Group of women smiling and enjoying together in casual attire.

How To Get The Best Headshot | Tips From The Best

Let’s Make This Fun

If the thought of standing in front of a camera makes you immediately wonder, “Wait… what do I do with my hands?” you’re in good company.

Almost every single person tells me they’re awkward in photos.

Almost every single person leaves saying, “That was actually way more fun than I expected.”

My job isn’t just to take a nice photo. It’s to help you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself. We’ll laugh, chat, move around, and before you know it, you’ll completely forget you’re being photographed.

No modeling experience required. Promise.

Smiling woman with curly hair in a white top by a window in Sonoma County.


Before Your Session

The best headshots happen when you’re feeling rested, prepared, and not rushing through your day.

A few things that help:

• Drink plenty of water the day before.

• Get a good night’s sleep.

• Eat something before your session. Hangry isn’t a professional look.

• Give yourself extra travel time so you arrive relaxed instead of sprinting across the parking lot.

Portrait of a woman with curly hair in a green blouse in Sonoma County.

Smiling woman with curly hair in a white top, outdoor headshot in Sonoma County.

What Should I Wear?

Think about how you want people to remember you.

Are you polished and corporate?

Creative and approachable?

Luxury and elevated?

Friendly and relatable?

Choose clothing that reflects your brand and the clients you want to attract.

A few favorites:

• Solid colors photograph beautifully.

• Layers add variety.

• Well-fitted clothing almost always photographs better than oversized pieces.

• Keep patterns simple and avoid busy prints that compete for attention.

Bring two or three outfit options if you’d like a little variety. We’ll decide together what photographs best.

Woman in light blue dress and gray boots lying on a bench indoors.


Hair & Makeup

This is completely your choice, but many clients enjoy having professional hair and makeup done because it gives them an extra boost of confidence.

If you’re doing your own makeup, think slightly more polished than your everyday look. Cameras naturally soften makeup, so a little extra definition goes a long way.

For hair, don’t try a brand new style the morning of your session. Your favorite version of yourself is usually the best one.

Portrait of a woman with curly hair in a denim jacket against a plain background.


The Little Details

These tiny things make a surprisingly big difference.

• Steam or iron your clothes.

• Clean your glasses if you wear them.

• Trim facial hair a day or two beforehand if needed.

• Moisturize your skin and lips.

• Remove phones, keys, wallets, bulky hair ties, and anything creating awkward pocket bulges.

Yes… I notice these things.


Bring Your Brand to Life

If you’re using these images for your business, bring a few items that tell your story.

Maybe that’s your laptop.

Your camera.

A coffee mug.

Flowers.

Sketchbook.

Tools.

Notebook.

Whatever naturally fits your work and personality.

The goal isn’t to stage your life. It’s to give people a glimpse of the real person behind the business.

Group of women holding signs and smiling in a studio setting.


During Your Session

You do not need to know how to pose.

That’s my job.

I’ll guide you every step of the way with simple direction that feels natural—not stiff or overly posed.

We’ll move, laugh, adjust, chat, and find the angles that feel the most like you.

And yes…

I’ll absolutely tell you what to do with your hands.


Trust the Process

The first five minutes are usually everyone’s least favorite.

Then something shifts.

You relax.

The nerves disappear.

Your personality comes out.

That’s when the magic happens.

Those are the photographs people connect with.

Group of women with curly hair smiling and lying together on the floor.


After Your Session

Within a few days, you’ll receive your online gallery where you can select your favorite images.

From there, I’ll professionally refine your selections while keeping everything looking natural and true to you.

No heavy filters.

No trendy edits.

Just polished, timeless photographs you’ll feel excited to use everywhere from your website and LinkedIn profile to social media, speaking events, marketing materials, and beyond.

Group of diverse women wearing denim jeans and sunglasses for Sonoma County photography.


I Can’t Wait to Meet You

Thank you for trusting me with your story.

Whether you’re launching a new business, refreshing your brand, celebrating a career milestone, or simply updating that photo from eight years ago (you know the one), I’m excited to create images that feel genuine, confident, and unmistakably you.

We’ll have some fun, share a few laughs, and create photographs you’ll actually be excited to share.

✨ Getting married or know someone who is? Here are some other wedding venues I love:

Napa Wine Train 

Flying Cloud 

The Sea Ranch 

Mendocino Botanical Gardens 

Timber Cove Resort (Henry + Tyler)

Olympia’s Valley 

Kenwood Inn + Spa 

Vine Hill Estate

Charles Krug 

Mountain House Estate 

Driftwood Lodge 

Timber Cove Resort (Candace + Harry)

Smiling woman with dark curly hair sitting on a yellow couch in Sonoma County.

WELCOME

Voted Best Photographer in Sonoma County by The Press Democrat’s Best of, I specialize in capturing wine country weddings with a balance of refined artistry and genuine storytelling.

My approach is relaxed, intuitive, and rooted in connection. Rather than forcing moments, I focus on documenting the emotions, relationships, and atmosphere that make your wedding uniquely yours. The result is a collection of photographs that feels natural, timeless, and true to your experience.

Whether you’re celebrating among the vineyards of Napa Valley or beneath the redwoods of Sonoma County, I’ll help you preserve the moments that matter most, beautifully and honestly.