Northern VA Photographer | Branding & Portrait Art | VSD Photography

Category: Headshots/Branding

  • 5 Wardrobe Tips for Stunning Alexandria Headshots

    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!

    Old Town Alexandria Headshots
    Alexandria headshot photographer

    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.

    Alexandria Headshot photographer

    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!

    Book now!
  • Personal Branding Basics

    Personal Branding Basics

    Personal Branding Basics

    You’re a business person who wants more of your target audience to know, like, and trust you. How can personal branding help with that — and how much focus should you place on personal branding?

    Personal branding is more than posting your logo or graphics and talking about how great your business is or your products or service are. It dives into you as a person. It shows your audience a deeper level of you — your likes, even your dislikes, your habits, what drives you, etc.

    Woman exercises on exercise ball on a dock in front of a lake in the sun

    Personal branding is crucial for several reasons:

    Builds Trust and Credibility

    Personal branding allows you to showcase your expertise, experience, and values, which in turn builds trust and credibility among your audience. When people can relate to you as a person, they are more likely to trust your business and what you offer.

    Differentiation

    In today’s competitive marketplace, personal branding helps you stand out from the crowd. It allows you to highlight what makes you unique and differentiates you from others in your industry.

    Creates Emotional Connection

    Personal branding enables you to create a more personal and emotional connection with your audience. By sharing your story, values, and passions, you can resonate with people on a deeper level, fostering loyalty and advocacy.

    Increases Visibility And Opportunities

    A strong personal brand increases your visibility both online and offline. It opens up opportunities for collaborations, partnerships, speaking engagements, and media features, which can further elevate your reputation and reach.

    Long-Term Career Investment

    Personal branding is not just about the present; it’s an investment in your long-term career or business success. A well-crafted personal brand can continue to benefit you throughout your professional journey, even if you switch industries or ventures.

    Examples of various personal branding styles:

    Your personal branding should be tailored to align with your values, expertise, and aspirations. Expressing your values, etc through your personal brand will ultimately resonate with and attract your target audience. Here are some examples of impactful personal branding:

    1. Gary Vaynerchuk: Known for his no-nonsense approach to entrepreneurship and marketing, Gary Vaynerchuk has built a personal brand around authenticity, hustle, and social media expertise. He shares his insights through videos, podcasts, books, and speaking engagements, positioning himself as a thought leader in the business world.

    2. Oprah Winfrey: Oprah’s personal brand is synonymous with authenticity, empathy, and empowerment. Through her media empire, she has created a platform to inspire and uplift millions of people worldwide. Her personal brand extends beyond her television show to encompass various philanthropic endeavors and lifestyle products.

    3. Elon Musk: Elon Musk’s personal brand revolves around innovation, ambition, and disruption. As the CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and other ventures, he is known for his bold vision for the future and willingness to take risks. Musk’s personal brand is closely tied to his companies’ missions, making him a polarizing yet influential figure in the tech and automotive industries.

    4. Marie Forleo: Marie Forleo has built a personal brand centered on personal development, entrepreneurship, and female empowerment. Through her online platform, MarieTV, books, and coaching programs, she inspires and educates her audience to create a life and business they love.

    5. Richard Branson: Richard Branson’s personal brand embodies adventure, innovation, and rebellion. As the founder of the Virgin Group, he has leveraged his personality and lifestyle to promote his businesses and causes, from space tourism with Virgin Galactic to environmental sustainability initiatives.

    These examples demonstrate how wide and varied personal branding can and should be. Is it time to take a deeper dive into your personal brand and how you want to show up in the market? How can you change up your social media posts and other marketing to start including or showcasing your personal brand?

    I need to do a deeper dive into my personal brand

    Click the button above and we’ll schedule a time to talk more about how you see yourself and how you want to be seen by your current and future clients and business partners!

  • 5 Ways to Refresh Your Brand

    5 Ways to Refresh Your Brand

    5 Ways to Refresh your Brand

    woman leans forward towards you while sitting in a chair

    YOUR BRAND

    It is your voice without saying a word.

    It is the perception that others have about your business.

    It is your reputation.

    There are times in the life of your business when you feel like a rebrand or at least a refresh of your brand is necessary. We should be re-evaluating our brand message at least yearly. 

    That doesn’t necessarily mean making major changes each year, though. Small tweaks can be all that’s needed to better align with your business’ voice and vision.

     Here are 5 ways to bring new life into your brand.

    1. Consider using new avenues

    There’s a reason you’re wanting to refresh your brand. Are you wanting to reach a new audience, a different sector? You might need to speak to them differently than your original clientele. Do you need to start using more video content? Heaven forbid, but do you need to memorize tiktok dances in order to get in front of your ideal client? Is it time to start using text marketing? Using new avenues to reach your clients is a great way to grow your brand voice and stretch yourself in the process.

    2. Update your Website, LinkedIn, social media profiles

    I don’t just mean the posts you’re uploading. Each social media platform gives you the ability to build your profile. Perhaps your LinkedIn profile still mention that you’re with a former employer? Does your Instagram bio contain links to your other content? Do Facebook and Google have your most current work hours? Set a tasker at least twice a year to check yourself on all the platforms you’re using. This is an easy brand refres

    3. update your Elevator pitch

    Always be ready to talk about your business. If you’ve been using the same pitch for months on end, you may come across as stale or stagnant. Having a key phrase you always use, that people automatically know you by is great. But if they can recite your pitch verbatim,it might be time to shake things up a bit.

    4.update your visuals

    All of these avenues will most likely need to be updated with a refresh — or if you haven’t had them updated in several years.  This is where I come in! I can help you update your headshot, branding images, product photos, print and digital media, etc. Set up a consultation with me so we can discuss if new visuals are needed.

    5. update your logo, fonts, and colors

    This is the biggest and most drastic change. Updating these shouldn’t happen often, otherwise you risk confusing current and potential clients. Tread lightly here. I would recommend talking with a professional like Brand Mirror or C Liston Communications to make sure you’re on the right track with what you’re wanting to change. This tends to lead to more than a brand refresh but a brand rebirth.

    Let’s talk your brand refresh
  • Pets at Your Branding Session

    Pets at Your Branding Session

    8 tips for adding your pet to your branding photos

    woman sits with her dog in front of a couch

    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!

    Let’s talk about pets, baby
  • Headshots Indoor Or Outdoor

    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

    Woman poses on deck with trees in background

    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.

    A senior teen poses for her portraits

    INSIDE

    woman poses in front of grey backdrop

    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.

    Woman poses outside
    woman stands in front of grey slate wall

    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!

    Let’s Plan
  • Different Headshot styles

    Different Headshot styles

    Different Headshot Styles

    three 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.

     

    Let’s chat about headshots