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How to Prepare for Your Headshot Appointment.

A powerful headshot is more than just a photograph — it’s a strategic marketing asset that tells your story before you even speak. Whether it’s for a corporate website, LinkedIn profile, marketing campaign, or press release, your business portrait must project confidence, credibility, and approachability.

At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we understand that preparation is key to achieving a truly impactful image. In this guide, we’ll share expert advice to help you prepare thoroughly for your headshot appointment, ensuring you present your best self to your clients, colleagues, and audience.

1. Understand the Purpose of Your Headshot

Before stepping in front of the camera, think carefully about how and where your headshot will be used. Different industries and marketing channels may call for slightly different styles. A law firm might prefer formal, traditional portraits, while a tech startup may opt for a more casual, approachable look.

Tip: Clarify your intended use and target audience with your photographer beforehand so we can tailor the lighting, background, and mood to fit your brand image perfectly.

2. Choose the Right Wardrobe

Your outfit plays a crucial role in setting the tone of your headshot.

  • Solid Colors Over Patterns: Solid, neutral, or muted colors generally photograph better and keep the focus on your face.
  • Professional Fit: Wear clothes that fit well without sagging or pulling. Ill-fitting garments can appear sloppy in photos.
  • Industry-Appropriate Attire: Match your outfit to your professional industry standards. Formal businesses may require suits, while creatives might opt for business casual.

Tip: Bring a few options to the studio. Our experienced crew at Saint Louis Business Portraits can help you choose what looks best under professional lighting conditions.

3. Pay Attention to Grooming and Personal Care

In headshots, small details are magnified. Preparing your grooming ahead of time ensures you look polished and professional.

  • Hair: Get a haircut or trim about a week before your appointment to allow for a natural look.
  • Facial Hair: Keep facial hair neatly trimmed or clean-shaven, depending on your style.
  • Makeup: Keep makeup natural and matte to minimize shine. Bring powder for touch-ups.
  • Hands and Nails: If your hands might appear in the photo (crossed arms, holding props), ensure nails are clean and manicured.

Tip: Moisturize your skin well the night before to achieve a healthy, natural glow without looking oily.

4. Get Plenty of Rest

A well-rested face naturally appears more vibrant and alert. Lack of sleep can lead to dark under-eye circles, dull skin, and an overall tired look.

Tip: Try to get a full night’s sleep before your appointment and stay hydrated in the days leading up to your session.

5. Relax and Trust the Process

Feeling nervous before a headshot session is normal, but the best portraits come when you feel comfortable and authentic. Our experienced team will coach you through poses, expressions, and positioning so you don’t need to worry about the technical aspects.

Tip: Practice smiling naturally in front of a mirror the night before. Think about a positive memory or success moment to bring genuine warmth to your expression during the session.

6. Communicate with Your Photographer

A great headshot is the result of collaboration. Don’t hesitate to communicate your preferences, brand guidelines, or insecurities with your photographer. Whether it’s a specific side you favor or a unique brand style you need to match, telling us early ensures we can customize your session perfectly.

Tip: Bring a list of any creative direction or examples you admire. It helps streamline the session and aligns your expectations with the final product.

Why Saint Louis Business Portraits Is the Right Partner for Your Professional Headshots

At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we believe that every business portrait should be a strategic visual asset — crafted with expertise, artistry, and attention to detail. Since 1982, we have been the trusted choice for businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis area.

We are a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company equipped with the right gear, creative crew, and service experience for truly successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and even licensed drone pilots for truly unique projects.

Our services can be customized for diverse media requirements, whether for websites, marketing materials, internal communications, or large-scale campaigns. We’re experts at repurposing your photography and video branding to help you gain even greater traction across platforms.

At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we are well-versed in all file types, media styles, and accompanying software, ensuring seamless delivery no matter your project scope. We embrace the latest Artificial Intelligence technologies to enhance every aspect of our media services.

Our private studio lighting and visual setup are perfect for small productions and interview scenes. With a spacious studio that can incorporate custom props and set pieces, and the ability to fly our specialized drones indoors, we provide everything you need to make your next business portrait or video production truly outstanding.

When you partner with Saint Louis Business Portraits, you’re choosing decades of expertise, creative vision, and a full-service team committed to making you look your absolute best.

