Your Complete Guide to Portrait Photography in Richmond
Portrait photography is a great way to commemorate significant life events such as milestone birthdays, weddings, divorces, graduations or other personal achievements. These photographs can tell a story about a particular phase of life and permanently capture a moment to remember for years to come.
Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking new headshots, a parent planning a family photo session, or an experienced influencer in search of lifestyle content for your feed, enlisting a professional portrait photographer to document your look can be considered a milestone in Adulting 101.
While having your portrait taken can be a nerve-wracking experience, we have some simple tips and pointers to help ensure that you look and feel confident during your photoshoot. We’ll also provide a few expert local photographers that are more than willing to help you be your best on camera!
Define why you want a professional portrait
Not all of us are blessed with the photogenic gene that—like it or not—can be so important in the age of digital imagery! Thankfully, whatever your goals are, a skilled professional photographer can contribute their artistry and technical skill to ensure you look your best! They will help you feel comfortable being photographed and choose advantageous backdrops and lighting for your session, saving you from poor results, and/or hours of research, logistical planning, and stress. A talented, supportive photographer may even help you finally feel confident in front of the camera, even if you never have before.
That said, choosing the ideal photographer for your portrait will depend on your needs.
Professional portraiture is all about celebrating the subject’s timeless essence and personality in the context of the desired result. Do you want to look your most sharp and professional? Project the warmth of a new parent? Embody your love for a partner?
Portrait photographers have varying strengths when it comes to different styles of photography, and the best business photographer is unlikely to also be the best wedding or boudoir photographer. As such, it is important to define your goals and hire with an eye for the portrait artist that will deliver the look you want. Review their portfolio to be sure they have experience delivering the kind of photo session you have in your mind’s eye—and if you aren’t quite sure what you want, each photographer’s portfolio can offer ideas and inspiration to guide you.
Choosing the Right Portrait Photographer
Choosing a photographer whose work you admire is a crucial step to ensure that you get the best possible results for your portrait session. Here are some factors to consider when researching and selecting a portrait photographer who can capture moments that you will treasure for years to come:
Experience and Portfolio: Look for a photographer who has a specific specialty in portrait photography and a portfolio that showcases their past work. This will give you an idea of their style, creativity, and ability to capture the essence of their subjects.
Style and Vibe: Consider the photographer's style and make sure it aligns with your vision for your personal brand. Some photographers may specialize in traditional posed portraits, while others may have a more modern or candid approach. Do you prefer bright, crisp & sharp, soft, romantic & ethereal—or do darker, moodier shots resonate with you? You decide!
Personality and Communication: Choose a photographer with whom you feel comfortable communicating and who can put you at ease during your session. Every photographer's personality and “bedside manner” will impact your overall experience and the images that come out of the session. The best photographers will feel like trusted old friends, perhaps even sharing similar interests as you.
Equipment and Technical Skills: Ensure that the photographer has the right equipment and technical skills to produce high-quality portraits. They should have knowledge and familiarity with various types of lighting, composition, editing software and possibly even their own professional studio to ensure that your portraits look their best. If a studio is not an option, they should have a list of go-to locations to suggest, ranging from the rural outdoors to urban backgrounds.
Pricing and Packages: Consider the photographer's pricing and packages to ensure that they fit within your budget and that you are getting value for your money. Remember, spring and fall are busy seasons for photographers so make sure to book early!
There are many talented shutterbugs in the Richmond and greater Central Virginia area, but here are a handful of our favorites who can make you look and feel like a shining star:
Dementi Studio
Dementi Studio was founded by Anthony Dementi nearly a century ago and is now owned by Anthony's granddaughter, Margit Dementi, and operated by friends David Miller and Maya Jackson. Founded in 1924, it is considered Richmond's oldest photographic studio, as well as a certified woman-owned and minority-owned business. They specialize in various types of photography, including headshots, portraits, commercial photography, and lifestyle shoots.
Hayes & Fisk Photography
Hayes & Fisk Photography is one of Richmond's most sought-after photographers for customized, personalized portrait and commercial photography. Their studio is located on an acre of beautiful gardens that can serve as a perfect backdrop, creating an heirloom look that you, your family or workplace will appreciate for generations to come.
Meghan McSweeney Photography
With 17 years in the business and a degree in commercial advertising photography, Meghan McSweeney specializes in capturing photos that will communicate a brand story while engaging, enlightening, and enchanting viewers. From fresh headshots to corporate event photography, her photos can help embody you or your company’s core values and personality.
James Loving Photography
James Loving is an internationally-published photographer based in Richmond and specializing in travel/tourism, sports, event, commercial, and portrait photography. James’ environmental portraits consider the subject’s surroundings to convey a particular mood or atmosphere, whereas his on-site studio-look headshots can capture a subject’s pure professionalism.
Dress to Impress the Camera
Wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable—especially gravitate towards solid colors that complement your skin tone. Avoid clothing with large logos or busy patterns that may distract from your face and “confuse” the camera or audience. Lastly, talk to your photographer ahead of time about your clothing choices and bring more than one outfit: you may find the items you thought would be perfect don’t serve you well on camera.
Makeup (for men as well as women) can also help accentuate your facial features—but don’t go overboard, as sometimes it doesn’t translate well on film, especially for close-ups. Here are some great tips if you decide to DIY. On the other hand if hair, makeup and wardrobe styling aren't your forte, look for a photographer who offers photography packages that include luxury “glam” services before your shoot! Splurging on this step can make all the difference in your results and are typically well-worth the additional investment!
Strike a Pose
Everyone has a "good side," so practice for your portrait ahead of time. Try turning your head slightly to one side or shifting your body to create a more flattering angle. You can also aim to “make triangles” with your body, by positioning your arms and legs at angles to create visual interest and aesthetically pleasing lines.
Good posture is another factor that can make a big difference in how you appear in your portrait. Stand up straight and avoid slouching to give off an air of confidence and poise, even if you have to “fake it to make it.” Don’t go overboard though: tilting your head or body too far forward or backward can create unflattering shadows.
Your photographer can guide you, but you can also let the photographer know in advance if there are any specific shots or poses you're hoping to capture. Pinterest and Instagram are also great for gathering inspo.
Be Authentically You
The best portraits capture your unique personality and personal essence. Don't be afraid to let your true self shine through and enjoy the experience! You can loosen up your body and relax your mind by dancing or laughing to get the most authentic facial expressions.
That said, it’s ok to ask for feedback throughout the shoot to make sure you're getting across the impression you want. It’s normal for photography to bring out confusion, nerves and insecurities, but being honest and vulnerable during the process can be powerful. Remember, you are beautiful, valuable, and worthy of greatness!
Ready for your Close-Up?
With all of these amazing Richmond photographers waiting to capture your smile, it’s time to get photo-ready. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos helps her patients look and feel rejuvenated with an array of transformative surgical procedures and cutting-edge non-surgical treatments including Botox, fillers, and laser skin rejuvenation. She takes the time to carefully address each patient’s individual concerns to deliver youthful, beautiful, and natural-looking results that you AND the camera are sure to love. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aboutanos online or call (804) 355-3410 today!