Evamaria Foltz
- Jun 21, 2022
- 3 min read

Headshot & Branding Photos Do's and Don'ts

Calling all business owners and their professional associates

This post is for YOU!

In this blog, we will briefly run down my top list of DOs and DON'Ts when it comes to being prepared to take your new headshot or personal branding photos. But first, let's talk about what a headshot is: A headshot is defined as

Headshot: 1. a photograph of a person's head.

Seems self explanatory, right? You might be surprised to know that not all photographers know how to properly execute a professional looking, effective headshots, let alone clients! In fact, headshot photography is a specialty that you really should have done ONLY by someone who has the experience and specializes in the genre. Now of course, I'd love that to be me, but more importantly, I'd like to use this blog post to educate you on how to be prepared so that you don't end up spending your valuable time and hard earned money on photos that will not serve your intended purpose and beyond, regardless of who you book with.

Keep reading to learn more, so you don't end up feeling like this

Branding image of a stressed out employee pulling her hair out in front of a tan backdrop

Stressed out to the max!

PRO TIP #1- Dress Strategically. Bring ALL of the outfits!

My number one piece of advice is to always over-prepare. It is so much better to have too many clothing options, than not enough. I always suggest to my clients that they bring:

----> One business professional outfit

----> One business casual outfit

----> Your favorite pair of jeans or slacks

These are the MINIMUM amount of outfits you should bring. The reason I suggest at least three outfit changes is so we can ensure you can take a few photos that will serve you for different professional purposes, and maybe even new social media photos for places like Facebook, LinkedIn, & your website.

----> Bring at least two of your favorite blazers or suit jackets with plain colored undershirts. Be sure to avoid logos unless it is your own, While it is always beneficial to show your individual style, it is even more important to ensure that YOU are the star of the show. A pop of color on either your blazer or your undershirt is fine, but I want you to remember that your face should be highlight of your headshot. I always provide styling consultations to my clients, but make sure you ask your photographer for advice if you need help deciding. Here are 3 examples my beautiful client, Joyce Tejeda of Career Recruiting Specialists, has allowed me to share with you!

A woman with light brown hair is wearing a soft pink shirt with black leather pants, She has one hand on her waist and her other hand on her left thigh. She is smiling for the camera

Outfit #1 that Joyce brought was perfect for a laid back business lunch meeting vibe!

Outfit #2 that Joyce brought for her business card headshot.

a woman wearing a bright red dress is sitting in a wooden chair holding a black notebook. she is writing in the notebook with a pen. the woman is looking at the camera and smiling. Her legs are crossed and she has her right arm rested on the chair

Outfit #3 is a beautiful red business dress that worked perfectly for branding photos

PRO TIP #2- Professional Hair and Makeup

At Foltz Photography, all of our branding sessions, even our headshot mini days, include complimentary professional hair and makeup. As busy execs, we understand you have a whole list of things to worry about. A professional hair and makeup artist will help take the pressure off of your shoulders when it comes to camera-ready hair and makeup. It is well worth the little bit of extra time to make sure you are completely confident and ready to rock your headshot session. I always recommend gentleman take advantage of this perk as well and most of them do take me up on it! I want you to look and FEEL your best in your headshots so you can go out there and confidently hand out those business cards, knowing your images are an accurate representation of you AND your brand.

A woman in a red shirt is sitting in a salon chair getting her hair and makeup done by a professional artist. the makeup artist is wearing a mask and all black clothing. the two are inside of a photography studio for branding photos

My beautiful client getting her hair and makeup done for her branding session by my Pro HMUA

PRO TIP #3- Maximize your time

It's not every day you get to make time to take new photos for yourself or your business. I work closely with my professional clients to ensure we get as many photos as possible while we're all there looking gorgeous. Make sure you have photo options with negative space (empty room on the side, top, or bottom of the photo) to insert copy, logos, or other materials that would make your images incredibly versatile for maximum efficiency. While you're doing your headshot session, why not do a few poses for your new Facebook profile picture? Use your time wisely!

There you have it! Those are my top 3 tips to help you prepare for your upcoming headshot session! If you are interested in booking a complimentary consultation with me, you can click the button below to schedule today!

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I hope you find this blog useful. As always, I want to invite any small business owners to let me know if you are interested in being featured in one of my blogs. I am always looking to work with the community and help support local business.