by Yasmin Bruce | Jun 24, 2025 | Featured, Headshots
Getting ready for your professional headshots doesn’t need to be complicated. A little thought ahead of time can make a big difference. One of the most common questions we are asked is what to wear for your headshots, and for good reason. Your outfits play a key role in how you feel during your session and how your final collection of portraits look and feel Whether you’re refreshing your LinkedIn profile, updating your website, or building a personal brand, your wardrobe should support your goals and help you feel like your best self.
Why Outfit Choice Matters for your Professional Headshtos
Your clothing adds to the overall tone of your image, giving a sense of your style, your confidence, and how you show up professionally. The goal for your professional headshots is to draw attention to your face without bold prints or distracting details pulling focus, while creating a modern, refreshed look. When done right, your outfits work quietly in the background, helping tell the story you want to share.
Whether your brand is more formal or relaxed and casual, we’ll help you choose what to wear for your headshots for a completely stress-free experience.
Tips for Choosing What to Wear for Your Headshots:
- Go for Solid Colors: Patterns can be tricky in photos. Solid colors keep things clean and timeless. Jewel tones, warm neutrals, and classic darker shades like navy are often flattering on camera.
- Pick Comfortable, Flattering Fits: Make sure that your clothing is not too tight or loose-fitting. Look for pieces that feel good and look sharp, such as tailored jackets or shirts.
- Plan a Wardrobe with Variety: We recommend bringing a mix of looks in different colors and styles. We’ll help guide you through the rest.
- Layer for Depth and Texture: Layers add dimension and allow you to create multiple looks easily. Adding variety in the texture of fabrics, like lace or knits, can also add visual interest.
- Pay Attention to Your Necklines and Sleeves: A neckline that flatters your face is key, but try having a variety of necklines, to keep your headshots fresh. For sleeves, try not to go for cap sleeves or sleeveless tops, which can sometimes not photograph well.
- Choose Accessories with Intention: Jewelry should complement your outfit without stealing the attention away. Whether you love subtle studs or prefer slightly bolder pieces, pick what feels authentic to you.
Be You, With Us
At Teresa Porter Photography, we’re here every step of the way, and that includes helping you prepare for your professional headshots session. We’ll talk through what to wear for your headshots during your planning call or design meeting, so you won’t have to second-guess your closet. Panic over! From refined-yet-approachable outfits for entrepreneurs, formal choices for attorneys, to expressive clothing for creatives, we’ll help you pick the wardrobe pieces that make you feel confident and reflect your personal brand. You’ll leave us with beautiful professional headshots that feel like you and that show you in your best light.
by Yasmin Bruce | Jun 17, 2025 | Featured, Headshots, Personal Branding
Meet our friend, Evan Kochuk. After ten years without updated headshots, Evan, from Apex, knew it was time for a refresh. Evan was looking for headshots that he could use at work, but most importantly, that would be casual and tailored to his interests, so that he could use them on his personal social media and that his parents would treasure as keepsakes. When it came to Evan’s personal branding photography we knew that our focus had to be on authentic images that reflected his personality, and captured the things that matter most to him.
A Tailored Experience from the Start
To ensure Evan’s portraits felt right for him, we started with a design consultation. Together, we explored his vision for the session, from the overall tone to consulting on what he planned to wear. Rather than suggesting new purchases, we focused instead on working with the clothes Evan already owned, helping him put together outfits that were comfortable, stylish, and perfectly suited for the look he wanted to achieve.
We loved seeing Evan’s energy come to life at his piano and around the area that he calls home.
Passion and Personality
For Evan’s portrait session, we ventured to Apex, NC (his hometown) and parts of nearby Cary, and made sure to feature his love of playing the piano and reading for a unique, personal touch. We incorporated both into his personal branding portraits, creating images that went beyond professional headshots to show what lights him up outside of work. We loved seeing his energy come to life at the piano, showing his musical ability and dedication to his craft. Incorporating Evan’s local area and his hobbies into his personal branding portraits helped to reflect Evan’s genuine personality and the place that he calls home.
Throughout the session, we focused on creating a variety of personal branding images, with some more polished and professional for platforms like LinkedIn, and others more relaxed and personal for social media photography and personal branding. The result was a collection of portraits that Evan could use across every corner of his life and career.
