We have a tested 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 (including a short video) to help you look and feel great, to remove questions and anxiety.
(Note: This page is prepared for persons who have booked our Unlimited Headshot session, which goes at a more relaxed pace and offers outfit and background changes. If you are coming in for a more limited option, all of the prep information still applies.)
What should I expect?
Come in, take your coat and shoes off. This is a relaxing, sock-friendly studio.
There is no time limit. No pressure.
Our goal is nothing less than capturing the best image of you that you've ever had taken. Sometimes that takes just five minutes, sometimes 120. But we won't stop until you are absolutely pleased with the results.
Our goal is to create images that show you as confident and authoritative, yet approachable.
First, we'll take a few minutes to get acquainted. I need to get an idea of the kind of images you want to create, your profession, what you are seeking to communicate, etc. We'll also talk a bit about posture and expression, about micro-expressions, and wardrobe choices.
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.
Hundreds of clients have come before you, and I have a well-tested system to capture amazing images.
In the course of our session, I will fire off hundreds of exposures, depending on the number of wardrobe changes and backgrounds, or the look we are going for. And I will have the camera tethered to my computer and large-screen TV, so we can review the results immediately, make adjustments, and constantly improve.
After we are both satisfied that we have enough to work with, you can change back into the clothes you came in, we can grab a coffee, tea, or water, and then we'll review your images together, keeping only those images that we both like – we're aiming for a dozen great shots – and torching the rest (all images not chosen by you are permanently deleted). From there, you will pick your absolute favorites – those you want to be professionally edited and retouched.
That's all there is to it. Really.
What do I get?
Each chosen image is professionally retouched and delivered electronically in a few days. Images are provided as high-resolution print versions and smaller web-resolution versions. I am also happy to supply each image as a properly-converted black and white portrait, if that is something you can use.
There are no watermarks, no photographer's name plastered over the photo, no hidden fees, no upsells.
Am I limited to close-up headshots?
Absolutely not. That is the preferred, classic style, but we also are happy, after capturing "the usual," to break things up, mess with lighting, bring in some props, and capture images that are more like what we would do in a portrait shoot, with half- or full-body shots. We can even do some shots outdoors if your needs extend to that and the weather and sun cooperate.
Can I bring a friend or spouse?
Yes, but after introductions, we will send them out to the coffee shop or bookstore (thankfully, we have the best of both right downstairs) until we are done (be sure they know that this may take 45-120 minutes).
Our process requires a distraction-free, unconstrained, judgment-free zone.
While family members and friends love you and are surely well-intentioned, they will be a distraction, and they will skew your judgment in undesirable ways. That is experience talking.
Design by committee does not work. No one knows you better than yourself, and with a professional photographer standing next to you (focusing on what people who don't know you will see in the final image), you are the person best qualified to judge your personal image.
My experience has shown that this environment helps people make far better image choices, and of course, taking and choosing the best possible images is our ultimate goal.
Can I get a gallery of all the images and have others help me choose?
That is not how I work, so if that is what you want, you should look for another photographer.
My process, honed from working with hundreds upon hundreds of clients, is a very focused, intentional collaboration in the studio. The choices need to be made by those who have been directly engaged in our collaborative creative process and be based on what we see and discuss in the studio.
Without exception, whenever non-participant opinions have been brought into the selection process, that process has suffered.
What do you mean by "retouched"?
We will soften the effects of the lighting. We will correct things like flyaway 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.
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. They should look like you on your best day, and not greatly differ from the person who people will see showing up in person.
How should I prepare?
Don't overthink this. Relax. Get a good night's sleep. Drink plenty of water. Expect to have a fun, relaxing, informative experience.
What else?
Bring the clothes and accessories you like best and feel most comfortable in. What is most timeless. To help you further prepare, we have notes below for all clients. Please read through it all to help maximize your benefit from this experience.
Download the above clothing, makeup, etc. preparation notes as a printable PDF.
