PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDELINES
FOR PROFESSIONALS, THOUGHT LEADERS, and EXPERTS
Get the most out of your professional photo session.
As a thought leader or expert, your professional brand is your most valuable asset. High-quality, on-brand photography helps convey your authority, approachability, and unique value. These guidelines will help you and your photographer plan a photo session that supports your brand and maximizes the usability of your images across digital platforms.
1. Wardrobe Planning
What you wear sets the tone for how your audience perceives you. Here’s how to get it right:
Align with Your Brand Colors
Stick to your brand palette or complementary neutral tones.
Avoid busy patterns, logos, or distracting prints.
Solid colors tend to photograph better and offer flexibility in design use.
Dress for Your Role & Comfort
Think about the role you play: Trusted Advisor? Dynamic Speaker? Visionary Leader?
Aim for polished yet approachable. Layered outfits (e.g., blazer over a tee or blouse) offer variety without requiring full wardrobe changes.
Dress for comfort. Your ability to move without constraint and be yourself will show in your face and body language.
Bring Options
Plan for 2-3 outfits minimum (casual, business casual, formal).
Don’t forget accessories (jewelry, watches) but keep them simple and classic. Steer clear from anything trendy because it will look dated very quickly.
2. Backgrounds & Settings
The setting should support your story without stealing focus.
Discuss Brand Vibe With Your Photographer
Clean, uncluttered spaces work best.
Opt for neutral, modern environments: think bright, natural light, interesting textures, or professional indoor spaces.
Consider lifestyle settings if relevant—cozy workspace, stage, library, café.
Avoid complicated elements that extend outside the frame. For example, avoid having a partial view of a staircase, bannister, fence, bench, or desk. You can always crop out part of it, but it is very challenging to extend the background when these elements are only partially in the frame.
Be mindful of the color contrast between you and your background. You want your hair color to have sufficient contrast from the background behind it; and you want your top to have sufficient contrast from the background behind your torso.
Consistency Is Key
Ensure the style matches your website and social channels.
Outdoor shots? Aim for diffused light (early morning or golden hour).
3. Must-Have Shot List
Variety is everything! Here’s a foundational list to share with your photographer:
Headshots: Clean background, classic portrait, looking directly into the camera
Half-Body Shots: From waist up, great for speaker bios
Full-Body Shots: Standing, seated, casual walking
Lifestyle/Working Shots: On laptop, writing, speaking, engaging
Over-the-Shoulder Shots: Looking at laptop/notes, great for banners (These shots are photos taken from behind or slightly to the side of you, often showing what you're looking at or working on. They create a feeling of involvement—as if the viewer is right there with you.)
Expressive Shots: Friendly smile, serious thinking, engaging expressions
Negative Space: Wide shots with space on one side for text overlay (great for banners and hero sections)
4. Composition Tips (Best for Web & Platforms)
To make your photos versatile for website and social media use:
Ask for Horizontal & Vertical Shots
Horizontal is ideal for banners, hero images, and presentations.
Vertical works for social media, speaker one-sheets, and press kits.
Leave Room for Cropping
Negative space is key—this allows flexibility for designers to crop, add text, or overlay graphics.
Centered and off-center compositions provide design flexibility.
High Resolution
Photos should be shot in high resolution (300 DPI).
5. What to Communicate With Your Photographer
Make sure your photographer is aligned with your brand and the purpose of these photos:
Share Your Brand Mood Board
Include colors, tone, brand words (e.g., trusted, innovative, approachable).
Show them examples of photos you love (and why).
Explain Usage Needs
Website hero images, social media, book covers, media kits, event promotion.
Photos should support your role as a speaker, author, expert, and leader.
Ask for Direction & Candids
Photographers should guide you with poses but also capture natural moments.
Look for genuine connection and energy in your expressions.
6. Hair & Makeup Tips
Professional hair and makeup elevate your photos, even if you prefer a natural look.
Hire a Professional (If Possible)
Go for a natural, polished look that represents how you show up on stage or in meetings.
Women: wear your hair the way you would for a presentation, speech, or client engagement. We often underestimate how much our hairstyle factors into public perception and people’s ability to remember you. You want your hair to look the way it looks on an average day, but polished.
Men: light grooming or powder can help reduce shine.
Touch-Ups Are Key
Bring along powder, blotting papers, lipstick/gloss for mid-shoot refreshes.
Avoid experimenting with new hairstyles or colors right before the shoot.
Final Tips
✔️ Optimize for comfort and confidence
✔️ Mentally prep for the photoshoot as if it’s an event where you would get in front of a live audience or group
✔️ Hydrate well the day before and get a good night’s sleep
✔️ Arrive early and unrushed
✔️ Bring water, snacks, and any props you regularly use (books, devices, mics, etc.)