What to Bring to Your Branding Session

Bahar brought in candles to promote her organic candle company.

Dr. Abbie brought in a stethoscope which she uses in her healthcare practice.

What do cowboy boots, a stethoscope, and a yoga mat have in common?

These are some items that clients brought into my Minneapolis studio recently for their branding photos.

Whether it’s your laptop or your Labrador, I encourage clients to bring in something they use at work or that is meaningful to them in life. It helps me tell your story.

The most popular thing people bring?
Their favorite coffee mug. (Bonus points if it’s in your brand color.)

The most unusual item brought in?
A pelvic bone. (That one was from a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor strength.)

Don’t worry if you come empty-handed.
My studio has a variety of furniture, books, plants, and decor to choose from so your images reflect your unique style.

Home Organizer Branding Photos | VALERIE

As a professional organizer, Valerie can help you achieve a clutter-free and well organized home. 

Valerie often talks with her clients on Zoom.

She is a whiz at decluttering, finding storage solutions, and space planning. Valerie guides empty nesters looking to downsize, people going through life transitions, or anyone looking for an organizational refresh. 

Valerie needed personal branding photos for her website that convey her as approachable and kind. My Minneapolis studio has a variety of decor and we included a pop of green (her brand color) through plants. 

Valerie enjoys helping people declutter and organize their homes.

In her free time, Valerie enjoys reading (she is currently enjoying chef Ina Garten’s memoir), working on DIY projects, and spending time with her family and golden retriever.

Sales Director Headshot | SARA

Sara is a sales director for a cybersecurity software company. She came in to my Minneapolis studio for fresh headshots that show her as an enthusiastic and approachable professional.

The best part of her job? Sara likes meeting new people and protecting the companies she works with.

When she’s not at the office, she enjoys hiking, pottery and volunteering with dog rescue.

Healthcare Headshot | JESSE

Jesse’s career is at the intersection of healthcare and innovation.  

He is an administrative fellow at Allina Health, where he focuses on projects pertaining to market operations and the strategic positioning of healthcare services. Jesse values his ability to have a direct impact on patient care. 

Jesse came to my Minneapolis studio for fresh headshots that convey confidence, approachability, and professionalism. 

When he isn’t at the office, Jesse enjoys reading, writing poetry, being outdoors, and participating in the performing arts —from stand-up comedy to immersive theater. 

Health Coach Headshot | JESSICA

From salads to sweets, Jessica believes all food fits in our lives.

As a certified health and wellness coach, Jessica helps women ditch the diets and find food freedom — so they can spend time and energy on the things that truly matter. 

Jessica wanted branding photos that convey her as a trustworthy and kind coach who believes food is fun. Jessica brought a variety of food to my Minneapolis studio.  We added purple flowers to some images as purple is one of her brand colors.  I left negative white space in some photos to allow room for her logo.  

With 15 years of experience in healthcare, combined with her warm personality, Jessica is a strong support for women who have a complicated relationship with food.  She uses neuroscience with nutritional rehab to create lasting change for her clients.  

In her free time, Jessica enjoys yoga, knitting, and watching the tv show Bluey (it’s not just for kids!) with her husband.

It was a fun photoshoot and we celebrated with donuts after. Yes, there is even room for donuts in a healthy lifestyle.

Home Organizer Headshot | RENEE

From kitchens to playrooms to garages, Renee transforms spaces.

As a professional home organizer, Renee helps busy people declutter their stuff and reclaim their homes. She came to my Minneapolis studio for fresh headshots and branding photos.

Renee prioritizes listening to her clients’ needs and concerns. In addition to decluttering, she empowers them with systems to keep their home organized. She creates calm amid the chaos.

In her free time, Renee enjoys reading, music, yoga, cuddling with her cats, and cheering for Iowa Hawkeye basketball.

Talent Acquisition Headshot | NICOLE

In this branding image, Nicole relaxes with a cup of coffee.

In-studio headshot for a talent acquisition specialist.

Nicole is a connector.

She loves to connect people with their dream jobs and with others. Nicole is on the talent acquisition team at Northeastern Mutual. She enjoys working for a company that exists to help people be financially secure while allowing them to pursue the things they love.

