How To Prepare For Headshots or Senior Portraits

So excited for you to get a refresh and some awesome Head Shots!

Head Shots should be updated once a year. As a business owner myself I spend off season (usually January and February to do a little refresh on my website and my own headshots. People want to know what you look like now. Not 5 years ago.

So what to expect when booking a session with me… when booked alone, the session will take about 25-30 minutes and you will receive 25 photos to choose from. If you are booking with a group or your whole office/business they take about 10 minutes per person and you will receive at least 10 photos to choose from.

I can recommend multiple studio options in the Denver area! Lighting is key so if your office or space does not have many windows or is darker in general, consider renting out a studio with me (cost is split). I can always bring a flash but that’s not always the look people are going for. If we are meeting at your office or studio or home make sure to clean up any clutter and if there is a chair available for some sit down photos that would be great! Next to or facing a window with a neutral or white background is ideal to get that nice neutral light!

Here is a list of my go to’s from studios in the Denver area: Denver Photo Collective, Realm, Gas Money Studios (note: studio costs range from $100-$200 and are split between the photographer and client)

Shooting outside is definitely an option - finding a place with shade or shooting during sunset is ideal to avoid shadows on the face.

What to expect: Typically head shots are from the chest up but I will probably throw in few full body and waist up ones in there. I will guide you into a few basic poses. If you are booking a head shot on your own or senior sessions feel free to bring an outfit change or two!

What to wear: A lot of this is based around what you do and your personality. Are you a yoga teacher and you want to do shots outside in yoga gear? Are you a journalist and want a studio look? Are you a hairstylist and want to show some of your personality? I have shot numerous types of industries including someone who owns a dog hiking business! What is professional - is different based on your industry. If you want to show some personality - go for it. That being said - if you are looking for a basic headshot I would recommend wearing solid colors (verse prints). Avoid super bright colors - such as bright yellow or green. Simple jewelry if you are wearing jewelry. And more neutral makeup. If you are wearing your hair down and you tend to get a lot of fly aways consider these products: Bondi Boost, Anti-frizz serum

Wanting your hair or make up professionally done? Here are some recommendations: Clare Keil, La of Lola Beauty, Beyond the Literal, Jaray For The Slay, Alchemy Face Bar, Jordon Brittany, A Vow To Artistry, LoLa Beauty DNVR just make sure you allow enough time.

Week of: Make sure you wear sunscreen to avoid any tan lines (especially on your face). Get a lot of sleep and drink a lot of water. And have your outfit picked out. If you are hoping to have your hair or make up done make sure you have that scheduled.

Day of: be on time, relax, this will be fun!

Need more than a headshot? Every business owner needs a headshot and some need a whole branding session.

A branding session is when we get together and talk about how you want people to see you and your brand. Instagram is a HUGE way to market yourself these days - but how does everyone get content??

A branding session includes more traditional head shots plus lifestyle candid shots, detail shots, a few lifestyle product shots, etc. We can do 5 outfit changes and hair changes so you will have different content to post for a while. Typically these will be done out of your home or work space, but we could also rent a studio, be outside or head to a local cafe. Again, it’s about how you want to represent your brand.

A branding session can be done in one hour to an hour and a half with a 10 minute consultation before hand and you will fill out a questionnaire. You will receive 45-60 photos that will help with your content for months. Until it’s time to book again!