headshot FAQ corporate executive professional head shots

WHAT SESSION IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Standard session includes up to one hour of photography and one retouched image that you can select at the end of the session. Whether you are looking for one image for your website or LinkedIn page or several different looks for a portfolio of images, this is a great place to start. The shoot lasts up to 30 minutes and includes your favorite image retouched and delivered to you in high-resolution. You will also have the option to purchase additional images from the session if you need them. If you want just one or two extra retouched images or the entire gallery, we have options to make sure that you get exactly what you need. If you are looking for a more comprehensive shoot with more outfit changes and a variety of poses, consider upgrading to our Plus session.

Plus Session (Our Most Popular): If you are looking for more than a headshot, the Plus session might be for you. With up to two hours of studio time, the Plus session gives you enough time to put together a more extensive portfolio of images as well as a mix of headshots, medium, and full-length shots. This is ideal for a modeling portfolio for agency submissions, a more in-depth business branding session, or for someone looking to get a greater variety of different outfits and background changes. 

WHAT SHOULD WE TALK ABOUT BEFORE MY SESSION?

If you are getting headshots at the request of your marketing department, they should have guidelines about the headshot with regard to backdrop and lighting and, possibly, your attire. We will need to know those things before you arrive so we can set up.

If you are getting headshots on your own, your industry, personality, and interests may influence the choices you make. Text or email us some sample headshots you love so we can help you narrow down the look you want.

WHERE WILL MY SESSION TAKE PLACE?

Most of our sessions take place in our studio in Historic Springboro. Located In between Dayton & Cincinnati,  just a few minutes off of i75. We are on the second floor of a historic building at 140 S Main Street. If you need us to work on location for your session,  you can upgrade to an on-location shoot for a small fee and we can collaborate on the perfect place to get the images you are looking for.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY SESSION? 

We will welcome you and get to know you a little as we get set up and choose backdrops. We provide a place to hang outfit choices and a bathroom for changing and touch ups.  Keeping the whole session light-hearted and providing professional guidance on posing. Kelly has extensive training as a headshot photographer that she relies on to make your images stand out. We will help you pose in ways that accentuate your best features. And we’ll probably remind you to relax and enjoy your session. We will tell bad jokes, if needed, to coax that smile out. If you’re a non-smiler, we will make sure you look friendly.

HOW SHOULD I DRESS? ALSO, WHAT SHOULD I DEFINITELY NOT WEAR? DO I NEED A NEW WARDROBE?

You should bring a few options that you feel comfortable in.

Bring things that reflect your style and personality that you’re comfortable in.

Avoid busy patterns, flesh-tone colors, wrinkled clothing, bold or distracting colors/patterns or shiny fabrics, and very large or extremely reflective jewelry.

Try to avoid white or black. If you’re someone like me who lives in black clothes try an additional selection that flatters your skin tone. 

Long sleeves are generally better than short-sleeved or sleeveless tops for professional headshots. A flowy blouse is more forgiving than a tight sweater for most of us ladies. Wearing heavy winter clothing can add pounds, so think about how that may look on-camera.

Jewel tones look good on almost everyone, as do shades that match your eye color. Think about that one outfit you have that always prompts someone to say “You look great in that color” or “That looks so good on you.” 

Do you have a go-to outfit that is comfortable and makes you feel confident? That’s a great choice as well. And if you’re still not sure what to wear, bring a few options and we’ll help you decide.

If you choose a white shirt, bring a jacket or cardigan so you can change your look and add some color. 

 Men who wear shirts and ties for their headshots may want to bring two shirts and two ties so they have additional options

Make sure everything is clean and pressed. Wrinkle removal is not included in standard retouching.

HAIR AND MAKEUP, ANYONE?

We recommend that you keep your makeup and hair natural and close to your everyday look. A great makeup artist can do this for you if you’re not feeling confident about doing your own.  We have some recommendations if you don’t have someone. 

 For men, hair usually looks best about two weeks after a haircut. Trim your beards to your usual standards. Glasses should be clean to minimize glare. Wearing foundation or blotting your skin with a tissue before we begin will help to minimize the shine on your face. We can take care of the remaining shine when we retouch your final images.

If you want to do touch-ups before your session, bring along whatever you need. We have a full-length mirror at the studio.

WHEN WILL I SEE MY IMAGES?

You can see your images immediately with our tethering option. This means your images are available for review on a laptop as they are taken. This speeds things up quite a bit as you will make your selections before you leave eliminating the need for an online gallery. For those who like to take their time, we also provide private online client galleries for selection.

If your images are to go to your Marketing Department, you may have to wait for them to receive them before you can review them.

Generally, we get images to you within 48 hours. Once you’ve chosen the image(s) you love, we use the Kelly Ann Commercial Photography Signature Retouching style to ensure you look your very best.

 

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR MY SESSION? 

The key to making sure that your session goes well is being prepared. 

If you plan to get your hair cut or colored, make sure to do it 3-5 days before your session. Please don’t do anything drastic or different with your hair right before the shoot. Hair regret is very real and is probably the number one reason that people can be unsatisfied with their images.

Drinking lots of water the day before, using a good facial moisturizer before you come. A facial 3-5 days before can do wonders for your complexion making you shine for your session. Stay away from alcohol and do your best to get a couple of solid nights of sleep leading up to the session. Alcohol and lack of sleep can make your face puffy, give you red eyes, and cause under eye darkness to be exaggerated.

CAN YOU REALLY MAKE THIS FUN?

We do our best. We love meeting new people and we love making them look good. So pick out some clothing that makes you feel fabulous and we will see you soon!

Learn more about professional headshot sessions here: Professional Headshot Sessions and Pricing