Headshots-10-Graphic - Personal Branding

10 Things My Best Headshot Clients Do Before Their Session

by BrandingHeadshots

1. They decide what they want their photo to “say”. Before outfits or hair, they answer:

  • Do I want to look approachable, authoritative, creative, or polished?
  • Where will this photo live (Personal Social Networking, LinkedIn, Website, Speaking, etc.)?

2. They plan outfits ahead of time (not the night before)

  • Try on 2–3 options in advance
  • Make sure everything fits well sitting and standing
  • Snap quick mirror photos to compare

3. They keep it simple

The goal is YOU to stand out—not the outfit

  • Solid Colors, Minimal patterns:
    • Focus on fit and fabric that flatters
    • Choose a neckline that suits you
    • Buttons, pockets and layering thin outer layers add interest
  • Neutral or Tones that flatter your skin
    • 2-3 neutrals (Grey, White, Beige, Brown, Black, Navy, Denim, Khaki)
    • OR 2 neutrals + 1 color
  • Fabric that has structure or texture:
    • crisp cotton, weighted fabrics that create shape or light-weight materials that light reflects like silk or linen

4. They bring options—but not too many

Best practice:

  • 2–3 outfits max
  • Slight variations (jacket on/off, different top)

5. They prep their clothes properly

  • Steam or iron everything
  • Check for lint, wrinkles, pet hair
  • Bring clothes on hangers (not folded in a bag)

6. They stick with what they know works

They choose styles that hide insecurity areas and flatter their best features. A headshot should look like your best real self, not a different person.

They don’t:

  • Try a brand-new hairstyle
  • Experiment with bold makeup they’ve never worn
  • Wear something totally outside their norm

7. They practice expressions

It helps to know what expressions you like or don’t like in your photos. If don’t know yet, you can start now:

  • Find old photos of yourself (Identify what you like or dislike).
  • Practice your expressions beforehand in selfies or the mirror (see if you can make an expression you like on-command).

8. They show up slightly early and unhurried

  • Arrive 5–10 minutes early
    • *Rushed energy can show up in photos, give yourself time!

9. They understand a portrait session is a partnership, not a passive activity

My best clients trust my process, but they also understand portraiture is the art of capturing someone’s personality and expressions. In order to get good expressions, they need to be willing to open up and give them. We work through nervousness and going blank; which are normal and expected. I will coach you.

It helps if they:

  • Are open to direction and guidance
  • Will try a movement if they look/feel “stiff”
  • Know their preferred expression(s) in advance
  • Don’t hold back if they have an idea or want to improvise

10. They focus on connection, not perfection

The best photos happen when clients engage and connect with the camera, while also taking direction. Most people don’t naturally do this, so I will use direct communication to coach you. I promise I will not be vague and leave you guessing what to do. People who work behind a camera don’t keep their expression frozen they:

  • Let their expression change instead of holding a smile

Remember, Our Clients, Family & Friends respond to real, not perfect!

Partnering with the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center | Community-Focused Photography

by BrandingHeadshots

As a Federal Way photographer, I love collaborating with organizations that strengthen our local community. I recently partnered with the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (FWPAEC) to photograph professional headshots and group photos of their staff and administration inside this beautiful, modern event space.

The Performing Arts & Event Center offered an ideal setting for performing arts and brand photography. With its clean architecture, natural light, and contemporary design, the space perfectly reflects the creativity and professionalism of the people who work there.

This collaboration meant more to me than just photography. The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center plays an essential role in supporting local arts and culture, creating a place where people can gather, connect, and experience meaningful events together.

With the expansion of the light rail and continued development in Federal Way, the center’s location—right next to the new light rail—makes it more accessible than ever. Positioned in the heart of Federal Way, FWPAEC is perfectly placed to bring the community together through the arts.

I’m grateful to support organizations that invest in culture, creativity, and connection. As a headshot and brand photographer in Federal Way, working with community-focused spaces like the Performing Arts & Event Center is at the heart of what I do.

Looking for a Federal Way photographer for professional headshots or brand photography? I’d love to help tell your story while supporting the local community and arts.

