Headshot and Portrait FAQ: Corporate, LinkedIn, Models
What is a headshot session?
Professional photographer delivers high-quality face/upper body images through structured shoot protocol, providing dedicated headshot sessions designed to capture professional results. Session objective: produce optimized headshots that highlight personality/professionalism/unique features per client specifications. Photographer executes pose sequences and expression variations using controlled lighting/composition parameters to achieve optimal visual output. Studio/location shoots require lighting adjustment and background optimization to meet specified goals while maintaining subject comfort and camera confidence. A headshot is a tightly cropped photo focusing on the face, including all hair, shoulders, and upper body, while a portrait can include more of the body and has more flexibility in framing and posing. Deliverable: polished image set for business/acting/personal branding applications with conversion-focused results, typical of professional headshot sessions.
Where can I get professional headshots taken?
New York City is our home base and where we shoot most often, including Midtown Times Square, Grand Central, Chelsea, the Financial District, and Wall Street. We are available to travel for on-location headshots and portraits across other states. If your location is beyond our travel range, we offer fully guided remote headshots with the same editorial quality and fast turnaround.What should I wear for a professional photo shoot?
Choose solid, mid tone layers and avoid heavy patterns. Bring two or three options like a blazer, knit, and shirt. We will match backgrounds to your goals such as LinkedIn photographer look, CEO portrait, or creative portraits of New York.
Tips for a successful headshot
Execute headshot sessions by selecting photographers who deliver specialized headshot services and capture client personality requirements. Review portfolio samples to confirm style alignment with project specifications before scheduling. On shoot day, wear solid colors that optimize skin tone contrast and maintain facial focus parameters. For optimal results, engage makeup artists who enhance natural features and ensure camera-ready specifications. Practice expression variations in advance to deliver confident, relaxed performance during capture. Practicing different facial expressions in front of a mirror before your headshot session can help you feel more prepared and confident. Headshot deliverables require strong first impression metrics, so prepare thoroughly, communicate specific preferences to your photographer, and rely on their expertise to produce optimal visual assets.
Qualities of a good headshot photographer
A great headshot photographer delivers technical expertise, creativity, and people skills. Skilled photographers use lighting, camera angles, and posing to shoot flattering images that reflect your brand. They provide comfort during shoots and deliver your best expressions. Good photographers understand your industry and goals. They produce images that align with your professional image. Their retouching and editing deliver high-quality, polished photos that make strong impressions.
Do you create LinkedIn headshots and executive portraits?
Yes. We produce professional headshots for LinkedIn, executive headshot options for leadership pages, CEO headshots for press, and portrait photography for business. These headshots are ideal for business professionals looking to make a strong first impression. We tailor the mood to your brand, from approachable to more formal tech headshot energy. A polished headshot can help a client attract potential clients or employers.
Can you help me build or update a modeling portfolio?
We offer portfolio photography for models that covers beauty, commercial, lifestyle, and fashion. Portfolio styles and photo selections can be tailored to your personal preference, ensuring your images reflect your individual style and goals. If you are interested in working in a creative environment like ours, explore career opportunities at Match Production.
Sessions can include a hair model portfolio look, studio and natural light, and guidance on modeling photo shoots. We share a checklist for profile picture modeling and face modeling requirements.
Understanding who you are as a person helps us create a portfolio that authentically represents you and supports your unique brand.
Do you offer corporate photography services for teams?
Yes. We run corporate headshots, corporate group headshots, and corporate portraits with consistent lighting. Before the session, we make sure everyone is on the same page to ensure consistent, high-quality results. Our team brings a mobile setup to your office, manages time slots, and delivers on brand corporate photos for websites, directories, and PR. Ask about our corporate photography service packages. Different types of corporate headshots include traditional, 3/4 angle, candid, and environmental headshots. Working with a professional headshot photographer ensures your team receives high-quality, on-brand images every time.
Creating a personal brand with your headshot
Your professional headshot is the first impression you make on potential clients, employers, or collaborators and delivers immediate impact for personal branding. A high-quality headshot communicates your personality, values, and professionalism instantly. Build a strong personal brand by choosing attire and settings that reflect your industry and style. Use subtle props or accessories that highlight your unique qualities. Work with a photographer who understands your goals and can shoot images that align with your personal brand. Consistency matters—use your headshot across LinkedIn, social media, and your website to create a cohesive, recognizable image. Professional headshots help you stand out, attract the right opportunities, and produce measurable results.
What does retouching include and can I get files the same day?
Our headshot photography packages include professional retouch services, such as color and contrast adjustments, subtle skin cleanup, and fixing lint or flyaways. Processing begins with raw photos, which are carefully edited to produce the final high-quality images. The final image is the completed, retouched version of your headshot, enhanced by editing techniques such as skin smoothing and wrinkle removal. We never overdo it. Priority and same day delivery are available. We export social ready crops for LinkedIn headshot photos, bios, and media requests.
What makes your studio different from other top photographers in NYC?
Editorial quality with a clear and friendly process. Investing in professional headshots with our studio is a valuable investment for your career. You get focused direction, consistent light, and efficient scheduling. We provide a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your session. We cover individual business portrait photography, large corporate photoshoot days, and modeling studio photography. Clients use the images for LinkedIn, websites, castings, and submissions. Our approach and results set us apart from other photographers in NYC. It is recommended to update your corporate headshot periodically to ensure it reflects your current appearance.
How much do professional headshots cost in NYC?
