“A camera didn’t make a great picture

any more than a typewriter wrote a great novel”

~Peter Adams

Creating Professional Business Headshots

In today’s world, a profile picture is crucial for presenting ourselves online. We handle a lot of our interactions through online chat, Skype, and social media. These platforms are also where we seek employment and grow our professional networks, such as on LinkedIn. A great profile image goes a long way in connecting us to our clients. Online profile pictures need to be professional, yet also warm, friendly, and instantly engaging—what I’d call “conversational.” Ultimately, they should accurately reflect who we are. Headshots aren’t one-size-fits-all, because people aren’t. A skilled photographer adjusts the lighting and posing to suit each person’s unique features.

My approach is simple: we start with a conversation. We’ll talk about your needs and how you’ll use the photos, which helps me personalize the session. I don’t just start shooting without getting to know you. This discussion is key to capturing your authentic self and creating the best possible images.

Next, we’ll do the headshot. Afterward, I’ll spend a day reviewing the photos, choosing and adjusting the best ones to create a set of proofs. Then, we can review them in a few ways: you can come back to the studio so we can look at them together and decide which one's work best, or I can email them to you, share them via Dropbox, or use Smash to upload them for you to preview.

After you’ve chosen your favorite, I’ll perfect the images and create your final headshots. You’ll receive two digital copies: one optimized for the web and another high-resolution version for printing.

Styles of Business Headshots

Modern headshots are replacing traditional ones, opting for a more intimate and approachable feel that resonates with the viewer.

Environmental Headshots

I aim to photograph subjects in their natural work environment, as if a client has just walked in and caught them in the act. I want to capture that moment of immediate engagement. I usually use the existing natural light, possibly supplementing it with a strobe to soften shadows and create a warm catchlight in the eyes.

Studio Headshots

We shoot in my studio, usually against a softly focused backdrop, with lighting carefully designed to highlight and enhance your unique personality. I precisely control the environment for optimal results.

Traditional Business Headshots

We can still do classic headshots with sculpted lighting and textured backgrounds. If your company uses a specific style you want to maintain, I can review your existing photos and replicate that look.

White Knockout Headshots

I photograph subjects against a white backdrop in the studio, and then we remove the background in the final images. This creates a transparent effect, allowing the subject to appear as if it’s floating on websites. It’s a popular technique, especially when layering your headshot or other photos with graphic elements.

Pricing

The photo session costs $150. This includes one headshot selection cleaned up and ready for use.
$25 per additional image cleaned up.
$25 per image for background knockouts and creating a transparency.
I take Venmo, all major credit cards, checks, or cash. I can also invoice your company for payment.

Prepping for a Business Headshot

Consider the image’s overall style and how you want to be perceived. Your clothing should reflect that. Think about options like suits, business casual, or a more relaxed, casual look. Remember, what you wear visually communicates who you are. A crisp, pressed outfit sends a different message than something wrinkled or rumpled.

Choose visuals that match your style and personality. Consider the message you want to convey.

Simpler images are clearer, projecting a more welcoming and friendly feel.

Avoid overly elaborate patterns that might draw attention away from your face. Instead, consider simple lines that direct the focus upwards towards your eyes.

For online headshots, steer clear of shirts and tops with plunging necklines. Since these photos are often cropped closely, the image should cut off a portion of your clothing rather than any exposed skin.

Steer clear of thin pinstripes as they cause a Moiré effect on most screens, making wavy lines that appear to shift as the display updates.

Don’t stress about skin imperfections as they can be touched up in the cleanup process.

You want to take care of your hair and grooming to reflect your personality.

It might seem like a no-brainer, but brushing your teeth beforehand can really simplify the touch-up process.

My studio includes a dressing room where I can change, a counter with a mirror, and a sink for applying makeup.

Above all, be ready to enjoy yourself! It’s meant to be a fun experience.