Everett Headshot Photographer: How do I prepare for my studio headshot session?

Communicate your expectations

As your Everett headshot photographer, I love to know everything about you. We have only 30 minutes together when we meet for our photo session but prior to that is where all the magic happens. I will ask you a few questions so I know how to cater your headshot session uniquely to you. Tell me all about your purpose for these photographs. Are they for professional or personal use? Are they for a one-time project? Do they need to have a specific color backdrop? Will you need them sized a certain way while editing? Understanding your goals for the photos will help me create a vibe that will stay true to what you need.

Send headshot reference pictures

The Everett and Seattle area is knowing for having people who do things in a very unique way. So why should your headshot be run-of-the-mill? I love knowing your ideas for a studio headshot. I am more than likely to make it work so send me reference images and we can collaborate to get you what you want.

Pick an outfit that aligns with your line of work

Imagine what you would wear to work on a daily basis and elevate that by 10%. A lot of jobs have turned remote as well so to avoid showing up in pajamas, use your imagination and think of how you would show up to work if you had to go in the next day.

If you typically wear dress pants or a skirt and a formal shirt, add a blazer to the outfit. Colors are your choice - authenticity is very much valued in current day so prints and bold colors are acceptable. My backdrop is grey so avoid wearing that colour. I recommend having 2-3 different shirt or blazer options/combinations for our 30-minute session so you can mix and match. Take the additional step to ensure there are ironed, pet hair and wrinkle-free. Remember that the word "professional" has evolved in the digital age so if a hoodie and jeans go in your line of work, then follow the above tips to get ready.

Style your hair and wear light makeup

The headshot will focus on every aspect of your face from the chest up. If there’s something on your face you wouldn’t want magnified, correct it in the best way you are able. Don’t wear too much makeup if that’s what you aren’t normally doing. Stick to what you know.

It bears mentioning that I think we tend to be way more harsh on ourselves than we need to be. As your headshot photographer, I have heard almost every insecurity and I can empathize with this feeling. I think it's important to remember that our self-image is not always accurate. It's "real", for sure, but it's not true. It takes a lot of vulnerability to trust me. I promise you you're going to feel and look wonderful in every single photo. Have a look at my headshot reviews if you don't believe me.

Trust your headshot photographer

I am very experienced in helping you find your best angles. I will give you posing cues through the photo session. Some of the posing cues go like this: “tilt your head a little to the left”, “stick your forehead forward”, “lean your shoulder towards the camera” and my favorite - "take a deep breath". I will also show you how these poses look by enacting them. I tend to have a conversation with you while we are taking photos so you will get a break from “posing” in between. 

Know that this is a journey of mutual faith so just as I ask that you trust me, I am also very open to listening to your suggestions because nobody knows you like you!

Get lots of rest and stay hydrated

If you are tired or haven't had enough water, it will show on your skin. I think this reminder should be #1 for anything in life. You will look and feel so much better if you do both these things.