Let’s Capture You! Why We Do Professional Headshots and How Our Process Works
Headshots are not only for actors or models. If you are graduating, needing to update your website, celebrating a professional achievement, or wanting to capture yourself for any special moment, read on to see what we offer for headshots.
Headshots are a great way to communicate who you are to potential employers and clients before they meet with you.
One study shows that it takes a mere 100 milliseconds to decide if you trust someone based on their face, so having a clear photo of you smiling and captured in the best light possible is very important.
And, sure, sometimes you can capture your likeness with a selfie using your phone and upload it easily onto whatever online professional platform you are using…
But, when you have a quality headshot done by a trained photographer you can easily show your brand and level of professionalism. It can also boost your confidence!
Today most professionals and recent graduates have a LinkedIn or Twitter profile which they use to network and share their professional achievements.
When another professional, employer, or client, views your profile you’ll want that person to stay on your page, read more about you, and even contact you.
As a photographer, I understand how important headshots are and I enjoy capturing my clients to help them achieve this level of professionalism.
If you’ve viewed my portfolio lately you will see several headshots done for my clients. My clients all needed headshots for various reasons and experienced a fun way to celebrate their achievements and current life.
One of my goals when photographing my clients for their headshots is to help them relax and enjoy the experience. When one is relaxed and having fun it is easily captured on camera!
What To Expect and Style Guides
Before meeting a client to do their headshots, here is what to expect:
After booking your session, signing the contract, and paying the deposit, you will receive a questionnaire. Make sure you fill this out as it helps me plan the details.
A pre-shoot call with me before your session to ensure we’re on the same page about location, time, and date, and so I can answer any questions you may have!
Here are some tips and advice I give to all my clients who want to do headshots:
Choosing a Location is important! I recommend a location that offers different backdrops and corners, so we can get you plenty of different photos in the end.
Some clients will rent spaces, have photos taken at their offices, or even use their homes or local parks. The possibilities are endless!
Choosing the right outfit is also important! You want to wear something that looks and feels like you.
Color – Create a cohesive color palate, and keep it neutral if possible.
Prints – If you don’t wear prints in your day-to-day life, it is best to leave them out of your session. Prints will make the life of your photographs shorter because they will look repetitive on your website and social media. If you do wear prints in your day-to-day life, choose a few great prints that can be paired with multiple outfits and accessories for greater variety.
Accessories – Pick your favorite accessories that you normally wear, and choose one or two.
Fit – It can be really hard to choose clothes! But, in actuality, it is most important to wear clothes that fit you properly. In the end, those well-fitting clothes will make you look more put together than ill-fitting pieces.
Comfort – Wearing clothes that you are comfortable in is the most important factor to consider when styling your outfits. When you feel comfortable that will translate to you looking comfortable on camera!
Trends – Avoid wearing anything super trendy that may not be in style within the next season. Timeless pieces will allow you to get the most out of your headshots.
Your Signature – Do have any pieces that you wear consistently or that people will easily recognize you in? If so, it is important to include these in your finalized outfit.
Removable Pieces – I highly recommend layers of clothes/accessories because as the shoot goes you can remove your jacket or switch your shoes to help create even more variety.
Are you doing team headshots with multiple people? Coordinate those outfits by what “fits” together - avoid “matching” perfectly!
Hair and makeup are very important for headshots! I never recommend full glam for professional headshots (unless you go full glam every day and that is how people recognize you!).
Did you want to include any props in your headshots? This is a great option if you have specific tools you use for work, mention specific items of your brand consistently, or even daily items you always have on hand. We can work these into your headshots!
After your session, you will receive an email from me about three to four weeks after with your final gallery!
One more note: I am hired to capture YOU!
As a photographer, it is my goal to capture you as naturally as possible!
I am fully committed to making you look and feel your best. Everyone has their insecurities about how they look on the outside, so I encourage you to share those with me before the photo shoot so I am aware.
Because of this, I do not make it a standard to automatically do retouching for natural skin or teeth imperfections. I would never assume a client wants something edited!
However, that doesn’t mean I can’t accommodate and help any clients with their insecurities. Ultimately, I want you to love your photos and feel confident!
Retouching on scars, yellowed teeth, or otherwise can be done during editing for additional fees.
For blemishes or marks that will disappear on their own after a few weeks, I will edit those for free! So, if you cuddle your cat and they give you a love scratch on your cheek, I can make sure it isn’t visible in the final photos.
One more thing to note: I will not do any body-reshaping, as you are perfect the way you are (I promise!).
Ready To Schedule Your Headshots?
Headshots are important if you are looking to gain more contacts, employment options, and clients. Spending the time and funds for professional headshots is a win, and you can use your headshots for more than online platforms; headshots look great on business cards, resumes, flyers, billboards, and more.
As a photographer who offers headshots, and understands the importance of them, I always strive to make it a fun and memorable experience. I want to ensure we capture your best self.
If you are interested and looking for a headshot photographer in California, contact me today. I’d love the opportunity to capture you and to help you celebrate your achievements!