Five Tips for a Great DC Location Business Portrait by Tracey Attlee

John Marvin Jones II, Senior Vice President, Lincoln Property Company photographed by Tracey Attlee

You deserve to look your best in a new business portrait.  Wondering how to make that happen?  Here are five tips from a working professional:

First, take time to prepare and groom in advance.  Clean, neat hair and a crisply pressed, well fitted shirt and suit jacket are key.  Not sure which tie or which shirt?  Bring a selection so your photographer can see the options and help choose the best for you.

Next, be sure you are clear on how to sit or stand while being photographed.  Expect not to feel quite comfortable; successful portraiture is all about how to place your hands, feet, body and face in relation to the lens.  Your photographer will guide you and you'll quickly see how the tiniest tilt of your head or shoulders makes a huge difference in how you look.  Subtle changes make all the difference in portrait photography!  You'll likely end up with some tired muscles and a new respect for professional models.

Allow enough time:  it takes a bit to warm up and get going on a photo shoot.  Give yourself at least 20 minutes for the session.  Give your photographer an hour or so in advance to place equipment and test lighting so all is ready when you step on the set.

Offer a calm, private environment for yourself and your photo team.  Its distracting to be photographed when your colleagues are watching; have them wait outside for their turn.  Let someone else answer the phone.  If you're at home, put the dog and the kids in another room with supervision and snacks.

Get a good night's sleep beforehand.  Everything works and looks better when you are rested.

Follow these simple tips with an experienced photographer you trust and you'll get a great new business portrait for yourself in no time!

Tracey Attlee is a popular DC location business portrait photographer in Alexandria, VA with blue chip corporate and prior White House experience.