headshots – Northern VA Photographer | Branding & Portrait Art

5 Wardrobe Tips for Stunning Alexandria Headshots

Are you a businesswoman in Alexandria, Virginia, looking to refresh your professional headshots? Your wardrobe plays a pivotal role in creating a polished, confident image that resonates with your brand. At VSD Photography, I specialize in crafting stunning Alexandria headshots that empower women to shine in their careers. Summer’s vibrant light and Alexandria’s charming backdrops, like Old Town’s cobblestone streets, make summertime the perfect time for a session. In this guide, I share five expert wardrobe tips to ensure your headshots stand out. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile or building a personal brand, these tips will help you look your best. Let’s dive into how to dress for success in your next Alexandria headshot session!

Choosing Colors for Summer Headshots

Color choice can make or break your headshot. For summer sessions in Alexandria, opt for colors that complement the season’s bright, warm light. Bold jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red pop beautifully against Alexandria’s historic brick walls or lush parks, such as Founders Park. These hues convey confidence and professionalism, ideal for businesswomen. Alternatively, soft neutrals like ivory, blush, or light gray offer a timeless, approachable look. Avoid overly bright neons or busy patterns, as they can distract from your face.

Pro tip: Choose colors that complement your skin tone and align with your brand’s aesthetic. For example, a lawyer might lean toward classic navy, while a creative entrepreneur might choose a vibrant coral. Test your outfit against a neutral background to ensure it stands out without clashing. I partner with a wardrobe stylist to help you expertly choose the outfits for your headshot session!

Accessories That Elevate Your Look

Accessories can add personality to your professional headshots without overwhelming the frame. Keep it simple to maintain a professional vibe. A delicate necklace or stud earrings can add a touch of elegance, especially for Alexandria’s businesswomen aiming for a refined look. For summer sessions, consider lightweight scarves or a sleek watch to add sophistication without bulk. Avoid large, reflective jewelry that might catch the camera’s flash or distract from your expression. Your accessories should enhance, not dominate, your look. Bring a few options to your session, and I’ll help you choose what works best with Alexandria’s summer light.

Common Wardrobe Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best-planned outfits can fall flat if you overlook key details. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of for your Alexandria headshots:

• Wrinkled clothing: Always iron or steam your outfit before your session. Wrinkles are especially noticeable in high-resolution headshots.

• Overly casual attire: While Alexandria’s laid-back vibe is charming, avoid jeans or t-shirts unless they align with your brand (e.g., a creative startup). Opt for tailored pieces instead.

• Clashing colors: Wearing colors that don’t suit your skin tone or clash with the background can detract from your headshot. Stick to my color tips above.

• Too many layers: Heavy layers can look bulky in summer’s heat. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for a polished yet comfortable look. 

How to Coordinate with Alexandria’s Backdrops

Alexandria’s iconic locations, like the waterfront or Market Square, offer stunning backdrops for headshots. Your wardrobe should harmonize with these settings. For urban shoots in Old Town, tailored blazers or dresses in solid colors contrast beautifully with the rustic brick and cobblestone. For greener settings, like Fort Ward Park, earthy tones or soft pastels blend seamlessly with nature. Avoid outfits that match the background too closely (e.g., green on grass), as this can make you blend in. Check the weather forecast for your session day, as Alexandria’s summer humidity might call for lightweight, breathable fabrics. Want to see how your outfit looks in action? Check out my portfolio for inspiration from past Alexandria headshot sessions.

Using VSD Photography’s Wardrobe Planner

To make your wardrobe prep effortless, download my free VSD Wardrobe Planner before your session. This guide includes a checklist for selecting outfits, tips for coordinating colors, and advice on accessorizing for Alexandria’s unique aesthetic. It also offers suggestions for layering and fabric choices to keep you comfortable during summer shoots. Pair this planner with a pre-session consultation with VSD Photography, where we’ll discuss your brand, goals, and the best locations for your headshots. For more inspiration, check out resources from Professional Photographers of America on preparing for headshot sessions. Ready to elevate your professional image? Book your Alexandria headshot session today and let’s create headshots that make you shine!

June 9, 2025

Pets at Your Branding Session

8 tips for adding your pet to your branding photos

Adding your best friend to your branding images can say so much about your personal story or your business’s. Staci here wanted her dog in a couple of her images because her business is called Black Dog Financial. And these images help tell her brand’s story perfectly.

