Metro-Detroit Professional Headshots and Branding Portraits: Nicole Everett, Realtor
Who says headshots have to be stuffy and boring?!? Keep scrolling to check out these beauties (if I do say so myself!) to see what classy and modern professional portraits can look like and also get my favorite six styling tips when it comes to the all important question, “what do I wear for my headshot?”
Ultra stylish and professionally polished realtor Nicole Everett needed to fresh headshots and branding photos she could use for social media marketing over the spring and summer. Nicole is a realtor with Real Estate One Chesterfield and guides each of her clients through their home purchase or sale with knowledge and dedication. I had the pleasure of exploring the new restaurant, event and co-working space, Host, in adorable downtown Utica, Michigan with her to snap these portraits. She is a gem of a human and was so much fun to work with!
Host was an excellent location for us to use as it gives a homey vibe while also being a professional space which was perfect for portraits of a residential realtor. To use Host for your next photoshoot, visit their website to reserve a time slot by the hour for a small fee, arrive at that date and time and then you are free to use the second floor space as desired to create clean, modern and visually inviting works of art. Next goal: go back and sample the top notch menu I keep hearing about and was getting delightful wafts of while shooting there!
Nicole pulled together a beautiful wardrobe to wear for this session which included more casual yet sharp looks by mixing chic blazers with both skinny jeans, dress pants and some killer heels. Mixing the two perfectly demonstrate how approachable and easy-going Nicole is while reminding you she will take care of your house hunting or home sale needs from start to finish like the efficient realtor she is.
Headshot Styling Tips
While there are always exceptions to fashion and photography ‘rules’, here are a few general guidelines to follow when putting together a professional portrait outfit as a woman:
1- Wear properly fitted clothing. Your attire should be well fitted- not too tight or baggy.
2- 3/4 length or long sleeve tops work best for your formal headshot. Bare arms can often photograph oddly due to the crop of the portrait and can detract attention from your face which is right where we want people to be looking!
3- Consider your industry and what you are trying to convey with the portrait when choosing the formality of your clothing.
Lawyer? Suit up like you’re headed to court and about to reveal the smoking gun.
Hair Stylist or Makeup artist? Opt for a fashion forward yet timeless outfit that demonstrates you are a pro while understanding the current trends.
4- Avoid bold patterns and prints. Solid colors tend to photograph best unless you’re trying to show how out of the box you are in a field where your flamboyance is your selling point.
5- Accessorize smartly. Avoid statement jewelry, especially earrings and necklaces which will become the focal point as they are so very close in proximity to your pretty face.
6- Bring a few options to your session! You never know what conditions may change last minute leading to one outfit working better than another.
When in doubt, ask your photographer for guidance and their opinion on what you’re thinking of wearing. Our work looks even better when you’re dressed in a smart, photography friendly and flattering way!
Note: as mentioned earlier, the rules about headshot styling and photography are sometimes meant to be broken and this image breaks my 2nd rule of avoiding sleeveless shirts for a formal headshot. On occasion, sleeveless shirts work and this is one of those rare instances! Nicole looks stunning and your attention is still drawn to that gorgeous face of hers, so this shot is a keeper!
““Pam was awesome!! I had a vision for my branding photos and she made them come to life. I love the photos. Pam is super sweet, very professional, has a trained eye for posing yet making the pictures look natural. Would highly recommend! Thank you Pam!” ”
