Categories
Uncategorized

From Stale to Strategic: Refreshing Your Headshots for High-Impact Marketing Brochures

In every brochure you print, your people are the proof. Headshots are often the only “live” evidence a prospect sees that your organization is real, trustworthy, and current. Yet in many companies, those same headshots are five, seven, even ten years old—quietly working against everything else your marketing is trying to achieve.

As someone who spends a lot of time on set with business teams, I can tell you: updating headshots isn’t just a cosmetic exercise. Done properly, a headshot refresh is a strategic marketing move that directly supports sales, recruiting, and brand positioning—especially in print brochures that have a longer shelf life and tend to get passed around.

Let’s walk through how to think about updating your headshots specifically for marketing brochures, and how to plan a session that delivers assets you can repurpose across every channel you care about.


Why Brochure Headshots Age Faster Than You Think

Most organizations recognize that websites and social media need regular updates. Brochures, on the other hand, feel “finished” once they’re designed and printed. The problem is that your people don’t freeze in time when the PDF goes to the printer.

Common reasons brochure headshots age out quickly:

  • Team changes – New leadership hires, promotions, departures, and reorganizations mean your printed piece no longer reflects your actual team.
  • Visual brand updates – You refine your logo, colors, or typography, but the headshot style still reflects your “old” brand.
  • Evolving customer expectations – Buyers are used to clean, modern, consistent imagery from national brands. Mismatched or obviously dated headshots stand out as a red flag.
  • Hybrid and remote work culture – Roles shift, and clients expect to “meet” people visually even if they’re not physically present.

In brochures—where space is limited and every image has to earn its place—an outdated headshot does more than look tired. It can silently reduce trust and perceived professionalism.


The Marketing Impact: Headshots as Proof of Promise

Your marketing brochure makes promises: reliability, expertise, innovation, responsiveness. Your headshots should visually confirm those claims.

Well-planned, current headshots can:

  • Increase perceived credibility
    A cohesive set of images communicates that your organization is organized, detail-oriented, and invested in its people.
  • Support premium pricing
    Sharp, consistent headshots help justify higher rates by reinforcing a polished, “buttoned-up” brand presentation.
  • Strengthen employer brand
    If your brochure is also used for recruiting or HR outreach, modern, confident team images send a clear signal about your culture and standards.
  • Enhance sales conversations
    When the face a prospect sees in your brochure matches the person they meet on a video call or in person, it eliminates friction and builds rapport faster.

In short: updated headshots keep your printed collateral aligned with the reality of who you are today.


How to Know It’s Time to Update Your Brochure Headshots

If you’re not sure whether your current brochure images are helping or hurting, start with a quick audit:

  1. Time check
    • Are most of the headshots older than 3–5 years?
    • Do they predate major organizational changes or rebrands?
  2. Style consistency
    • Do all subjects share a similar lighting style, background, and crop—or is it a patchwork of different sessions and DIY images?
    • Are there obvious differences in quality (some crisp, some soft or grainy)?
  3. Brand alignment
    • Do the colors, tone, and overall feel match your current website, presentation templates, and social channels?
    • Are you still using backgrounds or poses that no longer reflect how you position your brand (e.g., stiff, formal portraits for a culture that now leads with approachability)?
  4. Team representation
    • Are key decision makers, client-facing staff, or subject-matter experts missing entirely?
    • Are there people in the brochure who no longer work with you?

If you’re saying “yes” to more than a couple of these, it’s time to treat headshots as a planned marketing initiative, not an afterthought.


Designing Headshots With Brochure Layout in Mind

This is where an experienced production team makes a real difference. Shooting for a brochure is not the same as shooting for LinkedIn or an internal directory.

When we plan headshots for marketing brochures, we look at:

1. Orientation and cropping

  • Horizontal vs. vertical: Brochures often benefit from horizontal portraits that sit alongside copy or bleed into a spread. We’ll often capture both orientations to give your designer options.
  • Safe crop areas: We compose with your intended layout in mind so important details aren’t lost when the designer tightens the crop or fits images into rounded or irregular frames.

2. Background strategy

  • Brand colors: Background tones can subtly echo your brand palette without becoming overpowering.
  • Clean vs. environmental:
    • Clean studio backgrounds keep the focus on the subject and are easier to standardize.
    • Lightly environmental backgrounds (office, industrial, healthcare, or architectural settings) can be blurred just enough to suggest context without cluttering the page.

