“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

I don't often share that my first "real job" out of college was at a big box photography studio. Mostly, because I don't feel good about the work I did there. I was a cog in a machine that treated customers like numbers. It was a "sit here, look here" * snap * formula the generated photographs, not portraits - and it still pains me to think of some of those experiences.

People are SO much more than what the camera sees! (It's just a machine, afterall.)

It's about connection and communication. It's about what the subject wants to see in themselves. It's what they want people to know about them. It's about an authentic moment that reveals the beauty of who that person is.

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Photographs become portraits when you can SEE the INNER PERSON.

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My favorite moments are through genuine connection, knowing that someone can look at the portrait - be it a headshot, brand photograph or conceptual portrait - and see part of themselves.

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!

Your headshot gives people a first impression of your personality before they have the chance to meet you. It's important for your audience to see you as authentic to who you are and relevant to what you do. A quality headshot is a simple way to be noticed by those around you in your professional communities. It can also attract the right kind of attention from potential clients and employers.

It makes sense that you’d want to prepare as much as possible to assure a winning headshot then, right?

Here’s the list of top tips we provide our clients so they are ready and prepared for their headshot session.

1. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session. Well hydrated skin brings out your vibrancy and will help you feel more energetic.

2. Set out your outfits ahead of time. Having your outfits - accessories, makeup and all - will help you feel more confident walking into your session. No need to worry about forgetting something!

3. Get a good night's rest. You'll feel better and won't have to worry about looking tired!

4. Plan a cushion into your schedule. Life happens. Having a little extra time before and after your session can give you room to breathe if something in your day goes awry.

Our presence, the way we brand ourselves, the content we put out there and the professionalism we portray makes a difference. Using an honest, quality portrait that represents you well on your professional sites is important to how other professionals and your target audience will perceive you. We hope these tips help you feel best prepared for your headshot session!