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Why Props Matter in Senior Portraits: Showcasing Personality in Every Frame

by High School Seniors

When it comes to high school senior photography, the most memorable images are the ones that feel personal and authentic. As a senior photographer in Federal Way, WA, one of my favorite ways to highlight a senior’s personality is by incorporating props that represent their interests. Not only do props add visual interest, but they also help tell a senior’s story in a way that feels natural and meaningful.

Recently, I photographed a senior boy who is an incredibly talented composer. For his session, he brought two of his favorite instruments — his keyboard and his keytar — to a local park. This simple choice transformed his session into a set of creative senior photos filled with movement, authenticity, and storytelling.

Props Create Natural Movement & Authentic Expressions

One of the biggest challenges in senior portraits is helping students feel comfortable in front of the camera. Props solve that instantly. When seniors interact with items they love, their body language becomes relaxed and expressive.

As this senior started playing his keyboard, his confidence came through effortlessly. Instead of stiff poses, we captured natural senior portraits with movement, genuine expressions, and body language that reflected who he truly is. These action-based images add variety to a gallery and feel far more meaningful than traditional stand-and-smile photos.

Props Add Variety & Visual Interest to Senior Portraits

Using props opens the door to multiple styles within one session — something families always appreciate when choosing images for prints, announcements, and social media. For this session, we captured:

  • Formal senior portraits with his keyboard
  • Candid shots of him playing his instrument
  • Creative angles that combined the scenery with his musical tools
  • Standout images that told the story of his musical talent

This combination gave him a gallery full of unique senior photos that were polished, personal, and visually dynamic — exactly what we aim for with senior portraits in Federal Way and Auburn WA.

Props Help Tell Their Story Without Words

Senior portraits are more than images; they are a visual time capsule. By bringing props that reflect their passions — whether it’s sports gear, art supplies, books, or musical instruments — seniors create portraits that speak for them.

For this composer, including his keyboard and keytar instantly communicated his love for music. These kinds of music-themed senior portraits are especially powerful because they capture who the student is right now, during one of the biggest transitional moments of their life.

Props Make Seniors Feel More Comfortable

Many seniors feel unsure about posing at first. Props give them something to hold or interact with, immediately shifting the energy from “posing” to simply doing what feels natural. This comfort leads to more genuine, confident expressions — something every parent and senior loves seeing in their final gallery.

Choosing the Right Props for Your Senior Photo Session

If you’re planning senior portraits in South King County, consider bringing items that genuinely reflect your hobbies, passions, or future goals. Some popular ideas include:

  • Musical instruments
  • Sports equipment
  • Journals or books
  • Art or photography tools
  • Dance shoes or performance outfits
  • Uniforms or accessories tied to college plans

The best props are the ones that tell your story authentically.

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Building Your Personal Brand in the Heart of Tacoma: Urban Vibes Meet Professional Edge

by BrandingHeadshots

If you’ve ever wondered how to create photos that look authentic, versatile, and professional — all while showing off your personality — Tacoma’s downtown waterfront is the perfect backdrop.

Why Downtown Tacoma Works for Personal Branding

For my latest personal branding photoshoot, I headed to downtown Tacoma, focusing on the areas near the Museum of Glass, Chihuly Bridge of Glass, and Union Station. The mix of urban textures, architectural glass, and moody PNW light created an incredible setting that balanced professionalism with authenticity — ideal for both career-oriented content and personal lifestyle shots. Downtown Tacoma is one of those places that tells a story before you even lift the camera. The area around the Glass Museum and Union Station combines clean, modern lines with a hint of industrial grit — perfect for a shoot that bridges professional and personal vibes.

You get:

  • Architectural drama — curved glass walls, reflective surfaces, and the iconic bridge make your portraits pop.
  • Urban texture — brick walkways, metal railings, and rail lines create visual depth.
  • Varied lighting — from open waterfront light to shadowed nooks under the bridge for moodier tones.

The location itself becomes part of your brand story: grounded, creative, and contemporary.

The Wardrobe Strategy: Business Casual Meets Street Style

For this shoot, I planned two distinct looks that could easily overlap across personal and professional use:

Look 1: Business Casual with Personality

Think polished yet approachable — tailored trousers, a neutral-toned blazer, or a structured dress paired with minimal accessories. This look fits seamlessly on LinkedIn, your website, or professional networking pages, giving you that confident, capable energy.