Portraits Worth Sharing (and Framing)
One of the most rewarding parts of this session was knowing that the final portraits were ones Evan’s mom would want to hang on her wall. Personal branding portraits are not just about having a great headshot; but creating beautiful images that feel so authentic and meaningful that they deserve a place of pride and will be treasured for years to come.
Personal Branding Photography That Reflects You
At Teresa Porter Photography, we believe that personal branding photography should capture all the things that make you, you. Whether you’re updating website branding images, getting professional headshots taken for the first time in a decade, or you’re simply ready for portraits that feel more like you, we’re here to make the process seamless, enjoyable, and completely tailored to you.
Ready to get create personal branding portraits that you’ll actually love? Get in touch today.
by Yasmin Bruce | Jun 10, 2025 | Featured, Headshots
If the thought of stepping in front of a camera makes you uneasy, you’re not the only one. Plenty of professionals feel uncomfortable being photographed, especially when the goal is to create polished executive headshots. But, we have good news: with some thoughtful preparation and our expert support, your headshot session can feel relaxed and we think you will even enjoy it!
Why Do We Feel Camera-Shy?
Let’s go back to the ‘why’. Why do we feel camera-shy, and what can we do to fix that? Camera-shyness often stems from uncertainty. Many people aren’t sure how to pose or worry about facial expressions and how they will look in their outfit choices. This lack of familiarity can turn a simple portrait session into something that feels really intimidating and can act as a roadblock to a successful session. At Teresa Porter Photography, we have a stress-free process so that you don’t have to go it alone. We’ll partner with you to remove that pressure by making sure you feel prepared and supported from the very beginning.
When it comes to your executive headshots, feeling comfortable in front of the camera is the most important thing. We’ll help you get there.
How to Feel Confident During Your Executive Headshots Session
- Choose the Right Outfits – Knowing how to prepare for a headshot session starts with wardrobe. We’ll help you with personalized guidance during your consultation and on the day, so you never have to guess what works. With three outfit choices in our Headshot Marathon sessions, we’ll make sure that your outfits fit your brief and that you look and feel your best, too.
- You Can Leave the Posing to Us – You don’t need to memorize poses or worry about what to do with your hands. We have years of experience in helping our clients feel authentic in their headshots. We’ll guide you at every step through natural positioning and we’ll capture candid moments along the way.
- Breathe and Relax – It sounds simple, but slowing your breathing can make a big difference in how you look on camera. A calm expression paired with a relaxed posture helps bring out your natural confidence, and when you’re relaxed, we’ll get to capture your natural smile!
- Lean on Our Experience – We’ve worked with entrepreneurs, realtors, attorneys, coaches, creatives and professionals across every industry. Our process is designed to help you feel comfortable, so your executive headshots reflect your best self.
Don’t Take Our Word for it – Here’s What Our Clients Say About Pre-Session Nerves:
“I couldn’t be happier with my headshots — they turned out even better than I expected! I came into the session feeling quite nervous, as I’ve never considered myself particularly photogenic and typically don’t enjoy having my picture taken. But Teresa made the entire experience easy, fun, and genuinely enjoyable. Her guidance, encouragement, and eye for detail helped me feel confident and relaxed — and it absolutely shows in the final photos.” – Jan Smith
“I needed headshots, and I dreaded it. I hate getting my picture taken. I mean, I do pretty much anything to avoid it, and I had put off headshots for about five years past when I needed them. The morning of my scheduled session, I was dreading it so much that I actually wrote the email apologetically canceling… I couldn’t imagine there would be a photo I’d like. For some reason, thank goodness, I decided to actually show up, and predictably, it was less painful than I expected. I still don’t like getting my picture taken, but Teresa is delightful. So when it came time to review the images my plan was just to pick one that I could tolerate to use on my LinkedIn, etc. It never occurred to me I’d actually LIKE any. But I tell you what, that Teresa is a magician. Because when it was all said and done, I bought five pictures… and I’m so happy with them… If you have photo anxiety like I do, I’m telling you: run, don’t walk to see Teresa Porter.” – Carrie Wells
“She has a true gift for making you feel at ease and bringing out your best on camera. The photos are stunning, but it’s the care, creativity, and magic Teresa brings to the process that sets her apart.” Krista Fuller
“I needed updated headshots for my professional and personal profiles and… Teresa made it so easy. She put me at ease and the hair and makeup session before the photo shoot was amazing. I felt so beautiful and respected.” – Carolyn Jungclas
Be You, With Us
Your headshot should tell a story that feels true to who you are. Whether you need professional headshots for your website, you’re refreshing your LinkedIn profile picture, or you’re preparing headshots for staff in your company, we’ll help you feel like ‘you’ while capturing portraits that make you shine.
