15 Ways to Nail Your Headshots & Branding Photos

Did you know that social media posts with YOUR picture are 38% more likely to get likes and 32% more likely to get comments than other posts?? It's vitally important to have images of you to use for branding your business. Even if you're not a business owner and need a headshot for other reasons, like for LinkedIn, your website, or your resume, you still want them to be amazing and want to LOVE how they look! The more you love them, the more you'll use them and the more engagement you'll get! So here are 15 ways to nail your headshots and branding photos!

15 Ways to Nail Your Headshots & Branding Photos

1. Steer away from loud/bold prints and patterns. Keep it simple, so the focus is on your face. However, be YOU!
2. Try color-coordinating with your brand colors.
3. Consider your industry. If you are a realtor, accountant, or another professional business professional attire would be appropriate. You want to look like the expert and authority in your industry. If you’re in network marketing, health and fitness, or children’s education, etc you may want to consider business casual, or casual. You want your images to relate to potential clientele.  No matter what industry you’re in, wear something that makes you feel amazing and super confident! Outdoor Headshot Red Sweater
4. Also, consider colors that compliment or contrast your skin tone.
5. Choose clothing that fits appropriately, not too tight so it’s not stretched, not too loose so it’s not bunchy. Sleeves and narrower necklines are easier to work with, to keep bra straps from showing. However, Scoop or V-Neck tops help elongate the neck. Men, you’re always safe with a solid button up, rolled sleeves, or jacket.
6. Ladies—I cannot stress this enough. Wear a darker lip color than you think you should. On camera, with lighting, your lipstick and makeup in general will look lighter. Use a darker shade on your lips for some contrast and color. Just make sure your lip color doesn’t clash with your brand colors!  And stay away from eye shadows and blushes that have shimmer. Men, unless you have an established beard, be sure to have a freshly shaved face.
7. Leave your hair down, no ponytails (unless your in the fitness industry). But wear your hair how you wear it most of the time, ie if you normally wear it curly, don’t straighten it. Black Backdrop Headshot
8. The day before or the day of, is not the time to try a drastically new hairstyle, in case you don’t like it. Make hair appointments at least a week or two out for trims or color touch ups.
9. Eat a low-sodium diet the day or two before and stay well hydrated with water to minimize puffiness.
10. Also, try your best to get a good amount of rest and sleep the week of your session, so you will look well-rested.
11. If you wear glasses and can, wear a pair that does not have transition lenses. Some people will pop the lenses out for the session and put them back afterwards.  SUNGLASSES- please remove on your way to the session at least 15 minutes ahead of session start time, to reduce sunglasses marks on the bridge of your nose.
12. Update your headshots and branding photos often. I recommend at least twice a year.
13. Think about the copy on your website or that you will use with your images. Discuss these ideas with your photographer, so you can both get ideas and shoot for those images.
14. Instead of saying “cheese” think of something happy, something funny, an inside joke you have with someone, or the amazing feeling of accomplishment you’ll get when you reach a huge goal! Spend some time the week before practicing in front of a mirror or with your spouse or a friend. Another tip, that is somewhat awkward to try to understand is the Squinch. The best way to explain this is with a YouTube video, check it out here--https://youtu.be/ff7nltdBCHs
15. Things to consider bringing to your headshot session—an extra top, just in case the one you’re wearing isn’t jiving or you get a stain on the way; some floss, your lipstick or lip balm; hair brush or comb for touch ups; a blazer or jacket; lint roller; a fabric softener sheet for staticky hair; any props you want to use in your session like a laptop or book; and lastly-- but most importantly your smile! Sometimes it helps to bring a playlist of songs on your phone that get you relaxed, or make you feel amazing!

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If you are in The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, or Willis areas and need to update your headshots or branding photos, please contact me here to discuss details of your session! Let's work together to make your Headshots amazing! 

