How to Prepare for your Professional Headshot or Branding Session with Still and Wild

Isn’t is amazing that something we do everyday can cause so much stress? I am talking about getting dressed. We do it every day quick successfully and yet when it comes to taking photos we can be left anxious. To be honest, I don’t blame you one bit. How we look in person and online matters to our business— so of course you want to took amazing for your shoot.

I believe in keeping things simple and authentic to you.

Here are a couple of suggestions to keeping you 100% authentic and confident.

1. Stick to styles you love. If you were getting dressed for a meeting you were leading - or a networking lunch - or a presentation- what you reach for? A suit power suit or more relaxed pair of slacks. A dress and blazer or a flowing tiered dress? If we are doing a headshot collection or branding session you have time to change and bring multiple looks. Take advantage of outfit changes. Bring outfits that coordinate in tone but vary in formality so they look great on your website (and show off different sides of you!)

2. Keep patterns simple or non at all. Loud patterns can overtake the shot and be distracting. We don’t want anything to take our eyes off of you! Instead of loud patterns opt for more timeless muted patterns (pin striped for example) to extend the life of your headshot. You don’t want to grow out of love with your headshot because fashion styles of have changed.

3. Used colors and textures to your advantage. Keep your palette simple. Wear colors your typically do. If you wear blues, blacks, and greens all the time…. go for that. If you are always in a bold bright color… go for that. Even with bold colors bring a neutral also. You can never go wrong with a crisp white or sleek black shirt. That way you can put your bold brand color over your images and it doesn’t compete!

   1. Consider your brand colors.

   2. Consider your website color palette.

   3. If there is a color you know you want to wear let us know— we love to coordinate backdrops to create either a monotone (color on color) look or a beautiful contracting background to make you pop.

4. Try everything on! Let’s be honest- there are outfits that don't look as good as others on our body. Try it all on and do a full 360 degree turn in a full length mirror. Clothes that are too big or too small don’t photograph well. Bring outfits that make you look fabulous without you holding your breath! That being said I am a fan of shape wear to help the outfit if needed. Try on your outfits with undergarments you would bring. The wrong undershirt or bra can ruin the look.

   1. During your session we maybe standing or sitting so see how everything fits doing both.

   2. I always suggest wearing layers so we can get different looks quick. See how you feel both with and without the layers.

5. Pack Accessories to amp up your look. The right colored tie, scarf, earrings, watch, belt, and shoes can pull a look together. Lay everything out that you might wear with the outfit.

6. Iron and bring clothes on hangers. I hate ironing, but a wrinkled dress or shirt can be a deal breaker for looking polished. Check for any stains. Often times our formal suits are not what we wear on the daily to work. As you are trying everything on give them a good once over for stains, rips, or missing buttons etc. If you have time, send clothes off to the cleaners for a fresh look.

Group Images

If you are preparing your team for group headshots, team photos, or staff branding images you don’t have to stress.

1. You are the brand owner need to stand out. You will be in the middle of the image and should be the most prominent person in the image.

2. Your team should look coordinated but not a cut and paste of each other. Pick a color palette that boosts your brand look and a let your staff know how business casual or formal they should be. Teams can be super formal or highly creative— these team shots should reflect YOUR team— not a norm.

3. Be specific about what you want for team headshots. If you want no tie for anyone make sure your team knows that or if everyone needs to wear a blue, black, or gray blazer that is ok to dictate. Give them directions about pattern and colors. You will be surprised how quickly your brand look can get “off” just because not everyone is on the same page.

4. Give ample time for scheduling. Obviously, you want you whole team at your shoot. That may require some lead time to arrange around vacations, projects, and holidays.

Scheduling a site visit. If we are coming to you it is always a great use of time to scheduled us to come and see your space. It helps us prepare what gear we need and we get to see location opportunities for your shoot. Plus you can share important locations, signage, pictures you need for your website and branding. This doesn’t need to take too long and it worth the time.

Executive Headshots

We want the C-Suite of your brand to look fabulous. In addition to a standard headshot. you might want additional executive headshots be taken in their office, in the plant, or even a more casual lifestyle scene. We know how important the top level team members are internally and externally and will work with you to craft the images to meet your creative needs.

On Location Needs

When we travel for larger teams to their location we don’t need a lot of space for corporate professional headshots. We bring individual sized backdrops and studio lighting to make sure your team looks fabulous not matter what. We also come prepared to show clients their headshots so they leave their session time with confidence they look great.