Look 2: Casual Streetwear for Authentic Connection

Then we pivoted to something more relaxed — denim, sneakers, and textured layers with personality. Shooting in the same location but with a more candid vibe made these shots perfect for Instagram, personal blogs, and even dating profiles.

The contrast between these two outfits — in the same urban setting — visually tells the story of your multifaceted identity. You’re professional and approachable, career-driven and creative.

The Takeaway

Personal branding photography doesn’t have to feel staged or corporate. By choosing a location like downtown Tacoma and pairing it with both business casual and streetwear looks, you can build a cohesive visual library that works across all areas of your life — from professional networking to personal connection.

It’s not just about the photos — it’s about showing who you are across every platform, confidently and consistently.

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Why It’s Important People See Who You Are

by Headshots

When people can see you, they connect faster. In marketing and personal branding, that visual connection bridges the gap between a name and a real human being. A great portrait helps potential employers, clients, or partners see the human behind the resume or profile. It’s not vanity — it’s strategy.

Your headshot communicates authenticity, and that’s what builds trust — not only in professional spaces but also in personal ones. Whether it’s a LinkedIn profile, Zoom meeting, or dating app, people naturally gravitate toward faces that express openness, warmth, and confidence.

People connect with people — not logos, not resumes, not bios. A professional portrait bridges that gap by making your digital presence more human.
When potential employers, clients, or collaborators can see you, they start to build a sense of familiarity and trust. The same goes for personal spaces — a well-crafted portrait on your dating profile, for example, conveys authenticity and approachability.

People hire and connect with people they feel they know, and that’s why it’s important to get your face out there.

70-Ali-Senior-2023

Capture Your Senior Story: A High School Photoshoot in Auburn, WA

by High School Seniors

Your senior photoshoot is more than just a set of pictures; it’s your personal story, told through authentic imagery. As a portrait photographer based near Auburn, Washington, I love creating senior sessions that combine personality, local scenery, and creative styling to make each session unique and meaningful.


The Beauty of Auburn: Local Scenery That Stands Out
Auburn is full of diverse backdrops that offer the perfect mix of natural and urban settings for your senior portraits. On a clear day, few things rival the breathtaking mountain backdrop Auburn provides. Mt. Rainier adds a timeless, Pacific Northwest touch to your photos — ideal for that “classic senior portrait” moment. Downtown Auburn: For a modern, urban look, Downtown Auburn’s murals, brick textures, and city streets bring personality and edge to your session. It’s the perfect contrast to the softer outdoor settings, giving your gallery variety and visual balance. Lake Fenwick Park: This scenic location brings peaceful water reflections, lush greenery, and soft light — perfect for casual, natural portraits. Whether you’re walking along the trail, sitting near the dock, or just soaking in the view, Lake Fenwick offers a relaxed vibe that keeps your photos authentic.

Props, Clothes & Actions That Tell Your Story
Props aren’t just accessories — they’re extensions of your personality. Choosing the right items helps your photos feel more you and adds visual storytelling to your session. Here are a few creative ideas:

Shoes That Represent You: From ballet slippers to sneakers or boots, shoes can quietly express your activities or individuality. Small details like this make a big impact.
Dressy Neutrals: A dressy outfit in a neutral tone — white is a classic favorite for girls — is versatile and pairs beautifully with a letterman jacket or an accessory that reflects your personal style. It’s clean, timeless, and lets your face and expression shine.
Hoodie for a Relaxed Look: A cozy hoodie brings an effortless vibe to your session. It’s perfect for capturing those candid, comfortable moments that feel genuine and true to your daily life.
Creating Variety with Style

Action & Movement: A casual outfit paired with an outdoor backdrop is perfect for candid, movement-based shots — think walking, twirling, or even a mid-air jump for a playful and confident look.


During your session, I love blending a mix of outfit changes, backgrounds, and poses to tell your story from multiple angles. From formal to relaxed, every outfit combination adds a new chapter to your visual narrative. Whether you want something elegant, sporty, artistic, or laid-back, your senior photos will reflect who you are — and who you’re becoming.
Let’s Create Something Uniquely You


Your senior year is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your photos should capture not only what you look like, but who you are right now. Whether we’re shooting near Mt. Rainier, along Lake Fenwick, or in the heart of Downtown Auburn, we’ll create a session that’s meaningful, fun, and full of personality.