How to Get a Standout Headshot
Did you know that I got my first design job with my college photography portfolio?
Over the years, I've continued to dabble in photography and have even shot brand photos for some of my clients. Unfortunately, my experience made me think I didn’t need to invest in professional photos myself.
I’m my own worst client.
I tell all my clients to get professional branding photos because it’s a no-brainer way to look professional and feel more confident.
And then I was over here with my iPhone and tripod 🙄
A few months ago, I finally saw the error of my ways and decided to get proper photos with my friend Lila Smyth, a brilliant brand photographer here in the Bay Area. The whole experience was so much fun, and I'm thrilled with how the photos turned out.
Photo by Lila Smyth
Lila is incredible good at making you feel fully seen. Her photos capture who you really are—not some overly polished version of yourself. When I look at my new headshots, I think they really look like me, but on my best day.
I have some tips!
Since I've been on both sides of the camera, here are my tips for standout brand photos:
✅ Find a photographer you connect with. Being photographed feels vulnerable, so you need to feel comfortable sharing a bit of yourself with the person behind the camera.
✅ Consider your setting thoughtfully. You don't have to stick with a traditional studio setup if that doesn't feel like you. Think about locations that showcase your personality—your workspace, in front of a cool wall outdoors, or even a beautiful studio if that aligns with your brand.
✅ Wear clothing you actually wear. Don't think about how you should look to project a certain image. What would you wear to meet your clients? What makes you feel like you?
✅ Update regularly. Your headshot and brand photos should look like you on your best day, but they should also represent how you look now.
Get more tips from a true pro!
If you're not quite ready to hire a photographer (or you want to try some DIY shots first—I obviously get it!), Lila created an amazing free guide called "Your Brand, Your Story: How to Take Photos That Actually Feel Like You."
Lila's guide walks you through everything from defining your brand's story to planning a DIY photoshoot. She covers choosing your aesthetic, gathering props, using natural light, and maximizing your visual assets across multiple platforms.
The guide is beautiful, practical, and feels very doable—even if you're starting with just your phone (like I did!).
Whether you go the DIY route or hire a pro, the important thing is that your photos feel authentically you. Your website headshots are often your first chance to connect with prospective clients—make sure you feel good about those photos.
Goodies Just For You
WHAT I'M THINKING ABOUT: Amy Pohler's new podcast is fun, but a little uneven. She's not the best interviewer, but it's fun to hear her hanging out with her friends. Obviously her episode with Tina Fey was great, but so far my favorites are with Paul Rudd and Seth Meyers. At the end of the Seth Meyers episode, he describes going to dinner with 7 SNL women and I laughed so hard! Here's a little clip of that bit on Instagram. It's delightful.
WHAT I'M BAKING: I'm sorry if I already shared this one. I'm trying to keep track, but my tracking method is imperfect. And if I did, I'm not really sorry because it's delicious and you should make it—Thai-inspired Chicken Meatball Soup (I love their integrity with the word "inspired" in the title). It's the best kind of comfort food—so much umami goodness with the fish sauce.
WHO I'M ADMIRING: Leia Mitchell is an operations and strategic planning wizard. She's also a certified life coach and she's also a lovely human. This woman oozes warmth. You just want to be near her. On her website, she says, "Mindful Operations isn’t just about systems; it’s about people." Right?! She does awesome virtual co-working sessions called Momentum Mondays. Check it out!
