Elevating Your Brand Image with Professional Photography: Interview with Emily Okamoto
In a fast-paced digital world, your photos often make the first impression for you. Before someone learns your story or what you offer, they naturally form a sense of who you are through the images you share. I recently spoke with Emily Okamoto, a good friend and professional photographer, about how intentional photography can elevate your brand’s image. She shared practical, down-to-earth insights on what makes images feel genuine and how preparation helps your personality come through.
Take a Look at Emily’s Headshot Portfolio.
Headshots: Showing the Person Behind the Brand
There’s something reassuring about seeing the real human behind a business, and Emily explained that authenticity is at the heart of a strong headshot. An outdated headshot can easily misrepresent your professional brand, especially if you look different than you did years ago. It can create a disconnect before someone even meets you. As she puts it, “The number one thing that makes a headshot really stand out is authenticity. There are a lot of different ways to approach a headshot, so working with a photographer who can help you communicate your personality is key… When someone sees your headshot, they should get a sense of who you are through it.” She went on to explain why staying current matters, saying, “An image that reflects you authentically helps build trust and helps people feel like they know you, even if they’ve only interacted with you digitally.”
Camera Confidence: Helping You Feel Comfortable on Set
It’s completely normal to feel a little stiff or unsure in front of the camera. A good photographer can guide the session, but showing up with confidence makes the biggest difference. Emily talked about her approach: “I love connecting with people, helping them almost forget what we’re doing so they can feel a bit more relaxed… making sure that they feel good about themselves is so important.”
Why outfit and color choices matter
Your clothing and color palette influence the overall mood of your photos. Emily shared: “Outfit choices are so important when preparing for a photo session. The most important thing I find is choosing clothes that you feel good in… Color is so important because it can really take the shot to the next level and help you really shine.” As a personal stylist here in Albuquerque, I completely agree! Helping clients choose pieces and tones that flatter their features can take so much pressure off when they’re in front of the camera.
Importance of Makeup
Emily also spoke about the truth in using makeup for a photoshoot session: “Makeup is so important. Not the amount of makeup. A lot of people will tell you that you need more makeup for photos, but the truth is, you just need to enhance your normal routine a little bit. Unless you are looking for a glam style shoot (which can be SO FUN), you want to be careful here. Even personally, I have experienced having photos done with makeup that just wasn’t me, and it really affected how I felt about the final photos. If you don’t feel like yourself, it can definitely negatively impact the overall experience.” Here at The Honest Image, our one-hour makeover session in Albuquerque is designed to give you a polished, camera-ready look for any special occasion. We’ll also consult with you ahead of your appointment on the colors or best wardrobe for your photography session, too!
Building Trust: The Power of Thoughtful Visuals
Professional photos do more than fill space on a website. They communicate reliability, care, and credibility. Emily explained: “Because we live in such a digital age, photography has become one of the leading forms of communication… When I interact with a business that shows off what they do well, that trust is built immediately.”
She also offered helpful advice for business owners: “Find someone who will care as much about your brand as you do and will strategize with you… Having someone step in who can say, ‘I got you,’ and make it happen is one hundred percent worth the investment.”
The Result: Photos That Represent Your Personality
The right photos can reflect your personality in a way that feels honest and consistent with your brand. Combining professional photography with thoughtful styling and makeup helps create images that feel polished without losing your natural vibe. If you’re looking for a photographer to capture your best image, feel free to reach out to Emily. She’s great at helping people feel relaxed in front of the camera, and her work is always beautifully done. And whenever you need help choosing outfits or colors for your session, my website at The Honest Image has more information about how I can support you.
