How to Prepare for my Personal Branding & Headshot Photography Session in Denver
- Kalen J Acquisto
- Aug 6
- 5 min read
What to Wear, What to Bring, and How to Feel Confident in front of the Camera
A Fresh Take on Denver Headshots/Branding
If the thought of “brand photos” makes you picture stiff poses, fake smiles, or that corporate headshot you’ve been recycling since 2018.....don’t worry. You’re not alone.
A personal branding session today is so much more than a LinkedIn update. It’s your opportunity to show the real you— the entrepreneur, the creative, the professional behind the work. Done right, branding photos connect with your ideal audience before you even say a word.
As a Denver-based personal branding and headshot photographer, I’ve worked with everyone from real estate teams to artists to startup founders. And I’ve learned a few insider tricks to help my clients feel prepared, confident, and dare I say, excited for their photoshoot.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know: what to wear, what to bring, and how to make your photos feel like you.
How to Prepare for Your Branding Photography Session
1. Start With the Big Picture: What’s Your Brand Story?
Before picking outfits or locations, get clear on the story you want your photos to tell:
How do I want people to feel when they see these photos? Trusting? Inspired? Energized?
Where will these images live? Website hero banner? Instagram bio? Pitch decks? Business cards?
Am I highlighting my personality, my work, or both? - this determines which photo package is best for your needs!
This clarity helps us design a photoshoot that’s cohesive and intentional—not just a collection of random snapshots.
2. Choosing the Perfect Denver Location
Denver is full of versatile backdrops that can tell your brand story—whether you want sleek, urban energy or cozy mountain vibes.
Location Ideas for Denver Branding Sessions
Workspaces: Your home office, a co-working space, or a stylish rental that reflects your aesthetic
Lifestyle Spots: Coffee shops in LoHi, Union Station’s vibrant architecture, or boutique hotel lobbies
Nature + City Blend: The Boulder foothills, Washington or City Park, or rooftop views of the skyline
Studio Vibes: I shoot at Realm, Denver Photo Collective and other Denver studios often for a clean, crisp, modern look and feel.
(Pro Tip: Rentals like Peerspace or Home Studio List give you curated, photogenic spaces—no decorating required.)
3. What to Wear for Personal Branding Headshots
Clothing can make or break the vibe of your shoot. The goal is always the same: highlight you—not distract from you.
Match Your Industry (Or Where You’re Headed)
Suits or structured looks for corporate/finance roles
Polished yet approachable styles for real estate, coaching, or entrepreneurs
Unique, casual options for artists or creatives
Blouse/dress shirt with a blazer = always versatile
(Pro Tip: Consider not just where you are now, but the industry you might step into next.)
Color & Pattern Guidelines
Neutrals, black, navy, and jewel tones are timeless and flattering
Skip neon and overly bold colors unless it’s your style (if you love hot pink, own it!)
To avoid moire (that strange wavy pattern that sometimes shows up on camera), skip tightly woven fabrics or super-fine stripes—solid colors or subtle textures always photograph more cleanly.
Avoid stripes (I will say it again- NO tiny stripes on shirts!) or loud patterns—they draw focus away from your face and eyes
Sleeves, Silhouettes & Layers
Sleeves photograph beautifully and keep focus on your face
If you love tanks, throw on a blazer or cardigan
Layers add polish and give you quick mid-shoot variety
Accessories That Feel Like You
Keep it personal: a necklace you always wear, a watch that’s part of your daily look
Avoid oversized or ultra-trendy pieces unless they’re your signature
Timeless accessories = long-lasting photos
***Steam or iron outfits the night before (wrinkles are sneaky and hard to edit)
4. Hair & Makeup Tips for Headshots
Hair
Stick to what you normally do—you want to feel like yourself
Today isn’t the day for a brand-new style or drastic cut
Aim for smooth, polished, and true to your everyday look
Makeup
Slightly more than everyday makeup photographs best—polished, some color but natural
Stick to familiar lip colors and eye looks (no surprise smokey eyes)
Bring chapstick! Dry lips show in close-ups/headshots
(Need help? I have trusted Denver hair and makeup artists I can recommend upon request)
5. Props, People & Personal Touches
Props give your photos context and authenticity. These are great for full sessions or the Entrepreneurial Startup Support Package
Laptop, notebook, camera, or tools of your trade
Coffee cup or branded water bottle you actually use
Branded materials like folders, stickers, or catalogs
Want to show what it’s like to work with you? Bring a friend or teammate to pose as a “client.” Interactive shots (collaborating, laughing) are perfect for social media and your website.
6. Show the Human Side (Lifestyle Photos)
Branding photos aren’t just about work—they’re about you. Including personal elements creates connection:
Your favorite Denver coffee shop or hiking trail
Cooking at home, reading, or walking your dog
Weekend rituals or hobbies that bring you joy
These lifestyle shots round out your story and help clients feel like they already know you.
7. Team Photos (If You’re Not a Team of One)
If you’re part of a small team or real estate group, bring them in for part of the shoot. Team photos work beautifully for “About Us” pages, LinkedIn banners, and social posts. We’ll focus primarily on you but capture team energy too.
8. Shoot-Day Essentials
Pack a mini survival kit so you feel prepped and polished:
Lipstick, chapstick, powder, hairbrush, bobby pins
Water and snacks (energy matters!)
Comfortable shoes for walking between Denver locations if we are venturing to multiple spots
Props and branded items we’ve planned
9. Mindset: The Secret to Great Branding Photos
The best branding photos happen when you relax into being yourself. A few tricks:
Practice a couple of smiles or poses in the mirror beforehand
Bring your favorite playlist—music loosens everything up
Remember: These photos aren’t about vanity. They’re about connection—helping people feel drawn to you before they’ve even met you
***Bonus Tips I’ve Learned From Hundreds of Denver Photoshoots
Schedule your session on a low-stress day—rushing shows in photos
Steam or iron outfits the night before (wrinkles are sneaky and hard to edit)
We will mix it up: standing, sitting, walking, laughing—variety makes your gallery feel alive
Build in extra time for Denver traffic and parking (Union Station shoots, I’m looking at you)
Final Thoughts: Make Branding Sessions Yours
Personal branding photography is more than headshots—it’s your visual handshake, your first impression, and your chance to tell your story without words. With thoughtful planning, your session will feel effortless and create images that grow with you as your brand evolves.
Ready to Plan Your Denver Branding Session?
I’d love to create photos that feel like you. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or professional ready for a refresh, let’s craft something personal, professional, and—honestly—really fun.