Getting professional portraits taken can feel like a big step.

Whether you are updating your LinkedIn profile, refreshing your personal brand, or celebrating a milestone, a great portrait session goes beyond smiling at the camera. It is about creating images that reflect who you are and how you want to be perceived by your audience.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect:

1. The Inquiry

It all starts with a conversation. Whether you reach out by email, phone, or through our website, we want to hear about what you are looking for. Are these portraits for your business website? A social media update? A feature in an industry publication? Knowing your goals helps us tailor the session to your needs.

2. Understanding Your Needs

Not all portraits serve the same purpose. A sales professional may need a strong, approachable headshot to build trust, while an entrepreneur might want branding photographs that showcase personality and confidence. Awards and press features often have different style requirements.

During this stage, we will talk about:

How and where you will use the photographs
The message you want to convey
Any preferences or concerns you have about how you look in photographs

3. Scheduling the Session

Once we determine what you need, we will set a time and place that works best for you. This could be in a studio for a clean, classic look or on location for a more dynamic, lifestyle feel.

4. Wardrobe Guidance

What you wear plays a huge role in how your portraits turn out. Before the session, we will provide guidance on wardrobe choices that complement your style and goals.

We generally recommend:
✔ Solid colors or subtle patterns that are not distracting
✔ Well-fitted clothing that makes you feel confident
✔ Avoiding logos or busy prints unless they are part of your brand

If you are unsure, bring a couple of options and we will help you decide what works best.

5. The Session: Working Together

This is where the magic happens. Many people worry about feeling awkward in front of the camera, but that is where coaching comes in. Throughout the session, we will guide you on:

Posture and angles that flatter you
Facial expressions that bring out the right energy
Small adjustments to help you look confident and natural

It is a collaboration. We will work together to capture your best look.

6. Reviewing Photographs in Real Time

Unlike traditional photography sessions where you wait days to see the results, we will review photographs together during the shoot. This allows us to fine-tune poses, lighting, and expressions based on what you like or do not like. Seeing yourself in real time can also help you feel more comfortable as we continue shooting.

7. Making Your Selections

Once we have captured a variety of shots, it is time to choose the best ones. Whether you need just one standout headshot or a set of images, we will narrow it down to the strongest options that fit your needs.

8. Finalizing and Editing

After selecting your favorite photographs, we will take care of the finishing touches. Our professional editing enhances your portraits while keeping them natural. This includes refined lighting, color adjustments, and subtle retouching to make sure you look your best without looking overly edited.

9. Delivering Your Photographs

Once editing is complete, you will receive your final photographs, ready for use. Whether you need high-resolution files for print, optimized versions for social media, or a mix of both, we will provide them in the format that works best for you.

Ready to Book?

From the first conversation to the final delivery, our goal is to make the process seamless, comfortable, and even enjoyable. If you are ready to schedule your session or have any questions, let’s chat.

We would love to help you create portraits that reflect the way you want to be perceived.

The Portrait Session Process - Here is What to Expect