Details

We know you have many questions. To help you understand our services, we included a rundown of specifics and frequently asked questions, broken down by services type. Here you will find what to expect in your session, how many images you get, and how you can use them. These are some of the things we clarified. If you do not find your answer here, please contact us directly.

Headshots

  • Q: How long does a headshot session take?
    A: This would depend on the session. If we are doing an individual or small number of individuals, we might spend 10-20 minutes per person. This would include pausing to view the images taken so far and discussing any posing changes they might like to make. With larger groups of people, where we have limited time to capture everyone, we will spend between 5 to 10 minutes per person. While this might take less time, we will still capture a picture that they are happy with. Just a little less time chit-chatting.

    Q: How many looks/outfits can I bring?
    A: Headshot sessions tend to be a single look session. That said, things like changing jackets, starting with a tie, then removing the tie, and then removing the jacket can create different looks without actually changing. If you are interested in actually changing looks, then doing an Editorial Portrait Session might fit your needs better.

    Q: Do you shoot indoors, outdoors, or both?
    A: Yes, we are able to shoot both indoors and outdoors.

    Q: Where will the session take place? (studio, office, on-location, etc.)
    A: Our sessions take place at the location of your choosing. Our studio can be set up in your home or office in as little as 20 minutes and has a small footprint so as not to disturb your workplace. You can also choose to have the sessions take place in a studio. The additional studio fee will depend on the studio location and the studio time needed.

    Q: What’s included in the session fee? (time, retouching, number of images, etc.)
    A: Please refer to the “Headshot” page for details on these items.

  • Q: What should I wear for my headshots?
    A: Traditionally it was recommended that you were a formal professional suit with a jacket and a tie for men. However, times have changed and now dress code for headshots has changed as well. The safest bet would be to wear something that you would also wear to meet with your most important client.

    Q: Do you provide a stylist, hair, and makeup services?
    A: Stylists, hair, and make-up artists are not included in our standard headshot sessions; however, we work with a bunch of fantastic and talented stylists, hair, and make-up artists. If this is something you would like for your session, we would be happy to arrange this for you.

    Q: Can I change my hair, glasses, or facial hair during the session?
    A: You are welcome to switch hair from side to side, put up or take down your hair, take your glasses off or put them on, but anything much more than that is not advised, as these sessions are shorter and not meant for creating different looks. If this is something you are interested in, I would recommend the Editorial Portrait Session.

    Q: Do you help with posing if I feel awkward in front of the camera?
    A: Absolutely. We understand that not everyone is overly comfortable in front of the camera, so we will work to make you feel comfortable and then coach you on poses and angles.

  • Q: How many images do I get?
    A: While there is no limit to the number of images we capture during your session, the number of retouched, high-resolution image files will depend on the session you book. For standard Headshot sessions, you will receive up to 5 fully retouched images of your choice. You are always welcome to purchase additional fully retouched images.

    Q: Are the images retouched, and to what extent?
    A: The images you select for retouching will be fully retouched. Our retouching style, especially for headshots, is to make you look your absolute best while still looking authentic. Your images will not look overly retouched with plastic-looking skin and glowing teeth. In addition to cleaning up your skin, removing deep wrinkles or dark circles, we will also make your hair fly away and stray free. Veins and redness in your eyes will also be removed.

    Q: How long does it take to get the final photos?
    A: Headshots are generally retouched and delivered within 24 hours of selection.

    Q: Do I get both high-resolution and web-sized versions?
    A: Yes, you will receive both the full-sized high-resolution image files ideal for printing as well as web-ready files for use with your online profiles on websites, LinkedIn, and social media.

  • Q: Can I use the photos on LinkedIn, my company website, and for marketing?
    A: Yes. You are provided with full commercial usage rights.

    Q: Do I own the copyright, or do I have usage rights?
    A: We retain full copyright ownership of the images. However, you are provided full commercial usage rights.

    Q: Can I purchase additional images later?
    A: Yes, you are welcome to purchase additional images to be retouched. That said, we tend to delete un-retouched image files from our servers every 6 months to ensure space for new projects.

  • Q: What is your pricing structure? (session fee vs. per-image pricing)
    A: For Headshot Session Pricing, please visit the Headshot Page.

    Q: Do you offer group or corporate rates?
    A: We do. For the pricing structure and rates, please view the Headshot Page.

    Q: What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?
    A: Once you book your session, we turn away any new business inquiries for your session date. Because of this, all session booking fees are non-refundable and earned upon receipt. Session fees, however, are 100% transferable to a new date as long as the new date is available.

    Q: Do you require a deposit to book?
    A: Session fees are do at booking. For group sessions of four or more, a 50% session fee retainer is required to book, with the remainder due on the date of the session.

  • Q: I’m not photogenic — can you help me look natural?
    A: Of course. We work to keep the session environment relaxed and fun to help you stay relaxed and more yourself.

