Does the thought of taking headshot photos sometimes give you the same icky feeling as giving a big, scary presentation? Those anxiety driven nerves that take over are zero fun, am I right? I am here to help you prepare for your next headshot session and make sure it does not feel that way because it doesn’t have to, actually, it shouldn’t. I am sharing some tips for great headshot photos in Ventura so that you can make sure your next photo session is relaxed, fun and successful. Whether that is a clean white studio type session to help you market yourself on LinkedIn or a casual, natural branding session to help market your social media pages- I’ve got you covered. 

1. PICK AN OUTFIT THAT MAKES YOU FEEL GREAT

For me, when I feel good I usually end up looking my best. For that reason, wearing something that is not outrageously uncomfortable is key! If you are uncomfortable or you absolutely hate the cut of your shirt you’re wearing, it’s going to really show. For this reason, choose something that is flattering but more importantly, something that you feel great in.  Whatever is going on in the inside reflects on the outside more than we even realize.

2.DONT OVERCOMPLICATE YOUR OUTFIT

Now, although feeling good is key to looking your best, don’t overthink it. Less is more in this case and I am always a fan of simple. This means picking something that let’s your beautiful smile and face be the main star of the photo. I have included some outfit musts and must not’s below to make things… well, simple.

Must’s:

Neutral toned shirts, pants, dresses (think beige, black, cream, white, gray, light blue, light green) 

Size matters-make sure your shirt, pants etc. fit properly (this seems like an obvious, but something that people overlook and then realize it’s been awhile since they updated their attire)

Iron!!! (or steam)- another seemingly obvious one, but one that is overlooked SO much and completely transforms the picture- I know you may be thinking, can’t you just photoshop that out..well, not everything is fixed magically in photoshop.

Must Not’s:

No bright yellow, orange and reds/pinks- a lot of these colors tend to reflect poorly off of the skin in post production

Keep prints to a minimal (subtle florals and stripes are totally ok) but if your favorite shirt has zebra print all over, it’s prob best to update what you’ll be wearing

If you book a session with me, I always help my clients with any wardrobe questions they have and can give my opinion on any outfits you have as well 🙂

3.PAMPER YOURSELF

I know this mainly applies to the ladies, but getting your hair done, makeup done or just spending a little extra time that morning to feel extra good is always important. I want you to look your VERY best, that’s my goal. I will help make sure to brighten smiles and edit certain things but you will feel SO much better if you dedicate a little more self care that day.

4. STAY CALM AND DON’T OVERTHINK THINGS

Staying calm is key in anything, but in photos it’s SO important. I cannot tell you how many people reach out to book a session and tell me they are so nervous in front of the camera- whether that is for headshot photos, wedding photos, family session etc. no matter what, almost every person says they are nervous and awkward. Don’t overthink it- book a well respected photographer that knows what they are doing and let them help you with that part, that is their job. I always tell my clients that it’s not common to be excited or feel exactly “comfortable” in front of the camera but it will be a ton of fun and super casual. I am not a fan of super stuffy stiff photos.

5. DON’T SCHEDULE A STUDIO SESSION IF THAT’S NOT YOUR JAM

The traditional headshot is great, it works for a lot of different situations and can make such a great option for LinkedIn etc. but a lot of people (especially those who are using these on places like your real estate instagram page or maybe your floral companies about me website page) are leaning more towards natural, casual and relatable photos. Think, more casual outfits, more natural posing, candid style that people relate to.  There is a time and place for both types of photos, but don’t automatically think “headshot” = “stiff studio session”. Here are a few pictures of a real estate company who wanted photos to be used on their instagram pages for content and feel more natural and candid.

Your headshot photos are so important, they can sometimes be the face of your business, the visual imagery you need to help sell your product or help market your skills on LinkedIn. Booking professional photos for these important parts of your business or job is so essential in today’s world. I hope these tips for great headshot photos in Ventura help you feel prepared for your next session. If you are interested in booking a session with me, inquire below! I’d love to help you through this process and answer any questions you have as well!

To see more of my work, check out this blog here!