How to Choose a Headshot Photographer

There are thousands of headshot photographers to choose from. You, however, need to find the one who will make you feel comfortable and understand your brand to capture it perfectly in your headshots.

Many people make a decision based on their gut feeling, which often works surprisingly well. As humans, we are equipped to recognize how we can work with someone and what sort of feelings this person generates in us. If these feelings are positive and relaxing, so will the whole experience—which will show in the headshots as well.

Do you ever wonder what makes you choose a particular headshot photographer and what puts you off working with another one? If you need some evidence to back up your gut feeling, this guide may help.

Makes You Feel Comfortable

When taking your picture, you don’t want to look worried, clench your teeth, or look stressed and uptight. Your photos should exude confidence and positivity.

Make sure your photographer makes you feel comfortable. That doesn’t necessarily mean that a photographer can make everyone feel comfortable. It’s more about chemistry.

Sit down with your prospective photographer and see how your personalities work together and if you have similar visions and perspectives.

You may be looking for something specific from your photographer. An energetic and exuberant photographer might not be someone who makes you, personally, feel comfortable and at ease. That doesn’t make that photographer a bad one—just someone who may not be the best choice for you.

Reliable

You want somebody who is reliable. You want them to show up on time, particularly if you are organizing a group photoshoot and have gathered all your team members. You can’t miss a whole day of work if your photographer doesn’t show up for the photoshoot.

A reliable photographer will answer her phone, call you back, and respond to emails. You want to be able to get hold of your photographer and discuss the upcoming photo shoot, location, lighting, and anything else that’s on your mind.

Good Communication

Is your photographer explaining to you clearly what is expected of you and how things are going? Have you talked to her about your brand and discussed how you want it to be represented in the photos? Is she listening to your ideas and incorporating them into the photoshoot?

If you feel your photographer fails to understand your vision or is stuck with a specific photoshoot style, perhaps you should check other photographers who might be better communicators and more focused listeners.

Skillset and Equipment

You want your photographer to have both the proper skillset and the necessary equipment. While a photographer’s diploma is great, what you really need is experience and expertise.

You also want your photographer to have all the right equipment: camera, filters, tripods, lights, lenses, and anything that is required for a professional headshot session. If your photographer insists on specific poses and locations, it may suggest she doesn’t have the right equipment to accommodate more demanding situations.

Previous Work

Take a look at the photographer’s previous work. Look at the people in the photos and ask yourself how they make you feel. Is there anything specific that you like or dislike? Communicate that to your photographer so that she knows what you are looking for.

When looking at the photographer’s previous work, look for versatility and variety. You don’t want to see the same poses, background, and smiles over and over again. You want to see various lighting, indoor and outdoor shoots, and people standing, bending, or leaning. You also want to see smiles: heartfelt smiles, welcoming smiles, and relaxed faces.

Finally, you want to see people at ease. Pinched lips, strained faces, and clutching arms are signs of stress. Remember that the human eye can read body language in seconds and judge accordingly.  

A Website to Check

If a photographer doesn’t have a website, that may be a tell-tale sign that they are not professional or taking their job seriously.

A website showcases all the different types of photos and projects the photographer has worked on. It offers an opportunity to look at different poses and headshots, examine them, and see whether they match your expectations.

Timely Photo Delivery

When is your photographer going to deliver the photos? You want to know when your photos will be sent to you and in what format. Does your photographer give you a USB stick or do you download the photos from their website?

You don’t want to have to wait for weeks or months before your headshot photographer sends you the photos. Ask about delivery times and the delivery schedule. Also, ask about printed photos and whether you can have high-resolution photos for printing purposes.

Editing and Retouching

Some photographers opt not to retouch their photos. Others prefer light editing to soften expression lines or to create a signature style.

Ask your prospective photographers how they feel about editing and retouching and see whether their philosophy aligns with your views and how you picture your headshot. You may, for example, want some light editing to erase a spot or to iron out a few wrinkles. If your photographer likes heavy editing, you may not recognize yourself in the photo and may not like the final result.

Cost

How much does the headshot shoot cost? Are there packages to choose from? What’s included in each headshot package?

Cost is a major factor that may make you opt for one photographer instead of another. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you want to go for the cheapest package but rather for the price package that fits your needs.

Some photographers include one printed photo while others will give you more than one location. A photo package could give you a longer photo session but another may deliver more edited photos.

You should ask what’s included in the cost, including services such as editing and retouching. You can also inquire if your photographer works with hair and make-up artists. In this case, you may get a discount if you get the full package.

Work Guarantee

What if you don’t like the photos you get? What if your headshots don’t really represent you and your brand?

Before working with a headshot photographer, ask them about their work guarantee and any refunds and re-shoots they offer. Some photographers may offer a refund or agree to reshoot if the client is not satisfied.

You want to end up with headshots that are close to your heart and your brand. Anything less is just not you.

Questions to Ask

Here are a few questions you should ask to gauge how you and your photographer can work together.

• How many photos will I get?
• How many outfits can I change?
• How long does the photo session last?
• How many different looks can I shoot?
• How long until I receive my headshots?
• Can I have printed copies? How much do they cost?
• Do you have suggestions about outdoor locations?
• What should I wear during my photoshoot?

Denver Headshot Co. for Your Headshots

Denver Headshot Co. will walk you through our process for a photoshoot. Contact Denver Headshot Photos online or call us now at (720) 799-2655 to ask us any questions you may have. Tell us about your brand and what it represents for you and we’ll take it from there!