WHAT TO EXPECT

When you arrive, you’ll have some time to relax and settle in. We’ll chat to get to know each other, review what you need from the images, how you plan to use them, and go over wardrobe selections and options for backgrounds. 

Next, I’ll show you some techniques that will help you look your best in the images and begin to take pictures. We’ll chat as I shoot, and I’ll combine natural, candid expressions with shots where I guide you with posing and expression coaching. My camera connects to a computer, so you will be able to see you how the images look as we work together.

For a regular studio session is no time limit, for a mini-session you'll be at the studio for 45 minutes. During both sessions, I will be totally focused on you. For a regular session your schedule will be the deciding factor on how long you stay to get the images you want.

After the session, I will send you a gallery of low-resolution digital files to review on our own through my website. This gallery will be online for one month from the date of your session. During this time, you can narrow down your favorites and select the images you'd like to have edited and purchase.

HOW TO PREPARE

If possible, be well rested for your session Try to schedule a time when you won’t be stressed about getting to your next appointment. If you feel like you might be getting sick, please call to reschedule. If you don’t feel your best, you won’t look your best.

Choose your backdrop

Before the session, I'll ask you to take a look at my website or instagram account and choose a backdrop to start with. I can change backdrops while you are at the studio, but I'll have your first choice set up when you arrive.

Choose clothing to bring to the studio

The most important thing is to bring well-fitting, wrinkle-free clothing that you feel great in. Avoid wearing anything that takes the attention away from your face.

For headshots, solid colors with simple necklines look best. Your face should be the focus, not your clothing, accessories or jewelry. Don’t choose shirts or jackets with herringbone, checks, small repeating patterns, or large stripes (small stripes are fine.) And, don't wear a solid white on top (it pulls attention from your face) unless it is  paired with a jacket or other layer. Avoid wearing shiny material. If you bring a top that is sleeveless or has short sleeves, bring a jacket or cardigan to layer over it. Textured clothing works well.

Bring several tops with different necklines. We’ll select what will look best on camera together, and try a few looks. You’ll leave having different options, based on your specific needs (social media, work, dating profile, website, personal branding, speaking engagements, etc...)

If you are coming for a portrait or would like to add those to your headshot session, everything is fair game. Bring clothing and accessories that express your personality or the style you want to convey.

Hair and Makeup

For headshot sessions, come to the studio with your hair styled as you normally wear it and if you wear makeup keep it very light and natural. The camera sees every detail, so strong makeup looks overdone. Bold eyeliner, lash extensions, heavy mascara, cat eyes, heavy contouring, or runway/glam makeup is not recommended for professional headshots.

If you would like a more stylized portrait, the rules above don't apply! Anything goes, depending on the look you want to show the world.

Do I need a hair stylist or makeup artist? This is a personal preference. If you would like to use a stylist and need a suggestion let me know. Hair and makeup is not included in the shoot. You hire and pay these artists directly. You can find a list of stylists in the resources section of this website.

Glasses

If you wear them, bring them; if you have different styles, bring those as well. We will experiment with which frame looks best with your clothing choices. 

Retouching

Once you choose the images that you will purchase, I'll edit them to make you look your very best. I always correct for color and contrast, remove any imperfections from the backgrounds, lighten dark shadows under your eyes, remove blemishes, stray hair and lint on clothing. If you'd like additional beauty retouching those are included in your image fee, so let me know if you have any concerns you'd like addressed.

What is the difference between a portraits and a headshot?

You may want to consider adding some portraits to your session, in addition to headshots. Portraits allow more stylistic choices in clothing, reveal more of your personality and might have a more distinct lighting style. There is no additional charge for shooting portraits and headshots during the same session. If you have a concept in mind let me know so that I can plan for it before the shoot.

Lastly...

Come prepared, but don’t worry in advance about the photo session. Most people feel nervous or uncomfortable about having their photo taken, but there’s nothing to it, I promise. We’ll get to know each other as I take your picture, and before you know it, you’ll have forgotten about the camera and start having fun.