Professional Headshot Photography:

Expert Portraits for Your Success

The Real Impact of Professional Headshots

Professional headshots do more than capture your appearance – they serve as your digital handshake in today's interconnected world.

Here's what research tells us:

  • LinkedIn profiles with professional photos receive 14x more profile views than those without

  • 93% of hiring decisions are influenced by candidate photos in professional networking contexts

  • Business professionals with updated, professional headshots report 40% higher engagement rates in professional communications

  • 75% of business websites that updated their team photos with professional headshots saw increased "About Us" page dwell time

Real-world applications:

  • Job applications and career advancement

  • Client relationships and trust-building

  • Speaking engagements and media opportunities

  • Professional credentialing and expertise validation

First Impressions: What the Data Shows

The science behind first impressions reveals why professional headshots matter:

  • People form their first impression within 1/10th of a second of seeing your photo

  • 55% of first impressions are based on visual elements alone

  • Studies show that professional photos increase perceived competence by 32%

  • The brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text

Key findings from business psychology research:

  • Trustworthiness is assessed within the first 33 milliseconds of viewing a face

  • Professional appearance in photos correlates with a 58% higher likelihood of being selected for interviews

  • Updated professional photos can increase engagement rates by up to 40% on business platforms

  • High-quality headshots improve memory retention of professional profiles by 34%

Our Experience-Based Approach

After photographing thousands of professionals, we've developed a method focused on authentic representation:

Technical Foundation:

  • Precise lighting techniques that flatter all face shapes and skin tones

  • Multiple camera angles to find your optimal perspective

  • High-resolution capture for maximum flexibility in digital and print use

  • Color calibration for consistent results across all platforms

Session Structure:

  • Pre-shoot consultation to understand your goals and concerns

  • Relaxed shooting environment that helps capture natural expressions

  • Real-time image review so you can see and adjust as needed

  • Post-production focus on maintaining natural appearance

What to Expect:

  • 30-45 minute sessions for individual headshots

  • Multiple outfit changes if desired

  • Immediate preview of images

  • Professional retouching that maintains your natural look

  • Digital delivery within 48 hours (if not requested sooner)

We understand that being photographed can feel vulnerable. Our process is designed to make you comfortable and confident, ensuring your photos reflect your authentic professional self.

Our approach is based on:

  • 10+ years of professional photography experience

  • 1500+ successful headshot sessions photographed

  • Continuous education in current professional imaging standards

  • Regular equipment and technique updates to match evolving professional needs

Common Client Concerns We Address:

  • Feeling photogenic (our techniques work for everyone)

  • Looking natural (we guide you through comfortable poses)

  • Getting the right expression (we help you find your authentic look)

  • Using photos effectively (we provide platform-specific cropping and formats)

Your professional headshot is an investment in your personal brand. It's not about creating an idealized version of yourself, but rather capturing your authentic professional presence in the best possible way.

Understanding Your Portrait Options

Studio Portraits

  • Controlled lighting and professional backdrop options create a timeless, polished look ideal for corporate and formal business use

  • Consistent results regardless of weather or time of day make this perfect for large team sessions

  • Classic gray, white, or black backgrounds ensure your photos remain current and professional for years

Best suited for:

  • Finance & Banking - Projects reliability and professionalism

  • Law & Legal Services - Maintains traditional professional standards

  • Healthcare Executives - Creates consistency across organizations

  • Real Estate Professionals - Ensures polished, consistent branding

  • Corporate Management - Ideal for company-wide professional standards

Environmental Portraits

  • Captured in your workplace or chosen location to tell your professional story and showcase your industry context

  • Perfect for thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives who want to highlight their work environment

  • Combines professionalism with personality by incorporating meaningful workspace elements

Ideal for:

  • Architects & Designers - Showcases creative workspace

  • Chefs & Restaurateurs - Captures authentic kitchen/restaurant environment

  • Manufacturing Leaders - Demonstrates industry expertise

  • Artists & Craftspeople - Highlights work in progress

  • Education Professionals - Creates connection with teaching environment

Natural Light Portraits

  • Creates soft, flattering images with a modern, approachable feel that's excellent for creative professionals

  • Ideal for outdoor locations or offices with large windows, offering a fresh, contemporary look

