✨ Personal Branding & Headshots

Packing + Prep Guide

👗 CLOTHING

  • Tailoring is #1: Make sure suits, blazers, and key garments fit impeccably.
  • Everything MUST be clean and steamed/pressed.
  • Colors: Solid neutrals (navy, charcoal, white, black, brown) work great—but don’t be afraid of bold color or pattern, especially if it aligns with your brand.
  • Brand colors: Bring these in via tops, jewelry, or accessories.
  • Smart Casual Tip: A blazer + jeans + stylish top = relaxed, modern professional.
  • Outdated wardrobe? Now’s a great time to invest in fresh, crisp, well-fitting clothes for the body you’re in today.
  • Fit > Baggy: Fitted clothing photographs best—avoid boxy or loose silhouettes.
  • Avoid:
    – Strong patterns (herringbone, checks, seersucker, tight stripes)
    – Loose, boxy or stiff clothing
    – Slub knit or sheer/cheap fabrics that don’t hold shape

👙 UNDERGARMENTS

  • Undergarments are your foundation—make sure they support and smooth as needed.
  • Haven’t been bra-fitted in the last year? Most women are wearing the wrong size.
    👉 Visit Allure Intimate Apparel (Brookfield or Mequon) for a proper fitting.
    ✘ Avoid Victoria’s Secret or mall lingerie stores.
  • Let me know if you need help sourcing bras in your size.

👠 SHOES

  • If full-length portraits are on the table—don’t forget stylish shoes!
  • Shoes can show off personality through color, pattern, or edge.
  • Match your industry tone—classic, playful, or bold.

👓 EYEWEAR

  • Wear glasses daily? Bring multiple pairs—they can add style and authenticity.
  • If you always wear glasses when working—wear them for your portraits!

💍 ACCESSORIES + PROPS

  • Jewelry, scarves, belts, ties, jackets—yes, please.
  • Professional props like laptops, mugs, notebooks, books, artwork? Perfect.
  • Please message me in advance about props so I can plan

💄 PERSONAL GROOMING

If you’re NOT getting studio hair & makeup (Corporate Headshots or gentlemen’s sessions):

  • Arrive with clean, styled hair + makeup already done.

If you ARE getting hair & makeup (All Personal Branding Sessions):

  • Arrive with clean, dry hair (no product) + a clean, makeup-free face.

NAILS

  • Nails should be PLAIN, NATURAL nails with NO POLISH.
  • Nails can easily date your images or distract from your messaging.
  • If you want a color on your nails, it should only be:
    -if it is integral to your brand and messaging AND
    -if the color is harmonious with your wardrobe and brand palette AND
    -if it is approved by me ahead of the shoot
  • Pink, beige, or other so-called “natural” colors are NOT NATURAL NAILS. 
  • If you get a manicure, ask for a basic manicure with trimmed, neat natural nails with NO POLISH.

    Should you feel strongly about having any kind of nail other than a plain, natural nail, please message me ahead of time (ASAP) to discuss.

✨ ALL CLIENTS, PLEASE:

  • Gently exfoliate & moisturize your face and lips the night before.
  • Use chapstick or lip oil day-of.
  • Start a lip care routine weeks in advance if you experience dryness.
  • Please be comfortable with your hair color—it will appear as-is in photos.
    (Color correction in editing is $80+ per image.)
  • Shower the morning of + wear deodorant.
  • Facial hair? Shave close to your session time.
  • Consider a professional teeth cleaning before your shoot.

✅ PRE-SHOOT TIMELINE & CHECKLIST

📆 Minimum 30 DAYS PRIOR

  • Fill out and submit your Brand Questionnaire 
  • Message me with photos of your initial wardrobe options
  • Ask for referral to Katrina for complimentary skin consultation
  • Start daily lip care (exfoliation + moisture)
  • Begin daily stretching (neck, hips, back – 20 mins)

🕙 NO LATER THAN 10 DAYS PRIOR

  • Haircut / trim / root touch-up (do not try anything new at this appointment please.)
  • Waxing or threading your eyebrows or other facial hair you do not wish to appear in photos
  • Gentle exfoliation + moisture mask 
  • NO self-tanner! (You forfeit your session if you arrive with a fake tan.)
  • Don’t pick skin/lips/nails
  • Double-check that undergarments work with your outfits
  • Dry clean anything necessary

🗓 THE WEEK BEFORE

  • Eat light, healthy meals
  • Hydrate well
  • Continue stretching daily
  • Start packing
  • Check clothing for tags, stains, tears; press/steam everything + Pack clothing into a garment bag on hangers

🌅 THE MORNING OF

  • Shower + rough blow dry hair + deodorant
  • Shave (if applicable)
  • Exfoliate + moisturize face and lips
  • Eat a light, nourishing breakfast
  • Arrive with clean, dry hair + clean, moisturized face
  • Arrive 10 minutes early

👜 PACKING CHECKLIST

  • Undergarments: nude + black bras + matching underwear (seamless/laser-cut best)
  • Shapewear if desired
  • Stretchy/open-front top to wear during hair/makeup
  • Accessories (jewelry, scarves, ties, pins, etc.)
  • Props (let me know in advance!)
  • Wardrobe as outlined in your Style Strategy
  • Cleaned wedding ring (if applicable)
  • Snacks/drinks you prefer (studio has water + light snacks & fridge available)