For brochures, we often build a controlled, repeatable lighting setup that yields a polished, consistent look but still allows slight variations for different departments or leadership tiers.

3. Lighting and contrast for print

Print behaves differently than screens. We light and expose with enough contrast and detail that your portraits hold up on coated and uncoated paper stocks. Subtle adjustments in exposure, contrast, and retouching help prevent faces from printing too dark or too flat.

4. Space for design elements

Designers will often overlay names, titles, or brand elements near or on the image. We compose with intentional negative space so they can do that without covering faces or creating awkward crops.


Preparing Your Team: Reducing Friction and “Photo Day” Anxiety

One of the biggest barriers to updating headshots is internal resistance: “I hate having my picture taken.” “I don’t have time.” “Can we just use my old photo?”

Good planning reduces that friction:

  • Pre-session guide
    Provide a short, clear prep guide covering wardrobe, grooming, and what to expect. For example: solid or subtly patterned clothing, brand-friendly colors, avoiding busy prints and high-glare fabrics.
  • Scheduling strategy
    We’ll help you build an efficient schedule that respects people’s time—often in short blocks per department or location, with buffer time for overages.
  • On-site direction
    A professional photographer who works with business clients knows how to quickly coach expression, posture, and micro-adjustments so subjects look relaxed and confident, not staged.
  • Inclusive approach
    Make sure you plan sessions for remote staff, satellite offices, and key freelancers or consultants who appear in client-facing roles. Consistency matters.

When your team experiences a smooth, professional session, it becomes much easier to schedule future refreshes instead of putting them off for years.


Getting More Value: One Headshot Session, Many Deliverables

If you’re updating headshots for brochures, it’s the perfect time to think beyond a single use case. A well-planned session can produce assets for:

  • Marketing brochures & sales sheets
  • Website “About” and team pages
  • LinkedIn and social profiles
  • Email signatures
  • Conference and event programs
  • Press kits and PR releases
  • Internal communications and recruiting materials
  • Video lower-thirds graphics and presentation decks

We routinely build capture plans that include multiple looks or crops—tight head-and-shoulders, ¾ length, and variations with different expressions—so your marketing and HR teams have options for different contexts without re-shooting.


Where AI Fits In (and Where It Shouldn’t)

Artificial Intelligence is now part of modern imaging workflows, but it needs to be used responsibly—especially for business portraits.

Smart, ethical uses in a headshot refresh:

  • Subtle, natural retouching
    AI-assisted tools can quickly handle minor skin distractions, stray hairs, or wrinkles in clothing, without turning people into plastic versions of themselves.
  • Background harmonization
    We can clean up or unify backgrounds to match your brand, remove distractions, or create consistent sets across multiple shoot dates.
  • Format optimization
    Automated upscaling and sharpening ensure your images remain crisp across different print sizes and digital platforms.

We draw the line at misrepresenting reality. Your headshots should be an honest, flattering representation of the people your clients will actually work with—not AI-generated substitutes.


Why Partnering With a Full-Service Production Team Matters

Refreshing headshots for brochures touches more than just photography. It’s about how those images integrate with your broader marketing ecosystem—print, web, video, and social.

A full-service team can help you:

  • Align headshot style with your existing brand standards and design templates
  • Plan capture days across multiple locations or departments
  • Build a file-naming and delivery structure that’s easy for your marketing and design teams to use
  • Prepare images in multiple versions (print-ready CMYK, web-optimized RGB, square and vertical crops, transparent-background PNGs where appropriate)
  • Ensure that future photo additions match the original style so your brochures stay cohesive even as your team evolves

Partner With St Louis Business Portraits

If you’re ready to stop relying on outdated, mismatched portraits in your marketing brochures, it helps to have a production partner who understands both the creative and technical demands of business imaging.

Experienced St Louis Business Portraits is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and creative crew service experience for successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production and licensed drone pilots. St Louis Business Portraits can customize your productions for diverse types of media requirements, and repurposing your photography and video branding to gain more traction is another specialty. We are well-versed in all file types, styles of media and accompanying software, and we use the latest in Artificial Intelligence for all our media services.

Our private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes, and our studio is large enough to incorporate props to round out your set. We support every aspect of your production—from setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators, as well as providing the right equipment—ensuring your next video production is seamless and successful. We can even fly our specialized drones indoors for unique perspectives when your project calls for it.

As a full-service video and photography production corporation since 1982, St Louis Business Portraits has worked with many businesses, marketing firms and creative agencies in the St. Louis area for their marketing photography and video. When you’re ready to update your headshots for marketing brochures—and every other place your brand shows up—we’re ready to help you do it right.