  • Works particularly well for casual business cultures and social media-focused personal branding

Perfect for:

  • Tech Startups - Creates approachable, modern feel

  • Life Coaches & Therapists - Projects warmth and accessibility

  • Wellness Professionals - Aligns with natural, holistic branding

  • Authors & Speakers - Offers engaging, personable presence

  • Non-Profit Leaders - Creates authentic, relatable image

High-Key vs Low-Key Options

High-Key:

  • Bright, airy feel with light backgrounds - perfect for modern tech companies and startups

  • Projects optimism and approachability - ideal for client-facing roles

  • Most popular choice for LinkedIn and professional social media profiles

    Best For:

    • Tech Industry Professionals

    • Customer Service Roles

    • Healthcare Providers

    • HR Professionals

    • Marketing & Sales Teams

Low-Key:

  • Dramatic lighting with darker backgrounds for a sophisticated, executive presence

  • Excellent for creative professionals, executives, and thought leaders

  • Creates strong visual impact that stands out in professional publications and speaker profiles

Best For:

  • Creative Directors

  • Music Industry Professionals

  • Executive Leadership

  • Fashion Industry

  • Luxury Brand Representatives

The Professional Headshot Process

Pre-Session Consultation

What Actually Happens:

  • 15-minute video or phone call to understand your specific needs

  • Discussion of how you'll use the photos (platforms, marketing materials, press)

  • Review of your current professional image and what you'd like to change

  • Clear explanation of technical options and their impact on final results

What to Prepare:

  • Examples of photos you like (and don't like)

  • Questions about the process

  • Information about your industry's photo standards (if available)

  • Details about where you'll use these photos

Wardrobe Selection

Essential Guidelines:

  • Bring 2-3 outfit options to your session

  • Solid colors photograph best; avoid busy patterns

  • Ensure clothes are pressed and fit well

  • Layer options (jackets, sweaters) provide variety

Specific Recommendations:

  • Traditional Business:

    • Navy or charcoal blazer

    • Solid color shirt/blouse

    • Simple, professional jewelry

  • Business Casual:

    • Solid color polo or blouse

    • Clean, pressed collar

    • Minimal patterns

  • Creative Professional:

    • Signature style pieces

    • Color choices that complement skin tone

    • Authentic to your personal brand

Hair and Makeup Recommendations

For Everyone:

  • Get adequate sleep the night before

  • Stay hydrated

  • Avoid new skincare products 48 hours before

  • Arrive with clean, dry hair

For Those Doing Own Makeup:

  • Use matte products to avoid shine

  • Apply makeup slightly heavier than normal

  • Bring supplies for touch-ups

  • Avoid SPF products (they can cause glare)

For Professional Makeup:

  • Schedule 1 hour before shoot

  • Communicate your everyday look

  • Bring photos of your preferred style

  • Expect subtle enhancement, not dramatic change

The Shoot Experience

Timeline Breakdown:

  • 5-10 minutes: Initial setup and lighting adjustments

  • 30-40 minutes: Active shooting

  • 10-15 minutes: Review and additional shots if needed

What Actually Happens:

  • Clear direction for posture and expression

  • Regular feedback and image review

  • Multiple angles and expressions

Common Concerns Addressed:

  • Guidance provided for natural expressions

  • Immediate feedback on what's working

  • No rush - we shoot until we get the right shot

  • Regular check-ins for comfort and preferences

Image Selection and Retouching

Selection Process:

  • Review images during session on laptop

  • Initial selection up to 15 best images

  • Technical assessment of each shot

  • Final selection of images for retouching

Standard Retouching Includes:

  • Removal of temporary blemishes

  • Subtle skin smoothing

  • Basic stray hair management

  • Color correction and exposure adjustment

What We Don't Do:

  • Heavy manipulation of features

  • Dramatic changes to appearance

  • Removal of permanent characteristics

  • Artificial background replacement unless requested

Timeline:

  • Same-day image selection as explained above

  • 48-hour turnaround for basic retouching via online gallery

  • Additional retouching requests welcome within 2 weeks

  • Multiple file formats provided for different uses (if requested)

Important Notes:

  • Retouching aims to maintain natural appearance

  • Files optimized for web and print use

  • Guidance provided for specific platform requirements

Our goal is to capture you at your professional best while maintaining natural authenticity. The process is collaborative, and your comfort and satisfaction are our priority.