    Q: Do you show me the photos during the session so I can pick favorites?
    A: While we don't generally do final selections on a monitor during the sessions, we do shoot tethered during the sessions so that we can periodically review the images to make sure we capture images you are happy with before completing the session.

    Q: Do you guide me to choose the best image for my goals (LinkedIn, acting, corporate, etc.)?
    A: We are happy to give you our opinion as to which images we prefer, but in the end, the final choice is yours. These are your images, and we want you to be happy with your final selection.

Editorial Portraits

  • Q: Can you help develop a concept or theme for the shoot?
    A: We are happy to work with you to help turn your ideas and strategy into a reality, but for this, we recommend retaining a creative director.

    Q: What’s your style — more corporate, lifestyle, dramatic, or artistic?
    A: My style is a blend of corporate and lifestyle with a slight cinematographic feel. Depending on the image’s intent, it can be adjusted to be more dramatic or warmer and inviting.

    Q: Can you match the look and feel of our brand or publication?
    A: I would love to say, "Yes, absolutely!", but setting honest expectations is always the best policy. So, I would be happy to discuss what your vision and brand concept are before I can commit to being able to make it happen. If I am not the right fit for your vision, I will provide you with referrals to photographers who are.

  • Q: Where will the shoot take place? (studio, office, outdoor, rented space, etc.)
    A: The location will entirely depend on your vision and intent for the images. From there, we can discuss the best location to achieve it.

    Q: Do you scout locations or recommend spaces for editorial-style shoots?
    A: Location scouting is not part of the standard session fee, but scouting services are available for an additional fee.

    Q: How much time should I set aside for the session?
    A: Each session is between 90 and 120 minutes.

    Q: Can multiple people be photographed during the same booking?
    A: Yes, but there is an additional fee of $600 per person.

    Q: Do you provide props, backgrounds, or set design?
    A: We do provide standard seamless backdrops in our base fee. If there is a custom backdrop that needs to be ordered or built, this can be done for an additional fee based on the specifics of what is needed.

  • Q: Do you work with professional stylists, makeup artists, or wardrobe consultants?
    A: Yes, if you need any of these services, we can refer you to some excellent individuals within those specialties.

    Q: Can you recommend hair and makeup professionals?
    A: Of course, we work with some of the best in the industry.

    Q: Do you coordinate with PR teams, brand managers, or editors?
    A: Of course.

  • Q: How many final images will I receive?
    A: With Editorial sessions, you will receive your choice of ten images fully retouched for each individual.

    Q: Are images retouched? To what degree?
    A: The images you select for retouching will be fully retouched. Our retouching style, especially for headshots, is to make you look your absolute best while still looking authentic. Your images will not look overly retouched with plastic-looking skin and glowing teeth. In addition to cleaning up your skin, removing deep wrinkles or dark circles, we will also make your hair fly away and stray-free. Veins and redness in your eyes will also be removed.

    Q: Will I get both print-ready and web-ready versions?
    A: Yes, you will receive both the full-sized high-resolution image files ideal for printing as well as web-ready files for use with your online profiles on websites, LinkedIn, and social media.

    Q: Can the photos be used across print, web, press releases, and social media?
    A: Yes. You are provided with full commercial usage rights.

    Q: Do you provide both color and black & white edits?
    A: Yes, you can request black and white conversions of your selected images.

  • Q: What’s included in your pricing — creative planning, shooting, editing, licensing?
    A: Editorial Portrait sessions are $900.00 per session. Each session is 90 to 120 minutes and includes the session, seamless background, standard lighting system (four studio lights and modifiers), online proofing site, choice of ten images to be fully retouched and delivered in high resolution format, as well as full commercial usage release. Additional individuals can be included in the session at a rate of $600.00 per individual. They will also receive a choice of ten images.

    Q: Do you charge per hour, per day, or per project?
    A: For editorial portraits, the fee is based on the number of individuals.

    Q: Do usage rights vary depending on editorial, commercial, or advertising use?
    A: While the images can not be sold or transferred, they may be used in any way to promote yourself or your business.

    Q: Can we purchase extended licensing later if needed?
    A: Yes, usage transfer fees are available if needed in the future.

  • Q: Do you direct posing and expression, or is it more candid?
    A: Yes, absolutely.

    Q: Can you capture both professional and relaxed shots in the same session?
    A: We do. The goal is to provide you with a variety of choices that will allow you to have images that match any needs you or your business may have.

    Q: Do you provide previews during the shoot to adjust styling/poses?
    A: While we don't generally do final selections on a monitor during the sessions, we do shoot tethered during the sessions so that we can periodically review the images to make sure we capture images you are happy with before completing the session.

    Q: How long until we get final images?
    A: Proof gallery is available within 24 hours of the session. Fully retouched images are ready and delivered within four business days of final choice selection.

Branding Photography

  • Q: Can you help me plan a visual style that matches my brand?
    A: We are happy to work with you to help turn your ideas and strategy into a reality, but for this, we recommend retaining a creative director.

