Whether you’re just stepping into the spotlight or you’ve been there a while it’s important to have professional headshots to energize your marketing – both online and off. You’ll want to engage a professional photographer to capture your unique personality and style so your photos will help your clients and potential clients get to know who you are.

Here are my top tips for getting fabulous headshots:

1. Put Your Best Face Forward – In order to do that you need to pay attention to Your Essential Self Care.

• Get plenty of rest.
• Eat healthy nutritious foods that nourish your body.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise your body so you feel energized.
• Meditate.

2. Do Your Homework – Do some research to find the right photographer for you.  Look at their work to see if it resonates with the image you want to project.

• Know what your expectations are – be specific so that you’re happy with the end result.
• Ask about cost – what does it include?
• Does the photographer have a studio?
• Does the fee include hair/makeup?
• How many outfits/changes will they photograph you in?
• When you speak to the photographer, notice his or her personality.  Do you feel comfortable and at ease?  Are they listening to your requests?

3. Stand Out and Rock the Spotlight – Take the time to find out what colors and styles work best for you and your body.  If you aren’t sure about what colors really make you shine, then invest in having a color analysis.  It will take all the guesswork out of choosing the colors that work for your skin tone — and save you loads of money in the future.  Choose clothes that reflect your essence and authenticity so that you are feeling confident and empowered.  If you’re unsure about how to create that look, hire a professional to help you define your personal style.  Be willing to step a bit out of your comfort zone to really reflect the woman you are today!

4. Make a Plan – and a back up plan!  Plan out your wardrobe choices, and really think about how and where you will be using these photos on your website, marketing materials, book cover, product etc.  Think about your personal brand and how you want to be perceived — always be authentic and approachable.  Everything you do in your business should reflect your essence and brand.

5. Show Up and Allow Yourself to Shine – A great photographer will put you at ease and help you get the right shots, but you have to be willing to let the magic happen. Be willing to work with your photographer to create great photos!

• If you’re feeling stressed or tense, that will surely show up in your photos. Take a moment to BREATHE!
• If you don’t love being in front of the camera, let the photographer know so they can help you relax. Bring along music that you love, that inspires or relaxes you.
• Don’t try to look like someone you’re not.
• Be authentic. Allow the REAL you to shine through.
• Set Your Intention – What do you hope to achieve with these new photos?
• Have Fun!  Allow yourself to step into the spotlight with confidence, ease and grace.
• Visualize the end result – Create a vision board and gather photos/styles that you love, and create your ideal self!

©2010 Laurie Mandato

Tags: authentic, headshots, Media Ready, self care

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 13th, 2010 at 1:55 pm and is filed under Fashion Basics, Spotlight Secrets. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.