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How to Get Ready for Your Portrait or Team Headshot Session

Whether you’re preparing for an individual branding portrait or a cohesive team headshot, the right preparation will help you look polished, confident, and on-brand. Follow these steps to ensure your images work beautifully across your website, social media, press features, and marketing materials.

WARDROBE

1. Select 3–4 Outfits to Show Your Brand Range

Think of your clothing as part of your visual branding strategy — every look should tell a story about who you are and what your business stands for. Here’s how to cover your bases:

Professional / Branded Uniform: Clean, consistent, and timeless - ideal for LinkedIn profiles, company bios, and professional networking. Stick to neutral or brand colors in a style that reflects your industry.

Elevated / Dressy: A fashion-forward or formal option works beautifully for keynote speaker photos, hero images, or press features where you want to project authority and credibility.

Casual / Lifestyle: Relaxed, approachable looks help you connect on social platforms and give a more personal, behind-the-scenes feel to your brand story.

Pro tip: Avoid small patterns, busy logos, or anything that might date your images. Keep accessories minimal and shoes clean.

2. Incorporate Your Brand Colors for Visual Consistency

Color consistency builds instant recognition. You don’t have to wear your brand palette from head to toe - even subtle accents like a scarf, blazer, or jewelry piece can tie your look back to your website, logo, and marketing materials.

Consider bringing props or background elements in your brand tones - such as a notebook, coffee cup, or fresh flowers - for an extra layer of on-brand detail.

3. Prep for Comfort + Confidence

The better prepared you are, the more confident and relaxed you’ll feel during your session.

A day or two before your shoot:

• Try on each outfit from head to toe (including shoes and accessories).

• Steam or iron clothing to remove wrinkles.

• Organize your wardrobe in labeled garment bags or hangers for quick changes.

• Pack touch-up items like a lint roller, brush, and face powder.

When you arrive feeling ready, you’ll be able to focus on engaging with the camera — and that energy translates directly into stronger, more authentic portraits.

Los Angeles-based branding, food, and portrait photographer creating timeless, natural images that feel authentic and elevated. I specialize in capturing layered visuals for creative businesses, restaurants, and personal brands - images that tell your story and support your growth across web, social, and print.

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