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
Mike Haller

Studio – 4501 Mattis Road St Louis, MO 63128

Categories
Uncategorized

Beyond the Bio: Can You Use Headshots for More Than Just Work?

In today’s media-rich marketing landscape, visuals aren’t just supportive elements—they are the story. For businesses and organizations, high-quality headshots are no longer reserved solely for a company’s About Us page or LinkedIn profiles. In fact, when approached strategically, headshots can become versatile assets used across multiple media platforms to support branding, storytelling, and marketing efforts.

At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we often hear clients ask: “Can we use headshots for more than just work?” The answer is a resounding yes—and here’s how.


1. Personalized Marketing Materials

Your team’s faces help humanize your business. Including professional headshots on sales brochures, proposals, or email newsletters adds an authentic, personal connection. When prospects see the faces behind the brand, they’re more likely to feel a sense of trust and familiarity—especially in industries where relationships matter, such as finance, healthcare, legal, and consulting.


2. Video Intros and Slide Decks

Headshots can be transformed into dynamic video assets with motion graphics, name slates, or voiceovers. These short clips can be used as intros in webinars or keynote presentations. It adds a polished and branded touch that creates consistency across communication channels.

In professional pitch decks or corporate training modules, team headshots also help remote or hybrid audiences connect with presenters, reinforcing company identity.


3. Social Media Campaigns and Employer Branding

In the world of social media, content that includes human faces performs significantly better than graphics or text alone. Headshots offer a clean, consistent visual that works well across platforms—from Instagram and Facebook to X (Twitter) and LinkedIn.

Use your headshots creatively:

  • “Meet the Team” social posts
  • Celebrating employee milestones
  • Highlighting expertise in blog or article promotions

For HR and recruitment marketing, incorporating headshots into campaigns can boost your company’s reputation as a great place to work. Prospective employees want to see the people who make up your organization, not just the brand.


4. Client-Facing Proposals and Onboarding Documents

Custom-branded onboarding kits or client-facing proposals that include headshots give a polished, premium impression. They introduce your team in a personable way and help create familiarity even before the first conversation.

For example, a welcome packet for new clients with team headshots alongside short bios helps them put faces to names and feel like they’re being served by real, approachable people—not just a brand.


5. Media Kits and Press Coverage

When submitting press releases or being featured in trade publications, professional headshots are often requested. Having a library of high-resolution, editorial-quality headshots readily available ensures you never miss an opportunity to look polished and credible in earned media.

Whether it’s an executive thought leadership feature or a local magazine spotlight, clean and updated headshots make a strong visual impression that supports your brand identity.


6. Internal Communications and Company Culture

Even internal communication tools—like company intranets, newsletters, or internal video updates—can benefit from professional headshots. Visual recognition builds stronger connections in growing or remote teams and supports company culture by reinforcing transparency and professionalism.


Why Choose Saint Louis Business Portraits?

Since 1982, Saint Louis Business Portraits has partnered with organizations, marketing firms, and creative agencies across the St. Louis area to craft visual assets that make an impact. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we don’t just take pictures—we help you build a strategic media library that drives results.

We offer:

  • Full-service studio and location video and photography
  • Licensed drone pilots (we can even fly indoors)
  • Editing and post-production expertise
  • Creative crew services, including sound and camera operators
  • Private studio lighting and custom interview setups perfect for small productions
  • Studio space that accommodates props and set design
  • Deep knowledge of all file types, styles, and software platforms
  • Experience repurposing photography and video branding for multi-platform use

From private studio headshots to full-scale video productions, Saint Louis Business Portraits has the right equipment, creative crew, and decades of industry experience to make your next project seamless and successful. We customize every production to meet your unique media needs, ensuring your brand visuals work harder for you—everywhere.

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
Mike Haller

Studio – 4501 Mattis Road St Louis, MO 63128

Categories
Uncategorized

A Cell Phone Can’t Compete: Why You Need a Professional Photographer for Your Headshot

Whether it’s on your company website, LinkedIn profile, or marketing materials, a polished, high-quality headshot can make a lasting impression on potential clients, customers, and partners. While it’s tempting to snap a quick picture with your cell phone, there are several key reasons why a professional photographer is the better choice for your corporate image.

Proper lighting is one of the most critical components of a great headshot. Professional photographers have access to studio lighting equipment that allows them to highlight your features in the most flattering way while minimizing shadows or distractions.

