12 Tips for Choosing a Headshot Photographer
Creating your personal brand: What to look for—and what to avoid in a photographer.
#1 Portfolio
Style: Look for a portfolio that matches the style you have in mind — or one that inspires you with a fresh approach. Many headshot photographers embrace a commodified, cookie-cutter style applied to everyone, which is not how to stand out from the crowd. That said, look for consistent image quality and a professional presentation. Beware of photographers who claim mastery of all genres, from headshots and landscape to food. Seek pros who specialize exclusively in people.
Variety: A diverse range of age, gender, and ethnicity indicates versatility and the ability to relate to anyone.
What to Avoid: Studios that rely on aggressive sales pitches and gimmicks are compensating for the skills that actually matter. Ditto for excessive and overly complex explainers. Who wants to read loads of gibberish? It’s not rocket science; simplicity is key to a rewarding, stress-free experience.
#2 Reviews and Testimonials
Online Presence: Check platforms like Google, Yelp, and social media for reviews. Look for feedback on professionalism, communication, and final results.
Client Testimonials: Validated testimonials are key. Personal stories can provide insight into the photographer’s style and approach.
#3 Experience and Specialization
Professional History: Some photographers specialize in headshots for specific industries (corporate, actors, etc.), while others may offer headshots as part of a wider body of work that includes editorial, fashion, family portraits, and more. Depending on your comfort level, choose a pro familiar with your field; or expand your possibilities and opt for a less conventional style.
Years in Business and Professional Background: Consider how long a photographer has worked in their profession, as experience typically translates to higher skill levels. With the advent of digital automation, the barrier to entry for what once was a highly skilled profession with a steep learning curve has been reduced to the point that anyone with a digital camera can call themselves a photographer. But make no mistake, the intangible skill sets that go into making a compelling image go far beyond pressing the shutter button. In fact, most franchise studios prefer to hire shooters without photography experience since it’s the post-session up-sell, not beautiful or original portrait photography, that is their priority. Read a photographer’s About page for insights into their experience. Someone who migrated to photography from a non-creative background in midlife may have the right intent, though not possess the depth of knowledge that distinguishes between merely acceptable and exemplary portraiture.
#4 Personal Connection
Consultation: A pre-shoot consultation can help you gauge your comfort level. A strong personal rapport with your photographer is essential to achieving stellar results. Make sure their communication style aligns with your preferences. They should be collaborative and open to your ideas and preferences.
Journeyman Versus Artisan: Headshots, by definition, are often considered a lower tier of photography due to its practical, rather than artistic, premise, akin to a DMV or passport photo. However, the best photographers do not consider portraiture and headshots mutually exclusive. They prioritize artistic quality equally with functionality.
#5 Pricing and Packages
Budget: One question often heard — especially among aspiring actors and young professionals in the early stages of their careers — is, “How do I get the best headshot on a limited budget?” One solution is to explore studios that offer special introductory rates for new clients, or streamlined sessions that take under 30 minutes with a single wardrobe. My studio similarly offers an Express Service that also targets busy professionals who need quality images, though are pressed for time. (For more details, click here.) And if the cost of a makeup professional — which typically ranges from $75 to $300 (not including tip) — strains your budget, look into taking matters into your own hands. Foundations designed specifically for photography diffuse studio light to make uneven or blotchy skin appear silky smooth, while controlling the shine caused by bright strobes. With a little practice, you can learn to apply foundation like a pro and arrive at your session ready to shoot. Check out Byrdie.com for a roundup of the leading products top makeup artists and photographers swear by. And whether you decide to hire a makeup artist or do your own, this video primer will help you understand what works and why.
Inclusions: Examine what’s included in the package (number of photos, retouching, print release, etc.). Ensure there are no hidden fees or restrictions. Some photographers are sticklers regarding usage rights and duration, so inquire upfront if their website is not explicit.
Red Flag: Avoid photographers offering rates well below industry standard. There is always a reason why someone’s prices may seem too good to be true. As with any product or service, prioritizing price over all other considerations will usually lead to disappointing results. And a waste of your hard-earned money.
