Showing up isn’t just about standing still and smiling

“I just need a quick headshot.” As a Westchester branding photographer, also serving Connecticut, I’ve found that the best professional images come not in the first few frames, but when you begin to relax, feel seen, and let your personality rise to the surface. I get it — you’re a busy professional juggling a full calendar and just want something clean and usable for LinkedIn or your website. But what if I told you that you deserve more than a quick portrait?

As a headshot and business branding photographer my goal is to capture something real – not just a headshot, but a portrait of who you are and that reflects your personality.

Let me share how we can go beyond the basics and create photographs aligned with your voice, values, and story.

It’s more than a photo – it’s showing up with intention

Whether you’re looking to update a very old headshot or launching a new business, refreshing your website, or simply ready to put your true self forward, your audience wants to see more than credentials. They want to connect with the person behind the professional.

And that’s not something a quick 5-minute headshot can always deliver.

During a recent in-home headshot/branding session for a Westchester client, I encouraged her to explore multiple spaces around her home. The natural light, cozy decor, and beautiful natural light reflected her energy and work beautifully. The result? She chose more than double the images she thought she’d need. Not because I convinced her, but because she loved the photos and how they reflected her personality and vision.

And that’s what this kind of session should do – tell a story. Not just put a face to a name, but show what makes you, you.

3 Ways a Westchester Headshot and Business Branding Photographer Can Tell Your Brand Story

1. Choose a space that feels like you

Where we shoot matters. Whether it’s your home, your studio, or even a cozy coffee shop where you meet clients, location helps set the tone of your brand story. I’ll often guide clients toward areas with natural light and textures that reflect their work and personality. If it’s an updated headshot for LinkedIn and/or your company website I have everything set up and ready for you at my home studio in Rye, NY.

• For home-based business owners, think about the rooms that energize you or where you do your best thinking.
• If you work with clients in person, let’s capture some interaction or tools of your trade that bring your work to life.
• Don’t stress if your space isn’t Pinterest-perfect – trust me, we’ll find the magic (and the lighting).

2. Give yourself permission to be seen

Here’s what I say to every client who feels unsure in front of the camera: It’s absolutely normal to feel awkward for the first 10 minutes. Everyone does. But it disappears fast once we get into the flow.

Investing in yourself – for my female clients that might mean a hair blowout, professional makeup, or just a moment of quiet before your session. These can make a big difference in how you feel. And how you feel always shows in the photos.

Every part of a session with me is designed to help you feel supported and confident. I’ll guide you at every step, adjusting angles, poses, and expressions to highlight your strength or warmth, all without forcing anything unnatural.

All of this matters… because you matter

You are your brand’s most valuable asset. And while it may feel vulnerable to step in front of the lens, there’s power in showing up as your full, authentic self.

In a sea of stock images and curated perfection, your clients are looking for connection. When your photos reflect your personality and purpose, it builds trust. And trust is what drives connection, loyalty, and impact.

Photography is storytelling – and you deserve to have your story told with care and clarity. Not just as “a headshot,” but as a reflection of everything you’ve built and everything you stand for.

Ready to move beyond the “quick” headshot?

If you’re looking for a Westchester branding photographer who can help you feel confident and authentic, I’d love to work with you.

I invite you to learn more about my headshot and business branding photography sessions or reach out to schedule a quick call. You’ll never be rushed or pressured – just supported, step by step.

It might start with a photo, but it could become the very thing that helps you show up – confidently, clearly, and fully you.

FAQ: Westchester Headshots & Branding Photography

Q: What’s the difference between a headshot and a branding photo?
A headshot is typically a simple, professional image focused on your face and shoulders — perfect for LinkedIn, business cards, or company websites. A branding photo goes further, showing your personality, work environment, and the story behind your business. Both are valuable, but branding photos help clients connect with who you are, not just what you look like.

Q: How should I prepare for a branding or headshot session?
Choose outfits you feel confident in, schedule hair and makeup if it makes you feel your best, and think about locations that reflect your personality or profession. I’ll guide you through the process so you feel comfortable, supported, and confident in front of the camera.

Q: Where can we do my headshot or branding session in Westchester?
Headshots are scheduled at my Rye, NY studio or in your office location. Branding sessions can take place in your home, office, a favorite coffee shop, outdoors, or in my Rye, NY studio. We’ll choose a location that matches your brand style and helps tell your story.

Q: How long does a branding session usually take?
Unlike quick 5-minute headshots, branding sessions are never rushed. We’ll discuss the session duration as part of the planning process to make sure we allocate enough time to move between spaces, capture multiple looks, and create images that feel authentic and true to you.

Q: Can I get both headshots and branding images in the same session?
Absolutely. Many clients start with a polished headshot and then move into more lifestyle-inspired branding portraits during the same session, giving you a versatile image collection for your website, social media, and marketing materials.

Are you looking for a new headshot or business branding photos for your website? Let’s chat