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Writer's pictureBarbee

How to Prepare for a Professional Branding Photoshoot: Tips and Tricks from Owl's Iris Photography


Here at Owl’s Iris Photography, I know the value and worth of clean, crisp, concise, branding photos. I want to help share some general tips and tricks to help get you feeling ready and confident for your time in front of the lens- don't worry, it's all easy suggestions! I guarantee you'll leave the session with photographs you're excited about and above all, you will have a great time during the photoshoot!




What to Wear

First things first. Here are some things you should consider when choosing your wardrobe for your session.


  • Your brand aesthetic – what are your colors, your vibe? What feels do you want people to feel after they walk away from you?

  • What you love to wear – when you feel comfortable, you look comfortable. Do you have a favorite outfit or something that you just feel AMAZING in?

  • Your target client and market – what is relatable and approachable to them? Who are you marketing to and how do they dress? Where do they hang out?


A few other tips:

  • Wear solids and avoid patterns if you can. They’re more flattering and less distracting. If you do choose to wear a pattern, large patterns will look way better than small patterns. (We also suggest incorporating patterns with an accessory like a scarf or jacket so you can have choices in the proofing gallery)

  • Wearing Complimentary Colors: If you wear a black jacket, maybe pair with a white shirt or vise versa. Or maybe you're feeling super bold so that means purple with yellow or orange. The contrasting colors will make you STAND OUT! Have some FUN with it!


Make sure to iron or steam clothes if needed. If you have a lint roller, use it the night or morning before (we'll make sure to have one day of shoot of you forget!).


PRO TIP: Large Patterns & Solids = Small Patterns & Graphics =



Don’t go overdo it with hair + make up

Classic hair and makeup will generally work best for branding photos. You’ll want to void dramatic colors or heavy applications (except, of course, if you're a Taylor-Swift-red lipstcik wearer... then be you and be BOLD).


As for hair, keep it simple and choose a hairstyle that has worked for you before- don't try to do anything you haven't tried at least a few times the morning of your shoot. Make sure you feel yourself (or even a little fancier!) and comfortable with whatever you chose. We want you to resonate in the photo.


Another suggestion is that if you want both a hair down and hair-up look, come to the session with your hair down. We'll do those shots first before the 'hair up' shots. That way there won't be any of those funky creases you can get with an elastic.



Glasses

PLEASE DO NOT wear glasses with “blue light reflectors” or “transition lenses”, as they will ruin your photos. There’s not much one can do about that in post production either, even with all the new AI technology. Regular glasses are totally fine and we will be able to remove some glare if needed.I will make sure position you in a way to remove the glare when possible.

If you are a glasses wearer and are fine to take them off, that is preferable. You have the option to pop in those contacts in for the short duration of the shoot, I would recommend this avenue instead.



THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR SESSION

Rest

Make sure to get a good night's sleep the night before the photoshoot. Getting a good night's sleep is essential to make sure you're feeling good and feeling refreshed for photos! Try to plan for that whole 8 hours if you can (I know you can do it!).


Relaxation

If you want to enter the relaxation zone even more, enjoy an Epson salt foot soak or bath the night before your session. This will help to calm your nerves and relax you even more. if you're feeling extra splurgy, book yourself a massage the day before,too!


Water

Drink plenty of water the few days leading up to your session. This will help you stay hydrated and keeps your skin looking fresh and lush!


Know What You Like!

Look back at past photos of yourself that you’ve liked. Were you wearing a certain color? Did you have a specific hairstyle you really liked? Do you have a favorite side (make sure to tell us!)? Were you posting in a specific way? If you have a photo of you from the past that you liked – bring them to the session and show me!


Day of: 5-10 minutes before your allotted time



Check Your Hair

Just take a little jaunt to the bathroom and see how your hair is looking, especially if you have an afternoon session and you've been unconsciously fixing it all day . A little water can go a long way if you have some flyaways!

Check For Skin Shine

The flash of the studio strobes can reflect off any sweaty or dry spots, making parts of your face look shiny.

If you have a dry skin, try not to apply lotion to your face within 4 hours before your shoot. If you need to, get your skin extra hydrated the days and week before the shoot.

If you’re not wearing makeup, simply splash some cold water on your face and pat dry with a paper towel. You'll be ready AND feel refreshed!

If you are wearing makeup, use a simple powder for any shine. Avoid any shiny lipsticks and shiny lipgloss altogether.

Check Your Glasses

Check your classes for dirt, fingerprints and dust spots- give them a light wipe down. Again, PLEASE DO NOT WEAR “transition lenses”, as they will look like sunglasses in your photo. We cannot stress this enough and we know from experience!

Listen to Your Photographer!

I will be giving you some tips and tricks at the beginning of your session, ways to hold you head, chin, etc. I will ask you to use the mirror to check your hair and/or makeup one last time (take a close look as only you know best when you feel and look best!). I will give subtle but clear directions on how to hold you body or take some slow breaths to relax into the shoot (I'll do it with you!). I will tell you when to hold a post or make some slight movements. I will be your biggest cheerleader the whole way through the shoot and I CANNOT WAIT FOR IT!

Relax

You’re going to look great and you may even have some fun! Instead of saying '"I'm so nervous to get my photos taken" say to yourself "I'm so excited to get my photos taken"- it's the same physiological reaction so why not pick the more fun one?!

Do what it takes to relax before shoot, whether that's listening to some of your favorite music, stretching and taking a walk, or doing some deep breathing. I may even lead you through a short breathing exercise before session the session begins. And of course there will be music playing! (If we're doing mini sessions, it's photographer's choice. If we're doing a full on branding session, it's client's choice!).


We are here for you and cannot wait to make your next headshot experience the best one yet!


XO,

Barbee




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