First off—congratulations on taking this step! Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn, refreshing your website, or simply ready to show up with confidence in your career, you’ve made a great choice. Your headshot is often the first impression people see, and we’re here to make sure it reflects the best version of you.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and a few simple ways to walk into your session feeling confident and ready.
Step One: Schedule Your Headshot Coaching Call
Think of this as your pre-session pep talk. Before you step in front of the camera, we’ll hop on a quick call to talk about:
How you’ll be using your headshots
Wardrobe and style choices that fit your goals
Any nerves, questions, or ideas you’d like to share
This call makes your session smoother—and it helps you walk in already knowing you’re set up for success.
Your Headshot Session is Booked Now Let’s Make It Amazing
Schedule your Headshot Consult Call
How to Prepare (Without Overthinking It)
A little prep goes a long way.
Wardrobe:
Stick to outfits you love and feel confident in.
Solid colors are usually best.
Bring one or two options if you’d like some variety.
Try all of your outfits on (including undergarments and accessories.) Practice standing, sitting, and leaning in all of your outfits to make sure you like the way it falls on your body. Pay special attention to how undergarments show under your outfits.
Mindset:
Relax—you don’t need modeling experience.
Think about something that makes you smile (your favorite vacation, your pet, your go-to coffee order).
If it helps, try out a few expressions in the mirror before your session. Work on a smirk, small smile and large let it go smile! Take selfies when you practice so you can see what your expressions look like. Practice getting “expensive eyes” verses “dead eyes” which look like more like deer in the headlights vs engaged.
What to Expect on Session Day
Your session is designed to be quick, easy, and stress-free. Here’s how it works:
Arrive & Settle In: We’ll get you comfortable, answer any last-minute questions, and make sure you’re feeling at ease. The branding studio is at 121 W 4th Street. It is up a flight of stairs. Unfortunately there is no elevator access.
Quick Chat About Goals: Together, we’ll review your outfit and what you want your images to say about you.
Guided Posing & Expressions: No need to practice poses—you’ll get direction every step of the way. But if you want to practice… go for it. Stand in front of the mirror and start with your feet sightly turned to one side. Practice moving your shoulder and hips to find some of your best angles.
Variety of Looks: We’ll capture a range of expressions and angles so you have plenty of options to choose from.
Step Two: Complete the Headshot Archetype quiz.
This is so helpful to for both of us to know how you want to approach your headshot.
Getting to the Studio
The studio is located at 121 W 4th Street on the historic Holton Square in Jackson County Kansas. Our door is just east of Lifetime Eye Care.
Contact
Kim Bear — Still and Wild Photography