what can I expect?

If you book an on-location branding session arrive photo-ready with your hair and makeup ready to go and wearing the wardrobe you want in the shot. I’ll have you in-and-out of the studio in under 30 minutes. No fuss, no worries.

If you book an in-studio branding session, there’s no time limit. That’s right, absolutely no pressure, so there is no rush. We have lots of time to try different outfits, backgrounds and lighting.

At the end of both sessions, we review the shots and keep only the best that meet both your approval, and mine, usually 20-25 photos. From there, you pick your favorites for retouching.

It’s that easy.

what to wear.

It’s your story so bring what you love. My headshot is shoulders and up, so bring a variety of tops. Solid bold colours with simple necklines work best. Add a mixture of professional and casual, funky and cool, layers and textures. Try to avoid loud patterns, lumpy, baggy or loose clothing, and anything wrinkled - unless, of course, this your vibe, your brand!

If you’re going for a business look, I suggest you bring at least 2 jackets, 3-4 shirts and a few ties (if you still wear them). Well-tailored and slim-fit jackets are ideal. Solid colours for dress shirts work best if worn with a jacket, otherwise textures and patterns work great.

Pro tip: I can't shoot it if you don't bring it.

makeup

It’s best to arrive with with your makeup ready to go. Less is more, here. A fresh natural look is always a great choice, as we can add more drama as the shoot progresses. Here are some awesome tips for a great headshot: 

• liquid foundation is better than powder

• keep the lip colour close to your natural lip colour or one shade darker and glossy

• go easy on the blush

• eyes should look defined, but natural, with soft blended eyeliner

• neutral colour eyeshadow is usually best

• blend, blend, blend ... then blend some more

Things to avoid! 

• visible hard-edge lip liner

• hard-edge liquid eyeliner or 'cat eyes'

• harsh lines or heavy smoked-out eyeshadow

• false eyelashes or clumpy mascara

• pencilling in eyebrows with a harsh line

• too much blush or dramatic lip colour

• tonality differences between areas with and without makeup

• glitter

If your don't normally wear any makeup, that's cool too! I do recommend a facial moisturizer of some kind so we don't have any dry skin issues.

lips

Lips are so important they get their own section. Please moisturize your lips (guys, especially you!) - in fact, start moisturizing a few days before your photo session. Dry, chapped lips do not retouch well. You’ve been warned.

hair

Clean, dry hair done the way you normally wear it (on a good hair day) works best. Hairstyles are extremely personal and only you know how you like to wear it best. If you need a haircut or colour touch-up, please be sure to get this done at least two or three days before your session. If you have long hair, we will likely shoot some with you in a ponytail, so bring what you need.

For those shaving, make sure you shave well the morning of your session. If you want a little scruff or have a full beard, that's cool too - make sure your edges are nice and clean! If you would like to get some shots with and without facial hair, feel free to bring your grooming products and you can shave part-way through your session to get some different looks. 

And be sure to pluck or trim any pesky chin, nose and ear hairs. 

accessories

Done right they give tons of personality. They can also be terribly distracting. Best to bring a range of options to tell your story. If you wear glasses, bring every pair. Some coatings do better under the lights than others. Shades are cool too.