Preparing For Your Business Headshot Session
OLD HEADSHOTS
If you have an old headshot, take a look at it before our session — what do you like about it, what would you change? It's a great way to figure out what you're going for this time around. If you’d like to share it with me and tell me your thoughts go right ahead, full disclosure if it’s online, I’ve already found it ;)
CLOTHING
Keep it simple. Bring as much clothing as you'd like — you don't have to wear every piece, but it's better to have options. There's a place to hang everything up and change throughout the session.
A few quick tips:
Solid colours work well — navy, charcoal, black, white, lighter neutrals, and most shades can all work — regardless, just make sure there's good contrast against your skin tone.
Avoid busy patterns or logos that pull focus from your face
Make sure it fits well and isn't wrinkled — the camera sees everything
A blazer or jacket over a top gives a clean, polished line if you're not sure what to wear
Above all, trust yourself. These tips will help you get a timeless classic look, but it’s always nice to have something more personality driven as well.
Pro tip: If there's a piece you've been eyeing but don't own, now's as good an excuse as any to finally buy it. Just in case, keep your receipts.
MAKEUP
(If you wear makeup daily, keep reading — if you don't, you probably don't need this section)
Keep it simple. You want your headshot to represent you — dramatic makeup "fads" will date your headshot fast, while a natural look stays timeless. The retouching can clean up blemishes, so if you break out the day before, don't worry.
Try to avoid:
Heavy eyeliner (top and bottom) — avoid sharp, hard lines
Heavy eyeshadow
Pencilled-in eyebrows with a harsh line — keep it natural
Fake eyelashes — they can weigh down the eyelids
Heavy blush
Lip liner
Lipstick — bring a clear/neutral gloss or a hydrating neutral lipstick instead
Powder foundation — liquid concealer reads better on camera
Makeup Artist
If you'd like your makeup done professionally before your session, I work with a few of the best specialists in the city.
Makeup pricing is $175.00 - with hair add on at $100
Typically makeup takes 45-60 minutes and hair takes 30-45mins. With this pricing, the artist will stay for the test shot and make adjustments if necessary. Once we begin shooting the makeup artist packs up and leaves. If you'd prefer the makeup artist stays to provide touch ups and new looks with your wardrobe changes, please book this prior to the shoot as it will change the scope of the work and additional costs will be necessary.
WHAT TO EXPECT
I shoot tethered directly into my computer, so we review shots together as we go — you'll see exactly what you're getting in real time. We take some pictures, look at what we got, delete what we don't like, and move forward with context. By the end of the shoot, we'll already have it narrowed down to your favourites.
IMAGE SELECTION
Because you'll already see your images as we shoot, most clients don't find the need for an online gallery. At the end of the shoot, we'll look at what we have, and I'll help you pick the ones you want to purchase. If you'd like to make the decision on your own time, you can purchase an online proofing gallery for $75. The gallery will stay live for a minimum of one year, so you can purchase more images down the road if you'd like.
DELIVERY
Your images will be ready within 1 week, delivered through a private online retouches gallery. Retouching isn't finalized until you approve it — so take your time reviewing, there's no charge for additional revisions. Once approved, a download button will be added. Files are delivered as a high-resolution JPG and a web-optimized JPEG. If you need a different format, just let me know.
Payment
Payment is due before or on the day of the session.
Credit
Cash — exact change
Cheque — made out to Parker Studios Inc.
E-Transfer — sent to ryan@ryanparkerphotography.com
Please ensure all payments include G.S.T.
Rescheduling & No-Shows
Rescheduling within 24 hours of your session incurs a $100 fee. No-shows without notice are subject to a $250 fee before any rebooking is made.
PLEASE NOTE
Clients under the age of 18 must attend with a parent or guardian over the age of 18.