Branding & Headshot Style Guide
Ready for your session but not sure what to wear or how to prep? Here are some tips to get you started in the right direction. As always, feel free to reach out if you'd like me to help you plan further!
Let’s Talk About Your Energy & Brand Vibe
Your photos should reflect the energy you bring to your work. Are you grounded and earthy? Mystical and ethereal? Bold and transformative? Soft and nurturing?
Think about how you want your soul clients to FEEL when they see your images. Your outfits, location, and overall styling should all support that energetic signature.
If you're not sure what that looks like, no worries - we can talk it through together. I'm all about creating images that feel aligned with your actual energy, not some cookie-cutter version of what a "spiritual entrepreneur" is “supposed” to look like.
Also consider where you'll be using the images - social media, website, course platforms, book jackets, etc. Do you need white background images for cut out backgrounds? Are horizontal more useful, or vertical? Thinking through this ahead of time helps us capture exactly what you need.
Wardrobe Choices
The goal is to look like the most authentic, aligned version of yourself. Here's what to keep in mind:
Choose clothes that feel good on your body.
This is the #1 rule. You need to feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing. If something doesn't fit well physically, or feel right energetically, it'll show in the photos. Trust your gut.
Think about your color palette.
Think about where you'll be using these images. If your brand has specific colors, incorporate those. Colors carry energy, so choose intentionally:
• Earth tones (rust, terracotta, olive, sage, cream, brown) feel grounded and natural
• Jewel tones (emerald, deep purple, sapphire, burgundy) feel rich and mystical
• Neutrals (white, black, gray, beige) are timeless and let YOUR energy shine through
• Soft pastels (blush, lavender, soft blue) feel gentle and nurturing
If you work with chakras or have favorite colors that hold meaning for you, incorporate those!
Embrace texture and flow.
Fabrics that move and have texture photograph beautifully:
• Linen, cotton, silk - natural fabrics that breathe
• Flowy dresses, wide-leg pants, kimono-style layers
• Knits, crochet, macrame details
Avoid:
• Anything with busy patterns (unless it's intentional, like a meaningful print)
• Super bright neon colors - they can be distracting
• Clothing that feels stiff or restrictive
• Clothing with large logos or branding (unless it's YOUR brand!)
Bring Options.
Bring 2-3 outfit options so we can switch things up. Think about mixing different energies - maybe something grounded and earthy, then something more ethereal or flowy.
Not sure what will work best? Bring a variety and I'll help you decide which looks are working that day! It's always better to have options.
Don’t forget the basics.
Bring foundational pieces like a nude bra, seamless thong, or shapewear if you typically wear them. These won't show through your clothes and help everything fit smoothly.
Ultimately…. Wear something that makes you feel CONFIDENT and like yourself. If you're uncomfortable or feel like you're playing dress-up, it'll show in the photos. The goal is for you to feel good so your real personality can shine through. If you want me to look over outfit options before the session, just send me photos! I'm here to help you feel prepared and excited for your shoot.
Styling Details
Think about the little things that pull your look together.
Jewelry & Adornments
This is where you can really let your personality shine! Crystals, meaningful pendants, malas, stacked rings, moonstone earrings - whatever feels aligned. Just make sure it's intentional, not cluttered.
Bare feet or natural footwear
Especially if we're shooting outdoors, bare feet can feel really grounded and connected. Otherwise, think natural materials - leather sandals, boots, simple slip-ons. Or go with whatever your vibe is! Just think about your look, all the way down to the feet.
Hair & Makeup
This is one area where it's totally worth bringing in a pro! I work with an amazing hair and makeup stylist who makes everyone look AND feel incredible. She knows exactly how to style you for photos, and trust me - you'll feel like a million bucks walking onto set. Seriously a no-brainer if you want that extra confidence boost and polish. Just let me know if you’d like to book her for your session as well!
If you're doing your own makeup: Keep it natural but polished. Think "glowing skin" rather than heavy makeup. A little extra color on your lips and cheeks, defined eyes, and even base will photograph beautifully.
For hair: Whatever feels most like YOU. Loose waves, sleek and straight, natural texture, braids - go with what makes you feel most aligned.
Your tools
If you want to incorporate elements of your work, bring them! This adds authenticity and context to your images:
• Oracle or tarot cards
• Crystals, singing bowls, or other healing tools
• Yoga mat, meditation cushion
• Plants, herbs, smudge sticks
• Journals, books
• Essential oils, ritual items
Just keep it simple - we want YOU to be the focus, not a bunch of stuff.
Location
We’ll choose a location during booking, but here are some things to consider:
Studio (My Place)
The energy here is peaceful, grounded, and welcoming. It's filled with crystals, plants, and natural light - perfect for creating timeless, authentic images. I have both indoor and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Your Space
If you have a studio, healing space, or sacred workspace, that can be incredibly powerful. It adds context and shows your people where the magic happens.
Nature
Forest, fields, water - being in nature can amplify the energy of your images and feel deeply aligned for earth-based or holistic practitioners.
Lifestyle Settings
Coffee shops, botanical gardens, meditation spaces, or anywhere you actually spend time can create authentic, relatable images that tell your story.
Let’s have some Fun
Here's the thing: I know being in front of a camera can feel vulnerable, especially when you're trying to capture something as intangible as your ENERGY. That's totally normal! But I promise, we're going to have a good time and create something beautiful together.
I'll guide you through everything - where to stand, how to move, what to do with your hands (because let's be real, hands are always the weird part). You don't need to know how to pose or be a professional model.
You just need to show up as yourself and trust the process. We'll laugh, we'll probably make some ridiculous faces, and by the end you'll feel way more comfortable than you did at the beginning.
That's when we make the best images - when you relax and let your real personality come through.
So don't stress about this. We've got it handled. You're going to look amazing, feel aligned, and walk away with images that actually FEEL like you - the real you, doing the powerful work you're meant to do.
If you want me to look over outfit options before the session, just send me photos! I'm here to help you feel totally prepared and ready to have fun.
xo,
Kelley