Senior Checklist Pin

The Ultimate Senior Portrait Session Checklist
 

If you've never had a child graduate before, having their senior portraits may can be exciting! But you may have some questions and there may be some things you might not even think about.  So today, I wanted to share some tips for making your senior session a great experience and getting all the beautiful images you want for your Senior! 

1) First, talk to your student about the style they want. Some teens prefer to have a specific style that lines up with their personality. For example, a young man who's into rodeo and raising animals might want his session at a rodeo arena or a barn.  An athlete might want theirs on the football field, track or baseball field. Some students prefer to do theirs on their future college campus. Some prefer a natural, woodsy look, so they may want to do them in a field or in the forest. Some may want a more chic, urban look and do them in the city. Your photographer should have a list of ideas. However if you have a specific location in mind...scope it out. Or tell your photographer early enough in advance so they can scope it out.  Are the best spots in the shade or sun during the time of day you want your session? 

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2) Next, consider the clothes. Some seniors want to dress in stylish clothes.  If that fits their personality, that's great! However, if not, consider wearing something more classic and timeless. Either way dress so that your personality shows through. Ask your photographer if there is time for outfit changes when booking, so you're both on the same page.  One important tip here-- Iron the clothes! I know, I know...what IS an iron?  But seriously, iron them, or take them to the cleaners and hang them up.  Wrinkles on your clothes can be a big distraction in your photos! 

3) Third, for the girls, wear a darker lipstick than you normally do. And bring it with you.  When we're nervous we tend to lick our lips more and lick off the lipstick pretty quickly.  Also, I've found that lighter shades just don't show up on camera.  A photographer can always add color in Photoshop, but that will slow down the editing process. 

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4) Next, think of things to bring to include in the session. Sometimes we get nervous in front of the camera and feel awkward about our hands.  Having something to hold helps us feel less awkward, but also provides uniqueness and fond memories from the items.  Things that are special to the senior might include a sports-related item like a football, soccer ball, tennis racket, or baseball bat or a musical instrument if they play violin, guitar, trumpet, or flute. They might want to bring special "Senior" momentos, like their letter jacket, class ring, graduation cap & gown, or balloons for their class year!  If they don't want to include these types of things, they could always bring some flowers, or their favorite food, ie Whataburger or Chick-fil-A. I had one young man bring dress shoes and some special sneakers that he was known for.  And they can bring items that would be special to moms and family members. For instance a baby picture or kindergarten picture, a "class of XYZ year" t-shirt from when they were in kindergarten, or something that's been passed down through your family from graduate to graduate.  If the parents are up for it, you could even do a few shots with mom or dad. 

Let's CelebrateLet's Celebrate

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5) Other things to think about.... Some teens like to bring a friend along.  Please check with the photographer first to make sure this doesn't violate any of their policies.  Never expect a friend to be able to pose in some of the pictures also, unless you've discussed this with the photographer.  However, having a best friend there is a good way to get those true laughs and help you feel amazing.  Some teens prefer to go solo and that's cool too.  Lastly, think about creating a playlist of songs that really make you happy. Songs that instantly put you at ease and make you feel like a million bucks! I don't recommend having the phone in you pocket, but you can share the playlist with the photographer or set the phone behind you or off to the side. 

And if you still have questions, ask!  Ask your photographer, ask friends and family, or ask on social media! If you need help finding a photographer in your area, you can click here and search your zip code. www.findaphotographer.com

But before you go, I have a gift for you!  Click below to download a printable Senior Checklist so you can make sure you have the items you want to bring on your way out the door!  (Although I do recommend getting them all ready in advance so  the day of your session is not stressful!) 

Heart Month, Heart MissionExploring CHD, Congenital Heart Defects through Mason's story

February is Heart Disease Awareness Month.  Everyone knows someone with some kind of heart disease. Chances are someone very close to you has or has had heart disease.  I lost my grandmother when I was a teenager to a heart attack. Our lives are so precious and fragile.  The heart is a vital organ, both figuratively and literally.  Many people think of middle aged and elderly when they think of heart disease, but unfortunately, for some it starts as soon as they’re born. 

