Getting ready

Our goal is to work together to create a studio portrait that you feel proud to share. For some, anticipating a portrait session can create some anxiety, so please remember that we are here to help you feel confident and authentic. We hope you finish your session as many do, remarking how surprisingly fun and easy it was! You can see examples of the portraits our team has made on the UW Photo Library here.

Consider

  • Choosing clothes you would wear to a business or business casual meeting.
  • Wearing rich, dark colors that can make your features pop.
  • Layering clothing like jackets, scarves, cardigans.
  • Accessorizing! A nice necklace, earrings, pin, or tie can help share some personality.
  • Don’t forget the basics. Trim beards, clean glasses, brush teeth, and take some care with your hair and makeup.

Eurocentric expectations of professional appearance can be oppressive, especially for those from underrepresented backgrounds. Whether by listening to your hopes and concerns about your portrait or by trying a couple different clothes or looks, we hope to team with you to create a portrait that feels authentic to you, your cultural identity, and your field.

What to avoid

  • Busy stripes that distract from your face.
  • Bulky clothing.
  • If wearing a light-colored shirt, consider throwing a dark jacket over the top.

During your session

When you arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to freshen up before sitting down for your session. Mirrors and a restroom are available.

Your portrait will be head and shoulders. We create horizontal studio portraits as we have found that the orientation is adaptable. The high-resolution files are of ample size to allow you to make a traditional vertical crop if needed.

After your session

After your studio portrait session, we will send you a 2000px, web-ready copy of the photo that you can use for personal and professional purposes. The high resolution digital file will be available on the UW photo library.

If you have a profile on your department webpage or the UW Expert’s Database, we encourage you to update with your new portrait.