If your current headshot looks stiff, dated, or unlike how you show up now, it can hold back a profile, proposal, or portfolio before anyone reads a word. A strong headshot should feel approachable, clear, and current, without making you look overposed or overly edited.
Lisa Whitmore Photography creates headshots for people who want a straightforward session and an image that feels like them. We help you prepare, guide you through the session, and shape the final selection around a look that feels polished for work, creative, or personal use across Los Angeles, CA.
Headshots that feel current
Headshots work best when they match how you actually present yourself now. If you need a fresh image for a company profile, speaking page, casting submission, social presence, or website, the goal is the same: a photo that feels confident, clean, and easy to use.
Our headshot sessions focus on natural expression, flattering light, and direction that keeps the process simple. Lisa Whitmore Photography offers a calm, client-focused experience so you can settle in quickly and leave with images that look like a real extension of your brand.
Common reasons people book
- Old profile photos that no longer reflect their current look
- New roles, new websites, or updated bios
- Creative professionals who need a more polished image
- Business owners who want a consistent public-facing presence
- People who want one strong portrait for multiple uses
Session options
Headshots can be created with a clean studio look or a more natural setting, depending on the image you want to project. Some clients prefer a simple, distraction-free portrait. Others want a softer feel that fits an outdoor or on-location backdrop. We help guide that choice before the session so the final images match the purpose.
Sessions are designed to stay focused while still leaving room for subtle variety. You can keep the look straightforward or create a set of images with different expressions, crops, and styling nuances. That flexibility helps if you need options for LinkedIn, company websites, press pages, or social profiles.
Studio look
A studio session keeps the attention on you. This style works well when you want a crisp, controlled result with clean framing and professional lighting.
On-location feel
An on-location session can add context without overpowering the portrait. It is a strong choice when you want your headshot to feel a little less formal while still staying polished.
Before the camera
The best headshots usually start before the session day. We offer a pre-session consultation by phone or in person, along with wardrobe and activity guidance tailored to the purpose of the images. That preparation helps remove guesswork and keeps the session moving with less hesitation.
If you are not sure what to wear or how formal the image should feel, we help narrow it down. The goal is not to overcomplicate the process. It is to make it easier to arrive ready, comfortable, and clear on what kind of portrait you need.
Helpful prep details
- Choose your use case. Decide whether the photo is for business, creative, personal branding, or general profile use.
- Plan your wardrobe. Bring options that fit the image you want, whether that means classic, modern, or relaxed.
- Keep grooming simple. Aim for a neat look that feels like you, not a version that is hard to maintain.
- Review your preferences. Share any concerns about angles, expressions, or backgrounds before the session begins.
During the session
Many people feel uncertain once the camera turns on, especially if they are not used to being photographed. That is normal. Our approach is calm and guided, with direction that helps you ease into the session rather than forcing a pose that feels unnatural.
We pay close attention to expression, posture, and light so the image feels inviting and confident. Small adjustments can make a big difference, and we keep the session moving without making it feel rushed. The result is a portrait that looks composed while still feeling like a person, not a pose.
What we watch for
- Facial expression that feels natural and open
- Shoulder and chin placement that flatters the frame
- Wardrobe details that may pull attention away from the face
- Lighting that supports the mood of the portrait
- Simple variations so you have usable choices later
Ordering your portraits
After the session, you will review the images during an ordering appointment in person or via Zoom. This step gives you space to compare options with a clear view of how each photo reads. It is especially helpful when you want one image for a public profile and another for a website or speaker page.
Rather than guessing from a quick glance, you get a guided review that helps identify the portraits with the strongest expression, best framing, and most useful overall feel. That makes the final selection feel intentional instead of rushed.
What makes a strong headshot
A useful headshot does more than show your face. It communicates presence, approachability, and clarity at a glance. The right portrait can support a professional brand, help a personal profile feel more current, and create a consistent visual impression across different platforms.
For many clients, the strongest images are the ones that feel relaxed without looking casual, and polished without looking overdone. That balance is where lighting, expression, and direction matter most.
Good headshots usually have
- A clear focal point on the face
- Natural expression and steady eye contact
- Simple styling that supports the message
- Framing that works across multiple platforms
- A look that still feels accurate months later
Headshots for different uses
Not every headshot serves the same purpose. A portrait for a business website may need a different tone than one used for a creative portfolio or social profile. We help shape the session around where the image will appear, so the final photos feel useful rather than generic.
Lisa Whitmore Photography works with clients across Los Angeles, CA who want portraits that fit a specific role or presentation style. If you need headshots that feel approachable, refined, or slightly more artistic, the session can be guided toward that result without losing authenticity.
Ways clients use headshots
- Professional profiles
- Company bios
- Personal websites
- Speaker pages
- Portfolio and creative branding
- Profile photos for online platforms
Serving Los Angeles
Headshots are available throughout Los Angeles, CA, with sessions also serving nearby areas such as Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, West Hollywood, Culver City, Burbank, Glendale, Long Beach, Anaheim, Sherman Oaks, Brentwood, and Malibu. That reach makes it easier to book a session that fits your schedule and location needs.
If you are ready to update your portrait, this is a simple next step. A clear consultation, a guided session, and a thoughtful review process can turn an outdated image into one that feels ready for work, public use, or a refreshed personal presence.
Common questions
How do I choose the right look for my headshot?
Start with where the photo will be used. A business profile, portfolio page, or personal brand site may call for a different tone, so the look should match the setting and audience.
Can my headshot feel polished without looking overly formal?
Yes. Many clients want a portrait that feels approachable and professional at the same time. Expression, clothing, and lighting all help shape that balance.
Should I bring more than one outfit?
Bringing a few options can help narrow down what photographs best. Different necklines, colors, and layers can change the tone of the image without making the session complicated.
Can I get a headshot that works for both business and social profiles?
Absolutely. A well-planned session can produce an image that feels flexible enough for multiple uses, especially when the framing and styling are kept clean and balanced.
What if I am not used to being photographed?
That is common. The session is guided step by step, with direction that helps you relax into the process and find expressions that feel natural rather than forced.
How soon should I schedule before I need the photo?
It is smart to book with enough time for the consultation, session, ordering appointment, and any decisions about which images best fit your needs.
