Do you need a headshot for your company website or social media?
Maybe you’re looking for a new job and want to refresh your LinkedIn profile.
Whichever it is, a quick Google search will give you a list of photographers in your area. But how do you choose which one you want to work with?
Here are some of the questions you should ask before booking a headshot photographer.
#1 Can I see your portfolio?
Most photographers will have a public online gallery of their headshots, usually on a website. This will give you an idea of their style, the breadth of their experience and the types of people they have worked with in the past.
If they don’t have a portfolio readily available, make sure you ask to see some of their previous work and testimonials from past clients.
#2 What does the fee include?
There are different ways to charge for photography, either on an hourly/daily rate or fixed fees. Many headshot photographers have set prices for specific packages, or a sliding scale for larger shoots, depending on the number of people who need headshots.
My headshot packages always include the sitting fee (ie.the shoot) along with a specified number of retouched images.
Make sure you know what’s included in the fee you’ve been quoted, and that there aren’t any hidden extras like travel or additional charges for high resolution images (see next point).
#3 How will the images be supplied?
In terms of format, most headshots are either portrait or square but if you need specific dimensions, or landscape images for example, make sure your photographer can meet these requirements before the shoot starts.
If your IT guy (if you’re lucky enough to have one!) needs very small files for the website, or if you want high resolution images for enlargements and printed materials, check that this can be accommodated within the fee. I don’t charge extra for use of the high resolution files but some photographers do, so make sure you ask!
These days most people only need a digital version of their headshot, so they are usually supplied as JPegs via an online gallery or file share such as Dropbox . If you need prints, this will no doubt incur an additional cost.
#4 How long does the shoot take?
There’s nothing worse than trying to relax in front of the camera when you’re clock-watching! If you’re investing in a photographer ask them roughly how long they expect the shoot to take, so you can allow enough time.
If I’m working with a small business or business owner, the length of the shoot can vary. I always take into account the number of different images you need, allowing for any outfit changes as well as changes in setting or style of image.
When I’m taking several headshots in one day for larger organisations, I allow time to set up my equipment and around 10-15 minutes shooting time per person. I ask my point of contact at the company to give everyone a running order so they know roughly when it’s their turn.
#5 How long does it take to get the images after the shoot?
If you need your headshots quickly you should definitely check turnaround times before booking a photographer. They will normally provide you with a selection of proofs to choose from and then retouch your favourite images. So ask them when you can expect to see the proofs and how long editing takes.
#6 What editing do you do?
Looking at a photographer’s portfolio should give you an idea of the style and level of editing they do on their headshots. There may be dark shadows and lines to minimise around the eye area, as well as a few stray hairs or blemishes. For corporate headshots the look should be professional and natural rather than airbrushed.
My aim is to make you look your best self!
Why do I need branding photography? - Michelle Richards
[…] If you need help choosing a photographer to work with, the first thing to do is check their portfolio as photographers can have very different styles. There’s more help on choosing a photographer here. […]