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
St Louis Business Portraits 