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
Mike Haller

Studio – 4501 Mattis Road St Louis, MO 63128

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What You Need to Know Before Your Next Professional Studio Head Shot

In today’s competitive business environment, a professional studio headshot can be a powerful asset to your personal brand and corporate image. Whether you’re an executive looking to enhance your LinkedIn profile or a company aiming to update team photos for your website, a well-crafted headshot can make a significant impact. Here’s what you need to know before scheduling your next professional studio headshot to ensure that you get the most out of your investment.

1. Define the Purpose and Style

Before your session, clarify the purpose of your headshot. Are you looking to convey a formal corporate image, or are you aiming for a more approachable and casual look? Understanding the purpose will guide your choice of attire, background, and overall style. Consider how you want to be perceived by your audience and discuss these details with your photographer. This ensures that your headshot aligns with your professional goals and brand image.

2. Choose the Right Attire

Your clothing choices play a crucial role in how your headshot is perceived. Opt for attire that reflects your professional role and industry. Solid colors and classic styles generally work best, as they avoid distractions and keep the focus on your face. Avoid overly bright colors, busy patterns, or anything that might clash with the studio background. Make sure your clothes are well-fitted and comfortable, as this will help you feel more relaxed and confident during the shoot.

3. Grooming and Preparation

Proper grooming is essential for a polished headshot. Make sure your hair is styled as you typically wear it for work, and if you wear makeup, keep it professional and natural. Pay attention to details such as clean, manicured nails and avoid excessive jewelry that might draw attention away from your face. It’s also wise to get a good night’s sleep before the shoot to ensure you look fresh and well-rested.

4. Communicate with Your Photographer

A successful headshot session relies on clear communication between you and your photographer. Discuss your expectations, preferences, and any concerns you might have before the shoot. A professional photographer will provide guidance on posing and expressions to capture your best angles and convey the desired message. Additionally, they will assist with lighting, composition, and background choices to ensure that your headshot is both flattering and effective.

5. The Importance of Lighting and Background

Lighting is a key element in professional photography, and it’s crucial for achieving a high-quality headshot. A well-lit photo will highlight your features and ensure that the image is sharp and clear. In a studio setting, you can benefit from controlled lighting conditions that can be tailored to your needs. The background should be simple and complementary, avoiding any distractions that might detract from your appearance.

6. Post-Production and Final Touches

After the shoot, the post-production process involves editing the images to enhance their quality and ensure they meet professional standards. This may include color correction, retouching, and cropping. A skilled photographer will use advanced editing techniques to produce a final image that looks natural and polished, while still representing you authentically.

7. Repurposing Your Headshot

A high-quality headshot is a versatile asset that can be used across various platforms and materials. From your company website and social media profiles to email signatures and business cards, a well-crafted headshot ensures a consistent and professional appearance. It’s worth discussing with your photographer how to best repurpose your images for different uses.

Why Choose St Louis Business Portraits

At St Louis Business Portraits, we understand the importance of a professional headshot in shaping your corporate image. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we are equipped with the right tools and creative expertise to deliver exceptional results. Since 1982, we’ve been serving businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area, providing top-notch studio and location video and photography services.

Our private studio lighting and visual setups are ideal for both small productions and intricate interview scenes. We can incorporate props to enhance your set and offer a range of services from custom interview studio setups to providing sound and camera operators. Our specialized indoor drones and comprehensive post-production capabilities ensure that your headshots and videos are of the highest quality.

With extensive experience in repurposing photography and video branding, St Louis Business Portraits is well-versed in all file types, media styles, and accompanying software. Trust us to help you make a lasting impression with a professional headshot that truly represents your brand. Contact us today to schedule your session and discover how we can elevate your corporate image.

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
Mike Haller

Studio – 4501 Mattis Road St Louis, MO 63128

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Unlocking Your Potential: The Importance of Headshots for Professional Branding

As a professional, your brand is everything. Your brand is how others perceive you and what you stand for. Building a strong brand takes time, effort, and investment. One way to enhance your professional brand is through headshots. In this article, we will explore the importance of headshots for professional branding and provide tips for a successful headshot session.

