Before you arrive Quick prep steps people forget, but they matter if you want your photos to look their best. Sleep + water + Food Sleep, hydrate, and eat! Even if it’s a light meal. Shoots take more energy than you think, and it shows in your photos if you run on fumes. Skin Moisturize. Glowing skin performs better on camera, period. Avoid shimmer on skin, it looks cute in person and turns into white specks on camera. Hair Hair should be clean and fully dry. If hair gets oily fast, wash the morning of. If hair gets frizzy, wash the night before and use a smoothing product. Bring a brush or comb and a couple hair ties or clips. Makeup Makeup is optional. If makeup is added to your session, arrive with a clean face unless told otherwise. If doing makeup at home, go a little more defined than everyday, especially brows and mascara. Avoid heavy SPF that can flash back. Hands and nails Hands show up in photos more than people expect. Clean nails, neutral polish, or no polish are safest. If a bold nail is your signature, own it. Just make it intentional. What to wear Wardrobe stress is the #1 thing that messes with people’s confidence. This section fixes that. Best rule Wear what fits well and feels like you. Tailored always photographs better than trendy. Best rule Wear what fits well and feels like you. Tailored always photographs better than trendy. Colors Solid colors photograph cleanest. Neutrals, black, white, earth tones, jewel tones, and deep colors usually work great. Avoid tiny busy patterns, super thin stripes, and loud logos unless the session is meant to be bold and branded. Fit Anything too tight pulls and bunches. Anything too loose looks bigger than it is. Fit matters more than size tags. Necklines If you're getting headshots, pick a neckline that flatters your face and collar area and feels comfortable. Bring options if you’re unsure. Layers Jackets, blazers, leather, denim, structured tops, and sweaters add shape and look expensive on camera. Shoes Shoes may or may not show depending on the crop. If shoes matter for your session, bring clean ones. BrinG options Bring a minimum of 2–4 outfit changes, even if you only plan to wear 1–2. Sometimes an outfit looks great at home and weird on camera, too bulky, too boxy, not enough shape. Options give quick backups so we can swap fast and keep the shoot moving. BrinG options Bring a minimum of 2–4 outfit changes, even if you only plan to wear 1–2. Sometimes an outfit looks great at home and weird on camera, too bulky, too boxy, not enough shape. Options give quick backups so we can swap fast and keep the shoot moving. EDITORIAL Style Headshots for work Match your industry A realtor and a tattoo artist don’t dress the same, and that’s the point. Bring outfits that match the version of you clients should hire. Keep it classic A clean, well-fitted outfit will outlast trends. Details matter Ironed clothing, lint-free fabric, clean glasses, and minimal pocket clutter. Tell The Story Bring props that actually belong to your life or business, like a laptop, notebook, camera, tools, product, packaging, or signature accessories. Skip random props that mean nothing. EDITORIAL Style PORTRAITS For Personal Use CHOOSE THE MOOD Decide what you want these to feel like: bold, soft, dramatic, clean, romantic, edgy. Bring outfits that match that mood so the photos look cohesive, not random. WEAR THE STATEMENT PIECE Strong pieces photograph best: a fitted dress, blazer, leather jacket, structured top, sleek set, denim that actually fits. If it feels like a costume, skip it. If it makes you stand taller, bring it. DETAILS MAKE THE SHOT Textures show up beautifully on camera, leather, satin, denim, lace, knits, anything with shape. Add a few finishing touches like earrings, a belt, rings, sunglasses, or a bold shoe. Clean nails and a lip product for touch-ups go a long way. FINISHING TOUCHES Accessories, nails, hair, and skin prep matter because the camera sees everything. Bring a lip product, a brush, and one or two signature accessories. TALENT HEADSHOTS (ACTORS, MODELS, PERFORMERS) KEEP IT CASTABLE Casting needs to see you, not your outfit. Go clean, fitted, and simple so your face and expression do the work. CASTING TYPE Pick 2–3 roles you want to get called in for, then dress for that vibe. Commercial headshots usually read warmer and brighter, theatrical reads moodier with deeper tones, so bring options that support both. SOLIDS WIN Choose solid colors and simple lines. Skip loud prints, big logos, and anything that steals attention from your eyes and facial structure. QUICK VARIETY Bring a layer piece or two (jacket, blazer, overshirt) plus a simple accessory option if it fits your brand. Small switches create new looks fast without turning the session into a wardrobe change marathon. CAMERA-READY Match your current look, no surprise haircut, color switch, or brand-new style right before the shoot. If you’re getting a cut, aim for about a week ahead so it settles. Go easy on shimmer and SPF-heavy products that can cause flashback under studio lighting. Add pro makeup by Ashley to your appointment for quality results. AGENT NOTES MATTER If an agent gave direction, stick to it. It’s not bossy, it’s strategy. They’re trying to match your headshots to your casting type so you get called in more. Your photos should look like the roles you want, not a totally different person. Pageant Competitor Headshots MATCH THE SYSTEM’S VIBE Different pageants reward different vibes. Some lean classic and approachable, some lean fashion and high-glam. Many pageant headshot guidelines lean toward a clean, light background, often white, with a little space around head and shoulders for cropping. Crowns and sashes are commonly a no for the official headshot. If your program has a handbook or photo rules, send it to the photographer or bring it to the shoot. PLAN FOR ALL Multi SHOT TYPES Headshot, a three-quarter, close up, and a full-length. Choose a look that wins at every crop. Neckline matters for the headshot, fit and shape matter for the full-length. Shoes and hem suddenly become relevant. HAIR, VOLUME WITH CONTROL Volume photographs great, crunchy does not. Hair should be smooth, touchable, and movable, with flyaways tamed. If you want fuller hair, extensions or a piece can seriously help, as long as it’s blended clean. MAKEUP FOR STUDIO LIGHTS DON’TS DON’TS SPF-heavy products and silica-heavy powders, they can cause flashback and look chalky under studio lighting. Chunky glitter, and go easy on heavy shimmer, especially on the body. It can photograph as white flecks. Too much matte. It can read flat on camera. Add soft dimension with shadow and highlight that hits your natural high points. DO’S Lashes that fit your eye shape and look clean, not costume. Lip liner + gloss tends to photograph better than a dry matte lip. Neutral tones that complement your skin tone and bring out your eye color. PRO OPTION: Add Makeup by Ashley ($120) when booking for the cleanest, most consistent results. FINISHING TOUCHES Groomed brows, moisturized lips, neutral nails, and bring a tiny touch-up kit (lip color, blotting sheets, lash glue if wearing lashes). Show up rested and hydrated because tired eyes read loud on camera.

