Business Headshots & Portraits FAQ

Where do you shoot

I do one person sessions at my Dogpatch San Francisco studio. I can shoot anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley (or the world for that matter) for an addtional a fee. I do have a minimum location shoot fee.  If you are outside of the San Francisco Bay Area or Silicon Valley please contact us as I would love to work with you.

What color backdrops can we use

I can use any color backdrop you want for your headshots. Any backdrop I already have in stock will have no extra charges. White, grey, and black backdrops will always be in stock. If you would like a specific color backdrop to match your brand or identity there will be a $200 fee to purchase a standard color/size backdrop. Non-standard custom backdrops would be extra. I would need at least 2-3 weeks notice to get the specific backdrop and availability will determine if it is possible or not.

Do you do environmental shots

Yes, I can do environmental shots.  Environmental portraits are more complicated so there are additional fees. Please contact me so we can go over the details to properly estimate the cost.

What type of lighting will be used

Lighting is the key to any great business headshot and I can light a headshot and portrait in many different ways. It is important to discuss beforehand the type of lighting you would like. For most lighting scenarios there will be no extra charges. But, if you would like elaborate or complex lightning there may be extra charges. These charges are to rent the appropriate lighting equipment for your desired look.

What kind of camera do you use

First, let me be clear about this: The camera a photographer uses makes no difference in the quality of the pictures you get. All modern digital cameras produce great images. As long as the camera was made in the last 5 years, the photographer matters more than the camera.

Having said, my background is commercial and editorial photography. Those clients require the best files possible for larger reproductions. Because of this I use a high end medium format Phase One XF camera system that produces the highest quality files you can find in a modern digital camera due to it’s larger sensor size. I can guarantee no other headshot photographer you may be considering uses a camera of this caliber. But as I said, the camera being used doesn’t matter; it’s the photographer that matters.

Will there be makeup provided

Makeup will not be provided unless arranged beforehand.  I work with many makeup artists and you would be paying them directly for their services.  The cost to have a makeup artist at the shoot is $75 per person.

How many looks do I get

You can have many looks per session, but keep in mind the session is 30 minutes. That means the more time spent changing wardrobe the less time we are taking pictures. Something like putting on or taking off a jacket is an easy and quick way to get a different look. We will discuss your outfit before the shoot to make sure you look your best and fit with your brand. If you would like more time for the session to fit in more looks we can do that with an extra fee.

How many images are taken during the shoot

I don't limit the number of images taken during the shoot and I don't shoot a specific number of images.  Each shoot and person will have a different flow which results in more or less than another shoot. On average I typically take 100-200 images during a 30 minute session. Needless to say, there will be a lot of great images to choose from.

How are images delivered

All proofs and final images are delivered online for quick and easy access. Raw files are not provided but can be purchased.

How many images do I get

For the standard Individual Session you will get 3 high resolution images from the shoot. One of the three images will be retouched. You will also get three variations of the final retouched photo: A standard look, black & white and a warmer look.  Sessions for more than 5 people only receive the retouched image and look variation images.

What is your turn around time

You will typically receive proofs from the session within 24-72 hours. The final retouched images arrive within a week after making your final selections. Rush orders are possible with a fee. For group sessions the timing will be longer based on the number of people photographed.

What are my rights to the image

Unless otherwise agreed upon the standard license will be for use on your company's website, social media pages, event presentation bio photos, and marketing materials (direct mail, email promos, etc).  The images may be used on the inside or back of a book jacket, but not as the cover. Third party use is not allowed in any way. That means you can't give the image to anyone else to use in any way or use in any type of media. Additionally you can not use the images in any paid advertising. These licenses are available if you need them at and extra fee.

See session Terms & Conditions for more information and the Full Licensing Information here.

SCHEDULING/rescheduling/CANCELATION/REFUND policy

Due to the complexity of scheduling many shoots in a day and the time preparing and setting up for a shoot I have a strict cancelation/rescheduling policy.   

For studio shoots, deposits and payments are non-refundable unless there was an error on my part. Shoots can be rescheduled, but if you reschedule with less than 7 business day notice there will be a $75 per person rescheduling fee. If you want to reschedule with less than 48 hour notice the fee is $175 per person. If your session was booked within 48 hours of the session time you will be responsible for the 7 day reschedule fee.  I must be informed if you can't make a session or need to reschedule prior to the session start time otherwise the session can not be rescheduled.

Rescheduling with less than 48 hours for sessions with more than five people will result in the loss of your deposit or payment.

For location editorial portrait shoots, shoots can’t be rescheduled less than 7 days from the shoot without loosing your full deposit/payment.

Scheduling or rescheduling issues are not a valid reason for a refund.  Due to the popularity of my service there are typically long wait times to get in. If you have any time expectations, restrictions or deadlines please contact me prior to booking to ensure I can meet your timeline because a refund will not be possible after booking. Sessions with discounted rates or coupons have reduced scheduling availability than full price sessions.

When booking a session you will be agreeing to these terms so hopefully you’re reading this so there are no misunderstandings or animosity at a later time :-)

Are there any other costs

I do need to charge for any incurred expenses. Unless you're doing an elaborate shoot that requires extra equipment, that will mean parking fees and other minor expenses if I am traveling to your location. If your shoot needs extra equipment, expendables, assistants or other expenses you will know the costs upfront.

See session Terms & Conditions for more information. For information on my money back guarantee go here.