FAQs

DO I REALLY NEED A PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT?

If you have an online presence you need a professional headshot.  These days almost everyone should have a current headshot.

For individuals, social media and professional sites like LinkedIn can be first visual impression business contacts and potential employers will get of you.  Making that first impression with professional headshot can make the difference in how you’re perceived and ensure that both professional and personal relationships get off on the right foot.  If you have a web page for your business, a headshot is a must-have element for your “About" section. Headshots tell a story. If your story needs to be one of a confident, approachable professional, get a professional headshot.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I UPDATE MY HEADSHOT?

Actors, actresses, and those in the performing arts should have headshots done regularly. Children and teenagers in performing arts should update their headshot more frequently as their appearance changes more rapidly. For corporate environments, photos can be scheduled whenever a new employee comes on board and those whose appearance has changed significantly should have updated photos taken. The simple answer is that you should update your headshot more frequently than you think.

WHAT ABOUT MY HAIR?

Your headshot should show you at your best, and hair is an integral part of that look. If you have a stylist you visit regularly, and trust, I suggest going to them, not someone new.  Unless you are coming directly from your stylist to your shoot, plan to go a few days beforehand. This will allow the cut or style to set-in a bit.  For men, consider the image you want to portray.  If you’re clean cut and professional, show up looking that way.  If you prefer a 5 o'clock shadow and wear it well, show up as is. The important thing is to take some time well in advance of your session to consider the story you want to tell and make sure your look fits that narrative.

WHAT ABOUT MAKEUP?

Don’t overdo it. Modern photography captures incredible detail and an over abundance of makeup rarely flatters. That said, it’s important to know that studio lighting can wash out color from your face, so it is important to wear at least light makeup. Eye makeup, especially mascara and eyeliner, can emphasize your eyes. Lipstick with a matte finish photographs well. Powder is recommended to keep shine off your face so there is no glare on the finished portrait.

WHAT ABOUT RETOUCHING?

All pricing includes basic retouching and color correction.  My retouching philosophy is that if it is permanent then I shouldn’t remove it. Stray hairs, dust, and temporary blemishes that will be gone in a few days or few weeks will be removed and slight variations in skin tone can be made less noticeable.  I can reduce the presence of scars, moles, birthmarks, or any other permanent facial feature and minimize the effects of natural aging to a degree but removing them altogether would present a false image the viewer of your photo and be misleading. The human eye is incredibly discerning, and an overly retouched image is readily perceived as implausible.  My desire is to shoot pleasing, comfortable, flattering but accurate images. Additional retouching at your specific direction is available for an hourly fee.

DO I HAVE TO COME TO A STUDIO?

No. Whether you need a single image, or want to photograph your entire staff, shooting headshots onsite saves time. Also, for large numbers of employees, shooting in your office space will ensure consistency in the look and feel of the finished images. With a minimal amount of space and some time for set up, I can create a relaxing environment where your employees will look their best.

Shooting onsite provides a great way to get a number of headshots quickly and conveniently. Contact me with your location, number of individuals to be photographed for additional information on group locations photography.

WHAT ARE ENVIRONMENTAL HEADSHOTS?

Environmental headshots are images that do not have the smooth or textured background associated with most headshot photos. Usually taken in your office or outdoors (the environment), these images tend to have a more natural feel.  Shooting someone at their desk for instance has an immediacy to it that a standard headshot does not have. Environmental headshots also tell more of a story because of the ability to add elements that help set a mood or tone for your photo.  It is important when shooting in any environment to ensure that the person being photographed is still the hero of the image. Images that get too busy or try to include too many elements can quickly lose their impact.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SHOOT MY HEADSHOT?

Most single image headshot sessions are wrapped up on 30 minutes or less.  All sessions start with a brief consultation about the purpose of your images and image you want to project.  When we begin shooting, we'll review the images as we go so we will work together until we have an image everyone is happy with.  My pricing is based loosely on time, but is more about the number of final images you want.  I've done sessions in as little as 5 minutes and I've spent full days getting a range of shots for customers.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO THE SESSION?

Wear something you like and that fits well. Wear something you’re comfortable in and something that you feel is flattering. Headshots are about relaxed confidence and ill-fitting clothing that you are uncomfortable in will not allow you to look your best. Headshots are also about your face so I strongly recommend against anything that will compete with the face.  Bright colors and strong patterns can quickly complicate a headshot while subtle textures can add depth and highlight your face. Solid colors work extremely well. Dark solid colors, including leather come out very well in headshots.  Your attire should reflect who you are, but as a rule, neutral solids are always a safe bet. Avoid any skin-toned colors in your attire as this can cause problems when color correcting your images. Headshots for digital media are used at wide range of sizes - mostly small - so simplicity is key for your image to communicate well. Jewelry is at your discretion but again, simple is better.

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY SESSION?

Bring more than one outfit if you are unsure which will work and we can work together to find something that will work well. If possible, schedule your day to be as stress free and relaxed as possible. Stress and tiredness will come through in your photos.  While it’s important to think about who this photo will be communicating to and the persona you want to portray, the most important thing you can do is to relax. Most people do not like being in the crosshairs of a photographer’s lens. If you have questions or concerns about how things will run, timing, anything - contact me. We will try a variety of poses and you will be able to see each image as it is taken so we can discuss and then make corrections.  That way we arrive at a range of images that you will love.  I would advise you to spend some time looking at yourself in a brightly lit mirror before the session, try different angles and smiles so see what you like

My biggest job as a photographer is to help you be yourself in front of the camera. Anything you can do to help me out in that endeavor will ensure that we have a great time and get photos you are proud of.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE YOU FOR MY HEADSHOT?

Every photographer has a particular style. Look at my portfolio and you’ll quickly see mine. If you like the work, I may be the right match for you. Price is always a concern but hopefully is not the main determining factor in your photographer choice. I’m not the cheapest and I’m certainly not the most expensive but I think I offer good value for your money.

I bring to the table is technical expertise, an eye for detail, and a strong desire to create images you’ll be pleased to share. I want to portray a confident, approachable look that is above all, natural and relaxed. I want you to enjoy the experience. One of the most satisfying parts of my job is having someone come who is uptight and nervous and watching them relax, enjoy the process, have fun, and leave content.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Individual Headshots - $200 including up to 3 individually retouched final images plus all images taken corrected for color balance and cropped. Final images to be provided via download link

Corporate Headshots - $200 session fee plus $200 per person for more than 10, $175 per person for more than 20. Sessions to take place on corporate office or other offsite location. Fee includes up to 3 individually retouched final images per person plus all images taken corrected for color balance and cropped. Final images to be provided via download link