#6 Makeup and Grooming
You, Only Better: Just as professional lighting elevates all portraits, so does proper grooming and makeup for both men and women. The range of hair and skin issues to consider is as variable as there are individuals. Like flattering light or a smart wardrobe, controlling shine from oily skin or enhancing your features with light makeup conspire to achieve the best possible outcome. A candid discussion with the photographer will determine the best option for you.
#7 Preparation
Before the Session: A quality headshot photographer should offer useful skin and hair preparation guidance to follow before your session. For example, haircuts and facials are best done a few days before a session. A studio that doesn’t consider such advice a priority is unserious about their work and best avoided.
Solid foundation: Proper skin care paired with a base foundation and matte finish specifically formulated for studio lights is the key to stunning, transformational portraits.
Makeup, and Why It Matters
THE SECRET to your photo-ready makeup look—no surprise—is all about skin. Skin is the most challenging aspect of portraiture because natural, glowing skin that looks great in real life can appear shiny or even oily under studio lights. That’s why a powdered matte over a non-reflective foundation undertone for even color is essential.
It starts with prep. Thoroughly cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin to clear away flaky or dry skin. (For more details, click here.) Next, mix a foundation that matches your skin tone with a drop of highlighter and apply all over for a slightly dewy, luminous skin finish. A light contour looks great in pictures, while some cheek color, whether a sweep of natural bronze or a rosy blush, provides the finishing touch.
Apply a translucent powder across your forehead, nose, and chin for a beautiful matte finish that the camera will love.
Finish your look with highlights on cheekbones and brow bone, the area between the eyelid and brow. Then, let the magic begin. —JH
#8 Editing Style
Post-Production Expertise: While all photo captures require some degree of retouching and color adjustment, a light touch is always preferable. Authenticity is essential when marketing yourself, though not all photographers are proficient at providing natural looking results. High volume studios often offload retouching duties to low cost firms abroad that employ a one-size-fits-all approach to images. When reviewing a studio’s portfolio, beware of heavy-handed work indicative of skin-smoothing filters or generally unrealistic appearances. For top-tier studios and photographers, post-production is inseparable from any other aspect of portraiture. As a result, the masters of the craft keep those functions, integral to their brand, in-house under close supervision.
Retouching Policies: Clarify how much and what type of retouching is included to ensure your photos look polished yet authentic.
#9 Location and Studio Setup
Convenience: Consider the studio location and whether they can accommodate location sessions if you prefer.
Environment: Studios located in professional settings are preferable to sessions at a photographer’s residence unless it’s a proper home studio and not someone’s living space. For women, it’s smart to inquire about bringing a family member, spouse, or friend to the session. Steer clear of any photographer who objects.
#10 Turnaround Time
Delivery Timeline: Ask about the typical turnaround time for receiving your photos, especially if you have a specific deadline. Schedules may vary according to a studio’s workload or, incredibly, to artificially cite long lead times intended to create the false impression of a complex process to justify higher prices. It’s also worth asking about deliverables and whether an additional studio visit is required, which indicates an up-sell awaits you. That is expected for a family or boudoir collection, but it inconveniences busy professionals.
#11 The Fine Print
Know the Rules: Once you’ve settled on your preferred shooter, make sure to brush up on policies regarding late arrivals, no-shows, and other stipulations. Most studios will require a non-refundable deposit to book your time slot, which is forfeited if rescheduling occurs with less than 48 hours’ notice.
#12 Book It!
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask potential photographers about their process, equipment, and experience. A good photographer will be happy to tell their story.
Trust Your Gut: Ultimately, intuition takes over and you’ll know when someone makes you feel comfortable and confident. Conversely, if that voice in your head urges caution, take heed and look elsewhere. Nothing less than 100% satisfaction is acceptable. Careful research and evaluation ensures that you find the perfect fit for your perfect headshot. —J Heroun