Home / The Studio / Studio Lighting This is your main photography spot! Your friendly photographer ensures you can see yourself on camera by giving you a live stream of the snapped pictures and also a full-length mirror. So you're always in the know of how you look! BOOK NOW The Studio Natural Light Our studio offers both kinds of lighting - powerful studio lights and warm, natural light. The secret to the latter is our industrial-style, wall-to-wall windows. It's the perfect setup if you'd love your photos to have a soft, natural touch. BOOK NOW The Beauty Station Planning a glamour photoshoot or simply longing for a quick touch-up? The glamour station is definitely your go-to. We've got all the essentials, from sprays to hair ties. Plus, if you love taking selfies, this place is a hit among our guests! BOOK NOW Dressing Room The Dressing Room in our studio's left wing is designed to provide you a comfortable experience. Find a clothing rack and host of amenities waiting for you. These include body lotions/oils, paper napkins, a lint roller and a fabric steamer - ensuring you have everything you need. BOOK NOW Props Discover the range of props that are available for use throughout your session. This includes a selection of seating options and décor items, all of which have been designed with a minimalist aesthetic in mind. BOOK NOW Lounge The lounge area can be found in the studio's left wing. It's strategically positioned to the right of the beauty station and directly in front of the dressing room. This location serves as a relaxation space for group sessions between shots. It also presents an ideal spot for accompanying guests to relax. BOOK NOW

Ashley Nickole Appel delivers bold headshots and editorial-style portraits from a Lancaster studio. Trusted by clients across Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. About Ashley Nickole Photographer + Makeup Artist I’m Ashley Nickole Appel, photographer and makeup artist at Missile Studios. For over ten years I’ve focused on clean, bold headshots and portraits that make you feel unstoppable. In my studio you’ll feel at ease as I guide you through the session and share on‑the‑spot previews in a zero pressure atmosphere. I hand‑retouch every image you select so each shot feels personal. Ready to light up your portfolio? Let’s shoot! + View The Studio Book Shoot THE Studio Scope the gear stacks, tethered monitors, and styling corner, this is where bold visuals are forged on the daily. View Behind The Scences Scope the gear stacks, tethered monitors, and styling corner, this is where bold visuals are forged on the daily. View Indoor Studio Natural Lighting & Studio Lighting Backdrops Colors & Minimalist Props Beauty Station Dressing Room Live Previews Studio Perks Online Booking Hundreds booked. Not one left basic. Pssst... you’re not the only one eyeing the calendar. Don’t hesitate! Spots go fast. Book Now

Sixty minute power session with guided posing start to finish, live on-screen previews to tune every frame. One to two looks, clean light. Five professionally retouched digital images total. Best for quick refreshes, new hires, bios, and bite-size content pulls. If you want fuller coverage for site, portfolio, and brand assets, bump up to Signature. Delivery: private online gallery with proofs in 3 to 5 business days, finals in 2 to 4 weeks, files in high resolution for print and web optimized for online use, pro print store access. Package upgrades at checkout include add images, add time, pro makeup by Ashley, rush turnaround.

Two hours in studio to build a core portfolio base. Multiple looks from headshot to full length, clean and dramatic lighting options, live on screen previews to dial every frame. Ten professionally retouched digital images total. Most booked. Best for website builds, team photos, brand essentials, and steady content drops. If you want longer production time, more looks, and deeper variety, step up to Legacy. Delivery: private online gallery with proofs in 3 to 5 business days, finals in 2 to 4 weeks, files in high resolution for print and web optimized for online use, pro print store access. Package upgrades at checkout include add images, add time, pro makeup by Ashley, rush turnaround.

Two and a half hours in studio to pace the shoot, refine light, switch sets, and expand variety. Wardrobe changes, tighter details, more angles, live on-screen previews to keep every frame dialed. You receive twenty professionally retouched digital images. Best for rebrands, talent books, media kits, and campaigns where options matter and you don’t want compromises. Delivery: private online gallery with proofs in 3 to 5 business days, finals in 2 to 4 weeks, files in high resolution for print and web optimized for online use, pro print store access. Package upgrades at checkout include add images, add time, pro makeup by Ashley, rush turnaround.