by Yasmin Bruce | Jun 3, 2025 | Featured, Headshots, Uncategorized
Meet our friend, Priscilla Maynor. When Priscilla, a small-business owner from Holly Springs, North Carolina, reached out to Teresa Porter Photography about professional headshots, she was looking for executive headshots that offered more than a single look. She needed a collection of images that could adapt to her evolving business needs and that would be versatile enough to use across platforms.
We know that headshot photography is a crucial component for any business owner or professional, but for small-business owners the “why” is important. Why do we need professional headshots? We need them because headshots help others perceive you and your brand image is essential to the way your business operates. Your executive headshots should show the world how you look while amplifying your confidence, expertise, and the value you bring to your field. A collection of professional headshots sets you apart from your peers and colleagues, and most importantly, adds credibility to you and your brand.
A Tailored Portrait Experience
Understanding Priscilla’s desire for variety and longevity in her headshots, we designed a portrait session that would provide her with a diverse range of images, ensuring that she had options for every professional touchpoint, from her website and social media platforms, to promotional materials and future marketing opportunities.
Priscilla came into our studio in Downtown Cary on one of our Headshot Marathon days, and with our range of set-ups in the studio, this enabled us to utilize our many backdrops and props for diversity to her headshots. We started with light and airy backdrops before Priscilla’s first outfit change and then a bolder, classic look, to add dimension to her collection of professional headshots. Then, for a more dynamic feel, we incorporated an office setting and a cozy armchair pose, adding depth and personality to her collection. The combination of settings adds interest to Priscilla’s headshots and allows her to use them in a variety of settings, while they continue to feel refreshed.
Our Headshot Marathon sessions are the perfect opportunity to capture your professional headshots with versatility in the backdrop and wardrobe choices, as well as showcasing your brand’s personality.
Outfit Choices for Lasting Impact
To maximize the longevity of her portraits, Priscilla brought several outfit choices and we helped to select and create outfits that suited her and her brand the most. Wardrobe changes are essential when you are planning a collection of professional headshots, so that you are not just left with a one-time portrait session, but instead, a collection of evergreen images that will remain relevant across seasons, marketing campaigns, and professional platforms. From polished and classic to relaxed and approachable, each look was carefully styled to reflect the many sides of her personality and her brand image.
Headshots That Work for You
Priscilla’s Headshot Marathon session resulted in a versatile portfolio of professional headshots that Priscilla can use across her brand, ensuring consistency while keeping her content fresh and regularly updated. Whether she’s updating her LinkedIn profile, launching a new project, or speaking at an event, she now has professional headshots that fit every context and reflect her personality and expertise.
Be You, With Us
At Teresa Porter Photography, we believe that your executive headshots should work as hard as you do. That’s why we create personalized sessions tailored to your professional goals, partnering with you to create that give you the confidence to show up and stand out, and that give you the best LinkedIn headshots to boot!
by Yasmin Bruce | May 27, 2025 | Featured, Headshots, Personal Branding
For any business, a polished brand image begins with the people behind it. Professional team headshots help present your team as unified, confident, and approachable. Whether you have a small business, real estate company, medical practice, or larger corporate group, cohesive professional team headshots enhance the way that your brand is seen.
Why Professional Team Headshots Matter
Brand perception is so important because it determines how your business is thought about within your industry and in your community. Consistency in your corporate team headshots communicates that you’re serious about what you do, and encourages others to take you seriously, too. This attention to detail begets professionalism, and consistency overall is a simple way to build trust. It reassures clients, potential hires, and collaborators that you mean business. When your team is introduced online through thoughtfully coordinated portraits, it creates a strong and lasting impression.
