We offer several options for creating successful head shot photography and modeling portfolios. We can photograph you in a natural background setting at your location for dynamic looking head shot photography; photograph you on actual backgrounds that we use both in the studio and on location; or for a more contemporary look, we can place you in one of our Custom or Standard backgrounds seen below.
You select the look you want for your head shot; light or dark background, a background with texture or a solid color, and the choice of a horizontal or vertical format. Below we show many different backgrounds to choose from, or we can match an existing one. Please note that some of the images below were taken at the client’s location.
Custom Backgrounds
Standard Backgrounds
Basic Head Shot Session $150 and Includes:
- Up to a 15 minute session using one Standard background, 1 image selected for retouch at the time of the session, head and shoulders only. Choice of backgrounds are either a Standard Background, Custom Background, or we can match a digital background provided. Turn around time is usually 1 business day.
Deluxe Head Shot Session $200 and Includes:
- Up to a 30 minute session using one Standard Background, which is selected in advance of the session. The final retouched images are digitally placed in the background of your choice, either a Standard Background, Custom Background, or one provided for us to use.
- 2 digital files of your choice are retouched and sent to you within 1 business day of session.
- 1 clothing change.
- Ideal for corporate, social media, and modeling.
Full Head Shot Session $300 and Includes:
- Up to a 45 minute session, retouch of 3 images, a session with up to 2 clothing changes, all images placed at a personal link for viewing and download. Includes 3/4 and full length photos. The images are taken initially using one of our Standard Backgrounds, then the final images are presented to you on a Custom or Standard Background that you choose.
- Add $50 if you want the session done in our outdoor garden studio only. All outdoor images remain in their original backgrounds.
- Ideal for corporate, social media, and modeling.
Indoor and Outdoor Head Shot Session $400 and Includes:
- A 1 hour session, retouch of 4 images, session with up to 3 clothing changes, all images placed at a personal link for viewing and download. Includes 3/4 and full length poses. Images are taken initially using one of our Standard Backgrounds, then the final retouched images are digitally placed in the backgrounds of your choice. All outdoor images remain in their original backgrounds.
The Basic or Deluxe Head Shot Session is ideal for those wanting formal and casual head shots for corporate, social media, and modeling.
General Information:
- Pricing above is for 1 person. Additional people in the image, please contact us for pricing.
- Session fee is due at time of the session. All pricing reflects a 10% discount when paying with cash. Payment is made with credit card or cash on the day of the session. Corporate clients please contact us for payment options.
- Additional files can be retouched at $20 per image and includes removal of blemishes, facial shine, and minor corrections to stray hair.
- Images converted to black & white $15 per image.
Additional Information:
- For Head Shot/Executive Photography done at your location please call us (484-431-4524) or e-mail us for a price quote at barbaraleidyphotography.com/contact
Please visit our Corporate Photography page to see our gallery.
How to Make Your Business Portrait Successful
Head shot photography, also called an executive portrait, or business portrait, is generally a head and shoulders portrait. The image may be used for a website, press releases, company brochure, resume, or other advertising. A great headshot is more than a nice photo of you, it is your personal brand, your digital first impression, and your professional identity.
Clothing:
The type of clothing worn will represent you and your company. Wear professional business attire that is classic and timeless so you will not have to update your head shot frequently.
Men should wear a suit jacket, sweater, or a nice dress shirt with a tie or open collar. Ties should not be bold or heavily striped. Women should wear a blouse or tailored jacket. There are no absolutes when selecting a wardrobe for portraits. Wear what makes you feel successful, and what will align with how you want to be perceived professionally. Avoid plunging necklines or overly casual t-shirts, as they can look unprofessional. Corporate professionals should stick with classic business attire such as structured blazers, dress shirts, or well-fitted blouses. Creative entrepreneurs should wear smart casual; polished yet slightly relaxed, like a fitted top, blazer, or modern knitwear.
Wear clothing that is clean, pressed and well fitted. For this reason avoid clothing that looks sloppy or wrinkles. Long sleeves are preferred so that arms do not show. If layering, make sure your collar sits neatly and doesn’t create unwanted folds or shadows.
Solid colors photograph best, and most people look good in mid-tones like green, blue, brown, and even the right shade of red on women works well and portrays power. Avoid colors like bright white, very pale peach, pink, orange, yellow and gray because these colors may make you look washed out. People with darker skin tones should not wear light colors like white because of too much contrast. Avoid busy patterns, tweeds or plaids (they appear to move in digital format) and avoid deep, plunging necklines.
Glasses:
Wear glasses if you normally wear them, and make sure they are clean, as smudges can cause unwanted glare. Non glare glasses work best, as they usually don’t show reflection from the lights.
Jewelry:
Jewelry can be a great accessory, but should not cause shine when using flash photography, or distract from your face. Less is usually more. Necklaces look best when they are shorter and mimic the general neckline of your blouse.
Makeup:
With makeup, wear what you would for a nice evening out, well done, but not overdone. Avoid overly glossy or shimmery makeup as it will catch the light and be distracting. Even if you don’t normally wear makeup, your pictures will look better if you at least wear foundation. Your skin tone will be more even. If necessary, bring extra powder to reapply during the shoot to avoid shine. Oil based make up will cause unwanted facial shine so try and avoid that.
Background:
Background selection is important so that it doesn’t distract from your head shot and should complement your clothing and colors. Neutral colors such as gray or white, even black are always classic. We normally use a gray or blue/gray background for Executive Head Shots. Sometimes we use a natural setting in an office or outside of the office showing the building. We have a variety of backgrounds that we can place you into in our Custom Backgrounds for Head Shots gallery.
Be Ready:
Arrive to your session camera ready, wearing your hair and makeup the way you would when you are trying to look your best. For men, make sure facial hair is well groomed. The rest of your face should be fresh-shaven. In addition to styling on the day of the session, please make sure your haircut is the way you like it and that your hair color is at its best, including hair roots. Avoid tan lines or sunburns. Eyebrows should also be neatly groomed. Stray hair should be flattened with hairspray when possible.
Lastly, let your photographer know if you have any facial concerns or angles that you don’t like before the session begins.
And relax, you might even have fun!
