“There’s a magnetism in an authentic moment, when we get to witness a person’s soul. ”

— Alyson

Who you are is important to me. Your personality. Your uniquenesses. Your sensitivities. There are countless details that make you, YOU. I want to help you bring those traits out to create portraits people connect to because they see who you are.

Have you ever looked at a picture of someone and said, "They look like someone I could be friends with?"

I have. Plenty of times.

There's a magnetism in an authentic moment, when we get to witness a person's soul.

That authenticity happens in a split second. Quite literally, a split second. There have been times where I've taken two photographs back to back - one right at the climax of the moment and the other right before or right after.

It never fails that the photograph where the timing is a split second off, you can see the minute details that don't fullfill the expression of that person's emotion.

I always seek out that spark, that single moment when every bit of you shines through. I love to see you be Seen, in every tiny detail.

Behind the scenes of two sequential headshots - only one second apart - from Lynn’s corporate headshot session. | Winston-Salem Headshot and Brand Photographer | Jasper & Fern

Getting in front of the camera can be nerve-wracking. We want to look our best, feel our best, show up authentically.

We’ve been there.

That’s why I wanted to share some of our top tips for preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for your portrait session so you can walk through it with confidence.

On Location Branding Portrait done for Small Business Marketing Coach Mallory Schlabach of Winston-Salem, NC | Women’s Professional Portraits | Womens Portraits | Yellow Blazer | Pleather Leggings | Leather Leggings | What to Wear for Headshots | What to Wear for Branding Photos | Brand Photography | Small Business Branding | Brand Photographs for Coaches | How to Prepare for Your Headshots | How to Prepare for Your Branding Session | Winston Salem Brand and Headshot Photographer | Dressing for Your Brand | Womens Professional Outfits | How to Dress for the Office | Corporate Women | Jasper & Fern

1) Affirmations

As an introvert and wallflower, affirmations are some of my favorite ways to help prepare myself for, well, whatever I have to do. From meeting new clients to networking or giving a presentation, I’ve found a way to use affirmations to help me prepare and calm my nerves.

First, write out your fears.

Then, examine each of your fears, line by line and find a way to flip it positively.

For example, when I am giving a presentation, I find myself with a common fear.
Fear : I’m afraid my voice will shake.
Affirmation : I am good at what I do and know what I’m talking about.

This affirmation reminds me that I have all the reason in the world to stand confidently in front of a group of people.

Branding Portrait for financial coach | Professional White Dress | Brand Photography for Women | Professional Womens Portraits | What to Wear for Your Headshot Session | What to Wear for Your Branding Session | Brand Photography for Women | Small Business Brand Photography | Brand Photoshoot | How to Prepare for Your Headshot | How to Prepare for Your Brand Photos | Branding Photoshoot | On Location Brand Photography | Winston-Salem Brand Photography | Jasper & Fern

2) Prepare your wardrobe a few days ahead of time.

I can’t tell you how many times in my life I’ve been running behind because I had an outfit in mind for the next day only to discover it’s dirty and I can’t wear it.

(My mother would roll her eyes and sigh because this is the story of my life)

I’ve known many of my clients to have found themselves in a similar situation. Usually, that means they’re a bit frazzled by the time they show up to the studio because the stress of throwing together a last minute outfit just piled on to their nerves about being in front of a camera.

So, it never hurts to have your items washed, ironed and set aside with their accessories a day or two before your session.

3) Collaborate with us!

If you’ve worked with us before, you already know this is a huge part of how we work. It’s SO important for us to be on the same page about everything - your goals for your session, your wardrobe, your hair and makeup, how much time your session will take - all of it.

We’d rather you “spam” us with ideas and Pinterest hair and makeup and snapshots of outfits you’re considering.

Seriously, preparation takes A LOT of the nerves out of your emotions.