The Importance of a Professional Headshot

First impressions matter, and your headshot is often the first visual representation people have of you and your company. Whether you’re an executive, an entrepreneur, or part of a team, your headshot serves as a marketing tool that communicates professionalism and credibility. A good headshot can build trust with your audience and create a sense of confidence in your business.

A well-crafted headshot is particularly important for businesses, as it gives your team a cohesive and polished image. Consistency across all headshots reinforces your brand identity and sends a message of unity and professionalism to clients and customers.

Why a Cell Phone Photo Falls Short

While smartphones have made significant strides in camera technology, they simply aren’t equipped to produce the kind of results needed for a professional headshot. Cell phone cameras often struggle with controlling lighting, depth of field, and focus, which can result in images that don’t capture the subject in the most flattering way. Moreover, cell phone cameras lack the ability to adjust settings like aperture and exposure, which means you’re at the mercy of the phone’s automatic settings.

A well-lit, sharp, and crisp headshot requires the precision and control that a professional photographer can provide. Professional photographers understand how to use high-quality equipment and lighting to ensure the best possible image, something a cell phone camera simply cannot replicate.

The Advantages of Hiring a Professional Photographer

  1. Expert Lighting for Flattering Results Proper lighting is one of the most critical components of a great headshot. Professional photographers have access to studio lighting equipment that allows them to highlight your features in the most flattering way while minimizing shadows or distractions. At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we use advanced lighting setups to create the perfect balance of brightness and shadow, ensuring your headshot looks natural and professional.
  2. High-Quality Equipment Professional photographers use top-tier cameras and lenses that produce crisp, high-resolution images, capturing every detail with precision. Unlike smartphones, which often sacrifice detail for convenience, professional cameras allow for greater depth of field, focus control, and image clarity, all of which contribute to a more polished and refined headshot.
  3. A Customized Approach Your headshot should reflect your personality and role within your organization. A professional photographer can work with you to customize your headshot to fit your brand’s identity and the message you want to convey. Whether you need a traditional corporate look or something more creative and relaxed, our team at Saint Louis Business Portraits can tailor the session to your specific needs.
  4. Post-Production Expertise A professional photographer doesn’t just take a picture—they also edit it to perfection. Post-production editing is crucial for creating the final, polished image that you will use for marketing and branding purposes. Our editing services at Saint Louis Business Portraits ensure that every image is color-corrected, blemish-free, and optimized for your intended use, whether it’s for print, social media, or digital media.
  5. Repurposing Your Branding At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we specialize in helping businesses maximize their branding efforts. Once we’ve created your high-quality headshot, we work with you to repurpose it across multiple platforms, ensuring consistent and cohesive branding across all your marketing materials. Whether you’re using the images for brochures, websites, or social media, we make sure your photos are optimized for each use.

The Saint Louis Business Portraits Advantage

Saint Louis Business Portraits is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with over 40 years of experience in the industry. We have the right equipment, a skilled creative team, and the technical expertise to ensure the success of every project, from headshots to full video productions.

Here’s why businesses in the St. Louis area have trusted us since 1982:

  • Experienced Team
    Our photographers, videographers, and support staff are seasoned professionals with years of experience working with businesses, marketing firms, and agencies. We understand the nuances of corporate photography and are committed to helping you showcase your best self.
  • Comprehensive Services
    We offer full-service studio and location photography, video production, editing, and post-production. Our private studio lighting and visual setup are perfect for creating small productions or custom interview settings. We can even incorporate props into your set to create a more dynamic and tailored look.
  • Flexible and Customizable Solutions
    Whether you need a headshot session, a corporate video, or specialized drone footage, we can customize your production to fit your specific requirements. We also specialize in repurposing your content to give your branding more reach and traction across different media channels.
  • State-of-the-Art Equipment
    From high-resolution cameras to specialized drones, we use the best equipment in the industry to ensure superior results. Our drones can even fly indoors, providing you with unique aerial shots that add a dynamic edge to your corporate videos.
  • Post-Production Excellence
    At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we are well-versed in all file types and media styles, ensuring that your final product is polished and optimized for its intended use. Our post-production services cover everything from editing and color correction to retouching and media formatting.

Conclusion

A professional headshot is more than just a photo—it’s an investment in your business’s image. It speaks volumes about your brand, and it can make a significant impact on how your business is perceived. A cell phone photo may be convenient, but it won’t deliver the same professional quality that a trained photographer can provide. At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we specialize in creating high-quality, customized headshots that help you stand out and make a lasting impression.

