How to Prep for Your Headshot Session

 

General

Come to the session knowing that you will have fun.  We aren’t your typical photographers, nor should you expect us to be.  We are not ‘click and done’ photographers, we take time with every image and are very deliberate in our approach.  We understand the subtle nuances that make the difference between an incredible shot and an OK one.  We take images that will change the way you see yourself.  Our headshot sessions are a combination of good discussion, candid feedback, positive energy, and most importantly, trust.  We want to understand what makes you unique and we want to capture that in an image that engages viewers and makes them want to know more about you.

Before you arrive, take a moment to relax and do something you like.  Whether it’s sipping some green tea, listening to a favorite tune, or just relaxing in the park…do something that brings you to your happy place.

Before your shoot

  • For guys, if you’re the clean shaven type, shave before arrive.  A day’s worth of outgrowth will be noticeable during an afternoon session.
  • Take a moment to trim your nose hairs (I told you I’d be candid, you’ll thank me later)
  • Bring a toothbrush if you plan to eat before your session.  You don’t want to have food in your teeth.

Wardrobe

  • Bring at least six complete outfits including different pairs of pants and shoes.
  • Bring a variety of tops to change into throughout the shoot: casual shirt or T-shirt, solid color business-appropriate shirt, plain white dress shirt, classy evening top, etc.
  • AVOID logos or patterns, but match your look (eg. if punk rock, bring clothes to suit)

In General

 

We’ll start with a casual look, and progress through a more business/corporate/professional look, and wind up with the look you would have if you went for a night out. Everything else is technical. The technical stuff is important, though, so let’s address that now.

Music

We love to play music during our sessions and you are more than welcome to suggest anything that gets you going. We subscribe to Spotify and have a number of great iTunes Radio stations we love and are open to listening to almost anything you want to listen to. Just let us know what you want to hear when you get here.

Your Take-Aways

ONLINE PROOF GALLERY

Within 48 hours after our session, I will upload low-resolution, unretouched proofs to an online gallery. The number of proofs varies from session to session, but you can expect 50-75 proofs to choose from. The galleries are shareable and you can select and save your favorites from your session. Proofs are downloadable but will be watermarked as proofs. This watermark is not to be removed.

PICK THREE FINAL IMAGES

From the proofs, select three (3) images that best represent you and your types. Consult with your agent if you are having trouble picking from all your great shots. Time permitting, I will recommend my top three picks from our shoot.

After you make your selections, I will color correct and retouch your selected images to remove any blemishes, flyaway hairs, etc. I will not remove identifiable marks, such as moles, birthmarks, smooth skin, or dramatically reduce wrinkles in a way that alter your appearance, so please don’t ask. Casting directors want to see THE REAL YOU.

Your session includes a license to use each image in perpetuity for self-promotion and publicity purposes, as outlined in the terms on your invoice.

ORDERING PRINTS

If you agree to shoot with me, you are agreeing to print your images with my trusted print labs. Prints will be finished at the 8×10″ industry standard size. Prints are furnished through industry-standard labs and based on current repro lab rates:

  • 25 @ $75 ($3.00/ea.)
  • 50 @ $100 ($2.00/ea.)
  • 100 @ $150 ($1.50/ea.)
  • 200 @ $250 ($1.25/ea.)

Prices are valid for Chicago(ish) area clients only. Prices will vary for other regions.

WATERMARKS, LEGAL, ETC.

I do not watermark your final images; I believe if people want to know where you got your headshots, they will ask. As the photographer, I retain full copyright and moral rights of all images. You are provided a license to use and print the final images.