Your Custom Text Here
5 Things to Know Before Your Headshot Session in Silver Spring, MD
Preparing for a new headshot doesn’t have to feel stressful. Here are five simple, photographer-approved tips to help you feel confident, comfortable, and ready for your session in my Silver Spring studio.
A new headshot is one of the quickest ways to update your professional presence. Whether it’s LinkedIn, your website, or your company bio. And if you haven’t taken one in a while, it can feel a little nerve-wracking. The good news: you don’t need to “perform” or be naturally photogenic. You just need a few simple tips to help you feel prepared and at ease.
Here are five things I always share with clients before their headshot session in my Silver Spring, Maryland studio.
1. You don’t need to know how to pose
Most people come in worried about what to do with their hands, how to smile, or whether they’ll look awkward. That’s part of my job. I’ll guide your posture, angles, and expression in a way that feels natural and easy. You don’t have to practice anything ahead of time.
2. Bring one extra top—even if you think you won’t use it
A second option gives us flexibility with color, neckline, and texture. Sometimes the top you didn’t plan on ends up being the clear winner once we see it in the studio light. Bring 2–3 simple options and we’ll choose together.
3. Plan for simple grooming, not perfection
You don’t need to change anything about yourself to look good in a headshot. A quick brush of the hair, a bit of shine control, and clothes that feel comfortable go a long way. If you prefer professional makeup, go for a natural, polished look. Think “you, on a good day,” not a full glam session. Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry is right down the street and we can arrange for makeup ahead of time!
4. Leave extra time to get to the studio
My Silver Spring studio is easy to find with simple parking, but giving yourself a few extra minutes before your session makes a big difference. When you’re not rushing in, your shoulders drop, your breath slows, and you come in feeling grounded instead of flustered. That calm energy shows up in your pictures.
5. Think about how you want people to feel when they see your photo
Your headshot is more than a picture. It’s the first impression people have of your personality and your work. Do you want to appear warm? Confident? Approachable? Strong? Professional? We’ll talk about this before we start, and I’ll help guide you toward expressions and poses that match the story you want to tell.
A great headshot feels comfortable, confident, and true to who you are right now. If you’re ready for a fresh update, I’d love to photograph you in my Silver Spring, Maryland studio.
You can book your session right here.
Elevating Confidence: Branding Headshots with Karen Chopra
Meet Karen Chopra—career strategist, executive coach, and all-around powerhouse. I recently had the honor of photographing her for a fresh set of headshots that truly reflect her warmth, wisdom, and professionalism. Read on to learn more about our session, and how a few great images can transform your professional presence.
Photographing Karen Chopra was a true pleasure; she brings a calm confidence and thoughtful presence to everything she does. As a career strategist and founder of Chopra Careers, she helps professionals across industries build fulfilling and impactful careers, so of course, her brand imagery needed to match her caliber.
I was connected with Karen through LinkedIn after I offered free headshots for federal workers. She had a similar desire to help federal workers and providing career services. She participated in our “Day for Feds” to provide career help for anyone unexpectedly looking for a new next step.
So I was super excited when she reached out for a refresh on her branding headshots. We aimed to capture photos that felt authentic, confident, and approachable.
I loved her outfit options (um, yes purple!!) and of course partnered with Val of Valerie Hammer of Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry, who worked her magic to create a look that was both elevated and true to Karen's style.
Throughout the session, Karen's energy was warm and grounded. She has this way of making you feel like you've known her forever, which is probably why she's so successful at what she does!
Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, speaking at conferences, or building your website, having high-quality, intentional branding images makes a difference.
If you're ready to update your own professional photos, I’d love to chat! Let’s create imagery that showcases your personality and builds trust with your audience—just like we did with Karen.
Headshots with Jan! | Studio headshots, Silver Spring MD
A fresh new year calls for a fresh new headshot! Jan recently stepped in front of my camera for a mini headshot session, with a flawless touch-up from Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry beforehand. See how the session went and why an updated headshot is a must!
I loved having Jan in my studio for a mini headshot session, —the perfect way to refresh her professional image!
Before stepping in front of the camera, Jan got a touch of expert glam from Valerie Hammer Makeup Artistry. Val’s work always brings out the best and gives them that confident, polished look that shines in photos. Jan rocked her session and it was smooth and fun!
Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or business professional, a strong headshot is your first impression—let’s make it count! Need an update? Let’s chat about booking your own mini session.
