The Petite Power Session – Prep Guide

20 to 30 minutes. One outfit. Two lighting looks. Five kickass images. Let’s make it count.

Keep reading for all your tips for petite power session success!

Black and white photo of a woman with long wavy hair, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a light-colored, loose shirt. She is sitting on a worn wooden chair, resting her arm on the back of it, with her other hand on a guitar's neck.

I’m so stoked you’ve booked!

Here at Aisling O’Brien Studio, I believe headshots should do more than just tick a box. They should reflect your personality, your professionalism, and the energy you bring to your work.

Having a strong set of headshots at your fingertips makes life easier — updating LinkedIn, sending out bios, designing business cards, or preparing for a speaking event. Sorted.

My mission is to give you images that feel like you, only better. Ones you’re proud to share. Ones that open doors.

This prep guide will walk you through everything you need to know. What to wear, what to expect, and how to show up feeling confident and ready to go.

Let’s do this.

Portrait of a woman with long brown hair and blue eyes, smiling softly, indoors near a plant and a window.

Why Headshots Matter (More Than You Think)

These aren’t just for LinkedIn and they’re not just “nice to have.” They’re your digital handshake.

Your headshots are your digital first impression. They show the world who you are before you even say a word.

Whether you’re building a personal brand, running a business, job hunting, launching something new, or just finally updating that 2015 profile photo — these images do a lot of heavy lifting.

Strong, professional headshots help you:

  • Show up with confidence online

  • Build trust with potential clients or employers

  • Add polish to your website, CV, or social media

  • Look like the organised, capable legend you actually are

You don’t need to be a model. You just need to be you — and that’s what I’ll help you capture.

Smiling woman with long brown hair wearing a black top, against a neutral background.

This session is quick, easy, and designed to make you look good without feeling awkward. You’ll arrive at the studio ready to go. We’ll shoot for around 20 to 30 minutes, moving through a couple of lighting setups and backgrounds to give you a solid variety of looks.

You’ll get:

  • One outfit

  • Up to two different lighting setups

  • A mix of studio and natural light (and outdoor if the weather plays nice)

  • Full direction from me, so you never have to wonder what to do with your hands

We’ll chat, move through a few relaxed poses, and before you know it, you’ll be done and on your way — with a gallery of images that actually feel like you.

No stuffy studio vibes. No frozen smiles. Just confident, clean, professional photos that work hard for you.

What to Expect

What to Wear!

You’ve got one outfit for this session, so pick something you feel great in. Not just something that looks good on the hanger, but something you actually feel like yourself in.

This is about looking polished and professional, not stiff or overdone.

Here’s what works best:

  • Solid colours or soft tones — think black, navy, cream, olive, rust, tan, charcoal

  • Avoid neons, super bright colours, busy patterns, and big logos

  • No thin stripes — they mess with the camera

  • Clean lines and simple shapes always photograph well

  • Bring a jacket, blazer, or accessory if you want a small variation in your look

Hair, makeup, and grooming:

  • Style your hair the way you normally wear it when you want to feel confident

  • Keep makeup natural, or go glam if that’s your usual vibe

  • If you wear glasses, give them a clean

  • Shave or shape facial hair as needed, and moisturise to avoid dry patches

  • Lip balm and a little powder go a long way on camera

If you’re not sure about what to wear, send me a couple of outfit options before the session. I’ll give you honest feedback so you don’t have to guess.

How to get here!

Aisling O’Brien Photography
66A Kaipara Coast Highway, Helensville 0871

Finding us is easy, just pop the address into Google Maps. We’re only two minutes from central Helensville, with sweeping views over the Kaipara River waiting at the top.

The driveway is about 1km long, gravel, and a bit steep in places. Just a heads-up, it’s a working farm, so while we always try to keep the way clear for you, you might pass a family member or even a sheep or two on your way up.

