The 6 Best Questions to Ask Before Your Headshot Photography Session

Headshot Photography can involve a lot of questions on the front end.

For many people, getting a professional headshot may be something they do only once in their career.

Because of this, it is important to partner with a professional photographer with deep experience in this kind of work, and who can collaborate with you to get you the exact headshot you need.

Over the years, I’ve had many questions come up when it comes to headshot photography.

With that said, here’s the 6 best questions to ask anytime you decide to pursue a headshot photography session.

1) What Style of Headshot Photography Do you Do?

There are several reasons you may want a headshot. It could be for a new job opening you want to apply for. Or, it could be to support a new position you’re already beginning.

Some of my previous clients have also sought out headshots for their acting career.

Whatever your reason, I approach headshot photography the same way with a personal mantra:

“Your authentic self, elevated.”

I fully believe that a great headshot should truly capture who you are as well as your fit for your ideal role.

Because of this, our headshots can actually work for a large variety of reasons that would cause you to hire a professional photographer.

Regardless of the purpose of the shoot, all of our work is done with the industry standard of up-to-date camera equipment, lighting, and backdrops.

With this, you can know that you are getting a premium photography service. 

2) What Do I Wear to My Headshot Photography Session?

What you wear to your headshot photography session depends on what the headshot is for. If you’re looking to use the headshot for a job application, it can help to dress on the more professional side. 

Meanwhile, if you’re looking to use the photograph as an actor, dress in a way that best communicates you – your style and who you are at your core.

This can seem a little ambiguous, but I’ve found that people who most readily ease into a great headshot are ones who feel that how they look is in line with who they are.

Part of what makes my work special in the headshot photography world is that I love showing the world who you are. I believe in my motto “Your authentic self – elevated”.

So dress in a way that works for you.

I’ve done a multitude of headshots over the years, so if you have any questions about this, feel free to ask and I can provide recommendations for the shoot. 

3) Where Does a Headshot Photography Session Typically Happen?

For a typical headshot photography shoot, people will meet me at my studio here in Little Rock, AR.

I have all the necessary equipment, including lighting and backdrops, to give you the best result for your headshot.

Having said that, there have been times where the time of photograph someone is looking for doesn’t match the traditional style of headshot photography.

In these instances, we will sometimes look for a space outside in nature, or around town.

If you have suggestions for your headshot photography session, I am always willing to chat and meet your needs. However, I also know some great spots that can be perfect for your shoot.

If you’re ever curious, or you’re ever in doubt, feel free to ask.

I am fully transparent in my process so I will be sure to provide recommendations on the front end.

In general though, most of my clients have the best experience at our studio. This allows me to have all equipment already set up and on hand to provide the highest quality experience for you.

In the case that you would like to book a headshot photography session, but you don’t live in Little Rock – I can sometimes serve you depending on your location and if you live in one of the areas I have listed in my About Me section.

Again – when in doubt – just ask! I’m looking forward to our session!

4) How Long Does a Typical Headshot Photography Session Last?

It’s definitely safest to book at least an hour for our shoot. Part of our photography session will involve getting the best idea for the kind of photo we’re looking to create together.

There are great parts of who you are that we will want to capture in the headshot. Sometimes, it takes a little conversation to figure out the kind of photo you want taken.

If you aren’t too sure – don’t worry. I have an extensive background in photography and it’s always an important priority for me that my clients feel like their “authentic self” is not only fully represented, but also “elevated”.

I want your photo to demonstrate who you are at your core.

More than that, it’s important for your headshot to convey your fit for whatever role you’re pursuing.

Whether it’s related to personal brand, a future job application, or a role you’re currently working in – I’m confident that we can create a photograph together that you’ll be satisfied with.

In this, please plan for at least an hour for our shoot, though no more than two hours at most.

If you’re ever concerned by the length of time a photoshoot may take, or if you have circumstances that are limiting your time with me, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

I will do my best to meet your needs including any time constraints you might have. 

5) Is Headshot Photography Any Different from Other Types of Photography?

Headshot photography is different from other types of photography in the sense that we are really capturing something incredibly personal and important – you.

Headshots aren’t just about physical features.

A great headshot should evoke a sense of understanding of who you are and what you represent.

For several years now, I’ve been working with my clients to create a photoshoot that encompasses who they truly are.

While something like event photography is meant to capture what happened at a popular gathering, or while production photography is designed to highlight an important moment…

Headshot photography is great at showing the world exactly who you are.

It may seem a bit bold to talk about it that way (I am a creative after all!), but I can tell you that my clients have really enjoyed the work we do together. 

6) When Can I expect My Photos?

Your headshot photos should be done within a couple weeks. If this changes, I’ll be sure to communicate on the front end.

If there is a time sensitive element to your shoot – like you need your headshot for an upcoming job application deadline or something like that – make sure you mention this to me in our original booking.

While I’m not able to always work around my schedule, you can know that I am happy to make this process as easy and as fulfilling as possible for you.

That is to say – we can sometimes make urgent orders work – though it’s not always possible.

Otherwise, you can typically expect about two weeks from when we first do your headshot session together to receiving your final photos.

Some people do wonder what happens after the photoshoot.

While I’m great at what I do (I’m proud of my 5 star rating on Google!), there are sometimes small imperfections in the photos.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no photograph that is absolutely perfect.

This is simply because there are no perfect people.

However, what I can promise you is that the end product of our work together will provide headshots to you that are a perfect capture of you.

On this note, because what’s important to me is that the final version of the photos encompasses exactly who you are, I do not do any over the top post-production work on your photos.

I will do some light edits for your headshot and then you’ll be able to receive your photos online on my website, where you can also order physical prints for your photos as well if you so desire. 

Getting you the Most Out of Our Time

With these six questions answered, you can make the best decision on if now is the right time to pursue a professional headshot, and if I’m the right fit for you.

Do you have a question that wasn’t addressed above? Or do you have any special requests?

You can always email me through our Contact Form and let me know. I’ll always get back to you within 2 business days at the latest, if I’m not able to get back to you right away.

In the meantime, feel free to stay tuned to my Instagram or other social media pages. I publish our latest headshots often, so you can take a look to get a feel for my work.

My headshots are all actual customers who have been kind enough to allow me to share our work together.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you,

Matthew Sewell

Matthew Sewell Photography