worry about temporary blemishes or small distractions. Those can usually be softened in retouching. Avoid anything right before the session that may affect your skin tone, including too much sun.

KEEP ACCESSORIES SIMPLE

Small details matter in photographs.

I recommend choosing accessories that feel intentional and understated. Simple jewelry works beautifully. Watches can be fine if they are classic and feel true to your style, but fitness watches and smart watches are usually best removed for a cleaner, more timeless look.

The focus should stay on your face, your expression, and the overall feeling of the image.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SHARE INSPIRATION

If there is a style you love, feel free to share it.

You are welcome to email a few inspiration images or create a small Pinterest board before the session. This can help me understand the level of polish, wardrobe direction, and overall feeling you are drawn to.

You do not need to overthink this. Even a few examples can be helpful.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR SESSION

You are not expected to be a professional model. That is my job.

I will guide you through posture, expression, head position, angles, and small refinements throughout the session. Some directions may feel a little unusual in the moment, but they are often the details that make the biggest difference on camera.

We also review images together during the session so you can see how things are looking and make adjustments in real time. This helps the process feel collaborative, clear, and reassuring.

RETOUCHING AND FINAL DELIVERY

Every selected image is carefully retouched with a light, polished hand.

That may include softening temporary blemishes, refining stray hairs, reducing under-eye distractions, and making small clothing refinements where needed. The goal is always to keep you looking like yourself — just at your best.

Final images are typically delivered within one week.

WHY PREPARATION MATTERS

The strongest sessions are thoughtfully planned.

When I understand your goals, your image usage, your wardrobe direction, and the overall feel you want, I can create photographs that feel more personal, more polished, and more aligned with your professional brand.

Preparation helps us make the most of your time and creates stronger final images.

YOUR PRE-SESSION CHECKLIST

A few days before:
choose your outfit options
try everything on
make sure clothing fits well
schedule grooming or haircut appointments early
hydrate and get good rest

The day before:
steam or press your clothing
place outfits on hangers
clean your glasses
gather your accessories
pack anything you want to bring to the session
confirm the location and your travel time

The day of:
style your hair as you would for an important day
keep makeup polished and natural
arrive a few minutes early
bring your selected outfit options
take a breath and trust the process

PRE-SESSION CONSULTATION

Before your photoshoot, we will have a short consultation to talk through your goals, wardrobe, styling, and how you plan to use the images.

This helps your session feel more focused, more personal, and more successful from the start.

ONE LAST THING

The best thing you can bring to this session is yourself. I will take care of the rest.

I look forward to creating something you love.