How to Make the Most of Your 10-Minute Headshot Session

1. Got inspiration? Show us!

If you have a specific pose, mood, or lighting style in mind, don’t be shy — show us your inspo photos! Screenshots from Pinterest or Instagram? YES. A magazine cover you love? Perfect.

Don’t stress about recreating an exact shot. Think of inspiration as a guide — not a script. Show us what works for YOU and let us take care of the rest. Click here to start exploring pinterest.

THE INSPIRATION: Julia Roberts, bare feet, effortless, chic

THE PHOTO

Callie Croken, a life and business coach, sipping coffee playfully in a window sill during her branding photoshoot with Lake Design.

2. Your clothing choices should represent you

Your outfit should be something you feel confident and comfortable in and it should also reflect your brand. The best headshots capture authenticity, so pick an outfit that feels true to your personality and profession.

There are no rules! If you’re a corporate leader, a polished blazer might be your go-to. If you’re a creative, maybe a stylish yet relaxed look fits better. Think about what you want to convey with your photo when choosing your outfit. There is no wrong answer.

TITLE: Director of Learning Develop.

TITLE: Wedding Officiants

TITLE: Drag Queen

Callie Croken, a life and business coach, sipping coffee playfully in a window sill during her branding photoshoot with Lake Design.

3. Bring a prop if it contributes in a meaningful way

A prop can add depth and personality to your photo, and it can be a great way to clue others into what your business is or the story you’re trying to tell. Props aren’t for everybody and are not essential – it’s a personal choice! 

Are you a chef? Bring a kitchen tool. A writer? A notebook. Unsure if you want to use a prop or not? We will give you our professional opinion and we can go from there! 

TITLE: Chef Robert Pendergast + Peppers as props

TITLE: Author & Editor + Pink Typewriter as prop

Callie Croken, a life and business coach, sipping coffee playfully in a window sill during her branding photoshoot with Lake Design.

4. Posing 

We will guide your poses and create a comfortable environment so you can look and feel your best. It’s our job to help you pose you correctly, so take the pressure off your shoulders that you should “know” how to do it – and let us do what we do best. 

Looking at different poses on Pinterest or Instagram can also help you feel more relaxed as you’ll already have an idea of what we may ask you to do. 

Callie Croken, a life and business coach, sipping coffee playfully in a window sill during her branding photoshoot with Lake Design.

5. Communicate with us!

One of the most common concerns we hear is, “I hate how I look in photos,” or “I’m so uncomfortable in front of the camera.” But here’s the truth — you just haven’t had the right experience yet. We believe that with the right photographer, anyone can look and feel amazing in photos. Our approach is all about creating a fun, relaxed environment where you feel like you’re just hanging out with friends. When you’re comfortable, the camera captures that – and not just a posed version of you. It’s our job to guide you and help you forget that you’re even in front of a camera.

Make sure you communicate any insecurities or preferences with us before we begin. We will be able to work around these and highlight your best angles and features – and at the end of the day you will have photos you love. 

See you soon!