Prep Guide: Headshots and Business Branding

I’m so excited that we’ll be spending time together to create images that you’ll be proud to show off!


If you need to reach me on the day of our session, please send me a text message or call via WhatsApp at +49 176 43633578 . If I miss your call, please leave a text message so that I know to return the call.

For studio sessions: I actually prefer that clients arrive either on time or slightly after, as I’m usually prepping for our session.

Wardrobe Suggestions

  1. Avoid logos, and characters or illustrations as they will distract the focus away from your faces.

  2. The fit is KEY. Make sure that your outfits sit exactly how and where you want each piece to sit, trying out different poses (walking, standing, sitting, etc). When in doubt, choose a larger size vs one that is too snug.

  3. Think in layers. A blouse and a jacket is my favorite combination because we can get a few varieties of shots, especially for shorter sessions.

  4. Remember your pants. Even though a headshot is typically a very close up shot, sometimes we do show part of your waist. Plan for this - a pair of slacks is normally the perfect choice.

  5. I love pants with pockets because we can add extra movements and poses utilizing pockets.

  6. Iron or steam your clothes. With fabric that tends to wrinkle easily, plan on maybe changing once you arrive at our location.

When choosing wardrobe choices, here are my personal recommendations.

Hair and Skin Guide

Treat your photo session the same way you would a major event.

  1. No new skincare or products within 48 hours to avoid allergic reactions.

  2. Schedule haircuts/trims well ahead of the session to allow for any unexpected errors or surprises.

  3. Hair color should be applied several days ahead of our session to allow color to be washed off the scalp.

  4. If wearing make-up, a natural everyday look is perfect for headshots. Pay close attention to your eye make up, as this is typically the area that most struggle with. Take your time. :)

  5. Trim/remove any unwanted facial hair

  6. Trim and clean nails

  7. Moisturize skin and lips in the days leading up to our session

  8. Hydrate well the week of our session

  9. Test out and use hair products to ensure that everyone’s hair can survive possible humidity, static, wind, etc.

On Our Shoot Day

  1. Whenever possible, don’t overschedule your session day. Arriving rested and refreshed is an excellent way to start a session.

  2. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready, drive, park, and get to our meeting location. Getting ready for a photo session tends to be stressful for most families, and giving yourselves time will help alleviate a lot of that stress.

  3. Make sure to eat something prior to our session if it is around the time when you or your family normally have a meal or a snack. Trust me on this one: you don’t want hungry kids (or adults) on a shoot.

What to Bring

  1. Hair brushes and combs in case we need to smooth down hair.

  2. If wearing make-up, bring the essentials with you for touch-ups if needed.

  3. Water and small, easy to chew snacks. I’m a huge fan of neutral colored goldfish crackers and Pez candy.

  4. A small blanket to bundle up and keep warm during the shoot. It’s a lot easier to wrap and unwrap a blanket from a young child than to take jackets on and off during a shoot.

One Final Note

The core of my approach to photographing people of all ages is to approach each session with empathy.

On my shoots, we encourage desired behavior through encouragement and positive reinforcement. I want you to know that as your photographer, I understand that you may feel nervous or anxious coming into a session. I promise that I’m always gentle in my approach and that I will help you create images that showcases you at your best. Come as you are and we’ll work together to create an environment where you feel comfortable, relaxed and most importantly: SEEN.

I look forward to photographing you. Thank you for choosing me to be your photographer.