Valentine’s Day, yesterday was the last day of Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Week, and I wanted to share the story of one little boy who is nothing short of a miracle to wind up Awareness Week. I got to photograph this sweet boy and his brother this past Christmas and my heart could just burst with joy for their family.  My friend Taylor, who owns Battle Gritt Apparel, and has a heart of gold, was pregnant with her second precious baby boy this past year.  He was born in mid-July and at first appeared to be a bounding healthy little boy.  Soon afterwards a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot was discovered and their world turned upside down.

Mason went on to have 2 open heart surgeries, with numerous complications. It was a tough time, as you can imagine. Taylor shared that there were nights when she called a friend in tears, and her friend reminded her to, “just pray.” Their prayers were answered and Mason was finally able to come home and be with his mom and brother when he was around 2 months old. God is so good! 

PMT_3918Mason's first Christmas

Through it all, I saw Taylor lean on her community, family, and God for strength. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Taylor has set out to do just that—comfort those with the comfort she’s received. Since this scare with Mason, she has set out on a mission to raise awareness of this condition that went undetected during her pregnancy.  Alas, Mason’s Heart Mission was formed.

According to Heart.org, this is how Tetralogy of Fallot, Mason’s specific heart defect, affects the heart?

“Normally the left side of the heart only pumps blood to the body, and the heart's right side only pumps blood to the lungs. In a patient with Tetralogy of Fallot, blood can travel across the hole (VSD) from the right pumping chamber (right ventricle) to the left pumping chamber (left ventricle) and out into the body artery (aorta). Obstruction in the pulmonary valve leading from the right ventricle to the lung artery prevents the normal amount of blood from being pumped to the lungs. Sometimes the pulmonary valve is completely obstructed (pulmonary atresia).”  (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/about-congenital-heart-defects/tetralogy-of-fallot )

According to Mason’s Heart Mission…

• Every 15 minutes a baby is born with CHD
• CHD is 60 times more prevalent than Childhood Cancer
• Research is grossly underfunded
• Only 1/3 of babies are diagnosed in Utero
• 1/3 are diagnosed after birth
• 1/3 aren't diagnosed until baby falls ill or dies.

If you’re an expecting mama, be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. But ultimately, know that no matter what comes your way in life, God is with you and will get you through it. He’s given us the gifts of family and community, to help us through these unexpected emergencies. We live in a blessed time, with the medical community, the knowledge, and the technology we have.  Through God and these advancements he’s led us to, miracles happen every day.  You never know what will come our way that grows our faith and changes our lives. Hug your littles and your bigs, never take a moment for granted, be present, and love those that God has given you as hard as you can. 

And take tons of pictures, every chance you get!

To read more about Mason’s journey check out Taylor’s blog here https://texasmommablog.wordpress.com/ or Mason’s Heart Mission on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/masonsheartmission/

PMT_3946Mason and Big Brother Jax

If you're interested in sharing your story, please contact Lori Slott at Lori Slott Photography.

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I met Callie a few years ago at a networking event and found out we had a lot in common. She's a crunchy, essential oil mama like myself with four kiddos who also homeschools!  Her love for her children is evident in how patient and gentle she is with them.  I've followed their journey and prayed for them to find answers along the way.  And today I get to share a little about their story in honor of PANDAS Awareness Day. 

What is PANDAS I hear you asking?  No, not the cute, furry, bamboo-eating bear.  PANDAS is an acronym for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. "PANDAS occurs when strep triggers a misdirected immune response and results in inflammation on a child’s brain. In turn, the child quickly begins to exhibit life changing symptoms such as OCD, anxiety, tics, personality changes, decline in math and handwriting abilities, sensory sensitivities, restrictive eating, and more." (see notes here PANDASnetwork). 