Think about when you go to visit a company’s website. If the ‘about’ page displays team headshots with varying styles, lighting, and backgrounds, it might feel a little scattered and might distract from the messaging and the overall look and feel. On the other hand, a uniform set of professional team headshots tells a different story, reflecting a business that’s well-organized and invested in its people, wanting them (and the organization) to look their best. To go a step further, adding group portraits of your entire team can be a powerful way to reinforce the connection and collaboration among your staff while offering versatile branding portraits for your marketing and website.
When it comes to professional team headshots and branding images, we’ll help you plan the best style and location that matches your organization.
Building a Refined Brand Image
At Teresa Porter Photography, we keep the process simple and completely tailored to your business. We help each member of your team look and feel their best, while maintaining a consistent style that fits with your overall brand. This includes guidance on clothing, poses and expressions, and keeping lighting and composition uniform across the team to ensure cohesive professional team headshots. Even if being in front of the camera feels as awkward as a sweaty-palmed first date, we’ll walk each of your team members through it with a little coaching, great lighting, and a few laughs along the way.
We know that every business is different, so we offer flexible options to suit your needs. Your team can visit our Downtown Cary studio, or we can come to your office for on-site photography. We also make it easy to integrate new team members with future executive headshots that seamlessly match the existing aesthetic.
Be You, With Us
A coordinated set of professional team headshots gives your business a go-to library of friendly, on-brand images. Whether it’s for your team page, a social media post, or that last-minute feature in a press release, having employee headshots and branding portraits at the ready makes it easy to show up with consistency and confidence wherever your audience finds you.
Ready to refresh your team’s headshots? Contact us today.
by Yasmin Bruce | May 20, 2025 | Featured, Headshots, Personal Branding
Meet our friend, Dr. Regina Nagarajan. Regina, a psychiatrist in Cary, knows that when launching a new business, how you position your brand is crucial to its success. In the wellness industry especially, branding on your website must convey the feeling you create for your clients. So Regina turned to Teresa Porter Photography for capturing branding portraits that would be used on her website to show the heart of her new private practice, Joyful Minds Psychiatry. Combining mental health and lifestyle services, her practice needed personal branding portraits that felt both professional and approachable while reflecting her holistic approach to wellness.
Creating a Visual Identity for a New Brand
Our goal for Regina’s session was to craft a collection of website branding images that would seamlessly showcase her new practice to the community and potential new clients. We began with professional headshots of Regina and her colleague, Dana, ensuring that they had polished, confident portraits for their website, social media, and any future marketing materials.
But beyond the traditional headshots, we wanted to capture what makes this practice unique. To highlight the lifestyle aspect of their work, we incorporated relaxed, candid branding portraits showing the two of them collaborating. From teaching classes and working together in a mock-office setting, to practicing yoga stretches and calm, centering moments, all at our studio in Downtown Cary, NC. Having a diversity of backdrops and creating the feeling of being in their office helped their branding portraits tie into their wellness philosophy, making the portraits feel authentic and brand-aligned.
From professional headshots to lifestyle branding portraits and showing some of their services, we helped Joyful Minds Psychiatry tell their story.
Professional Branding Portraits with a Personal Impact
Understanding that mental wellness thrives in calming environments, we introduced subtle elements to reinforce their brand. We used soft, natural lighting and added plants and fruits to the setting, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflected their practice’s focus on holistic health.
The session also included a breathwork portion, where we captured behind-the-scenes moments of mindfulness and connection. These candid images added variety to their collection while giving future clients a glimpse into the compassionate, human-centered care they can expect when working with Joyful Minds Psychiatry.
When Your Brand’s Images Tell a Story
We know that branding portraits are a crucial component in the capturing the heart of your story, and therefore, your brand’s mission. For Joyful Minds Psychiatry, these branding images needed to convey mental health care and their lifestyle services that promote their patients’ overall well-being. The final collection of branding portraits offered everything that Regina and Dana would need introduce their brand with confidence: professional headshots for LinkedIn, personal branding portraits for their website and social media, and authentic, behind-the-scenes images that show their practice in action.
Be You, With Us
At Teresa Porter Photography, we specialize in branding photography that goes beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re launching a new venture, rebranding your business, or just refreshing your professional image, we’ll create personal branding portraits and business photography that not only look beautiful but also tell your story.
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