As a full-service commercial photography and video production company, we are equipped with the right tools, creative team, and industry experience to help your business succeed. Whether you need headshots, video production, or repurposing of your branding, Saint Louis Business Portraits has everything you need to ensure that your next photo or video production is a success. Let us help you look your best and elevate your business image today.

Professional Photography For Every Profession 314-913-5626

Categories
Uncategorized

How to Make Your Company Headshot Event Run Smoothly

In today’s competitive business environment, a strong visual presence is essential. Corporate headshots are more than just photographs; they are a representation of your brand, culture, and professionalism. As decision-makers in photography and video production services, it is crucial to ensure that your company headshot event runs smoothly and effectively. Here are key strategies to achieve a successful headshot event.

Depending on your company’s branding, you may opt for a formal studio setup or a more relaxed office environment.

1. Plan Ahead

Successful headshot events begin with meticulous planning. Establish the objectives of the shoot and create a timeline. Determine how many employees will be photographed, the duration of the event, and the location. Make a checklist of everything needed, including lighting equipment, backdrops, and props.

2. Choose the Right Location

Selecting the appropriate setting for your headshot event is crucial. Depending on your company’s branding, you may opt for a formal studio setup or a more relaxed office environment. Ensure that the chosen location has ample natural light or the necessary artificial lighting to create a flattering ambiance.

3. Communicate with Employees

Inform employees about the headshot event well in advance. Provide guidelines on how to prepare, including dress code suggestions, grooming tips, and any props they might want to incorporate. This preparation helps individuals feel more confident and ensures that the resulting images align with your brand’s professional image.

4. Engage a Professional Photography Team

Working with an experienced photography team can significantly enhance the quality of your headshots. A professional photographer will not only have the technical skills to capture great images but also the experience to guide subjects through posing and expression. This is where our team at St Louis Business Portraits shines. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, we know how to make each person look their best.

5. Utilize Proper Lighting and Equipment

Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of photography. The right lighting can make all the difference in the final images. Ensure that your photography team has the right equipment and knowledge to set up optimal lighting conditions. At St Louis Business Portraits, we utilize a private studio lighting and visual setup that is perfect for small productions and interview scenes.

6. Create a Comfortable Atmosphere

A relaxed atmosphere will help employees feel at ease during their headshot session. Consider playing soft background music and providing refreshments. This small touch can help reduce anxiety and encourage natural expressions.

7. Incorporate Branding Elements

Incorporating subtle branding elements into your headshots can enhance your company’s identity. This could be as simple as a specific backdrop or color scheme that aligns with your corporate branding. Our team at St Louis Business Portraits excels in customizing productions to meet diverse media requirements, ensuring that your brand is represented authentically.

8. Post-Production Editing

After the photoshoot, quality post-production editing is vital. This process includes retouching images, color correction, and formatting for various media platforms. Our expertise in editing and post-production ensures that your headshots maintain a professional quality that aligns with your brand’s image.

9. Repurpose Your Content

Once you have your headshots, think about how you can repurpose them for various media. This could include using them on your company’s website, social media platforms, email newsletters, and more. At St Louis Business Portraits, we specialize in repurposing photography and video branding to help your business gain more traction in a crowded market.

Conclusion

When planning your company headshot event, every detail counts. By following these strategies, you can ensure a smooth and successful experience that results in high-quality images.

At St Louis Business Portraits, we are a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and a creative crew. Since 1982, we have worked with numerous businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area to provide exceptional corporate photography and video services. We offer comprehensive solutions, including full-service studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Our team is well-versed in all file types and styles of media, making us the ideal partner for your next production. Let us help you achieve stunning visuals that reflect your company’s professionalism and brand identity.

Mike Haller 314-913-5626

Categories
Uncategorized

Guide to Financial Industry Headshots

In the competitive world of finance, projecting a professional and trustworthy image is paramount. Whether you’re a financial advisor, banker, or executive, your headshot plays a crucial role in how you are perceived by clients and colleagues alike. A well-executed headshot not only conveys competence but also establishes a personal connection before you even meet face-to-face.

Importance of a Professional Headshot

Your headshot serves as a visual representation of your personal brand. It’s often the first impression potential clients or employers will have of you. In the financial industry, where trust and credibility are essential, a professional headshot can make a significant impact. It communicates professionalism, confidence, and reliability, key attributes that clients seek when choosing a financial advisor or partner.

