Prepping for your Portrait or Small Business Session is almost as important as prepping for your next business meeting. It can make the difference between a good image and a great image.

Prior to your session, we'll brainstorm locations, wardrobe, styling and discuss how to infuse brand messaging into your photo shoot.  

On your end, if a new hairstyle or color is in your plans, make sure to get it done at least two weeks prior to your session to ensure it feels just right for you. With your clothing, consider hanging your pressed clothes and accessories in bags, pairing your looks together with all the details packed in advance, including shoes, belts, the proper (neutral and supportive) undergarments and more. Please feel free to share photos of your wardrobe, so we can give feedback to ensure you feel your best. 

Bring clothing that makes you feel fantastic! Saturated, solid colors in deeper tones are best.  Avoid all-red and all-white looks unless you choose to break it up with an accent color. Also avoid light blue; it tends to wash out most skin tones. 

A few other things to consider:  Where will your photos be used? If they're going onto your website, will the colors coordinate with the logo or dominant background?  Do you work for a company that expects certain colors to pop? If so, make sure to incorporate some touches that will keep the parent company happy. 

Clothing that MOVES allows for more variety with posing. So test your wardrobe by folding your arms, sitting and leaning forward, or even lifting your arms over your head (we probably WON'T have you pose that way, but it's a good litmus test). If the clothing pulls or hikes up in awkward ways, consider bringing some other choices to have a backup. 

POCKETS are also a GREAT feature to include.  Why? Once again - this comes down to answering the age-old question, "What do I do with my hands?"  With pockets, you add more variety to your posing. 

I recommend bringing at least one top, jacket or dress in the dark, saturated colors. These are typically a safe bet and most skin types photograph well against dark clothing.

Don't limit yourself. Give yourself options that reflect all sides of your career and lifestyle. Bring plenty of wardrobe choices; we will help you make final selections. Make sure everything is pressed and wrinkle free. Even though we call these headshots, plan ahead by thinking head-to-toe, since we always grab a few extra shots that incorporate hints of your socks, shoes or pants. You'll end up with a wider selection of images that will work on websites, marketing materials and social media.

Choose clothes that complement your skin and eyes, and whenever possible bring a variety of necklines. Women tend to look best in collarless jackets and shells. Try to limit clothing with bold patterns or logos, and with short sleeves. Sleeveless, 3/4 or full length sleeves photograph best. With button-up shirts, test with different poses to see if the shirt pulls. If it does, consider buttonless options if possible, or bring double-sided velcro or wardrobe tape to help secure your shirt. 

This is the time to make sure your clothes fit you beautifully! Regardless of your size, well-tailored clothing always photographs better and looks more flattering than anything too tight or oversized. Avoid flyaway or full-flare sleeves for your session; in photographs, they tend to make the body look larger than it is in real life! And when wearing fitted collars, makes sure it fits your neck perfectly. A collar that is too tight or too large can make the difference between a good and a great portrait. 

When in doubt, contact me anytime to answer questions, review wardrobe choices, and even video chat to get you camera ready! 

Layers look great in headshots, so consider bringing a sweater, jacket, or blazer that adds texture to your look. Bringing just a simple addition such as this will allow you to create very different looks in a matter of minutes. 

Ideally, think about keeping your clothes in the same "tonal" family.  Shooting clothes with a lot of contrast (i.e. - a white top and black slacks) can distract from your face. The eye is typically drawn to the brightest spot on a page. In the ideal world, that bright spot would be YOU and not your clothing! 

With accessories, select jewelry carefully to ensure it doesn't "date" your photo; minimal necklaces and earrings tend to look best in headshots, but of course, if your personal brand is all about a signature accessory or if bold designs are just part of you, by all means, bring them with you! Feel free to bring other accessories including scarves, sunglasses and even hats - if appropriate. You may not end up wearing them in your shots, but they may become a prop that you can hold during your shoot. 

If you wear glasses, NO PROBLEM! Make sure the lenses are clean; if we capture some reflection in the glasses, we'll use our Photoshop magic to tone that down. 

If you wear TRANSITION GLASSES, this might be a good time to dust off an older pair, or visit your local eyeware store to have the lenses temporarily removed. If that is not an option, consider bringing a dark cloth or bag to hold your glasses and keep the lenses clear between photos. 

As we mentioned, we are happy to give you feedback about specific clothing items at any time, so feel free to reach out by email (kelly@kellymooneyphotography.com) or text (503.722.4080) with your wardrobe photos and we'll be happy to help!

If a new hairstyle or color is in your plans, give yourself at least two weeks after that change to make sure your style has settled into something you love. If you have longer hair, start with it down, then consider pulling it up later to create a different look.

For men - if five o'clock shadow is a battle for you, bring your razor! Stubble is difficult (and expensive!) to remove with Photoshop, so ensure your facial hair looks just the way you want prior to your shoot. 

A few makeup tips include:

• Avoid heavy foundations or tinted bases
• Make sure your makeup is blended enough to ensure a smooth, natural look between your jaw and neckline, and that your neck and face colors are similar
• Consider starting your session with a neutral lip, and add a brighter color for a little more drama later into your session

Finally, bring your favorite tools for touch-ups during your session including: powder, hairbrush and hairspray, makeup wipes and even your favorite lotion, as it can add a healthy glow to your finished photos. 

Professional hair, makeup and styling is not just for models. Many of our clients leverage professional styling services prior to their sessions.  Our experienced partners will ensure you're prepared to look great in front of the camera. It will also give you an added boost of confidence, which really helps if having your photos ranks up there with jury duty or dental procedures!

Depending on your preferences, we have stylists who will help you select (or even shop!) for wardrobe items; who will come to your location or our studio to style you prior to and during your session; or who will provide you services at their location before your shoot begins.  

Professional styling services start at $100. 

Start hydrating a few days before your shoot and get a great night's sleep prior to your session.  Also remember that as your photographer, it's my job to make sure you are directed with posing, how to work your hands, and how to feel more natural in front of the camera.  If you wake up to discover a new blemish, remember that there's this lovely invention called "Photoshop" ... or as I call it, "Pixie Dust." Regardless - I've got your back.  So relax and prepare to have a great time!