Italy With Nina 2025 RECAP
Here’s a fun brief recap of our 2025 Italy With Nina trip.
Want to get on the list for 2026?
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Want to see more behind the scenes of our 2025 trip? Check out some of our instagram reels:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DII05YQqP8w/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DILeYk8Kbv4/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DINse-IKMEc/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIRUJoMKkYR/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIV8xHmRaD4/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIV-b74x2gp/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
10 Essential Tips for Stunning Modern Headshots That Stand Out
In today’s visually-driven world, your headshot is often your first impression. Whether you’re a business owner, executive, or entrepreneur, your photo speaks volumes before you even say a word. Ready to level up? Here are 10 essential tips to make sure your modern headshot feels fresh, authentic, and undeniably “you.”
1. Dress Like You Mean It
Wear clothes that reflect your personal brand. Think clean lines, solid colors, and pieces that make you feel confident. Avoid busy patterns or logos—they steal the spotlight.
2. Choose the Right Photographer
A great headshot goes beyond a pretty picture. You want a photographer who understands light, posing, and how to capture you at your best. Bonus if they coach you through the process with zero awkward vibes.
3. Think About Your Brand Vibe
Are you warm and approachable? Bold and visionary? Buttoned-up and professional? Your headshot should match your brand energy. Let your photographer know your goals before the shoot.
4. Go for Natural-Looking Hair & Makeup
The best look? You—polished. Keep makeup and hair looking like your best day, not your wedding day. Think elevated everyday.
5. Relax Your Face (and Breathe!)
Tension shows. A good photographer will help, but remind yourself to breathe, drop your shoulders, and connect with the camera like it’s your favorite person.
6. Lighting Is Everything
Soft, flattering light is key. An experienced photographer who knows how to use studio lighting to highlight your features is key!
7. Pick the Right Backdrop
Modern headshots are all about clean backgrounds—think soft tones, minimal textures.
8. Try a Variety of Poses
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but slight shifts in posture can make a big difference. Working with a photogapher who knows how to coach you into the approporiate poses that flatter can be so helpful.
9. Update Your Headshot Regularly
If your look or brand has evolved, your photo should reflect that. A headshot from five years ago might not be telling the right story anymore.
10. Use It Everywhere
Once you’ve got your dream headshot, use it with confidence! Add it to your website, LinkedIn, email signature, speaker bio, or press kit. Let it work for you.
A modern headshot is more than just a photo—it’s a powerful tool in your personal brand toolkit. Want a look that feels elevated, professional, and unapologetically you? Contact the studio to collaborate for your own custom session.
the BEST Graduation Gift
Struggling to figure out what to get someone who's graduating? Give the gift that will impact their job search, school application or simply a great way to mark this milestone!
Gift Certificates are available.
Give them the gift that allows them to step into their future with confidence and impact.
Essential Prep for Your Headshot Shoot
1. Wardrobe Selection: Dress to Impress
Choose outfits that embody your personal style and align with your brand identity. Opt for solid, rich colors that enhance your natural beauty, steering clear of overly busy patterns that can distract from your face. Feel free to bring multiple options—layering can add depth and elegance to your look.
2. Makeup Matters: Go for the Glow
While our talented makeup artist will be there to create a flawless finish, our ultimate goal is that you look & fell like yourself.
3. Relax and Breathe: Calm Your Nerves
Your headshot session will be an enjoyable experience! Get a goods night rest before and take a moment to breathe. Trust that we’ll guide you through each step, creating a supportive environment where you can shine. It's not your job to know what to do or how to pose; that's our job. You are in great hands.
Ready to Elevate Your Experience?
Our personalized guidance will ensure you’re fully prepared for your Signature Headshot Session that captures your authentic essence.
Golden Hour Graduation Session in the East Bay
It was such a joy photographing Priel, the daughter of one of my amazing branding clients! Watching her light up in front of the camera and capturing this exciting chapter was truly special.
There’s something magical about photographing high school seniors outdoors in the golden light of late afternoon. Livermore’s rolling hills, vineyards, and scenic backdrops make the perfect setting to celebrate this major milestone.
These sessions are relaxed, fun, and all about showcasing your senior’s personality. No stiff poses or awkward smiles—just genuine moments and stunning images you’ll treasure for years.
We offer special senior packages designed just for this kind of experience, with options for outfit changes, print products, and beautiful keepsakes. Whether they’re headed to college, taking a gap year, or figuring out what’s next, this session is a celebration of who they are right now.
Reach out to book your senior's session.
CEO HEADSHOTS AT A STUDENT RATE
In today's hyper-competitive job market, a professional headshot is far more than just a picture; it's a critical component of your personal branding and a powerful tool for making a strong first impression.
For students and recent graduates, this is especially vital.
Your online presence, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, is often the initial point of contact with potential employers, recruiters, and networking connections. A polished, professional headshot conveys confidence, competence, and a serious commitment to your career.
It signals that you understand the importance of presenting yourself professionally, setting you apart from those who use casual snapshots or no photo at all. In essence, a professional headshot is an investment in your future, opening doors to opportunities and helping you establish a credible and memorable presence in the professional world.
Looking for Internship Headshots? It's easier to land the job when you already look like a partner in the firm.
How about ERAS Residency Headshots? Stand out from those that have their parent take an iphone photo for the application of your lifetime? Don’t make this mistake!
We even do Fraternity Headshots. Want to get headshots with your friends? No Problem! Call the studio for a group rate.
Whether you’re graduating high school or college - everyone benefits from a professional headshot that stands out from everyone else!
Here are just some of the universities that we have photographed students from:
San Francisco State University
University of San Francisco
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
California College of the Arts
Golden Gate University
Academy of Art University
San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Stanford University
University of California, Berkeley
San Jose State University
California State University, East Bay (Hayward)
Santa Clara University
Dominican University of California (San Rafael)
University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside)
University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine)
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO)
If You Want to Sell Luxury, Your Headshot Needs to Look It
High-net-worth clients expect a certain level of sophistication—not just in the properties they buy, but in the professionals they trust to represent them. If you're selling multi-million dollar homes, your personal brand needs to match the caliber of your business.
Your headshot isn’t just a photo; it’s a powerful statement. It tells potential clients whether you’re the polished, confident expert they want handling their most significant investments. An outdated, poorly lit, or uninspired image sends the wrong message. Would you trust a luxury brand that didn’t look the part? Neither would your clients.
Luxury real estate is about trust, credibility, and presence. A high-end, modern headshot elevates your brand, attracts the right clientele, and ensures that your first impression is as premium as the properties you represent. If you’re aiming for the top, your brand should already be there.
Do I Really Need a Professional Headshot? (Spoiler: Yes, You Do!)
In today's visual world, a professional headshot is crucial. It builds instant credibility, showcasing your seriousness and professionalism. First impressions matter, and a quality headshot allows you to control that narrative, projecting confidence and expertise. It's a key part of your personal brand, setting you apart online and ensuring consistency across platforms. Ditch the casual snapshots; they can undermine your image and lead to missed opportunities. Investing in a professional headshot is an investment in your career, conveying that you value your image and are ready to make a strong connection.
How often should I update my headshot?
This is a very common question.
Often I hear, but I like my last headshot.
Do you? Or do you like how you looked then and be honest, do you still look like that? If you met someone in person would they whisper, nice photo but that looks like a younger version….
So, with that being said, you should probably think about updating your headshot every year or two (at the most.) I
Consider updates when hairstyles, colors, or weight change noticeably, or when your career path shifts. Industry standards also play a role; some professions require more frequent updates than others. Ultimately, a fresh headshot maintains a relevant and professional online presence.