Our headshot cost starts at $449 for individuals. High resolution, retouched photos are available as an additional purchase. Remote headshots start at $100. Business headshots price and corporate headshot price vary depending on scope, on-site time, number of people, and turnaround. Group rates are available for teams or multiple individuals. Same day headshots in NYC are available when you need speed.
What should I wear for a professional photo shoot?
When choosing what to wear, opt for solid colors and avoid heavy patterns to maintain a clean, professional appearance. Make sure the clothing you are wearing is in good condition and not overly worn, as this helps ensure a polished look. You should wear clothing that is clean, lint-free, neat, and appropriate for the industry or purpose of the headshot. If you wear glasses, let us know—our photographers can help manage glare or reflections during your session. Bring two or three options like a blazer, knit, and shirt, as the number of outfits you should bring to your headshot session typically is around two, to provide variety and options for different styles or looks. Simple and classic jewelry is usually preferred in headshots to complement rather than detract from the focus on the subject. Your hair and makeup should enhance your natural features and be kept simple and natural for a headshot unless you're going for a specific look. We will match backgrounds to your goals such as LinkedIn photographer look, CEO portrait, or creative portraits of New York.
How long does a session take and what is included?
Express sessions can be 15 to 30 minutes, during which we take multiple shots to ensure you have a variety of options. Standard headshots and portraits are usually 30 to 45 minutes, with the number of shots tailored to your needs. The actual shooting time is focused on capturing a range of looks and ensuring each shot makes a strong first impression. The shoot may take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the number of shots needed. We handle lighting, pose coaching that includes modeling face poses and face poses for models, and capture a range of looks. After the shoot, you will typically receive proofs or digital images to review and select your final images. Packages include a private gallery, tasteful retouching, and full processing of your images to deliver polished results.
Importance of lighting equipment in headshot photography
Lighting equipment shapes your headshot's final look. Professional photographers use softboxes, strobes, and reflectors to deliver even, flattering light that enhances skin tone and highlights your best features. The right setup minimizes shadows, reduces blemishes, and brings out natural expression. It is best to take headshots indoors with a neutral background and even lighting. This produces a professional, engaging headshot. A photographer's lighting expertise for different environments and personal styles ensures every image captures you at your best.
Do you photograph actors and models too?
Yes. We shoot professional headshots for actors, acting portraits, and modeling photos for portfolio. Acting headshots are tailored to meet the expectations of casting directors and industry professionals. Actors should wear clothing that is clean, neat, and appropriate for the roles they are auditioning for in their headshot photos. Makeup should enhance natural features and be kept simple and natural for acting headshots.
We also create clean model polaroids and casting digitals for a professional model portfolio. The traditional headshot style features the subject facing the camera directly or at a slight angle, emphasizing a natural and confident appearance. Earth tones and pastel colors are recommended for clothing in acting headshots as they work well with most skin tones.
If you are new to modeling, we help with model application photo basics. Makeup and professional makeup are important for both men and women, and hiring a makeup artist ensures a polished look for your session. Getting plenty of rest the night before your headshot session is important to ensure you look refreshed and confident during the shoot. For hair, it's best to get a haircut at least a week in advance of your headshot session.
Subtle makeup and hair choices can enhance your natural features without distraction.
Before your session, practice different facial expressions and seek feedback from industry professionals when selecting your final images. Practicing different facial expressions in front of a mirror can help actors prepare for their headshot session.
Group rates for headshots
Execute group headshot sessions to deliver cost-effective solutions for companies requiring professional headshots across multiple team members. Photographers provide discounted pricing structures for group bookings, whether you schedule studio sessions or on-location shoots. Specify participant count, session logistics, and technical requirements when you coordinate with your photographer. Packages deliver professional makeup, hair styling, and retouching services to ensure consistent, polished results. Group pricing varies based on photographer specifications, team size, and included services, so compare available options systematically. Deploy group headshots to establish uniform professional branding for your team while optimizing budget allocation.
What is an environmental headshot?
An environmental headshot includes your surroundings in the image and delivers natural authenticity. These headshots are shot in locations that reflect your personality, profession, or interests—city streets, parks, offices, or creative workspaces. This approach lets professionals show their unique personality and context, creating memorable, relatable images. Professional environmental headshots balance the subject with the background and capture both your presence and your environment's story.
Are remote headshots good enough for LinkedIn or press?
Yes. With guided lighting and pose direction, a remote headshot session creates sharp, professional results suitable for LinkedIn, company profiles, and PR. Using appropriate lighting and lights, such as strobes or constant lights, ensures high-quality results even in remote sessions.
It is a strong option when you search for professional photographer headshots near me but you are traveling. Maintaining focus on the subject is essential for a professional remote headshot, ensuring your personality and professionalism are clearly conveyed.
Where do you recommend taking outdoor headshots in NYC?
Great options include Grand Central, Bryant Park, SoHo, Tribeca, DUMBO, the Brooklyn waterfront, and FiDi and Wall Street. These locations are ideal for environmental portraits that highlight the head and shoulders while incorporating the surrounding context to tell your story. We select backgrounds that fit your brand, from glass and steel for a modern corporate headshot photo to stone or greenery for editorial portraits.
Getting the most out of your headshot
To boost the impact of your headshot, work with an experienced photographer who can guide you through the session and deliver a strong first impression. Share your branding goals and pose ideas, lighting preferences, or style concepts before the shoot. Bring outfit options to match your look to the intended background and lighting. After the shoot, review your photos and choose top images that show your professionalism and personality. Request retouching to improve final images. A quality headshot is a smart investment in your career and personal brand. Prepare well and choose the right photographer to produce images that distinguish you and create lasting impressions.