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Callie's daughter Josephine was born healthy and full term. At 11 months she started experiencing night terrors. They were told repeatedly by their pediatrician that this was “normal” and it would pass…but it never did.  Shortly after she turned 5, things shifted and got worse. Josephine began having meltdowns and regressing at her pre-k school. Several referrals to baffled practitioners and several inconclusive sleep studies later, terms like schizophrenia, bi-polar, Tourette’s, multiple personality disorder and more had been thrown around.  

At this point Josephine had started having “seizures” where she would just look off into space.  After she would come out of them she would be terrified, and often would regress further.  A neurologist prescribed her an anti-seizure medicine, which caused her to become very angry. Months of praying, reading, searching, and she was told to check out a doctor in Dallas.  He agreed to see them and within a month they had an appointment. Callie said, "Finally, a doctor that didn’t think I was crazy."

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Finally, after a bunch of blood tests, it was confirmed that she had PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) 
and PANDAS. Callie says, "Now our days are filled with supplements, therapies, antibiotics (we are on our third type), and hope." 

"We still have a very long road to recovery, but the blessing is knowing that she can and will get better," Callie reported, "Josephine is now in 2nd grade.  Her biggest goal is to learn to read.  She is a fighter and determined."  Callie wanted to share their story on PANDAS Awareness Day, to hopefully reach others who may be affected by this illness. I wanted to help share it, because Josephine is a beautiful young girl, being oh so very brave.  While we were taking photos, she told me about dance and sang for a song she'd learned, "I am a child of God."  

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Callie's Advice to any family going through this...

1.           Follow your gut and instincts.  You know your child best

2.           Find support, we have all utilized therapy, even for our other children

3.           It’s okay to be mad, cry, and want to give up-just keep the faith

4.           Everyone will have a different opinion on how to handle it, so do what works best for YOU and your child

5.           Celebrate the successes

6.           Communicate with others often, don’t be afraid to speak up if your child needs something or if you don’t understand something

7.           You are your child’s best advocate

8.           This is marathon, not a sprint!

And remember, "PANDAS is what she has, not who she is."  I love that... PANDAS is what she has, not who she is.

You can read more about PANDAS and PANS and all the symptoms, tests, and treatments, and make donations to continue PANDAS research and education here at the PANDASnetwork.  And you can follow Josephine's journey at Not Just Jo.

PMT_0580Jayde Maxwell, LMT

I had the pleasure of meeting Jayde Maxwell the other day.  She was selected for my first monthly complimentary headshot for a local business.  Be on the lookout for that opportunity again next month!  Jayde is a mobile licensed massage therapist local to The Woodlands and Spring areas.  

From the moment I got in touch with Jayde, she was so thankful for this opportunity. And I'm so thankful I got to meet her and chat about her business for a bit!  Jayde has been a massage therapist for about three years and she said her passion for helping people has only grown since then. 

Many times people want to find their passion first and then start helping people.  But according to Terri Trespicio in this TEDx Talk, when you start helping people and putting your heart into your work, the passion follows. Jayde has more than just wanting to help others and passion for her clients. She knows how many of them feel.  Many clients come to her with high levels of pain or stress.  Her ability to empathize with her clients is part of what fuels her desire to help them and do a thorough job. 

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We got to talking about my health issues when I asked about myofascial release.  I'd recently heard of this type of massage and she explained the importance of having not only this massage technique, but all of them done properly. It's obvious Jayde takes her work to heart, and it's not just work to her, but a service to others.  

She says, "My goal is to help you live your best life today, 10 20, 30, 40 years from now! ...Massage is not just a luxury; it's a necessity."

You can find her on Facebook at Jayde Maxwell -LMT.

If you're in the area and looking for a massage therapist, give her a call! 

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If you would like headshots or pictures to help promote your business, please send me a message HERE.  I love meeting fellow entrepreneurs like Jayde and supporting each other on our journeys.  Feel free to reach out, I'd love to get to know you and more about your business!

Blessings,

Lori