Your Essential Guide to Headshots by Valentina: Expert Tips for Cypress and Houston Professionals
- Valentina Li
- May 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 3
Hi, I’m Valentina—your local portrait and headshot photographer serving Cypress and Houston, Texas.
The Importance of a Great Headshot
Let’s talk about headshots. You know, that one photo you use for everything: your LinkedIn profile, your “About Me” page, your email avatar, and even your mom’s fridge.
The problem? Most people either:
Look like a deer in headlights 🦌
Forget to blink 😳
Use a cropped family vacation photo from 2014 👀
But don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. Below are my favorite tips (with a few laughs along the way) to help you nail your business, lifestyle, or personal brand headshots.
📌 1. Ditch the Stiff Blazer
Yes, that means even for business headshots. Unless you’re applying for a role in The Matrix, ditch the outdated blazer.
Do this instead: Wear what makes you feel confident, clean, and like YOU on your best day. Solid colors are great, and neutrals work well. Avoid wild patterns, unless you're a fashion brand. Want to rock hot pink? I’ll adjust the lighting and cheer you on!
Pro tip: Bring a backup outfit or jacket—think “Boardroom Boss” and “Chill Coffee CEO.”
🧠 2. Consider Your Vibe, Not Just Your Job
Do you want to look:
Professional and sharp?
Approachable and creative?
Powerful, yet kind of fun?
Your vibe helps me style your shoot. A real estate agent, yoga instructor, and business coach shouldn’t have the same expression. Unless they all moonlight as stand-up comedians. Then we’ll talk.
✋ 3. Avoid Over-Practice Smiling
I repeat: do not over-rehearse your smile. It only leads to facial confusion. Instead, I’ll guide you during the shoot. I know how to get that natural smirk, that soft “I mean business” stare, and yes—even the laughing at nothing pose that totally works.
We’ll capture expressions that look like you—but rested, glowing, and 10% more fabulous.
📍 4. Choose the Right Location
Location matters. And no, your office with fluorescent lights is not the right choice. We can shoot:
In my studio setup (classic, clean, controlled)
Outdoors in Cypress or Houston (for natural light lovers)
In a space that feels like your brand (coffee shop, workspace, or modern office)
☕ 5. Come Relaxed—Latte Optional
Headshots shouldn’t feel like a dentist appointment. We’ll chat, maybe play some music. I’ll show you how to stand, tilt your head, and use your “I-get-things-done” face.
By the time we’re done, you’ll have a gallery of photos you can actually use everywhere: LinkedIn, website, speaker bios, business cards, and even Tinder (no judgment here!).
📸 Bonus: Headshot & Branding Packages Available
Whether you need one great image or a whole collection of lifestyle brand photos, I’ve got packages to match.
Serving:
✔️ Cypress
✔️ Houston
✔️ Surrounding areas
✔️ Anywhere there’s good light and a story to tell
🧡 Let's Create the Headshot You Desire
Forget stiff and forget awkward. Let’s take a headshot that looks like you, but elevated to shine brightly.
📩 Click here to contact me, or send me a message to discuss wardrobe, coffee, or camera-ready confidence.
Conclusion
Now that you know the essentials of capturing the perfect headshot, you are ready to make a lasting impression. Remember, your headshot is often the first impression people will have of you. Investing time and effort into getting it right can pay off significantly in both personal and professional spheres. Don’t wait—let’s create something amazing together!
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