Headshot FAQs

More Questions? Call us on 503 484-3907.

  • Your headshot session will be relaxed, fun and productive. This is a no-pressure, casual studio environment. The people in my portraits often comment that they ‘came as a client and left as a friend’.

  • Unlike other studios, there’s no time limit. We shoot until you’re happy with your headshot, business portrait or personal brand photo. That being said, for a standard headshot session you should plan on an hour’s worth of time. Some sittings take considerably less time, some a bit more. There’s no pressure to ‘keep going’ or a need to rush through a session. As we’ll be reviewing images as we go, you’ll know exactly when you’ve nailed your ‘look’.

  • Perhaps the most important thing is to consider what image you’re trying to convey. If you’re strictly business does that mean confident, professional, and approachable? Or do you prefer a more laid-back and casual tone? Someone whose industry doesn’t demand suits and ties, for example. Actors might have a type they are shooting for. Whatever image you’re looking to convey, give it some thought before arriving for your headshot session.

    If you’re planning on a new hairstyle before the session, schedule it a few days to a week before the shoot so it has time to look natural. Men should arrive groomed and women with their hair styled as they want it.

    As we’re in Florida, it’s a good idea to avoid a full beach day just before your shoot. If you arrive with that beet-red face, your headshot will reflect that. If you’re an oceanographer or your profession is directly related to the outdoors, that can work. For a professional headshot geared to corporate settings, it has the potential of sending the wrong message.

  • What you wear will depend on the image you’re trying to convey. For a professional headshot, you want to look, well, professional. This should mirror what you would expect to be wearing at work, or at your potential place of employment. I’ve shot mechanics and celebrities - mechanics don’t dress like celebrities and celebrities don’t dress like mechanics (unless they’re celebrity mechanics, but I haven’t encountered that, yet).

    It’s a good idea to bring options that coordinate well together. For men, a blazer or two and a couple shirts usually suffice. Women may want to bring a few options for tops.

    As for colors, solid, muted colors are best, as they keep the attention on you and your expression. Avoid complicated patterns and stripes of all shapes and sizes. But if you have a favorite blouse or shirt that bucks this convention, bring it. It will either work or it won’t and we’ll know straightaway, and have fun experimenting.

    The same goes for jewelry and accessories. Keep them simple or avoid them altogether.

    The final word on this is to bring and wear what you’re used to and feel comfortable in.

  • Yes.

  • Bring a hairbrush and any styling products you commonly use. You can also bring a friend or partner along, but only if you would feel absolutely comfortable posing in front of them.

  • Choosing your perfect headshot is a personal matter, and, while I offer my opinions during the shoot, the final decision is yours alone. You will want to choose an image that authentically reflects who you are and what what characteristics your ‘look’ is telegraphing to those who see it. I’m miserable at choosing my photos of myself and couldn’t possibly do it without the help of family and friends. I’d be careful about getting too many opinions, however. Usually a small group that knows you best will have adequate feedback to help you decide. xt goes here

  • A standard headshot session includes all the images from the shoot on a white background and 1 retouched image. Additional retouched images are $25 an image.

    If you have opted for an environmental portrait, personal brand portrait or a custom shoot, I’ll let you know what’s included in the quote.

  • You will receive all the headshots we take, except for the few that are obviously unusable (eyes closed from too much laughter, for example). As there’s no limit, the amount of images from which to choose your headshot number around 50 - 60 images a session.

  • Your professional headshot proofs will be available to you the day after the shoot, if not the same day.

  • Good question. Standard headshots are shot in studio, with a traditional white background. The lighting is predictable and there are no rain delays. That being said, workplace shots, also known as environmental portraits, have a certain appeal. The choice is yours, and there are advantages to both.

    In my studio, I have complete control over the lighting, and we can use a single-color backdrop, as is customary. Plus, it’s private and the weather is always good.

    Portraits that take place in the workplace - whether it’s an office or an industrial setting - are known as environmental portraits. Environmental portraits are outstanding for placing you in a position of authority for your industry. It connects you to your work in a holistic manner, decreasing the separation between you and your work. In the right context, these can be incredibly powerful. Environmental portraits require a bit more planning and improvisation and therefore involve a different price structure. If you’re looking for an environmental portrait, contact me to discuss the details and we’ll make it work.

    Portraits taken outside link you to your local environment, and make great headshot alternatives for realtors and for those whose work is performed outside. These aren’t the only reasons for taking the studio outdoors Many people feel more relaxed outside, and with a little location scouting we can choose a setting that delivers the look you want.

  • Retouching of one image is included in the price of your headshot. Additional images are retouched at the rate of $25/image. But before we discuss the type of retouching that your image will receive, let’s first discuss what it isn’t. These days we’re all well aware of the baby smooth skin we see on selfies across social media. These shots appear as if the subject was given a roll of new skin to wear for the shoot. As flattering as some of these are - this is not my approach.

    Realistic retouching preserves your personal qualities and characteristics - and all retouches are done in to appear natural. What I try to avoid is wholesale changes that don’t show you as you are.

    Realistic retouching includes some or all of the following: stray hair removal, removal of blemishes, reducing shine on face, under-eye bags and wrinkles, as well as whitening teeth and eyes.

    As retouching is rather subjective, it’s not uncommon for there to be a bit of back and forth until you’re entirely happy with the image. That’s not a problem. Just as we’ll be taking the time in studio to land upon your best look, I’m committed to take the time to adjust the retouching until it looks just right - to you.

  • You will receive an email or a text with a private link to an online proofing site where all your (usable) images from the shoot will appear. From there, you can ‘favorite’ the image(s) you want to be retouched and I’ll be notified immediately, and get to work on retouching.description

  • The mini session is designed for those who need one professional ‘look’ - as in no outfit changes. The session is typically shorter in length, roughly 20 minutes, in studio on a white background. Retouching of one image is included and additional images are retouched at $25 an image. All other details apply - including your own proofing site to view, share and download your images.

Book an appointment.

Scheduling a headshot session with us couldn’t be easier. Simply provide your email and your preferred days and times below and we’ll get right back to you.