Here are 8 tips to know before bringing your pet to your session.

1. get permission

We need to have approval from the session location. It’s important that your photographer knows you want to include your pet so we can plan our shot list and so that we can get permission from anyone involved.

2. groom your pet

Make sure your pet is clean and neat. Schedule any grooming a couple days before the session.

3. Consider accessories

Would Fido look cute in a bowtie (see above, YES!)? Is he used to wearing one? Consider accessories your pet is comfortable in. You don’t want the day of your session to be the first time you’re trying out something new for him to wear. If you go with accessories, make sure they’re on brand.

4. Have a handler

Your photographer needs you to be focused on the camera. Your photographer needs to be focused on taking the shots. A handler who knows your pet and help keep him or her comfortable is great to get and keep your pet’s attention and to help keep your pet in line at the location.

5. bring treats

Today’s the day to reward your pet for any and all cooperation!

6. Bring Fido for only part of the session

Your pet doesn’t need to be at your session for the whole time. It can get pretty boring for them, or it could be pretty stressful. Minimizing their time at the session is key to their comfort. We’ll plan out the shot list to know if he should be there at the beginning, in the middle, or near the end. This is also where the handler is so important!

7. Your pet might be freaked out

Your pet probably isn’t used to seeing someone standing in front of them with a big black box (camera) covering up their face, staring at them, talking to their human, lights potentially flashing, etc. This can be stressful and scary to them. Realize that this is most likely the first time you’re asking them to do this. They don’t know what’s going on. Have patience and a soothing voice.

8. Have patience

Again, have patience. If you’ve been to any amusement park with an animal show, you’ve heard the animal handlers say that they don’t force their performers to do anything. They guide the animals and if the animals want to participate that day, then they do. If not, they don’t. If we aren’t able to get the shots you were imagining it’s ok. We can either try again another day or at another location, or you can rethink having your pet be a part of your brand imaging. Most likely we’ll get the perfect image!

March 9, 2022

Headshots Indoor Or Outdoor

Indoors or Outdoors for headshots?

Is it time to update your headshots? If you choose a photographer like me to do a custom session that will cater to your brand, your needs, and your vision you’ll have the option of photographing indoors or out. Which should you choose? (Or can you choose both?)

OUTSIDE

PROS:

~ Utilizing nature or urban landscaping to shape your story.

~ Stand out from the crowd by having headshots that are different.

CONS:

~ The weather dictates when you can shoot outside.

~ The sun can be a friend or foe.

INSIDE

PROS:

~ Complete control of surroundings

~ No worry about weather.

CONS:

~ You might lose some creative feel (but not likely, see below)

The great news is that you can choose both! If your branding allows for a little more of a relaxed feel then consider adding a bit of time outdoors.

Once you decide you’d like some images taken outside, you now need to think about what type of background would be appropriate or desirable. Country or city? Park-like or urban? You most likely live in an area that could give you both.

These images were taken at the same session in Downtown Dayton. My client brought tops and jackets to switch out.

It’s really up to you where you end up having your images taken. That will be something you discuss with your photographer when they have a planning session with you. Click below if you want to have a planning session with me!

March 9, 2022

Different Headshot styles

Different Headshot Styles

Having a current headshot is vital to maintaining your image and your brand. You need to look like you to increase your know, like, and trust factor.

That means several different things when it comes to headshots:

1 – You want to have a current image of yourself. I think we all prefer how we looked when we were younger, slimmer, not as grey, etc. But your clients are doing business with CURRENT YOU. Not the you of yester-year.

2 – The style of your headshot also makes a difference. Look at the three images above. The image on the left is a more traditional headshot. It’s great for executives in corporate positions or for people in more traditional or conservative industries (banking, law, etc).

The image in the middle is a little more relaxed but still presents a more tailored impression. She could be in a career any number of businesses.

The image on the right is every bit as professional but has a casual vibe. This style of headshot is great for those in more artistic fields or where you are encouraged to allow your personality to be part of your business or brand.

When it’s time to update your headshot, take a minute to consider your profession, your brand voice, and your personality. I can help you pinpoint exactly the style you’ll need to put your best face forward.

March 2, 2022

Tag: headshots