It was fun having her in my Minneapolis studio when she came in for a fresh headshot. Her warm personality shines on camera.

Out of the office, Nicole enjoys trying new restaurants (Josefina and Dexter’s are favorites), going for walks, and spending time with friends and family.

The weird trick that takes your headshot from good to great

In this headshot, Jade smiled naturally. Her jawline is not as defined.

In this headshot, Jade did the out-and-down trick, defining her jawline.

Want to know a trick that will have you looking your best in your next headshot?

Here it is.

As I guide my client through posing, the jawline is really important.  I like a defined jawline. No one wants a double chin.

To get that look, I use the “out & down” method.  I ask my client to push their chin (or their forehead) OUT toward the camera.  Then tip it DOWN.  

It’s subtle but makes a big impact.  

In the first photo, Jade is smiling naturally.  In the second photo, she did the “out and down” before smiling.  

See the difference?

Pushing your chin straight out and then down a bit stretches the skin under the chin, accentuating the jawline — taking your headshot from good to great. 

5 Tips for a Great Headshot

Claire wore her favorite band t-shirt to add a fun, personal touch to her headshot.

Apparel

Wear what you feel confident in! Bring a variety of outfits. Avoid distracting patterns or graphics. Make sure clothes are wrinkle free. (I keep a steamer in the studio just in case!) Check for lint, especially if you’re a pet owner like me. And don’t forget to wear shoes that complement your outfit. Your session includes a complimentary consultation with my personal stylist who can help you look your best.

Bill looked sharp in a suit and he opted for no tie for a more casual look.

Hair + Makeup

Hair should be neat and not hanging in your eyes, causing shadows. I work with a team of awesome hair + makeup artists and encourage my clients to use them. But DIY is good too. I will remove any stray hairs and skin blemishes during the editing process, for a natural and polished look.

Bahar owns a candle company and she brought in one of her candles for a calm, peaceful brand image.

Trust

Trust the process. Your photographer will guide you in the flow of posing, using flattering light and angles. Will it feel weird? A little. But as I tell my clients, “If it feels awkward, it looks great!” You will look confident, approachable, and professional.

Props

Headshots don’t have to be boring or stuffy. They can reflect your personality, profession, and personal interests. You might bring a product you sell, a book that inspires you, your favorite coffee mug, tools of the trade (like a camera for a photographer), or even your dog. My studio is pet-friendly!

Laughter is welcome in my studio!

Attitude

Let’s be real — most of us dread having our picture taken. Photographers rank right up there with dentists in how people feel about going to them. But a skilled photographer knows how to make you comfortable and at ease in front of the camera, which results in genuine expressions, emotions, and smiles. You might even have fun!

Nonprofit Team Photos | AMPLIFY

Where matchmaking meets business:
that’s Amplify Mission Network.

Amplify connects experienced business leaders with emerging faith-based nonprofits. Business leaders share their time, expertise, and connections to propel young organizations to new levels of growth and impact.

When the Amplify team came in to my Minneapolis studio for fresh headshots and team photos, I witnessed their energy and passion for the work they do — connecting the Twin Cities’ brightest minds and biggest hearts to tackle our community challenges together.

Financial Advisor Headshot | PETER

Outfit 1: a casual sport coat without a tie

Tie or no tie?

That’s the number one question my male clients ask. I say bring a tie and we’ll get headshots with and without. Like Pete did.

Pete is a Minneapolis-based financial advisor who came to my studio for a fresh headshot as he considers a career transition.

With decades of experience in wealth management, Pete goes above and beyond for his clients – providing comprehensive wealth management to families and companies to help them maintain and grow their wealth.

Outfit 2: a suit and tie

Whether it’s setting goals and planning how to achieve those, managing their investments, or putting together strategies for passing on their wealth and legacy, he partners with them tailoring advice accordingly. 

Outside of the office, you’ll find him on the golf course, pickleball courts, fishing, or enjoying time with his kids as their biggest cheerleader. 

Student Headshot | SYDNEY

Sydney is wise beyond her years.

She works with a financial advisor to invest money.
She has her college major decided (actuarial science). And now she has a new professional headshot for her LinkedIn profile.

And she’s still in high school!