Introduction to Professional Branding

Professional branding is the process of creating a unique image and reputation for yourself in your industry. Your brand is your identity, your promise, and your value proposition to clients and colleagues. A strong professional brand can help you stand out from the competition, attract new clients, and advance your career.

Building a strong professional brand requires consistency, authenticity, and a clear message. Your brand should reflect who you are, what you do, and what you stand for. One way to communicate your brand message is through headshots.

What are Headshots and Why are They Important?

Headshots are professional photographs of your face and upper body. They are commonly used for business profiles, social media, marketing materials, and public relations. Headshots are important because they create a visual representation of your personal brand.

A headshot is often the first point of contact between you and potential clients or employers. It is essential to make a good first impression. A high-quality headshot can convey professionalism, confidence, and approachability. A low-quality headshot can communicate the opposite.

The Impact of First Impressions

First impressions are everything in professional branding. Research shows that people form opinions within seconds of meeting someone new. This means that your headshot can make or break your brand image.

A professional headshot can help you make a positive first impression by communicating your professionalism, competence, and personality. A low-quality headshot, on the other hand, can create a negative first impression by communicating a lack of attention to detail or lack of professionalism.

How Headshots Enhance Your Professional Brand

Headshots are an essential part of professional branding because they can enhance your brand message in several ways. First, they can communicate your personality and style. For example, a traditional headshot can convey a more formal and serious tone, while a lifestyle headshot can communicate a more relaxed and approachable vibe.

Second, headshots can communicate your professionalism and expertise. A high-quality headshot can communicate that you take your career seriously and have invested in your personal brand. This can help you stand out from the competition and attract new clients or job opportunities.

Finally, headshots can create consistency across your brand. By using the same headshot across all your marketing materials and social media profiles, you create a cohesive and recognizable brand image.

Types of Headshots: Traditional vs Lifestyle

There are two main types of headshots: traditional and lifestyle. Traditional headshots are formal, posed, and typically shot in a studio. They are often used for corporate profiles, press releases, and business cards. Traditional headshots are ideal for professionals in conservative industries, such as law or finance.

Lifestyle headshots, on the other hand, are more casual, candid, and shot on location. They are often used for social media profiles, personal branding, and creative industries. Lifestyle headshots can convey a more approachable and relatable brand image.

When choosing a type of headshot, it is important to consider your industry, audience, and personal style. A traditional headshot may be more appropriate for a lawyer or accountant, while a lifestyle headshot may be more suitable for a writer or artist.

Preparing for a Headshot Session

Preparing for a headshot session is essential to ensure a successful outcome. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

  • Choose your outfit carefully. Wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, but also professional and appropriate for your industry.
  • Get plenty of rest the night before. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can affect your skin and energy levels.
  • Practice your poses and expressions in front of a mirror. Experiment with different angles and facial expressions to find what works best for you.
  • Bring any props or accessories that are relevant to your brand message. For example, if you are a chef, you may want to bring a chef’s hat or apron.
  • Communicate your brand message and goals to your photographer. This will help them understand your vision and capture the right images.

Choosing the Right Photographer

Choosing the right photographer is essential to ensure a high-quality headshot. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a photographer:

  • Experience and expertise in headshot photography
  • Quality of their portfolio and reviews
  • Availability and pricing
  • Communication and collaboration skills
  • Location and accessibility

It is important to choose a photographer who understands your brand message and can capture the right images to enhance your personal brand.

Tips for a Successful Headshot Session

A successful headshot session requires collaboration between you and your photographer. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your session:

  • Relax and have fun. A relaxed and confident expression will translate into a more natural and approachable headshot.
  • Communicate your goals and vision to your photographer. This will help them capture the right images to enhance your brand.
  • Experiment with different poses and expressions. Try to showcase your personality and style in your headshot.
  • Take breaks and review the images with your photographer. This will help you adjust your poses and expressions to get the best results.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for retouching or editing. A professional retouching can enhance the quality of your headshot and create a more polished look.

How to Use Headshots for Professional Branding

Once you have your professional headshots, it is essential to use them strategically to enhance your personal brand. Here are some ways to use your headshots for professional branding:

  • Use your headshot on your business card, website, and social media profiles. This will create a cohesive and recognizable brand image.
  • Include your headshot in your email signature. This will help you create a more personal and approachable connection with your clients and colleagues.
  • Use your headshot in your marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, and advertisements. This will help you stand out from the competition and attract new clients.
  • Update your headshot every few years to reflect changes in your personal brand and appearance.