Services and Pricing

Individual Session Rate:

Headshot sessions are $450 for the shoot. There is a $225 deposit required to book a session, this is non-refundable and goes towards the total session fee. Your session can last up to 1 hour once you’re in front of my camera.

If you feel that you need more time you can add an hour more for $100, if you feel you may want to prolong your shoot then please schedule your session at the end of my day, so I have the free time for us to extend shooting time. 

I shoot on location about 90% of the time which lends itself to more of a cinematic style of headshot. If you prefer a studio session, we can definitely make that happen for an additional $150. 

Services provided:

  • Up to 3 looks on location (formal, casual, bust, full body, environmental)

  • Up to 15 High Resolution Images

  • $75/photo for retouching beyond basic edits

  • $100 for up to (4) 8x10 prints

Group Session Rates:

Either in our studio or on location at your office and includes a one-look headshot session and a retouched image for each team member. All retouched images are selected on-site by each person and delivered digitally. Headshots are organized alphabetically by last name for easy distribution.

  • 4-9 People: $150 per person (1 hour)

  • 10-19 People: $135 per person (2 hours)

  • 20-29 People: $120 per person (2.5 hours)

  • 30+ People: Please Contact Us

For medium to large companies, it is more beneficial to book based on an hourly rate rather than per-person. Use the contact information below to connect with us.

Testimonials

I recently had a series of headshots done by Chris for myself and my team on location at my business. Chris was so personable and made us very comfortable through the entire session.

Chris is very funny and has a lot of passion in what in he does. I would recommend Chris to anyone looking for a quality and professional headshot.
— Kevin Holding
 
 
Chris is amazing to work with. He is very professional and talented. He squeezed me into the schedule and took his time to make sure we had the perfect set up for the perfect headshots.

He was great at helping me relax and coaching me through good, natural looks and poses. I highly recommend working with Chris for your headshots and photography needs.
— Lisa Fong
Chris is incredibly professional, skilled, and kind. I’m not very photogenic, but he was able to bring out my best qualities on camera for my head shots.

Not only was the end result incredible, he was a pleasure to be around which made the whole process fun and casual (whereas a lot of other photographers can make the process feel too clinical). Highly recommend!
— Armen Ghazarian
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Preparation Questions:

Q: What should I wear?

A: Bring 2-3 professional outfit options. Solid colors work best. Avoid busy patterns or trendy styles that may date quickly.

Q: Do you provide makeup services?

A: We can recommend professional makeup artists. Schedule makeup 1 hour before your session if using a professional.

Q: What if I need to reschedule?

A: 48-hour notice required for reschedling. Emergency situations handled case-by-case.

Technical Questions:

Q: What file formats will I receive?

A: High-resolution JPG files for print, web-optimized versions for digital use, and specific crops for professional platforms.

Q: Can I get additional retouching?

A: Basic retouching included. Additional retouching available at $75/hour, with most requests taking up to 48 hours.

Q: How long do you keep the original files?

A: All sessions archived for 1 year. Recommend downloading and backing up your files immediately.

Usage Questions:

Q: Can I use these photos for both personal and commercial use?

A: Yes, you receive full usage rights for all professional and personal purposes.

Q: How often should I update my professional headshot?

A: Recommend updating every 2-3 years or with significant appearance changes.

Q: Can I get different crops for different platforms?

A: Yes, we provide specific crops for LinkedIn, company websites, and other professional platforms.

Practical Questions:

Q: What if I don't like my photos?

A: We review images during the session and continue shooting until you're satisfied with the results.

Q: How do I choose the best photo?

A: We guide you through selection, considering factors like expression, angle, and intended use.

Q: What if I need the photos urgently?

A: Rush delivery available within 24 hours for an additional fee.

Next Steps

Ready to update your professional image?

Scheduling your session is straightforward. Simply fill out the brief form below with your preferred time frame and any specific requirements.

I'll respond within 24 hours with available dates and answer any questions you might have.

Whether you need photos for a specific deadline or just want to discuss options first, I'm here to help ensure you get professional photos that represent you well.