You want to look your best for a portrait session whether you’re looking to portray a creative spirit or a data-driven professional, the way you’re styled and photographed can really drive your brand home. Professional portraits speak volumes about your brand and business.

And while some people love being in the spotlight and in front of the camera, others shy away from the attention. It doesn’t matter which group you fall into, you can shine in a professional portrait when you’re prepared and working with the right photographer.

So here are 6 ways to look your best for a portrait session.

1. Choose the Right Outfit

Just as much as your portrait is capturing you, it also captures your style and personality, much of which can be conveyed by your outfit. Choose clothing that reflects your brand and flatters your body. If you’re a designer who loves neutrals, a vibrant and colorful outfit won’t fit with the rest of your business. If you’re a suit-wearing business professional, a boho outfit might not work on your website and professional materials.

Along with choosing the right clothing to match your brand, you should also steer away from tiny prints because they generally don’t photograph as well as solids or larger prints.

2. Accessorize!

Chunky necklaces, a blazer or sweater, bold earrings, and a fun lip color can make your portrait pop. They’re also great ways to have variety in a single shoot: swap out a necklace, take off your cardigan or pull your hair back for a completely different look in your photos. Pick some of your favorite pieces and make sure that, whatever you pick, you feel confident in it.

3. Invest in Professional Hair & Makeup

Your day-to-day hair and makeup look might not cut it for a photoshoot. Invest in an appointment with a professional hair stylist and makeup artist to make sure you’re looking your very best. Working with a professional doesn’t mean that you have to change your look — it means your look will be elevated! A professional can give you a natural look or a glam makeover, making sure that it’s suited for some time in front of the camera.

Pay attention to the little details such as your nails (treat yourself to a manicure!) and eyebrows (do they need to be waxed?) as well. The small things make a big impact in a photograph.

4. Focus on Posture

A great photographer will make sure that you’re posed perfectly, but there are few things to keep in mind to make it easy. Pull your shoulders back and stand up straight and tall. Help define your jawline by pushing your chin out slightly — even if it feels silly while you’re doing it, it can translate beautifully into the image. And no matter what, trust your photographer! He or she will really help you look your best.

5. Be Yourself!

You should be in your ultimate comfort zone while having your photograph taken. If you’re generally a serious person, don’t force fake laughter to get a candid laughing image. Does your personality radiate joy? Let that shine through in the images! When you’re stiff and uncomfortable, that will shine through more than your true personality. So let loose, be the star and enjoy your photo session!

6. Find the Right Photographer

Shop around to find a photographer who you mesh with. You want to work with someone who will bring out the best in you. The goal is being comfortable, making you look (and feel) your best for a portrait session. It’s essential that you’re 100 percent comfortable with your photographer. You need to feel like you can truly be yourself around this person.

Look at different photographers’ styles to find one that matches your own. Photographers are artists in the way they shoot and process their images. Think of choosing your photographers like choosing an artist who is painting a picture of you and your brand.

Following these six tips, you’re sure to rock your photoshoot. Check out my portrait page to get a taste of my style. Feel free to reach out for more information! I’d love to answer any questions you have about the process to make your experience enjoyable and fulfilling.

Your business’ social media is where a community is built. Followers visit your Instagram to get an inside look at your products, services, and to get to know the people behind the company.

How do you decide what images you need to share?

Begin by choosing a color palette of five or so colors. Many businesses use presets (or filters) to give images the same look. I like to use objects that are the same color. Doing this will create a cohesive aesthetic that’s visually appealing.

Your content should be engaging. Likes, comments, and interactions with your photos and videos will aid in building your brand and community. So how do you decide what types of images to share on your business Instagram?

Here is my list of 5 Images Every Entrepreneur Needs To Share On Social Media

1. You!
   Your followers want to get to know the person behind the business. Step it up a notch and post professional portraits or pictures of you in your element — enjoying the outdoors, cooking, whatever that activity may be.#FridayIntroductions is a popular hashtag for small business owners introducing themselves to their followers. You can share fun facts about yourself and give your community a taste of your personality.

   When you’re relatable, your followers will connect with you instantly. When you continue showing up and offering genuine content, they’ll stay with you forever!

2. Products or Work Samples
   Photos of your products will attract new customers! Whether you ice cookies, arrange flowers, take family portraits or restore old homes, your business has a visual element. Capture people and gain followers with the beauty and uniqueness of your work.

   Make sure you share a wide variety of your work to let your community in on the true scope of your skills and abilities.

3. Quotes
   Sharing quotes on your Instagram is so valuable because they are relatable! Find quotes that relate to your target audience and use an app like Canva to write them out in a font, style, and color that matches your aesthetic. A business that makes products aimed at parents, for example, can share comedic words of wisdom aimed at moms and dads, like “Feeling guilty about your kid watching too much TV? Just mute it and put the captions on. Boom. Now they’re reading!”

Bonus points: Use one of your own images in the background of the quote. That way, when people share it, your brand is more prominently tied to the photo.

4. Behind the Scenes
   There’s something about going behind the scenes that makes your followers feel extra special. Seeing a short video of how your products are made, a step-by-step gallery of your creative process or a quick snap of your photo shoot setup will help people appreciate the hard work you put into your craft.

Think about the kind of behind the scenes images you enjoy seeing from other small businesses and emulate those images in your own unique way.

5. User-Generated Content
   Invite your community of followers to share their own images that relate to your business, tagging your page and using a certain branded hashtag that you create. By involving them in your social media, they’ll know you truly care about them as a customer and invest in your brand.

You can also invite followers to share their content as part of a giveaway. People are more likely to share and get involved when the potential of a prize is involved!

Now that you know what images every entrepreneur needs to share, it’s time to hop on Instagram and start sharing! It’s always great to look at other brands you admire for inspiration. It’s important to share content frequently to keep your followers engaged.

Don’t forget to tag @JessicaGriffinPhoto in your best posts so I can see what you create!

If you’re interested in product photography services you can send me a message via my contact form.