Frequently asked headshot questions

The Basics

What camera do you shoot with?

Do you shoot on location?

Where is your studio located?

Do you use studio or natural lighting?

Do you provide a hair/makeup artist?

How to Prepare for the Photo Session

How should I prepare for the photo session?

What clothes should I bring to the photo session?

What else do I need to bring to the photo session?

After the Photo Session

What happens after the photo session?

How do I view my online proofs?

Do you offer Printing Services ?

Rates/Payment

How much do you charge?

What payment methods do you accept?

Do you require a deposit?

What if I need to reschedule?

Have any questions that aren't answered here? Please contact us and we'll be happy to answer them.

The Basics

What camera do you shoot with?

I use a 8.3 megapixel CANON EOS1D Mark II with Canon Professional lenses.

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Do you shoot on location?

Yes, I shoot at my Montclair  studio as well as on location, travel fee may apply.

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Where is your studio located?

The studio is open by appointment only, and is located in Montclair , San Francisco Bay Area East Bay. Click here for map and directions

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Do you use studio or natural lighting?

Headshot/portrait photography is done with natural or studio lighting.

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Do you provide a hair/makeup artist?

Hair and makeup are available for an additional fee. Please click here for rates. I will usually need to know one week in advance if you'll need a hair/makeup artist. You are also welcome to use your own makeup person or do your makeup yourself.

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How to Prepare for the Photo Session

How should I prepare for the photo session?

Your photo session will go best if you put some thought into what kind of image you want to project in your headshot. What kind of roles do you see yourself in? Do you want to do commercials, film, television, theater, industrials? If you want to do all of the above or you're not sure, that's fine. It will still be helpful to take a look at other people's headshots or flip through magazines to find pictures you like (or don't like), and think about what makes them effective or ineffective. You're welcome to bring photos as a reference too. Apart from that, please get a good night's sleep before the photo session. Here are some more tips.

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What clothes should I bring to the photo session?

I always suggest bringing more clothes than you think you need to the photo session. The number of clothing changes/looks we will do during the session will depend on the headshot package you choose, but it's better to have too much choice than too little.

Some general guidelines:

-Bring shirts with flattering necklines. If you're not sure what looks best on you, bring a variety.

-Avoid loud patterns, busy prints, logos, or anything that will attract attention away from your face. You don't want people to notice your clothes before they notice you.

-Solid colors are best. Black is OK, but white tends to make people look washed out. Somewhere in between (light-dark grays) is best.

-It's a good idea to bring clothes that can be layered (i.e. bring a jacket to wear over a t-shirt).

-For 3/4 shots, bring jeans or pants.

-Please avoid clothes that wrinkle easily or don't fit well. It's hard to take a natural looking headshot if your pants are too tight or your suit is 3 times too big for you.

Please remember that these are merely guidelines. If your favorite outfit doesn't meet these guidelines but you feel great wearing it and you think it would look great in your headshot, by all means bring it with you. Since we're shooting digital, we can try it out and see if it works. Really, the most important thing is to wear comfortable, clean clothes that make you feel and look good.

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What else do I need to bring to the photo session?

All you need to bring is yourself and a few clothing changes. However, you're welcome to bring anything that will help you relax and feel comfortable during the photo session - music, a monologue to read, a picture of your dog, your favorite stuffed animal, etc.

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After the Photo Session

What happens after the photo session?

Your online proof sheets will usually be available for viewing within 1 business day of your photo session. You'll look through the proofs, and you can also share them with your agent, manager, friends & family via e-mail.

When you decide which shot(s) you want to have retouched, what border you want, and which font you would like to use for your name, just give me a call or send me an e-mail with the number of the photo you've decided on. I'll have your retouched headshot ready in 1-2 business days, and will e-mail you a low-resolution JPEG proof so you can make sure it's what you want. Once you've approved the retouching, your retouched headshot will be sent directly to the photo lab of your choice, and you can call or visit them to place an order for reproductions.

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How do I view my online proofs?

When your proofs have been uploaded, you will receive an e-mail from with a link to your online proofs. You'll be able to see each of your headshots in color, black & white and sepia, share your proofs with as many people as you want, order test prints, even order reproductions, all from the comfort of your home.

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Do you offer printing services?

Yes we do offer Printing Services, Sample Prints and Proof Sheets, click here for more information.

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Rates/Payment

How much do you charge?

Please click here for rates.

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What payment methods do you accept?

I accept cash, money orders and all major credit cards via Paypal.

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Do you require a deposit?

Yes. A $100 deposit is required to make an appointment. Deposit is not refundable. Balance is due at time of session.

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What if I need to reschedule?

Rescheduling must be done at least 48 hours in advance of the photo session. If you need to reschedule less than 48 hours in advance, there will be an additional $25.00 fee. I appreciate your understanding.

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Have any questions that aren't answered here? Please contact us and we'll be happy to answer them.

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