At the top of the hill, look to your right and you’ll see a black house with a big American-style barn, that’s us. The studio is in the barn, and I’ll be there to meet you.

It’s just our extended family here, with grandparents, aunties, and cousins all living within shouting distance. Don’t be surprised if you get a friendly wave or spot a dog on patrol.

The studio is fully set up and ready to go, though we’re still putting the finishing touches on a few areas. While we don’t have a bathroom in the studio just yet, you’re welcome to use the one in our home, just steps away.

Can’t wait to see you up here!

A person dressed as a medieval knight, wearing metal armor, holding a sword in one hand and a shield with a bird emblem in the other, standing on a woven rug.

What Happens After?

Once your session’s done, you can relax — your work is over and mine begins.

I’ll carefully select and retouch the best images from your shoot. You’ll receive five high-resolution, professionally edited images straight to your inbox within two to three weeks.

Need them faster?

You can add a rush upgrade for $95 and I’ll bump your images to the top of my editing queue. You’ll receive your final images within 48 hours — perfect if you’ve got an urgent deadline, job application, or launch coming up.

Want more from your gallery?

  • Extra images are $50 each

  • Or 5 extras for $200

Your final images will be delivered ready to go — for your website, socials, email signature, LinkedIn, speaker profile, or wherever else you need to show up like a pro.

Let me answer some questions that might come up!

  • I hate having my photo taken, is this going to be awful?

    There is a very small number of people who thrive in front of a camera. The majority of us feel a little uncomfortable and awkward. I’m here to tell you that is absolutely fine, it’s normal to feel this way, I do too when I have my photo taken.

    My job is absolutely making you look your best in your photos, but my main goal is making you feel comfortable throughout the process. I will tell you how to sit, stand and move to get all the best angles, we will chat the whole way through and it really does become lots of fun.

  • Hair and makeup

    While we are absolutely keeping it authentic and natural you do want to look your best. If you wear makeup, take your time when you are putting it on that morning and bring a little powder or lipstick for a touch up just before your shoot. Make sure to exfoliate and moisturise the night before for that beautiful fresh look.

    Taking your time to style your hair will help you feel more confident. We will do a last check before we start.

    Gents who wish to have their hair cut try and and schedule it for 4 or 5 days before your photos.

  • How else can I prepare for my headshot?

    If at all possible, try and have a good night’s rest before our photo day.

    It’s a great idea to drink plenty of water which hydrates your skin and gives you the freshest look.

    Iron or steam your clothes if possible,

  • What do I do with my glasses ?

    If you normally wear glasses it is a good idea to wear them in your photos. However, if you wear glasses with a strong prescription or photochromic lenses let me know beforehand and we can come up with a solution.

  • Try to relax and enjoy it!

    To ease any nerves I often suggest people crack a beer or a wine at my sunset sessions but of course, this might not be appropriate for your work headshots!! I do suggest to sit and have a cuppa and maybe try some deep breathing if you are feeling anxious at all.

    Remember I absolutely have your back when it comes to the lighting and angles to make you look amazing, the rest is really just coming and having a chat with me which I promise you is (almost) painless!

Final Checklist

✔️ Outfit ready — clean, pressed, and feels like you
✔️ Jacket or accessory packed — optional, but great for variety
✔️ Glasses cleaned — no smudges or fingerprints
✔️ Hair styled — whatever makes you feel confident
✔️ Makeup done — or booked with my recommended artist
✔️ Water bottle — stay hydrated, your skin will thank you
✔️ Address saved — 66A Kaipara Coast Highway, Helensville
✔️ Leave a few minutes early — session times are tight
✔️ Lip balm, powder, or oil blotting paper — handy last-minute touch-ups
✔️ Ready to feel like a boss in front of the camera

That’s It — You’re All Set

Any questions before your session? Flick me a message — I’m here to help.

I can’t wait to welcome you to the studio and create some powerful, professional images you’ll be proud to use.

See you soon,
Aisling x