Headshots FAQ

Photo FAQ for Business Professional Headshot Photography

Tips and What to Expect

Some people are shy and others don’t mind having someone take photos. I always do my best to put people at ease.

Here are some quick tips followed by common questions and answers. 

1. Relax. Sessions don’t need to be long experiences. You’ll be done in no time.

2. Listen for my guidance – whether I ask you to tilt your head up, down or to the left or right.

3. Avoid white shirts or tops. Although they often work, they can also dominate a photo or details can get lost.

4. Multiple colors are fine, but I wouldn’t recommend clothing with stripes that stand out. It’s best for them to be more subtle and not large.

4. Makeup is fine, but I would go light if possible around the eyes and on eyelashes. But if you’re not comfortable cutting back, let’s go with the real you.

4. Necklaces are fine, but let’s both keep an eye on them. Shorter ones sometimes move around or hide under clothes.

5. Lip balm sometimes helps with light on lips.

6. Think through whether you want to smile with your teeth showing. I can take some photos both ways. These are professional photos, but you can smile with or without your pearly whites accenting your appearance.

7. Let me know if there is anything on your face or part of your complexion that you want me to remove or minimize. Typically, I minimize some acne or a new scratch. A mole or scar may be part of you. It’s important to point out if you want anything to be modified when I edit your photos. Please note that you will have access to up to 20 photos, but I’ll only edit three. The 20 will still be good in terms of a professional look, lighting. I won’t put any in your gallery that don’t look nice.

8. Don’t worry if you blink, cough or get distracted for a moment. I can work with you and get plenty of good shots.

9. If the lights bother you (most people don’t have issues), we can turn them off for a moment, but you’ll want to keep your place on the stool or where you stand.

10. Your hair is your responsibility. I can point out out anything that stands out. Usually hair isn’t an issue and I can always remove a few wild strands in the editing process. Long hair isn’t a problem, but we should talk about how you want it to look – both sides of your head, more on one side than the other, etc.

11. If you wear glasses, it’s not an issue. I may simply ask you to tilt your head slightly to get the best photos. You can let me know whether you want some or all photos without your glasses.

12. Typically, photos are based on what you wear for a professional appearance. But we may have time to make a slight adjustment. You might add or remove a lightweight sweater, shawl, etc. If you want optional photos with a shirt as well as a suit jacket, we should start with the shirt. Some people don’t prefer a suit jacket; another jacket is fine.

13. Ties and scarves. If you want either, it’s best to start with them in place so we can make sure they look good. They can easily be removed for the remaining photos. I may offer advice if something seems crooked or out of place.

14. Pocket squares are a matter of preference. If you want one with your suit jacket, you’re welcome to have it in place the way you want it to show.

The main thing is for you to be comfortable. You can practice some poses on your own in front of your own mirror. You may have one side of your face that you think looks better. Let’s talk about that.

In a short period, you will actually pose several different ways.

Q&A

Q. When will I see the gallery?
A. It takes 10-12 days just because of the number of projects that are scheduled. When possible, I will provide access earlier.

Q. How many edits do I get?
A. Most customers only need one set of edits. We can have a brief call to discuss what’s needed. Usually, if I provide 20 photos, I ask customers to select 7-10 favorites and I help guide them to the best three.

Q. Can I have my headshot taken outdoors?
A. Indoor is preferred for most sessions. Outdoor sessions involves more planning and weather variables. 

Q. Will I get prints?
A. These are digital files. I can offer advice on printing.

Q. How will the photos be formatted?
A. Each photo is high resolution meaning it’s formatted for printing (300 dpi). Images have space at the top, bottom and both sides to accommodate cropping. 

Q. What’s the difference between a headshot a a portrait?
A. Portraits often involve more poses, outfit changes, longer views (i.e. head to toe), indoors, outdoors. Headshots often extend to a chest and involve fewer poses. Headshots are focused on a professional look. Portraits can reveal subtle aspects of a personality.

Q. Can you make my teeth whiter?
A. I can edit teeth. Making them too white can create an artificial look. I tend to brighten a little without going overboard. 

Q. What color is the backdrop for the headshots?
A. It’s a standard backdrop with a mix of blue and grey colors that complements diverse clothing skin, and hair. The backdrop colors can be modified and can be lightened or darkened in the editing process.