Conclusion: Invest in Your Professional Brand with a Great Headshot

In conclusion, headshots are an essential part of professional branding. They can communicate your personality, professionalism, and expertise in a visual and memorable way. By investing in a high-quality headshot and using it strategically across your marketing materials, you can enhance your personal brand and stand out from the competition. So, go ahead and unlock your potential with a great headshot!

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com

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Personal branding video content ideas to get you noticed.

Fed up with being the same? Wanting to be noticed online? You’ve landed in the right place!

With these personal branding video content ideas, you can increase your impact and reach more people than ever. From webinars to podcasts, we’ll reveal how to make your brand more visible and stand out!

Introduction to Personal Branding

Personal branding is the art of selling yourself as a unique brand to your desired audience. Making videos to bring your brand to life can be extremely helpful for standing out and being noticed.

Your personal brand isn’t just a bio or Mission Statement. It’s who you are, what you do, and how you can help people. Knowing this helps pick content ideas for a personal branding video. Developing interesting and enjoyable video content that displays your exclusive character, style, and values, will give people a clear vision of what your brand stands for.

When making video content for personal branding, think about the kind of message that works best with your target audience. You could use topics related to self-improvement, career advice or stories about overcoming challenges. These great ideas introduce viewers to the basics of personal branding. Also, make sure the visual elements, such as music, font selection and color schemes, add to your message instead of taking away from it. This way, viewers learn more about who you are and why they should engage with your brand.

Benefits of Creating Video Content

Video content is key for an effective online presence. It offers the potential to reach many and have a strong effect. It is often more attractive than text-based content, which helps you stand out from competition. Here are great benefits of creating video content:

1) Visibility: Posting videos increases your visibility on YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, websites, and blogs. This means potential customers can find you when searching.

2) Engagement: People are likely to share videos on social media. With visuals, audio, and music, messages become more meaningful and people pay more attention.

3) Credibility and Authority: Videos can be used to show your knowledge and expertise. This establishes authority in your field and provides educational value.

4) Reach Wider Audiences: Videos can be accessed from laptops, tablets, and other devices around the world. This gives access to audiences who don’t use traditional methods, like print media.

5) Accessibility: Video content is accessible to anyone, even if they don’t speak your language. Subtitles help target an international audience and people with hearing difficulties. It eliminates language barriers that slow communication.

Types of Video Content for Personal Branding

Creating your own brand is necessary in today’s digital world. Video content is a great way to get noticed and increase your reach. When preparing video content for personal branding, think of what will be attractive, make you stand out and leave an impression on viewers.

Types of video content to consider for personal branding:

-Interviews – They help build trust and form connections. Post them on your website or social media.

-Tutorials – Show off skills and knowledge by giving helpful guidance on topics relevant to your expertise or industry.

-Explanatory Videos – Explain how products or services work, provide educational info or discuss trends in your field.

-Behind-the-Scenes Content – Show what’s going on behind the scenes and give followers and viewers an inside look at what makes you unique.

-Live Streaming Events and Conferences – Live streaming is popular due to its directness and convenience to busy schedules.

-Webinars – Offer educational value while showing your knowledge; can also generate leads if used correctly.

How to Create Engaging Video Content

Videos can capture the attention of your personal brand’s target audience. People prefer videos to reading text, so video content is becoming more popular. Get noticed with one of these video productions!

Interviews – talk to industry pros or customers.

Tutorials & How-Tos – show off your expertise.

Tips & Tricks – share 3-5 minutes of facts.

Behind the Scenes/Vlogs – add personality to your brand.

Unique methods help viewers remember your brand. Timely topics reach more demographics and help connect with existing followers.

Tips to Make Your Video Content Stand Out

To create stand-out content, evaluate your personal brand. Take the time to understand what you’re trying to achieve. This will help you make custom content with a defined goal. Here are tips to make video content stand out:

1. Identify Your Audience. Knowing who they are and what they want helps create personalized videos.

2. Choose Relevant Topics. Pick topics that will boost engagement and provide value.

3. Select Engaging Platforms. Consider Instagram, Twitter or TikTok for shorter videos. Create a podcast or series on YouTube for longer form content.

