How to prepare for your Headshots or Personal Branding Session
We are so excited you have chosen Jessica McKnight Photography for your new Headshots.
Here is a simple guide for how to prepare & what to expect during, & after your session.
How to prepare for your session:
- Wardrobe preparation is an essential key to a successful shoot.
- We recommend solid-colored tops, avoiding lace or patterns (many patterns & floral designs can be difficult to adjust during editing, some patterns/designs can become quickly outdated or unseasonal).
- Clothing should be clean, pressed or steamed, and free of stains/holes/rips.
- Pants or bottoms should match even if your session is not expected to show (Basic Headshot). We may occasionally provide a 3/4 length option.
- Additionally, clothing should fit properly. Clothing that is too tight or too loose can reflect poorly in your images.
- You are investing in headshots to better your business. If needed, consider in investing into a new outfit.
- Depending on your session type, you may have up to certain number of outfits, we highly recommend utilizing accessories such as sweaters or jackets and also necklaces, bracelets, ties to quickly change your look without the need for full wardrobe change.
- Hair & Makeup should be completed and ready prior to start of your session. Hair & Makeup services can be added for a fee but needs to be arranged at least 7 days in advance. The fee for on-site hair and makeup will include the makeup/stylist fees as well as a $150 an hour to cover the studio time (or time the photographer is unable to book other clients). We ask that you bring with you the same shade of lipstick for touch ups. Please be sure that you give yourself at least one hour in between hair and makeup and your photoshoot appointment time to allow for unexpected traffic and to take a moment to relax. Please be sure that your stylist/ makeup artist understands this timeline.
- If you are late to your appointment by more than 10 minutes, this is considered a no show and your deposit is forfeited and you will need to reschedule your session requiring another 50% deposit.
What to expect during your session:
- Before your session starts, we provide you with a moment to get settled, hang up extra outfits, do any quick hair/makeup touch ups, and use restroom, etc.
- We will have a brief chat to learn about your business or career and discuss your session goals (sometimes this may have been completed during your booking call)
- We will then begin your session and coach you through poses based upon your session goals.
- You can expect some standing and some seated poses.
- For extended headshot sessions, we will also walk outside the studio utilizing a few areas surrounding the building to add environmental style shots.
- As time permits and depending on session type, we will then proceed to your changing of outfits, accessories, and backdrop colors.
What to expect after your session:
- Within 3-5 business days of your session, you will receive an emailed invitation to your proofing gallery.
- The proofing gallery is a RAW & Unedited gallery for you to simply select your images based upon your chosen package (You can always upgrade to add additional selections if you wish)
- You will receive a set of instructions for navigating the proofing gallery & choosing your favorites.
- Once you have made your selections, you should e-mail our office to let us know and also provide any guidance or areas of focus for our editing process.
- Expect 3-5 business days for the completion of your edits and delivery of your final digital images.
What is included in our editing process:
- Enhance Overall Look of Image
- Color Correction
- Light Skin Retouching: fine lines, soften under eyes, lines in neck, lines around mouth
- Teeth Whitening
- Enhance Iris Color
- Brighten Whites of Eyes
- Removing Stray Hairs
- Removing Small Wrinkles, Stains, Pieces of Lint (some material types may not be permissible such as heavy tweeds, lace, or high amounts of pattern)
- Smooth Background
What is NOT included in our editing process but available as an upgrade:
-
Liquifying: Adjustments to any parts of face or body such as weight slimming or bulking, muscle definition, etc.
- Excessive Hair Modifications: Adding hair, volumizing, cloning hair from other areas, changing/adjusting color, root touch up.
- Major Wardrobe Malfunctions: Ironing of excessive wrinkles, removing exposed bra straps, correcting of rips, tears, stains, or over/under sized clothing.
- Extensive Makeup Application or Facial Enhancements: Adding/extending eyelashes, new eyebrows, straightening or replacing teeth, changing lip color, full makeup application.
- Removal of items: hair ties on wrists, unwanted jewelry, wristbands, etc.