Consider the finished images and where/how you plan to use them. Business cards? Website? Social media? Billboard? All of the above and more? Choose clothing colors, style, and level of formality that will work for your marketing pieces.

Your color palette can include neutrals such as black, gray, or white, and/or colors. Your chosen colors should complement your skin tone. Avoid bright or neon colors, as these can cause unwanted color casts and look overpowering.

Solids are best. Avoid strong or busy patterns such as stripes, polka dots, chevron, or bold shapes. Subtle patterns such as floral, plaid, or pinstripes are acceptable in moderation and when limited to one clothing piece.

Graphics, words, and logos are distracting and are highly discouraged. The exception would be your business logo.

Choose textures and unique materials for added visual interest (such as metallics and sequins).

Layers are helpful, because you can add or remove a piece for a different look.

Clothing should be free from defects such as wrinkles, creases, hanger bumps, pet hair, pilling, holes, loose threads, and stains. Items should be clean and steamed or ironed prior to your session. Transport items on hangers instead of folding or packing in a bag. (These issues cannot always be edited out.)

Choose outfits that flatter your figure, accentuate your favorite features, cover up areas you don’t like, and make you feel confident. Clothing should fit properly and not be too tight, oversized, or revealing.

Tailored, structured, or form-fitting is best, as flowy or loose garments don't look as good in a photo (especially a headshot that is cropped above the waist) as they do when there is movement in real life. Clips are available to turn loose items into fitted items if you desire.

Choose a top that has long sleeves, three-quarter length sleeves, or is sleeveless. Short sleeves often do not work well for headshots, because just a small part of your arms will be awkwardly visible. If you are concerned with the size of your arms, it is safer to wear long sleeves. Layers such as cardigans, blazers, or jackets are great to cover up arms if your top doesn’t already have the type of sleeves that will work well for a headshot.

Use discretion with jackets or tops that have bulky, stiff, or raised collars, as these can add extra visual weight to the neck area.

Some of your final photos will be close-ups, and others 3/4 body or even full-body. Poses may include both standing and seated, depending on the session type. Plan outfits that will look great either way.

I can provide you with a style consultation! Send me pictures of your outfits so I can help advise you on whether an outfit or item will photograph well. Some items look better in real life than they do in a photo, while other items look great in a photo but maybe aren’t practical for real life.

The Client Closet also has a selection of items that can be worn for your session at no extra charge.

The goal is to completely conceal any undergarments.

Depending on the outfit, you'll want to choose either light or dark undergarments (preferably skin-colored) so that they remain hidden. Avoid patterns, designs, and textures that might show through clothing.

Undergarments should fit properly so that they do not create unsightly lines or bulges.

Bra straps should not show; go strapless if needed.

An adhesive bra works wonders for smoothing and concealing everything under thin fabrics.

Shapewear is recommended for a smooth and structured appearance under some types of clothing.

Jewelry will help complete your look. Whether bold or subtle, just make sure it’s not overpowering you.

Hats, headbands, watches, and scarves are all great for adding interest. Coordinate accessory colors and styles with your clothing.

Avoid wearable tech devices that will “date” your portraits (i.e. smart watches or fitness trackers).

Shoes may be visible depending on the pose and session type, so bring shoes that complement your outfit.

Footwear should be clean and in good condition.

Choose neutral socks (solid black, gray, or white) if they will be visible.

Makeup is highly recommended for women and teen girls, though not required. You may even want to book a professional makeup artist for your session.

Apply your eye makeup, lip color, blush, and highlighter a little heavier than you would on a typical day, but keep your foundation minimal and even. Heavy foundation creates unnatural texture.

Match your foundation carefully to your skin tone and be sure to blend it at the hairline and neck.

If you prefer no foundation, translucent powder will even out your complexion and help reduce shine. And yes, even guys can wear translucent powder.

Avoid anything with shimmer or glitter, as this will create bright spots on camera.

Tweeze and shape your eyebrows, and use a filler pencil if they are sparse. Those little hairs will show up on camera.

Don’t cover up your freckles or beauty marks!

Mascara is recommended for both top and bottom lashes. Make sure your mascara is fresh so that it doesn’t clump.

False eyelashes look amazing in photos, but they require skill and practice to apply correctly. (Practice several times before your session.) Trim off the ends of the lash strip so that they fit the length of your eyelids properly, and make sure they are glued securely on both ends.

Your tan should be natural and even. Be mindful of your time in the sun in the weeks leading up to your session to prevent tan lines, sunburn, or peeling skin. If you have tan lines, make sure they can be concealed by your outfits.

Spray tans and self-tanner are highly discouraged due to the unnaturally orange undertones and blotchy appearance, which cannot be fixed in editing.

Prep your skin by exfoliating and using a moisturizing lotion daily in the weeks leading up to your session.

Be extra attentive when applying your makeup. Small details tend to be more noticeable under studio lighting.

Styling your hair is recommended, whether you prefer straight hair, loose curls, or tight curls. Heat styling tools will give it a more polished look.

Consider visiting a salon on the day of your session.

Get a fresh trim and color about one week prior to your session, but don’t make any drastic hairstyle changes!

Arrive with clean and dry hair, as oily or wet hair will be prominent in a photo.

Hairspray is recommended if you have styled your hair.

Bring along a hairbrush or fine-tooth comb for quick style refreshing!

Guys should neatly trim facial hair or shave shortly before the session to avoid stubble.

Your fingernails may be visible depending on the pose; I often include hands in headshots and branding images.

Make sure fingernails are clean and trimmed, and polished if you desire.

Do not arrive with chipped nail polish. Either remove it completely or put on a fresh coat.

Choose neutral or subtle colors for nail polish. Avoid patterns, designs, and neon colors.

If glasses are a part of your normal appearance, you should wear them in your photos.

In many cases, I can adjust the lighting and/or use editing techniques to remove or minimize glare. Some glare and reflections may not be removable, however. Glasses glare varies with the type/thickness of lenses and the special coatings applied.

Keep in mind that distortion may occur with glasses, especially with thicker lenses. This cannot be edited out. If distortions are a concern, consider wearing a pair with the lenses removed for your photos.

Light-adaptive lenses (Transitions) should NOT be worn, as the darkness cannot be removed in editing.

Subtle teeth whitening will be performed as necessary in Photoshop.

Check your teeth for any food particles.

If you wear Invisalign, please remove these for your session. They create shiny spots and bubbles that can't be edited out.

Braces can be removed for an added charge. You can minimize the appearance of your braces by having tooth-colored bands put on prior.

Take your phone, keys, wallet, and anything else out of your pockets during your session.

Remove your hair tie from your wrist before you arrive so that you do not have a red mark or indentation on your arm.

If sweating may be an issue, antiperspirant and baby powder can be very helpful.

When you feel good, you look good. And when you know you look good, you will feel more confident. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and eat a light meal or snack before your session.