4. Produce Quality Content. HD visuals, strong audio clarity and well-curated editing techniques are important.

5. Exhibit Personality. Let your personality shine through and reach potential customers emotionally. Incorporate stories related to topics.

Strategies to Market Your Video Content

Marketing your personal brand video content can be hard, especially in noisy online spaces. But if you want to spread the word about your business or yourself, there are strategies you can use.

Target viewership through SEO research and website optimization. Understand Google’s PageRank and choose the right keywords for each video to get top ranking for searches. Optimize the page where viewers land when they click on the video link.

Create high quality visuals, with crisp audio and stunning cinematography. Even with a small budget, you can create stunning visuals using free stock footage libraries or editing software.

Set up social media accounts linked to your video channel. Direct followers to other platforms and devices. Encourage user engagement with comments, shares, likes and follows. Establish a good relationship with viewers through regular messaging and artist profiles. Create interesting storylines with soundtracks or original music pieces. This will give viewers an enhanced experience and more loyal followers of your content!

Analyzing and Optimizing Your Video Content

To maximize video content reach and impact, plan and optimize strategically. Analyze what content works with your audience. Ask questions like: what topics engage them most? Are you publishing enough? What style or format works best?

Focus on SEO; add keywords to titles, descriptions and tags; create custom thumbnails; ensure consistent length. Make videos “shareworthy” with unique visuals, and leverage social media platforms. Further enhance reach potential with YouTube Ads.

Monitor viewing analytics; watch for dips and spikes in engagement. Analyze and optimize all factors to create engaging personal branding videos!

Conclusion

You’ve finished reading this guide! Now you are ready to make videos that strengthen your personal brand. Consistency matters, so keep creating content with effort and creativity.

Think of something unique or use these ideas:

  • Interview someone in the same industry
  • Make it funny
  • Show people the behind the scenes
  • Share customer reviews
  • Do live Q&As

At the end of each video, tell people what to do next. Give a call to action, such as ‘Subscribe Now’ or ‘Book an Appointment’. This way you can get data on how people interact with your content. This data helps you create more effective videos and boost your career!

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
314-913-5626
Mike Haller

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Business Portrait Photography Tips for the Perfect Corporate Headshot

Perfect Headshots for your business websites, print materials and professional and social media.

Corporate headshots can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to portrait photography. Here are some tips on how to take better business portraits that will help you get the perfect shot every time.

Lighting Basics

The key to getting a great business portrait is lighting. Natural light is best, but if you’re shooting indoors, you should use artificial lighting. If you have multiple lighting sources, try to blend them together by using soft boxes and umbrellas to create a soft, even light. When it comes to positioning the lights, make sure they are not too close and not too far away. You want the lights to be bright enough so that your subject’s face is illuminated but not overly exposed.

The Background Matters

When shooting corporate headshots, the background is just as important as the lighting. You want a background that won’t distract from your subject’s features and that will complement their clothing and hair color. A plain white wall or backdrop tends to work well for most corporate headshots but don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and patterns. Just make sure whatever you choose isn’t too busy or distracting so it won’t take away from your subject’s face or pose.

Know Your Angles

Angles can make all the difference when it comes to portrait photography. For business portraits specifically, it’s best to shoot from an angle slightly above the eye level of your subject in order to emphasize their features and create a flattering image that captures their personality without being overly posed or stiff looking. You also want to ensure there are no harsh shadows on their faces or any other distracting elements in the frame of the photo; good composition is key! 

Headshot services for teams, going on location to office or to Studio. Providing a consistent look and following brand standards.
Headshot services for teams, going on location to office or to Studio.  Providing a consistent look and following brand standards.

If done correctly, business portraits can really capture someone’s personality and professionalism in one image—which makes them invaluable for any company profile or website homepage! Following these tips will help ensure that your corporate headshots look professional, polished, and timeless every time—so don’t be afraid of taking on this project yourself! With practice and confidence in your skills as a photographer, anyone can take amazing business portraits with ease!

saintlouisbusinessportraits@gmail.com
314-913-5626
Mike Haller