Business Headshot Questions & Answers
The Headshot Q&A was last updated on Sept 23, 2024
Note:
Passport photos are not available.
- Studio Hours see #1
- Payment Methods see #2
- Headshot Info & Pricing see #4
- Customized Sessions see #7
- Special Group Rates see #8
- What To Wear see #10
1/ What are your studio hours and how much is parking?
Studio hours are by appointment. Parking is free. The studio is just 6 blocks away from Perth's downtown core.
2/ What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept payment by cash, cheque or Interac e-Transfer Autodeposit. Unfortunately the studio does not accept credit cards.
3/ Does your studio have good accessibility?
The studio is located on the ground floor with very good accessibility.
4/ What is the cost of a business headshot?
A One Look Business Headshot photographed in the studio is 75 dollars. Please note that retouching is not included and is entirely optional - see Q&A #5 for details. A basic session includes one sitting, one background choice (white, grey, black, a textured blue/grey muslin or a textured brown muslin), one lighting setup, one wardrobe choice and one high-resolution digital image. Other backgrounds are available, however a nominal fee applies to cover the extra setup time. With the camera tethered to a Mac Pro computer, you can instantly review the proofs as we shoot. The studio’s large professional colour-calibrated monitor allows you to pick your favorite image right there on the spot! A basic session takes around 30 to 40 minutes. An appointment is required; daytime and evening appointments are available. Parking is free. The final high-resolution image (digital file only) is generally available within 2 to 3 business days. Custom setups, makeup, archival prints up to 16 x 20 inches (print orders of $100.00 or more, are eligible for a 15% discount) and working on location is available by quote (see Q&A #7). Special Group Rates are also available - see Q&A #8.
5/ How much does retouching cost?
Retouching is entirely optional. As a rule, retouching will range between $25 to $100 per image, depending on the complexity involved. Extremely elaborate retouching is available by quote.
6/ How much do additional poses cost from the same photo session?
Additional high-resolution images/poses from the same photo session are just 25 dollars each, using the same background, same lighting and same wardrobe choice. Please note that retouching is not included (see Q&A #5).
7/ How much is a customized package?
Customized Headshot & Portrait Sessions provide much more time and flexibility than a basic session. They are designed to meet the needs of people from all walks of life. The starting price is $150 for an in-studio session. Working on location is available by quote. Retouching is not included and is entirely optional - see Q&A #5. You can choose a headshot, 3/4 or full-length shot, environmental portrait, or a combination of different looks. Print orders of $100.00 or more, are eligible for a 15% discount. Please feel free to contact the studio for more details and an estimate.
8/ Do you offer special group rates for business headshots?
Absolutely! To qualify for a Business Headshot Group Rate, there must be at least 3 people to photograph within the same time frame; the cost works out to $45 per person. Groups of 6 or more individuals within the same time frame can save even more money - please ask for a quote. Retouching is not included and is entirely optional - see Q&A #5 for details. Business headshots can be done at either the studio, or on location - please note that an additional Travel & Setup Fee applies to working on location; a space that is at least 12 x 16 feet is required. Please call for more information and a free estimate. Estimates are valid for 30 days.
9/ Can I bring a friend for moral support?
Absolutely!
10/ What should I wear?
Solid mid-tones tend to work best. Try not to wear something that has a very busy pattern. Most often, the outfit that you usually wear at work is the best choice. In other cases, wear something that you feel good in. When it comes to backgrounds, keep in mind that you generally do not want to blend into the background. For example, it is best not to wear a black shirt against a black background, or a white shirt against a white background. On the contrary, there are times when matching the clothing colour to the background colour, can be quite striking.
11/ Will my glasses be a problem due to reflections?
Most likely, if you wear glasses all the time, you will want to wear them for your headshot. Some reflections may appear, but I watch closely to avoid them as much as possible; a slight turn of the head is usually all that is needed to reduce or eliminate reflections. Please note that photosensitive glasses that darken automatically can be a big problem! Not only do they darken, but they often exhibit a distinct blue/green tint that is distracting in photographs.
12/ What about makeup?
Regarding makeup for business headshots, I generally have the client look after their own makeup. If you usually wear makeup, apply it as you would normally. It is a good idea to bring translucent powder (to reduce any shine), brushes and any makeup you want to use for touch-ups. The studio has a makeup mirror with good lighting that you are welcome to take advantage of prior to the session.
13/ Can you remove an unwanted five-o'clock shadow?
If possible, I ask men to carefully shave just before the photo session. It is almost impossible to remove a five-o'clock shadow, even with expensive retouching! If you often experience "razor burn", please allow enough time for it to settle down. Don't worry if you nick yourself a couple times; nicks are very easy to remove.
14/ Can you email the proofs to me?
Small unadjusted proofs can be sent to you by email (standard JPEG files). Proofs can also be viewed online with a unique password for 30 days; please note that there is an additional charge of $5.00 for setting up online proofs.
15/ Will the proofs have a "Proof" stamp over the images?
Proofs are stamped with "Unadjusted Proof - Not For Reproduction", so as not to mistake them for final images. As a rule, no exposure adjustments, colour correction, cropping or retouching has been done whatsoever. Proofs are very small JPEG files and are only suitable for evaluating the pose.
16/ Is there a limit as to where, or how much I can use my headshot?
Unless we have a written agreement stating otherwise, there is no limit as to where, or how much you can used your headshot. However, the headshot must be paid for in full, before you can use it.
17/ What kind of digital file formats are available?
When it comes to the final high-resolution headshot or portrait, a full-size JPEG file is requested 95% of the time. Other file formats available are PNG, PDF, PSD or TIFF. The studio has a true fibre-optic internet feed (FTTP), which is incredibly fast and stable! We can send and receive large file sizes with no problem whatsoever, provided your internet system can handle them.