top of page
  • Writer's pictureJulie Buckman



Dress for Success



Your outfit will make a huge difference to your photos so choose something that suits your personality and your brand. There is no need to spend a fortune on clothes either. Make sure your clothes suit your body type and fit well. Simpler is better but feel free to add a pop of color to add some personality and flair.


Keep your skin tone and hair in mind when choosing an outfit as contrasting colors make for some of the best photos. Want to see what you might look like in photos in a certain outfit? Take a few selfies to decide what works and what doesn’t. If you are already preparing for your session with me, you will be able to text me photos of some choices you have and I help you plan your outfits.


This is not a headshot of yesteryears…. business portraits of today lean less towards a formal look and more towards an image that highlights personality and style. Depending on where your image will live and how you will use it will determine how much leeway you will have on adding some personal flare. If your headshot has a lifestyle approach, dress in layers with colors and styles that show off your personality. If your portrait will be used in a more traditional forum than consider business attire against a solid background. Many people choose to bring both a casual and a corporate look for different needs.




TIPS


  • Choose an outfit that makes you feel great; the more confident you feel in an outfit the more comfortable you will be during your Personal Branding session..

  • Make clothing selections a day or two before your Branding Photos (earlier if possible) to avoid last minute wardrobe stress or malfunctions (press or make alterations well in advance to look your very best

  • Add accessories for a personal touch and pop of color.

  • Bring 2-3 tops and 1-2 pant options. The main focus will be the upper body but coordinating lower body including shoes is helpful for full body images.

  • Dress in layers to easily change up the look without having to change into a new outfit.

  • Go for solid colors rather than busy patterns or clothing with logos, as they draw attention away from your face. Choose cream over white and grey over black as black and white can wash out your skin tone.

TIPS FOR THE LADIES

  • Avoid baggy clothing

  • Stay away from clothing with logos and wording

  • Don’t wear intense colors or busy prints

  • Choose the right undergarments

TIPS FOR THE MEN

  • Avoid wearing any items with logos or wording unless it’s part of your branding

  • If you are wearing a suit, it should be tailored

  • Your shirt should be fitting. Clothing that’s too big adds weight so opt go for something that’s slightly smaller to avoid the sloppy look

  • A tie isn’t always necessary but bring one along anyway

  • Ensure that your undershirt is not visible







Great Hair



If you really want to make your photos stand out, we suggest you have a professional assist you with your hair and makeup. Here in our studio location on Main Street in Hendersonville, we have the option of having your hair and makeup done by professionally right before your session. You will feel confident and excited once Tia is finished pampering you.


Hair is a game changer, for this reason choose a hairstyle that best highlights your face and is true to you. If you decide to try a new look, give yourself plenty of time to adjust to styling your new look before scheduling your session. Tips:

  • Choose a haircut and hairstyle a week or two in advance as freshly cut hair can look strange on camera.

  • Wax, pluck or shave any unwanted hair from ears, nose and face for a clean groomed look.


Unwanted Hair


Don’t let unwanted hair up stage you. Even the smallest of hairs can create a shadow on skin and interfere with makeup application. Tips:

  • Check in unexpected locations (ears, chin and nose can appear over time)

  • Remove unwanted hair a day or two before to avoid red marks or skin irritation.

  • When shaping eyebrows consult a professional to ensure your best shape for your eyes and face.




Smile

Your smile is your best asset, so remember to give your lips and teeth a little TLC before your session. Tips:

  • Avoid foods and liquids like coffee, tea and red wine before your headshot session to avoid stains.

  • If you would like your teeth a bit brighter invest in a professional or DIY cleaning and whitening treatment a week before your session.

  • Don’t forget lips! Moisture and exfoliate them for plump and healthy skin and smooth lip balm or lipstick application.


Nails & Hands


Your hands may be visible in some images, so give your hands and nails a little extra TLC. A professional manicure is nice but not necessary, clean and groomed are all you need. Tips:

  • When using polish choose a neutral, skin tone polish, or a clear coat, so as not to draw attention away from face.

  • Use a nutrient rich cream on hands and nail cuticles to smooth skin. After shower is best to lock in moisture.



9 views0 comments
  • Writer's pictureJulie Buckman

Sarah came to the studio for several reasons. She had many new things in her life and wanted a session that would be multi-faceted.


She needed a good corporate headshot for the company she runs with her husband Steve. (they do beautiful flooring https://www.grovemanorflooring.com/

She wanted to celebrate a milestone birthday.

She wanted the do personal Branding for her passion business.

She wanted to do something creative and fun in line with her love of all things vintage.


We did it all. She started with total pampering time with Tia from https://www.facebook.com/brushfireartistry/


We started with a more causal outfit for some images and kept the hair and makeup more business.




Then we did a quick outfit change for a more professional corporate look.


Then Steve joined us, despite being quite sick that day, for just a few shots before he left to go tend to their kids at home.



After the business photos were done, it was time to play! Sarah had spotted this vintage dress in the studio during her consultation and loved it. She decided it would be fun to wear it and just do something creative! She even brought a necklace her grandma had given her. We took several shots and she decided it would be fun to add her favorite boots. Having lived previously in Colorado, this style just excited her.



Then, in honor of her upcoming birthday, we put on a gorgeous glamour gown after Tia did a quick glamourous look with her makeup, and celebrated this new start in her new life with style.




Because we don't limit the time allowed for a personal branding session, we were able to walk down mainstreet to her studio where she offers Reike sessions and get some personal branding images she can use on her new website.



These images will serve Sarah well with both her businesses and passions, as well as document this stage of her life. I am excited she valued herself enough to capture this stage of her life and that her kids will always have these images or their amazing momma.

3 views0 comments
  • Writer's pictureJulie Buckman

I had a super fun commercial photoshoot at Better Than Unicorns recently. I took my son Avery with me to help carry equipment. It worked out perfectly because he not only made a great model, he also got to do something he loved. I imagine it was his favorite time he served as my assistant.

Better Than Unicorns creates immersive experiences for a variety of platforms, providing cutting edge solutions for client engagement, product visualization, and brand and organizational storytelling.   


Better Than Unicorns Virtual Reality Battle Asheville, NC

Avery and I had so much fun during this shoot. It was very immersive. It is like entering a while new world, so much so you forget you are actually in a room.


To say that the lighting was a challenge was an understatement. The room was dark, and of course, we wanted to see the people AND the projector screen in the photos. It took every bit of my experience and knowledge to pull this off, but I am very pleased with the results. The shot below, we even used the flashlight from a cellphone to add more light to him. I love experimenting and making things work in challenges.


I had so much fun!


If you would like to visit Better Than Unicorns and experience virtual reality, you won't be disappointed!


You can visit their website at https://www.betterthanunicorns.com/



4 views0 comments
bottom of page