We have a simple process we follow that ensures you have a relaxing and productive headshot session. Together, we will capture amazing images.
As with many things, however, preparation is key. So we have developed the following information to help you look and feel great, to remove questions and anxiety.
What should I expect?
We will check you in based on either a schedule overseen by your company, or an online sign-up process we shared prior to the event. You'll have a few moments to check yourself in the mirror, pat down any fly-away hairs, use the lint brush, then it's time to step in front of the camear!
We may talk a bit about posture and expression, about micro-expressions, and then I will then direct and guide you to your best posture and expression, to show off your best side, your most attractive smile, your most engaging expression.
I will have the camera tethered to my computer and/or an external monitor, so we can review the results immediately, make adjustments, all so as to get you shots you will love.
What do I get?
It depends on the length of the personal session selected for this Headshot Day.
If this is a Rapid Session, you will have about 5 minutes in front of the camera, then we will immediately upload the best 5-7 images of you to a private, secure online gallery, from which you will make your final image choice for retouching. Generally speaking, most organizers/employers choose to allow their team members to select one image for retouching. If you want another image or two, the system will allow you to do that as a separate transaction. You should make your image selections immediately, definitely on the day of your session.
If this is a Slow Session, you will have about 15-20 minutes in front of the camera, plus a bit of time for more coaching and guided image selection. And most likely we will be making your final image selections right in the studio or at your location, looking at the images together on a shared screen.
Every developed image is professionally retouched and delivered electronically in a few days.
What do you mean by "retouched"?
We will soften the effects of the lighting. We will correct things like fly-away hairs, blemishes, and forehead or nose shine. We will obliterate muffin crumbs that clung to your shirt, unsightly shirt wrinkles, ketchup on your tie, etc. We will brighten your eyes and teeth, even out skin tones, and clean up any irregularities in the background. It sounds like a lot, but we use a very light touch.
We will not reshape your face. Our general rule is that, if it is something that won't be there in two weeks (like a blemish, say), we remove it. We can remove moles or scars, but we generally don't recommend that.
The final images will look polished and professional, but natural.
What else?
Wear the outfit and [modest] accessories you like best and feel most comfortable in. What is most timeless. To help you further prepare, we have notes linked below about clothing and makeup and hair. Please read through all that apply to help maximize your benefit from this experience.
If there are guidelines for this Headshot Day supplied by your employer, use those to guide your attire. Generally, since we are just shooting one outfit, we suggest that you wear what you would wear to an important meeting where you need to look your best.
Here are our most general guidelines on clothing, jewelry, makeup, etc. for ANY headshot. Depending on your specific Team Headshot Day, some of this may not apply. If you prefer, you can download this info as a PDF and print it out. (And be sure to watch the 5-Tips video at the top of the page.)
