How to Choose Your Favorite Photos Without the Stress
You’ve had your brand or headshot session—yay! The hard part is over… or is it? Now it’s time to choose your final images, and while that might feel a little overwhelming, I promise it doesn’t have to be!
Here’s a simple, no-stress process to help you confidently select your favorites and get the most out of your gallery:
1. Do a Quick First Run-Through
When you first open your gallery, resist the urge to overanalyze. Instead, do a fast scroll and mark the photos that immediately catch your eye. These are your gut-reaction favorites—the ones that make you say, “Yep, that’s so me,” or “That’s the one I want on my website!”
This first pass is all about instinct, not perfection.
[Side note: This is how I select my own favorites from each session too! When a photo catches my eye right away as I’m editing, it gets a “flag” and then I can narrow down and pull out just those photos later for things like sneak peeks and my “Best of [year]” folder where I keep my portfolio images.]
2. Check Your Numbers
Now take a peek at how many favorites you’ve marked. If your package includes 10 images (for example) and you’ve favorited 25, that’s totally normal! It just means we need to narrow things down—or maybe you’ll decide to snag a few extras. (More on that in a minute.)
3. Refine and Compare
Look for any duplicates—similar poses, angles, or expressions. Choose the one that best fits your brand personality, or the one that feels the most polished. Consider variety too—does your final set include different looks, locations, or vibes?
Still torn between a few? Think about how you'll use the images:
Website vs. social media
Profile pic vs. speaking engagement headshot
Seasonal or promotional content
4. Need More Than Your Package Includes?
You’re not stuck with just your base number of images! If narrowing down is too painful (I get it!), you always have the option to add extra photos—either individually or in discounted bundles of 5, 10, or 20. That way you’re not forced to choose between your top favorites and your second-tier loves.
TL;DR?
Trust your gut. Choose variety. Don’t overthink it. And if you need more, you’ve got options. I’m also happy to share my own favorites with you from your session too if you can’t decide! Sometimes it helps to have an extra set of eyes!