Chris Korsak

Portland Branding, headshot, and product photographer

Diptych photo of two professional headshots in Portland

Read This Before Booking a Portland Headshot Photographer

March 10, 2025

Are you speaking at a conference, improving your linkedin profile, or creating a new business website? You need a new headshot then. A great headshot can establish credibility, professionalism, and approachability in just one image. But before you rush to book a session, there are a few key things you should know to ensure you get the best results.

Choose a Photographer Who Specializes in Headshots

Not all photographers are created equal. Just because someone takes beautiful wedding photos or landscapes doesn’t mean they understand the nuances of professional headshots. Your average photographer might not know how to deal with eyeglass reflections, the best posing tricks to avoid double chins, or know how to properly do skin retouching for a natural look. Stick with a specialist, and you'll be way better off.

What to Look For:

  • A portfolio with headshot examples that match the style you want (clean, modern, natural, etc.).
  • Experience in posing and lighting for faces—especially for different professions and industries.
  • The ability to make clients feel comfortable and relaxed. Do the people in the portfolio look confident and comfortable, or do they look awkward?

In Portland, look for a headshot photographer who knows how to use both studio lighting and natural light, because half the year there is almost no sunshine to speak of.

Know What Style Fits Your Industry

Not all headshots need to look the same or have the same feel. A corporate attorney’s headshot will look different from a freelance designer’s. Before your session, think about the message you want your image to convey.

Popular Headshot Styles:

Studio headshot of a woman with solid white background

Traditional Studio Headshot – Classic, polished, and professional. Great for business executives, lawyers, and consultants. I've also had great success with this style when photographing teams to create consistency.

Outdoor headshot of a man

Outdoor or Environmental Headshot – More relaxed and personable. Ideal for creatives, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.

Casual headshot of a woman

Casual Lifestyle Headshot – A mix between a posed and candid feel. Perfect for social media.

Your photographer should be able to guide you toward the best choice based on your profession and goals.

Wardrobe: What to Wear (and What to Avoid)

Clothing can make or break a headshot, so choose wisely.

Professional headshots that demonstrate appropriate clothing to wear during a headshot session

What Works Best:

  • Solid Colors – Avoid busy patterns (no zebra-stripes, sorry) or logos that can be distracting.
  • Layers & Texture – A blazer, sweater, or jacket can add depth to your look.
  • Neutrals or Jewel Tones – These tend to photograph well and complement most skin tones.

What to Avoid:

  • Neon colors or overly bright shades that reflect light in unflattering ways.
  • Wrinkled or ill-fitting clothing.
  • Overly trendy outfits that may look outdated in a year.
  • Short sleeves, for the most part.

I also have an entire blog post on what to wear for professional headshots.

Preparing for Your Headshot Session

A little prep goes a long way in ensuring you look and feel your best.

Quick Prep Checklist:

  • Get a good night’s sleep to avoid looking tired. You know, like you doom-scrolled for 3 hours in the night.
  • Drink plenty of water the day before for hydrated, glowing skin.
  • Groom appropriately (hair, trimmed beard, or light makeup for a polished look).
  • Bring a few wardrobe options in case one doesn’t translate well on camera.
  • Don't do anything drastic** the day before a session. I know frosted tips are coming back, but it's a bit risky if it doesn't turn out.

The Session Itself: What to Expect

A good headshot photographer will guide you through the entire process, so you don’t have to worry about knowing how to pose.

Typical Session Flow:

  1. Warm-Up Shots – Getting comfortable in front of the camera.
  2. Guided Posing – Small adjustments in angles and expressions to find your best look.
  3. Review & Adjust – I always show you the back of the camera while we're shooting so we can make adjustments.
  4. Multiple Looks – If you opted for outfit changes or different backgrounds.

The goal is to capture natural, confident expressions that feel authentic.

Editing & Delivery: What Happens After the Shoot

Once your session is complete, here's what happens in the editing process.

What’s Typically Included:

  • Proofing Gallery – You’ll receive lightly-edited previews to select your favorite image.

Here's an example of a proofing gallery you'll receive from me after a session: alt

  • Retouching – Removing minor blemishes, softening distractions, and ensuring the final images look polished but natural. Depending on the package you choose, retouching may be an additional service.
  • File Delivery – Ready-to-use images for LinkedIn, business websites, and other digital marketing.

Conclusion: Make Sure You Get a Headshot You Love

Your headshot is an investment in your career, and taking the time to book the right photographer will pay off in the long run. If you’re looking for a Portland headshot photographer who knows how to capture authentic, professional, and eye-catching images, I’d love to help.

-Chris

PS: Please check out my professional headshots gallery for inspiration or ideas!