Choosing the Right Style

When deciding on the style of your headshot, consider the image you want to portray. For the financial industry, a classic and polished look is typically preferred. Opt for neutral backgrounds and attire that reflects your professional environment. Avoid trends that may quickly date your photo, opting instead for a timeless appeal that will remain relevant for years to come.

Lighting and Composition

Lighting is crucial in photography, especially for headshots. Soft, diffused lighting helps minimize harsh shadows and highlights your facial features naturally. Our private studio at St Louis Business Portraits is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting setups designed specifically for portrait photography, ensuring you look your best in every frame.

Posing and Expression

Your pose and expression convey subtle messages to viewers. For financial industry headshots, aim for a confident yet approachable stance. A slight tilt of the head or a genuine smile can create a welcoming and engaging presence in your photograph.

Frequently Asked Questions about Headshot Sessions

1. How should I prepare for my headshot session? Before your session, ensure you are well-rested and hydrated. Plan your wardrobe in advance, choosing professional attire that aligns with your industry’s expectations. Our team at St Louis Business Portraits can provide guidance on styling and accessories if needed.

2. What should I bring to my headshot session? Bring any specific props or items you’d like to incorporate into your photo, such as awards, company logos, or props that reflect your professional interests. Our studio is spacious enough to accommodate various setups and props to enhance your image.

3. How long will the session last? Typically, a headshot session at St Louis Business Portraits lasts around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your specific needs and the complexity of the setup.

4. When will I receive my edited headshots? We understand the importance of timely delivery. Your edited headshots will be ready within [insert time frame here], ensuring you can promptly use them for your professional profiles and marketing materials.

About St Louis Business Portraits

At St Louis Business Portraits, we specialize in providing comprehensive commercial photography and video production services tailored to the unique needs of businesses in the St. Louis area. Since 1982, we have built a reputation for excellence, offering full-service studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Our experienced team is committed to delivering high-quality results that enhance your brand’s visibility and credibility.

Contact us today to schedule your professional headshot session and experience the difference of working with St Louis Business Portraits.

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
Mike Haller

Studio – 4501 Mattis Road St Louis, MO 63128

Categories
Uncategorized

Headshot Makeup Tips: Enhancing Your Features for Camera-Ready Professional Portraits

In the world of business, first impressions matter. When it comes to presenting yourself or your team in a professional light, nothing speaks volumes like a well-crafted headshot. Whether it’s for your website, LinkedIn profile, or promotional materials, your headshot is often the first point of contact with potential clients or partners. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that your headshots are not only well-composed and technically sound but also visually appealing and reflective of your brand identity. One often overlooked aspect of achieving the perfect headshot is makeup. In this guide, we’ll explore some expert tips for enhancing your features for camera-ready professional portraits.

Use neutral eyeshadows to enhance your eye shape, focusing on soft, blended looks that won’t overpower your features.

1. Less is More

When it comes to makeup for professional headshots, the key is to enhance your natural features without going overboard. Avoid heavy makeup that can appear too harsh or distracting on camera. Opt for a natural look that highlights your best features while still looking polished and professional.

2. Focus on Flawless Skin

The camera tends to pick up every imperfection, so it’s essential to start with a good base. Begin by prepping your skin with moisturizer and primer to create a smooth canvas. Use a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone, followed by concealer to camouflage any blemishes or dark circles.

3. Define Your Features

Subtle contouring can help define your facial features and add dimension to your face. Use a matte bronzer to contour the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline, blending well for a natural-looking effect. Highlight the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow, to add luminosity and dimension.

4. Emphasize the Eyes

Your eyes are the focal point of your headshot, so it’s essential to make them pop. Start by grooming your eyebrows and filling them in lightly to frame your face. Use neutral eyeshadows to enhance your eye shape, focusing on soft, blended looks that won’t overpower your features. Finish with mascara to lengthen and define your lashes.

5. Finish with Lips

Complete your look with a natural lip color that complements your skin tone. Opt for shades that are close to your natural lip color or a few shades darker for definition. Matte or satin finishes tend to photograph well and won’t reflect light, ensuring a polished look without being too glossy or distracting.

By following these simple makeup tips, you can ensure that you and your team are camera-ready for professional headshots that make a lasting impression. Remember, the goal is to enhance your natural features while still looking polished and professional.


As a full-service video and photography production company, St Louis Business Portraits has worked with many businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area for their corporate photography and video. Whether you need headshots, promotional videos, or branding photography, our experienced team has the expertise and equipment to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help elevate your brand image.

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com