Branding Photograph for Mama Mpenzi Doula showcasing how she works | Creative Layflats for Brands | Brand Photoshoot | Rose Gold Branding | Pink and White Branding | Light and Airy Brand | Branding Photoshoot | Brand Photography | Brand my Business | What to bring to your brand session | How to prepare for your headshot | How to prepare for your brand photoshoot | How to prepare for your branding photographs | Winston-Salem Brand Photographer | Jasper & Fern

4) Minimize your caffeine intake right before your session

Okay, don’t be mad! I love my coffee and teas as much as the next hustling boss babe but, I also know that caffeine can heighten your nerves if you’re already on edge. So just be aware of what your body needs that day.

5) Seek rest the day before.

I know you have tasks galore on your plate because you’re a small business owner working hard for your success. So, when it’s possible, make time to add in some additional quality rest the day before your session. Maybe that’s a good night’s sleep or a relaxing activity like stretching or journaling.

*BONUS TIP! *

If you can make your schedule allow it, provide yourself with empty grace time before and after your session. This way, you won’t be feeling like you have to rush to come and see us or get antsy to leave because you have your next task on your mind. Set aside a flexible time for you!

Alright, you amazing boss, now that you have our insider tips, you’ve got this. Seriously, you’re going to rock your session! Believe in yourself and the amazing things you’re capable of accomplishing.

We’ll see you in the studio soon!

As a photographer, I can tell you that I can get a bad picture of anyone just like I can get a good photograph of anyone. It's a matter of timing, intention and perspective. Just recall that viral photograph from a few years back of Beyonce performing where she was caught in an intense awkward face and every single muscle and vein in her body was on high alert. It wasn’t the most flattering, right? And that’s my point. Anyone, even Beyonce, can wind up with bad photographs of themselves - so don't discount how you may look in photographs. Sometimes all it takes is the right person Seeing you and knowing how to capture what you love about yourself.⠀

Winston-Salem Beauty Photographer | Women's Portraiture | Jasper & Fern

I never used to be one for journaling - hah, just kidding. I've always had a pencil in a book scribbling away my thoughts and feelings. When that lead hits the paper, a doorway opens that helps me process. It's rather wonderful. My mind gets to be cleared and all that tension inside my head and chest dissipates as I work through my thoughts. While journaling was never a foreign concept, the first time I heard about Gratitude Journaling, I was a bit puzzled. My initial thought was that it must be just listing out everything you're grateful for in a book and, honestly, that sounded kind of disengaging. I've since learned that it's nothing like that and, now, gratitude journaling has become one of my favorite self care practices.

Karen Perry, a vibrant woman with a curious gaze and warm heart that overflows into her joy-filled nature, was the wonderful woman who introduced me to the concept of gratitude journaling. I had the opportunity to get to know her through a monthly meeting she hosted for women where we met to speak joy into eachothers’ lives. This is where she shared her concept of gratitude journaling with me and I got hooked. Through her time as a life coach, she crafted a simple gratitude journal that provided the opportunity for you to allow yourself to go as deep or as uncomplicated as you needed while also helping you grow and appreciate your life. She calls it the Peace Pages. 

Now, you may be wondering why we're talking about something that doesn't seem like a "self care" practice. Our take on self care is slightly different. We fully believe that self care goes beyond your standard "refreshing" practices. We believe that self care also helps you be restored. A grateful mindset spreads joy, relieves stress and helps you build stronger, healthier relationships.

Whenever I stop practicing my Peace Pages, I inevitably notice a drop in my mood and motivation after a few days. And, because I'm true to pattern, my brain always asks "What changed?" Many times, I can link the slow decline to my neglect of gratitude - because, transparently, I'm not a grateful person by nature. This is exactly why I love adding the Peace Pages to my self care though. They help me keep my perspective where it needs to be - aiding in the restoration of my heart and mindset. 

Now, remember that self care is personal. What works for me, might not work for you. If journaling isn't your cup of tea, that's okay. Find another way more suitable to you to fit more gratitude into your life, something that can get your heart and head in the right place. Find your equivalent to lead hitting the paper.

Now, go LOVE HARD!

P.S. If you come up with an awesome idea of how to do incorporate gratitude in your life, we'd love for you to share that with us!!