Her favorite subject in school is math. When she isn’t studying, she is competing on the speech team, working out, playing pickleball, and caring for the dogs her family fosters through a hospice rescue program.

Her ambition and compassion will add up to success.

Engineer Headshot | DAVID

David is an engineer, an entrepreneur and an adventure seeker.

Whether he’s solving problems in a Minnesota boardroom or conquering mountains out West on his skis, his passion for innovation and exploration shows.

David’s company recently sold and he is considering new ventures, so he came to my Minneapolis studio for headshots.

David built a company that designs and installs machine vision systems and camera lighting as well as 3D laser stitching systems. He holds 11 patents, with 2 more pending!

He works hard but always makes time for outdoor adventure — whether it’s skiing, scuba diving (he recently dove at a shipwreck), traveling with his family, or taking nightly walks with his wife.

In business and in life, the adventure continues.

Financial Advisor Brand Photo | LAVINE GROUP

Congratulations to the LaVine group on being named a Forbes best wealth management team in Minnesota!

The advisors at LaVine Wealth Management Group came to my Minneapolis studio for updated team photos for their website.

These advisors seek to understand each client’s financial goals and how they view their legacy. Finding financial strategies built to a client’s unique and ever-changing situation is key to their mission.

The LaVine group is part of Stifel, one of the nation’s leading financial services firms.

I TRIED AI HEADSHOTS SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO

A professional headshot is an investment in your personal brand— it shows the world your professionalism and confidence. But HOW you get your headshot makes a big difference.

AI-generated headshots may be convenient and cheap— but AI lacks what a professional photographer can provide. 

Using selfies of my son Will and of my assistant Audrey, I ordered AI headshots for them online. Let’s compare the AI headshots to photos I took of them in my studio.

Professional headshot of Will taken by me

AI-generated headshot of Will by HeadshotPro

Authenticity 

AI-generated headshots are created using an algorithm.  In contrast, a professional photographer captures your personality and essence in a real-world setting, resulting in a more relatable and trustworthy image.  In the AI headshot of my son, something is “off”— I can tell it’s not quite his face. And in the AI headshot of Audrey, her head size is distorted.

People connect with genuine, authentic images.  Professional photographers are able to make you feel comfortable and evoke natural expressions, and nuances,  letting your true personality shine.  As it’s been said, “AI can’t replicate soul.”

TECHNIQUE

A professional photographer is trained in lighting, composition, and posing.  They know how to shape light, showcase your best attributes, capture flattering angles, and make real-time adjustments during the shoot.  In addition, photographers use professional editing tools to retouch images in a natural looking way. AI cannot compete with a skilled photographer.

A professional photographer is trained in lighting, composition, and posing.  They know how to shape light, showcase your best attributes, capture flattering angles, and make real-time adjustments during the shoot.  In addition, photographers use professional editing tools to retouch images in a natural looking way. AI cannot compete with a skilled photographer.

Tailored to You

A professional photographer will ask about your needs and preferences, and how you plan to use your images- whether it’s for LinkedIn, your website, or a dating app.  The right photographer will seek to understand your industry, your audience and the message you want to convey.       

Professional headshot of Audrey taken by me

Versatility

A professional photographer can capture a variety images that tell the story of your business, brand, and passions.

I have photographed a physical therapist treating a patient, an accountant consulting with her client, an author holding her newly released book, a lawyer with his bike which he uses to commute to his office, an entrepreneur on his sailboat, a florist arranging a bouquet of flowers, and an artist with some of his artwork. These images —used on a website, LinkedIn, or marketing materials—show more facets of your personality than a classic headshot.

AI-generated headshot of Audrey by BetterPic

Style

A professional photographer can provide wardrobe advice, tailored to you and your industry.  I work with a personal stylist to guide my clients on their clothing choices.  My hair and makeup artist can enhance your look as well.  

The Verdict

A skilled professional photographer clearly outperforms AI when it comes to headshots. 

Your headshot should convey authenticity, professionalism, and confidence — qualities that AI simply can’t replicate. 

Appraiser Headshot | Megan

You know that old guitar in your parents’ attic?
It might be worth something. Just ask Megan.

