Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much are your sessions, and what will I receive?

A. I charge $500 for a headshot session with up to two hours of photography time. (I may recommend adding additional time if more than one person to be photographed or if multiple changes of clothing are involved. Additional time is charged at $150 per hour.)

My creation fee includes the pre-edited original files (digital ‘negatives’, high resolution files) of the session along with reproduction rights for business and personal purposes. Location sessions are $75 extra plus any admission or location charges.

For clients who cannot afford a full session that gives us the time to bring out your personality, I also offer a short headshot session: I will work with you for 30 minutes to create fresh and dynamic images. You will be able to select your favorite image immediately after the session. The price of $175 includes one high resolution image on CD and a smaller web version of the same image.

If you are interested in getting headshots of a group of people please contact me for an individual price quote.

Q. Who is your typical client?

A. My clients are curious about themselves and open-minded. They appreciate photography as art. They do not want a portrait in a staged pose that will not reflect themselves. Status is not important for them. They are not interested in fancy backgrounds.

My portrait clients are looking for an exceptional and genuine image of themselves that shows who they really are. They are looking for an image that will allow the viewer to engage in a mental conversation. A portrait that speaks to the viewer.

Models, musicians, book authors, and business people commission me to create images because their personality is the deciding factor for potential buyers of their products, services or arts. They want portraits that are believable.

Q. How do you approach Headshots?

A. Like in any personality portrait session I will get to know you with my camera. You will look comfortable and relaxed in your photographs. You will look like yourself. The focus is clearly on the eyes. Your images are full of life. Viewers will be able to connect with you.

Q. How does the whole process work?

A. You contact us, schedule your session and pay the creation fee at that time. We can also discuss any detail questions about clothes, hair, and makeup before you come in. During your session we will get to know each other while I capture you with my camera. I will try to make the session as stress free as possible. We may do a little relaxation exercise at the beginning or at another time during your session. We may play soft classical music in the background as well. (Please feel free to bring in your own CD’s for the shoot!) I do everything I can to make it easier for you to be yourself.

Approximately three weeks after the session (a quicker turnaround can be arranged) you will receive a CD and an image catalog with the best images of your session. You can use the CD or the catalog (or, if you prefer, our website) to select the images that you would like to use.

If you are interested I will be happy to let you know which portraits are best suited for art prints. You can order regular photographic prints from any lab of your choice, or of course through us. Retouching and other image enhancements are available from us at an extra charge.

Q. Why do your Sessions take so long? Please tell me more about your approach.

A. If you come in for a headshot portrait session, we will spend approximately 2 hours together, sometimes more. (This, of course, does not apply to my short headshot session.) I don’t start a session with a pre-conceived notion of how I want to make you look. I am really interested in getting to know you. This approach allows me to capture your essence. Don’t be scared. I am warm, approachable, and non-judgmental. I open myself up to allow you to be yourself. A session is more like a long conversation that involves me taking photographs of you.

Q. Should I request a Studio or Location session?

A. Our studio provides a comfortable setting for your headshot. For many people it is easier to relax when they are away from the office in a quiet studio. However, if you would like to include elements of your workplace in the background of your headshot, or if you feel most comfortable in your office, then this may be your best choice.

Q. What Clothing should I wear for my Portrait?

A. Solid medium to darker tones (e.g. gray, black, navy blue) with long sleeves work best in most situations, since they help direct the attention to the face. If you would like to wear a suit (or a sports coat) and a tie please stay with solid colors for your coat, shirt, and tie as well. Should you go out and buy new clothes just for the photo session? No. The above description is a good general guideline for clothing that is helpful for portraits. However, it is just as important that you are comfortable and feel like you are yourself in the clothes you wear. This will assist you to allow yourself to be who you really are during your session. And this is what my portraits are all about.

Q. What about Hair and Make-up?

A. Women should have their hair appointment no later than a week prior to the session. This will help ensure that you look natural in your photographs. Wear the least amount of make-up that you are comfortable with. I realize that some people don’t feel comfortable without any make-up. That is ok. Just keep it to a minimum. It is much easier to retouch a few blemishes than to get rid of the pasty look of make-up in a photograph.

Men need to consider their facial hair growth. If you have strong growth you may need to shave directly before the session. Also ensure that your hair looks natural.

Q. Why and how do you pre-edit the Images?

A. I see it as part of my service to select the best images from the session. Photo editing is a critical part of photography. Too many clients get caught up in the quantity end of things. Just as you trust me to know when to press the shutter you can trust me to pick out the images that best convey your personality. My job is to give you the best possible portraits.

Q. What if I have a question that is not covered here?

A. I you have additional questions please don’t hesitate to contact us through our contact form.