Do I need to book an appointment?
Yes. All headshot sessions are by appointment only. Your appointment is tailored for you and ensures uninterrupted time so you get the best quality images.
How does it all work?
Once you contact me, I’ll reach out to you by email and text to set up a convenient time for us to speak via phone. It works best if we could speak live a few minutes so you can describe your purpose for the photos. There is no obligation or pressure for this conversation. During our discussion, I’ll walk you through the session process, ask a few questions and answer all of your questions.
Do I need to leave a deposit to book a session?
Yes. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking the session to reserve your session day and time. The deposit taken applies to the final cost of your photo session.
I recognize that once in a while unavoidable events happen that may prevent you from keeping the scheduled date. If that should happen, you can notify me within 48 hours of the session and we can reschedule within 30 days, I'll be happy to apply your deposit to the rescheduled session. Unfortunately, no shows on the scheduled day will forfeit the deposit.
What should I wear to the photo session?
In general, as far as clothing choices, busy and distracting patterns, textures, or necklines should be avoided. White or light-colored buttons on black, navy blue or dark colored shirts should also be avoided. There's no time limit on our a.m. or p.m. session, we keep taking photos until we get what we need and until you’re happy. With that in mind, why not make the most of your session and bring several of your favorite outfits!
Business or Corporate Looks:
Men’s Clothes: Bring your favorite suits, jackets, sweaters, ties and your best firmly pressed or steamed shirts. Solid color shirts and jackets work best for business images. Make sure clothes don’t have wrinkles, stains, floppy or frayed collars.
Women’s Clothes: Bring your favorite jackets, sweaters, blouses, skirts, business dresses, pantsuits, etc. Solid colors work best for business images. Make sure clothes are pressed or steamed and don’t have wrinkles, stains, floppy or frayed collars.
Smart Casual Looks:
Bring a selection of your very favorite clothes to the session for multiple looks. Clothes that make you feel great are important. People tend to be more confident and relaxed when they’re wearing their favorite outfits.
If only one look is desired, you should ideally arrive at the studio ready for photographs. There are mirrors in the studio for quick adjustments to hair and clothes. If you are bringing several outfits for different looks (suggested), there is a powder room for changing.
Jewelry can be a distraction in professional headshots drawing the attention away from you. I recommend not wearing a necklace, chain(s) or earrings for the session. Earrings that are very small (tiny studs) and largely hidden by your hair may work, but not always.
Hair & Makeup
Men:
Please bring a hairbrush or comb, and whatever you typically use on your hair (hairspray, gel, hair clips, ties, etc.). There are no combs or brushes in the studio. If you feel that you want to work with a makeup artist, I can direct you to one, but let's speak about your needs first.
If you desire a clean-shaven look, please remember to carefully shave and trim facial hair before arriving at the studio.
Women:
Women's makeup should be kept simple. As much as we don't want clothing distractions, heavy makeup can be a distraction. The best results are if you keep the makeup simple and clean for headshots. Perhaps after capturing several good shots, makeup can be applied more liberally to suit your tastes.
Same with your hair, come with your hair ready for how you'd like it for the session keeping it simple and clean looking. Separated clumps or strands of misplaced hair can ruin an otherwise good photo. I will likely direct you to fix your hair several times during the session.
Please bring a hairbrush, comb, hairspray, gel, hair clips, ties, etc., or whatever you typically use on your hair. There are no combs or brushes kept in the studio.
If you prefer, I can direct you to a makeup artist to contact before our session.
I usually don’t look good in photos; what do you do differently?
It’s normal for some people to think they don’t photograph well, even with previous professionally photographed images. It’s my responsibility to provide you with simple, useful coaching on what to do and how to do it throughout the session. This enables us to capture your confidence and approachability in great images. Of course, using flattering light is important, but not as important as my guidance and how we interact. My personality is relaxed, friendly and fun. That is what you’ll experience in our session. I care about what you need, and will take the time with you to get the best results.
My training and experience are primarily in headshot photography which is my main business. I am trained by Peter Hurley, a member of his “Headshot Crew” coaching platform, and listed in his online directory “Find a Photographer”. I regularly interact with Peter and his community of professional headshot photographers to receive feedback on my work which keeps me fresh and relevant. (Peter Hurley is recognized as the premier “Headshot” Photographer by professionals in the USA and around the world.)
What happens during the photo session?
In short, we’ll have fun and create the great images you hoped for.
When you arrive, I’ll briefly review how the session will work and answer any questions. We’ll go through your outfits, together and decide what you’ll start with. You’ll be provided with simple, useful coaching on what to do throughout the session. I’ll explain how to pose and demonstrate what I’d like you to do. My camera is tethered to my computer so we can easily review photos during breaks. Once you are happy with the look(s) that we’ve captured we’ll sit and do a final review of all images together. I’ll offer advice from a professional perspective, but you are in control of selecting the images that you purchase.
What can I expect my final headshots to look like?
Check the Services section for examples of my style. From a lighting and posing perspective the look is consistent. You can expect that look as well. I primarily photograph clients on solid backgrounds that are variations of gray, black or white, but other colors can be used if appropriate. We’ll incorporate techniques to accentuate and highlight your features that will capture your true character.
How much retouching will be done?
Minimal. Most headshot photographers agree that less is more. Too much retouching can ruin the result of a great headshot.
All of the final images you get will be professionally retouched for blemishes, lint removal, distracting fly-away hairs, etc., but they will not be overhauled. The current trend with editorial publications, is for more natural retouching. This makes sense as you should look like you, which is how the world sees you. This minimal approach is still a skilled process that will give your headshot a natural, yet polished look.
Do you do portraits as well?
Yes, I create individual portraits for business, or if you’re looking for more of an artistic representation of yourself. Portraits generally include more of the body than a headshot and are considered an expression of your personality, usually within your defining environment. We can take photos in the studio, on location or a combination of both. Some examples, if you’re a public speaker we take photos of you speaking on stage or simulate that in the studio; if you’re an equestrian we can take photos on location at the stable and riding your horse; if you’re a high school or college athlete we can take photos in the studio, on the court or in the field, etc.. Contact me so we can discuss your needs and develop a session that tells your story.
Do you offer on-location photo sessions?
Yes, within most of New Jersey. Please see Pricing section. Corporate group headshots can be done on customer site or in the studio. Most individual headshot clients are photographed in the studio which is located in Basking Ridge right off the intersection of I78 & I287. Contact me for more details.