How to Prepare for Your Business Portrait Session


Booking a business portrait session is easy. Walking in feeling confident and camera ready takes a little planning. Over the years I've picked up on the small things that make the biggest difference in how a session goes and how the final images turn out. Here's what I recommend to every client getting ready for their session.


Bring More Than One Outfit


Don't commit to just one look before you get to the studio. I always recommend bringing a few options: a couple of shirts, your favorite suit, and if you wear one, a tie or two. If jewelry is part of your everyday look, bring a necklace or a pair of earrings as well. Seeing how each option actually reads under studio lighting makes a real difference, and something that looks great in your closet doesn't always translate the same way once the lights are on. Having choices means we can find the one that fits you and the purpose of the photo best.


It also helps to think about how often you plan to update this photo. If this is something you'll use for a few years before shooting again, lean classic and timeless with your wardrobe choices. If you're someone who likes to keep your headshot and marketing collateral feeling fresh and updated more often, that's a great chance to go a little more trendy and current with your look.


A few wardrobe notes that help:


Stick with solid colors or subtle textures. Fine stripes, small checks, and busy patterns can create a strobing effect under studio lights.

Steam or iron everything the night before. Wrinkles show up more under studio lighting than they do in daily life.

Think about where the photo will be used. A LinkedIn headshot, a company website bio, or a printed directory photo can all call for a slightly different look or crop.

Time Your Haircut Right


Get your haircut about a week before your session rather than the night before. This gives everything time to settle in and look natural, and it gives any irritation or redness from the cut time to calm down. Styling and makeup work the other way around. The closer to your session you have it done, ideally the same day, the fresher and more natural it will look on camera.


Skip Anything New


This isn't the day to try a new skincare product, a first-time facial, heavy exfoliation, or a brand new suit you haven't worn yet. Stick with what you know works for your skin, hair, and wardrobe. New products or treatments can cause unexpected redness, breakouts, or a fit that doesn't sit right, and none of that is worth the risk right before your session.


Take Care of Yourself the Night Before


A good night's rest and staying hydrated go a long way. If possible, try to avoid alcohol and go a little lighter on sodium at dinner the night before to help avoid any potential bloating or puffiness the next morning. Your future self looking at these photos years from now will thank you.


What to Bring on Session Day


A couple of small extras can be useful to have on hand:


Blotting papers or a small powder compact, since studio lights can bring out shine

A phone charger or backup battery if you're stepping away from work for the session

Any specific brand guidelines or requirements, if this portrait is for a company profile or team page



Once You're In Front of the Camera


Once you're on location, your only job is to breathe and act natural. That might include faking a smile or two, and that's completely normal. You've got this. I'll be reviewing the images with you as we shoot, so we can check in along the way and make sure we're capturing the expressions and look you're going for.


A little preparation goes a long way toward feeling comfortable in front of the camera, and that comfort is exactly what shows up in the final images.


Ready to schedule your business portrait session? Contact me to book your appointment, or browse pricing and packages to get started.

Professional man in blue blazer and light blue shirt smiling confidently against gray background.
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Smiling blonde woman in a blue V-neck blouse posing against a white background.
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