Headshot Photography FAQ

Where do you do headshot photography and dating photo sessions?

Outdoor and on-location headshot photo shoots, as well as personal branding photos and lifestyle photography can happen just about anywhere in the greater Seattle area. There are many fabulous public places around Seattle to do your photo shoot, and we can also rent a space (I love peerspace.com for finding the perfect Seattle photo shoot locations).

Studio headshot photography sessions happen at my pop-up space just outside Seattle, in downtown Issaquah.
corporate headshot photographer studio

Will you help me decide what to wear for my professional photography session? 

Most definitely! Whether we are doing professional headshot photos for your company, a small business branding session, or lifestyle photos, what you wear for your photography session has a big impact on both how you are perceived by others *and* how you feel while you're having your picture taken (which may not seem like it matters but your energy and emotional state does translate in photos).

Before your photo session we'll discuss the general vibe and attitude you want to project and I'll help you narrow down clothes from there. I've also got a couple of recommendations for fabulous Seattle personal stylists who can help you if you're due for a larger larger-scale wardrobe update.

What happens if it rains in Seattle on the day I scheduled my headshot photo shoot?

Rain is a big part of life here in Seattle so we will take it in stride. We'll be in touch in the days leading up to your professional photography session and if the weather forecast predicts rain or freezing temperatures, we'll reschedule, no biggie.

What background colors do you have for studio portraits and headshot photos?

Background options for studio headshot photos are clean and classic: white, light gray, or dark gray. Other headshot background colors are available upon request (may incur an added charge).
studio headshot photos white background
studio headshot photos light gray background
studio headshot photos dark gray background

I usually hate how I look in photos...

You're in good company! Very few people (myself included) are stoked about having their picture taken. We've all had our share of cringe-worthy photography experiences but a headshot or dating photo shoot with me is not going to be one of them. A lot of not liking how we look in photos boils down to unflattering lighting, distortion-causing camera angles, and awkward/stiff facial expressions and body language. 

When you hire me as your headshot photographer I've got your back on all three of those fronts. As you look at the photos on this site, it can be helpful to remind yourself that all of these are normal people just like you (aka not actors or models). Most of them were also unsure in front of a camera and told me some version of "I have no idea what I'm doing". 

As your headshot photographer, all I need from you to set you up with fantastic new photos is a positive attitude, following some basic instructions, and a little bit of trust.

Do you do headshot photo retouching?

All of the photos in your headshot photo gallery will be edited to look beautiful and be ready to plug right in as online profile photos, on your website, wherever you want to use them. 

I do not, by default, do photo retouching. Photo retouching (aka Photoshopping) typically refers to pixel-by-pixel modification to a person's appearance in their headshot photos -- smoothing skin, removing stray hairs, whitening teeth, brightening eyes, etc..

Why don't I do photo retouching by default? Because the photos don't need it! I use clean, flattering lighting so that everyone looks fantastic without being modified. 

And with profile photos in particular, it's important that when you meet someone in person (a client, a potential employer, etc.) you look like who they saw on LinkedIn. It's about setting expectations and then meeting them. So, a highly polished, magazine-y version of you in your LinkedIn headshot photo is not ideal because you simply don't look like that in real life.

That being said, photo retouching is available if you want it. Retouching can be woven in to your quote for corporate headshot photography, and/or you can order retouching on a per-image basis after you've seen your photo gallery.
For professional portraits and business headshot photos, yes, photo retouching comes standard (each type of session includes a specific number of retouched photos and you can always order more later).  

Headshot photo retouching typically involves a little teeth whitening, removing temporary blemishes, reducing shine, fixing stray hairs, etc.. Basically, I make sure you look your best without looking fake or Photoshopped. 

Dating profile photos don't come with retouching and for good reason. You can read more about why on the Dating Photos FAQ page.
headshot photo retouching

Can you refer me to a good professional hair and make-up artist for my professional photography session?

I sure can! Just ask. 

*For what it's worth, I don't think professional hair or makeup are necessary unless you're an actor, model, or performer of some sort. You can learn more about my take on professional hair & makeup for each type of photography on the Headshots FAQ page.

What is your typical turnaround time for finished headshot photos?

Turnaround time for final photos depends on the project but is typically somewhere around 4 weeks. If you need your headshot photos faster you can request rush turnaround for photo delivery in as little as 1 day depending on the scope of the project (added fees apply).

Want more detail on specific types of photo sessions?

Want more detail on specific types of photo sessions?

My approaches to business headshots and dating profile photos are pretty different as you might imagine. Check out session-specific FAQ pages for more detail:
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