Portrait Session Information
Table of Contents
I LOVE taking portraits.
This is where it all started for me. I absolutely LOVE doing portrait photography. It allows me to slow down, connect one-on-one with a person, and partake in a collaborative process to best represent an individual and all of their different facets. Whether they are looking for an acting or modeling headshot, something for their senior yearbook, or something that represents their business, I am totally in. From beginning to end, we will work together to create the best look and feel for your session.
My Approach to Portrait Sessions
In order for me to represent you well, I need to know who you are and what your goals are for our time together.
If it's a professional headshot, then we'll keep things traditional and crisp. If you are looking for a creative edge, let's try doing something outside with a softer and more natural background. If you're looking for senior portraits or acting headshots, I would want to know who you are and what makes your shine! Let's laugh, highlight your most favorite features, and celebrate YOU! I am a firm believer that different types of sessions call for different approaches, but I am down for the challenge of listening, and representing you to the best of my ability.
Headshot and Senior Portrait Session Pricing
Headshot and Portrait Package #1
$550
-two hours of coverage (time for two locations and three or four outfits)
-online image gallery of at least 75 images to view, download (high-resolution images), print, and share
- copyright release for personal use of the images
Headshot and Portrait Package #2
$425
-one and a half hours of coverage (time for two close locations and three outfits)
-online image gallery of at least 45 images to view, download (high-resolution images), print, and share
- copyright release for personal use of the images
Headshot and Portrait Package #3
$300
-one hour of coverage (time for one location and two outfits)
-online image gallery of at least 30 images to view, download (high-resolution images), print, and share
- copyright release for personal use of the images
Add-Ons:
-$75 travel fee (and gas costs at $4/gallon) for any shoot location outside of 15 miles from Chicago, IL (60623)
-natural-light studio option with a $60 studio fee/hr
Note: Veterans and those who are in active duty receive a 15% discount on any and all packages
Tips and Tricks for Senior Portrait Sessions
Location
The great thing about senior portrait shoots is that they can be outdoors! I highly recommend that your session should be at a park, an easy nature trail, or somewhere beautiful where you do not have to walk too much. If you have a longer session, I suggest also choosing the natural-light studio as one of your locations. I love the variety of images and creativity I get when I am able to spend more time with clients in these two settings.
Clothing and Makeup
Feeling comfortable and confident is huge when selecting your wardrobe for a portrait session. This comes across in how you look and carry yourself throughout the shoot. Interesting necklines are often key for women (so feel free to wear or bring a necklace or a plain colored scarf), and solids with varying textures always photograph best. Think about your location (lots of greens, reds, grey, etc.) and what clothing might "pop" against it so you can be seen. Stay away from logos/words/characters on shirts, from tennis shoes, and from transitional eyeglasses. That being the case, be you! If you have a favorite hat, shirt, or pair of shoes that's not as "traditional", bring them along.
For outdoor sessions, even if the weather says it is going to be warm, layers are helpful since the weather changes so much in the morning and late evening (layers are also helpful for covering up and creating interest). Hats often photograph super well, as well as scarves, and cardigans. I will also be sure to reach out for a clothing consultation the week prior, but if you have any questions, feel free to call or email sooner.
Make sure you moisturize your face/skin (this includes chapstick). If you normally wear makeup, then this is definitely the time to wear it and even perhaps have it professionally done. Please let me know if you are looking for referrals here. If you don't normally wear makeup, then applying some lightly in your eye area and some light lip-gloss can be helpful. Portraits often concentrate on the eyes, so you will want them to pop a bit.
Make Your Preferences Known
Senior portrait sessions are a time when it is really helpful to make your preferences known! I want to be sure to create a warm and inviting space for you to feel your truest self and be represented well. If you think certain poses are cheesy, please let me know. If you're uncomfortable with anything in particular or have a shot you really want to do, tell me! Also, talk with your parents, are there certain looks or things that they (or your extended family would like)? Do you have an older sibling with a senior picture that they would like to replicate in look and feel?
Tips and Tricks for Headshot Sessions
Location
Depending on your line of work and desires, you can do headshots inside and/or outside! If you have a shorter session, I suggest choosing to use the natural-light studio. For a longer session, I suggest working both outdoor and in the natural-light studio or doing a lifestyle natural-light studio session to give yourself a variety of images. I love the diversity of looks we can get when I am able to spend more time with clients and they also have time for a wardobe change.
Clothing and Makeup
Feeling comfortable and confident is huge when selecting your wardrobe for a headshot session. This comes across in how you look and carry yourself throughout the shoot. Business professional shots for men often include a jacket, button-down (a tie is optional depending on your field, but often photographs nicely). Interesting necklines are often key for women (so feel free to wear or bring a necklace or a blazer), and solids with varying textures always photograph best. Think about your location (in-studio vs, outdoors) and what clothing might complement well. I would plan on having both a more formal and a more relaxed look if at all possible. Stay away from logos/words on shirts, small stripes on your jacket, and transitional eyeglasses. That being the case, be you!
Make sure you moisturize your face/skin (this includes chapstick). If you normally wear makeup, then this is definitely the time to wear it and even perhaps have it professionally done. Please let me know if you are looking for referrals here. If you don't normally wear makeup, then applying some light makeup in your eye area and some light lip-gloss can be helpful. Headshots concentrate on the eyes, so you will want them to stand out. Having a hairstyle that will frame your face is also most complimentary. You can also opt to professionally have this done. I would recommend a natural look vs. too much product which can cause glare and also present a challenge if you do a wardrobe change.
Make Your Preferences Known
Headshot sessions are a time when it is really helpful to make your preferences known! If your company is looking for a particular style/angle, please let me know! I want to be sure to create a warm and inviting space for you to feel represented well and also for you to be able to use your images in as many places as possible (Linkedin, website, Facebook, etc.). If you think certain poses are uncomfortable or cheesy, or if you have a facial feature you are sensitive about, please let me know as well!