    Q: Do you create a mood board or brand story guide before the shoot?
    A: These would also be something that a Creative Director would create with you. After finalizing these, we would then meet with them to start planning on how to make the boards a reality.

    Q: Can we shoot in multiple locations (office, outdoor, lifestyle)?
    A: Yes. Our base photography pricing is based on time and not location. That said, location costs would be either added to our fees or paid by you directly.

    Q: Can you capture a mix of professional, lifestyle, and detail shots for my website and social media?
    A: We do. The goal is to provide you with a variety of choices that will allow you to have images that match any needs you or your business may have.

    Q: Do you help with storytelling elements (props, environment, background choices)?
    A: Yes, we can work with your team on these elements.

  • Q: Do you recommend or provide a stylist, wardrobe consultant, or makeup artist?
    A: Yes, if you need any of these services, we can refer you to some excellent individuals within those specialties.

    Q: How many outfit changes do you suggest for branding portraits?
    A: This would depend on your intended use for the images. This is something we can speak about, or a style can assist you with.

    Q: Do you guide me on colors, clothing, and props that fit my brand image?
    A: I can, but a stylist would be the true expert in this area.

  • Q: How many final images will I receive?
    A: With Branding projects, you and your design team will receive all final images. The only images we do not include would be lighting test shots, images where the subject is blinking, etc. After the session, you will receive a proofing gallery which you and your design team can use to easily view, discuss, and select images to use for your various marketing initiatives. We will also fully process all of the image files for color, contrast, and exposure corrections. Using either WeTransfer or Dropbox Share-Folders, we will provide you with: fully processed JPEG files, RAW image files, and EXIF files for each image with our processing settings. Your design team can then process the images as they need.

    Q: Will I get a mix of horizontal and vertical images for different platforms?
    A: Yes.

    Q: Do you provide both high-resolution (for print) and web-sized versions (for social media/website)?
    A: We provide you with the full-sized, high-resolution image files. If you need reduced web-sized image files, this can be requested and provided.

    Q: Do I receive images that can be used as banner crops or graphics for my website?
    A: This would depend on the specifics of your banner size and would be discussed in the planning phase.

    Q: Are retouching services available? A: Yes, we can provide non-digital effects retouching services. If digital effects retouching is needed, we can arrange this with our third-party retouchers.

  • Q: Do I have full usage rights for marketing, website, print, and social media?
    A: While the images can not be sold or transferred, they may be used in any way to promote yourself or your business.

    Q: Can these photos be used in advertising or press features?
    A: Yes.

    IQ: If I want to use the photos in future campaigns, do I need extended licensing?
    A: The licensing agreement is between the photographer and the initial end client (non-agency). The initial client is permitted to use the images for future campaigns. If the original client company is purchased by a new company, then a license transfer would be required to use the images for new campaigns. If the agency wishes to use the images for a future campaign with a new end-client, a release would be needed from both the photographer and the original end-client.

  • Q: How long is a branding session compared to a headshot?
    A: This would depend entirely on the scope of the project.

    Q: Can we split the shoot into multiple locations or days?
    A: Absolutely. This is common. Our base fees are based on half-day and full-day bookings.

    Q: Do you provide location scouting or recommendations?
    A: Location scouting is not part of the standard session fee, but scouting services are available for an additional fee.

    How do you make sure my portraits are unique and not “cookie-cutter”?
    A: While the headshot portion of a branding campaign will always be a bit cookie-cutter by nature, both the headshot section as well as the executive and editorial portraits style will be based on both your business and the individual themselves to make sure they are unique to your company and your team members.

  • Q: I feel awkward on camera — do you help with posing and expression?
    A: Of course. We work to keep the session environment relaxed and fun to help you stay relaxed and more yourself.

    Q: Do you show me previews during the shoot so I know we’re on the right track?
    A: While we don't generally do final selections on a monitor during the sessions, we do shoot tethered during the sessions so that we can periodically review the images to make sure we capture images you are happy with before completing the session.

    Q: How do you ensure the images reflect my personality and brand voice?
    A: By discussing your brand beforehand and making our portrait session as personable as possible, we are able to capture your personality and brand.

  • Q: Do you offer packages with headshots, lifestyle portraits, and product photos together?
    A: Our Branding pricing is based on Half and Full Day coverage. This can include headshots, portraits, office/product detail shots, as well as office action shots. So, depending on the specifics of what you need included, we can determine the time needed to accomplish this.

    Q: What’s included in your branding session fee — planning, shooting, editing?
    A: Our sessions include pre-shoot planning e-sessions, shooting, seamless backgrounds for headshots, standard portable four studio lighting set-up with modifiers, as well as the final product delivery described in the Deliverables section. Any additional site costs, studio rental fees, equipment, set building, and staff would be additional costs.

    Q: Do you offer subscription or quarterly shoots so I always have fresh content?
    A: I do. I offer a Monthly and Quarterly session subscription. They would include two-hour sessions, four or twelve times per year, depending on the subscription. The cost would be $2000.00 and $6000.00 billed monthly.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!