Megan is a skilled appraiser of pop culture, Hollywood, and rock and roll memorabilia as well as fine art and other hard-to-value assets.  She brought a few of these items to my Minneapolis studio to include in her headshots and branding photos.

Megan conducts appraisals for insurance, asset separation, estate sales, and donations (including items donated to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The National Comedy Center, The Woody Guthrie Center, and The Country Music Hall of Fame.)

She got her start in the memorabilia world in Los Angeles.  She’s appraised hundreds of items with very interesting, and sometimes quirky, histories. You can learn more about her work at mahnmiller.com.

When she isn’t researching, you can find Megan deep in the pages of a novel, petting her cats, or playing with craft supplies.

What Should I Wear for My Headshot?

Headshots focus on your face, not fashion.  

But what you wear and how you wear it can elevate your look.   Here are 5 tips to help you look professional, confident, and amazing in your next headshot.  

Bill wore a stylish suit without a tie for his attorney headshot.

Show Confidence 

Wear what you feel confident in!

You want your headshot to convey confidence and approachability.  If you feel confident, that will show.

Kadee opted for a monochrome outfit in her financial advisor branding images.

Go Classic

When choosing what to wear for your headshot, think timeless and classic, not trendy.  

Solids photograph well.  Patterns should be subtle, not busy.  Avoid bold patterns and logos.

Color psychology shows that color can affect perception and evoke emotion.  Pink is playful and kind, blue is calm and evokes trust, red shows energy.  When in doubt, wear neutrals or wear your brand color.  Monochrome outfits draw focus to the face, which is nice.

I typically take closeup and full-length shots, so make sure what you are wearing on bottom— pants, skirt, shoes— complements the entire look. And check that your clothes are wrinkle-free.  I keep a steamer in the studio just in case.  

A floral patterned tie adds color to Peter’s headshot.

Accessorize

When it comes to accessories, less is more.  Too much can be distracting.  A simple piece of jewelry, a watch, fun socks, or a pop of color in your shoes adds style and personality.

Male clients often ask “Should I wear a tie?”   My answer: It depends.  That decision is often industry-driven.  Wearing a tie sends a message of respect and trust.  So if you are in an industry where that message is paramount, bring a tie. That said, it is still acceptable to wear a jacket and button-down shirt without a tie.

Susie decided to add a pop of her favorite color (pink) in her branding images.

Check the Fit

Make sure your clothes fit well before photo day!  You don’t want to find out your shirt is too snug or too loose in the studio.  

Steve accessorized his headshot with a classic watch.

Ask the Stylist

Our stylist Candee can help you look effortlessly stylish for your photo session. If you’d like a style consult, see Candee’s packages at www.styledbycandee.com.

Wealth Advisor Headshot | STACY

Stacy helps families gain confidence to live generously and achieve financial freedom for retirement.

Stacy came to my Minneapolis studio for fresh headshots for her website and LinkedIn profile. As a wealth advisor, she helps people align their money with their vision, mission and values. Stacy guides families to what matters: stability, generosity and ultimately, legacy.

Stacy is passionate about seeing more wealth in the hands of women by bringing women into the money conversation. She is the 2025 president of the Minnesota chapter of NAWBO, an organization that advocates for and empowers women in business.

When she’s not working, Stacy enjoys the outdoors — whether it’s hiking, cycling, and snowshoeing in the Twin Cities or traveling with her husband.

Chamber of Commerce Headshot | BECKY

Becky serves as president of the Wayzata West Metro Chamber of Commerce. She and her colleagues came to my Minneapolis studio for headshots and team photos for the Chamber’s revamped website.

The best part of her job?
“Working with a small but mighty team who have fun and serve the communities I love!” Becky said.

When she’s not promoting and supporting local businesses in the Twin Cities, Becky enjoys dog walks, family time, movie date nights with popcorn, and dining out with friends.

Lawyer Headshot | EMILY

Emily is an attorney with a Minneapolis law firm. She wanted a new headshot that conveyed confidence and trustworthiness.

Emily advocates for her clients in family law matters such as divorce and custody disputes. The best part of her job? Connecting with people, solving problems and protecting families, she said.

Outside of the office, Emily likes taking yoga and barre classes, walking around the lakes with friends, and cooking dinner with her fiancé.