We follow a streamlined process to ensure you get an excellent, speedy headshot.
As with many things, however, preparation is key. So we have developed this information to help you look and feel great, to remove questions and anxiety.
Given that we are shooting each individual for just 2-3 minutes, this is far from our normal, in-studio session (which can last up to 2 hours). But we still will get killer headshots. It just requires a bit of rocket fuel...
If your event involves pre-registration, you will have selected a 15-minute time slot with our scheduling system. That gets you into our system. We allow multiple reservations within each 15-minute slot, as a way to pace out the process and keep lines to a minimum. If not all slots have been filled, or if there is slack in the schedule, we will allow on-site sign-ups using a QR code.
If your event does not involve pre-registration, don't worry, it's super easy. Just come to the lounge and there will be a QR code to scan (and/or an iPad to do direct entry). You will enter your name and email, and that's it.
While you are waiting, 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 shoot!
When you get to the head of the line, you merely give us your name and we check you in.
We will direct and guide you to your best posture and expression, to show off your best side, your most attractive smile, your most engaging expression.
We will have the camera connected to a computer and either an iPad or monitor on a stand, so we can get some immediate feedback, to make sure we like what we are seeing, to make any adjustments.
The moment you step into the Headshot Lounge to have your photo taken, you will be assigned a private, secure gallery and we will send you an email with a link to that gallery.
Within moments of leaving the Headshot Lounge (assuming wifi is working well), your gallery will contain the images we just captured together.
We will normally upload the 5-8 best shots of you to your gallery. From those, depending on the service level ordered by the sponsor or your company, you will either be able to download any of your images, and/or select ones you would like to have retouched. In most cases there is a fee for retouching images. Retouched images are delivered to this same gallery within a few days. You will get a notification, and you will be able to download it.
If you like, you can always request that additional images be retouched for a modest fee (payable directly from the gallery).
The terms of your particular Headshot Lounge will be noted on a note near where you sign in.
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. If we can (and usually we can), we will eliminate glasses glare, though mostly we try to "fix" that during shooting.
We will not reshape your face.
The final images will look polished and professional, but natural.
Don't overthink this. Relax. Get a good night's sleep. Drink plenty of water. Expect to have a fun, relaxing, informative experience.
Wear the outfit and [modest] accessories you like best and feel most comfortable in. What is most timeless.
If this is a trade show of convention, you should come dressed in whatever is conventional attire or level of formality for your profession.
If this is an employer-sponsored event, there may be guidelines 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.
To help you further prepare, we have notes (linked below) about clothing, makeup, and hair. Please read through all that apply to help maximize your benefit from this experience.
Also, we have put together a short video with a few quick tips for Instant Headshots (see above), so we hopefully don't have to repeat them to everyone who steps into the lights. We'll also include one about Headshot Myths below.
See you in the Lounge!
Download our full clothing, jewelry,
and hair guidance here (PDF).