The Headshot Session Process

Our headshot sessions are fun, relaxing, and easy!

After we determine the best date and time we'll move on to the next steps. To get you the perfect headshot, we have created a unique process that is broken into three stages:

Arrival, Consultation, and Set-Up

The Headshot session

Post-Production

Arrival, Consultation, and Set-Up:

Do you like coffee? When you arrive, we will give you a few minutes to relax with cold water or hot coffee.. As you hang up your clothing on the rack, we will chat with you about what your needs are.

We will ask you some questions like: What are you using the photos for? What industry are you in? What do you hope to achieve with the headshot session? Are you comfortable in front of the camera? These will help us establish a baseline so we can make sure you get what you need and feel comfortable and relaxed during your headshot session.

Next, we will discuss the details to figure out how we want to start the session. We will talk a bit about your clothing, skin tone, hair, and eye color so we can ensure the background and lighting style we use makes you look your best.

Once we’ve worked all that out, we will focus on specific things with your body. You won't have to worry about this, but as we set things up, we will be taking into consideration things like your height, shoulder width, neck length, hairline/style, and how your clothing fits (among other things) to determine body positions and angles that work best for you.

Finally, we will focus on the subtle (but important) details. These include whether your eyes are slightly different sizes or shapes (most people's eyes are, so don't worry!), the angle of your nose, the prominence of your eyebrows, and what level of mouth tension you naturally have. These are just a few of the things that help us determine what type of expressions will work best for you, and from what angle the light should be hitting your face for it to be the most flattering.

The Headshot session:

We will let you see the preliminary test shot. After we have set everything up, we will do a few quick test shots to ensure the lighting, background, and makeup looks good and works for your industry or type (if you are an actor). When we're happy with the setup, we will let you see the test shot. What we might see as beautiful might not necessarily be what you like best, and since we all see ourselves differently, we want to be sure you are happy with the overall look of the photo before we begin.

Almost anything you point out can be easily adjusted in-camera, while a few things might need to wait for retouching afterwards.

No matter how ridiculous you might think your request is, we’re always happy to help. We would rather you be as nit-picky as possible during your headshot session, so you know you are getting exactly what you need.

After you approve the test shot, the actual session will begin. We will begin headshot session, making sure you are in the best poses and look confident, natural, and relaxed. For actors, you need a range of looks, so we will be varying up your expression and aiming to capture your "essence and brand." For business professionals, the session goes by a bit quicker since you don't need as many different expressions. The key is to get you to look friendly, competent, and trustworthy.

Partway through the headshot session, we will do outfit changes. If you have chosen to bring multiple looks, we will switch up your outfit and backdrops and repeat the process for your second/third look.

After the primary shots are done, we will check in with you. Once we feel like we have a great selection of photographs, we will check in to see if there is anything else you would like to capture. At that point, the headshot session will end, you will be able to make payment and you will be all set! We accept all major credit cards, cash, check and Venmo.

Our goal is to make your headshot session super fun, easy, painless, and quick. Most headshot sessions last about 20-minute per look/outfit and the pre-headshot session consultation process usually takes just 5-7 minutes.

​Even if you hate having photos taken of yourself, we promise to make it fun and enjoyable, and we know you will walk away with a set of photos you love.

Post Production:

Your images will be sent to you within 24 hours (unless you are in an urgent rush and let us know you need them right away, in which case it's no problem). In the event you need the final images faster than our usual turnaround, you will be asked to choose your favorite(s) at the end of the session.

After the proof gallery is sent, you will then choose your favorite image(s) to be retouched. The finalized, retouched images will be sent back to you in 3-4 business days. If you need 24-hour turnaround, that can be arranged for no extra charge, but we just ask that you let us know as soon as possible. The Headshot Session includes (1) digital image with each session. If you choose more than (1) favorite, each additional image will be only $40/ea. 

At that point, you are done! You will have your finalized, high-res images and be ready to start using them to move your advance your career to the next level.

If you have any questions or need anything from us at all, feel free to reach us at info@dougburkephoto.com or (336) 486-9932.