Our goal in retouching is to idealize your appearance. We achieve this in several ways:

• Removal of blemishes, scars and other defects;
• Softening of wrinkles and hard shadows;
• Smoothing and balancing of skin color and tone;
• Brightening of eyes, removal of eye veins and brightening of shadows under eyes (bags);
• Reduction of “fly-away hair”;
• Adjustment of facial physiognomy to balance things such as eye size.

A natural look is essential to our retouching style. Excessive retouching results in an artificial, plastic appearance which we avoid at all costs. While we can reduce the appearance of age from a little to a lot, we want you to look realistically like yourself, so we don’t overdue it.

A popular favor at benefits and company parties is to provide portraits of guests. The photographer sets up a portrait station with a backdrop and lights, photographs each couple or guest, prints the portrait on the spot, inserts it in a folder and displays it on a table where it may be picked up sometime during the evening. 

In the days of film, this was usually accomplished using Polaroid prints. These prints were of nice quality but small and square in size, which was not a very effective format for a vertical portrait. Today, digital printers make it possible to produce high quality 4″x6″ prints at high speed. 

Depending on the number of guests involved, one or more portrait stations may be required. 

Please give us  a call if you’d like to arrange this service for your event.

Before the day of your session we discuss what sort of portrait you want: indoors or out, what sort of background, clothing colors and styles. We want to be as prepared as possible at the time of the shoot.

During the session we photograph a variety of poses, from different angles and with different lighting styles. Occasionally we break the session to review the images and make sure that we’re getting the sort of shots that you want, that you’re pleased with your look and expression.

Once we’re finished we do a final review of the images. If you have any doubt that we’ve got what you want, we resume shooting. At the conclusion of the session you pay the session fee.

After the session, I download all the raw image files from the camera to the computer disk. I rename the files with numbers indicating the date of the shoot and the sequence. The image files are stored on a back-up disk.

Next I review the images, eliminating those that, for one reason or another, are unsatisfactory: eyes closed, poor expression, etc. The remaining images are given a basic adjustment for color and contrast and converted from the raw format to the jpeg format.

The jpeg images, now called proofs, are uploaded to a password-protected gallery where you will be able to view them. You may order prints of individual proofs directly from the website. Payment may be made by credit card, or by check or cash when the prints are picked up. Arrangements may be made for mailing the prints if you prefer. If you prefer not to order from the website, you may simply email me a list of the proof numbers, quantities and sizes that you want.

Once I have received your order, I retouch and print your selections. Every image is custom retouched to provide a natural enhancement of your features. I consider it most important that the retouching is transparent and that your appearance is natural. Prints are made in-house so that I have control over their quality.

At every step of the portrait process I strive to achieve the utmost quality and customer satisfaction. I guarantee my work: your satisfaction is paramount.

Digital cameras have made some aspects of photography very easy for the moderately experienced photographer. Automatic focus and automatic exposure rival the advantage that years of experience in capturing the decisive moment of subject action once gave the professional photographer. Instant review gives the novice digital photographer the ability to adjust incorrect exposures that required a considerable amount of experience and knowledge in the days of film photography.

However, these digital advantages have their limitations. They are technical matters that may improve the chance of getting an image, but they have nothing to do with the nature of the image itself. Whether taken in a natural environment or in the studio, a successful image requires good composition and expert lighting based on knowledge and experience that is usually beyond the novice photographer. Technical understanding of professional equipment are essential for success in the studio.

Even in this day of easy digital photography, professional photography still has its place when a high quality image is required.

These days, just about everyone has some means of taking a photograph, whether it’s a digital camera or a smartphone. So if you find yourself in need of an image of yourself, you may choose to have a friend take it, or (horrors!) just hold your phone out and snap it of yourself. For some purposes this may prove satisfactory.

There are many good reasons for deciding to have a professional headshot done. Self-esteem is one; maybe you’re so good-looking that it’s virtually impossible to take a bad-looking photograph of you. Or you might hope to get a flattering image of yourself by taking a lot shots. But for most of us these are not the wisest or easiest approaches to the issue. A professional photographer can make you look your best through a combination of good posing, lighting and retouching.

Another reason for choosing a professional for your headshot is that in many circumstances a professional portrait is the expected standard of quality. This is certainly true in the case of actors or models seeking work. An agency or casting director is unlikely to take a second look at a photograph that doesn’t meet accepted standards. In the case of a photograph submitted to a publication or website in support of an article or review which features you as a professional, you you are not likely to be well represented by less than a professional portrait.

Many businesses and firms such as law firms feature portraits of the entire staff on their websites. In this case, consistency is important; a professional photographer can provide consistency of lighting, posing and background from shot to shot, as well as featuring each member of the staff in a professional and attractive manner.

These are some good reasons for choosing a professional photographer for your headshot. I hope you’ll keep them in mind when it’s time to submit yours.

The client might be a law firm or other business in need of headshots. Perhaps the CEO requires a headshot, or maybe a number of corporate staff need them.

I arrive about twenty minutes before the session is scheduled to begin and determine where we’ll be working, usually in a boardroom or large office. Next I bring in the equipment-  lights, light-stands, camera etc. and spend about ten minutes setting up.

I greet the first subject and evaluate his or her face for characteristics which will affect the angle of the shot and lighting style. Some subjects require a little powder to dull down glossy areas of the face, which I apply. I offer a mirror so she can make sure that her hair is in place. Then we take some shots. When I feel that we have some good choices, I review the shots with the subject. If she feels there are several good options we conclude the sitting. If not, we try some more exposures, perhaps switching the angle of view to the other side of the face or changing the lighting to improve the look. We continue this process until both the subject and I are satisfied with the results. On average the process takes about six minutes per subject, some taking longer and others shorter times.

Later I create proofs from the session images. The proofs are given basic processing for color balance, brightness and contrast, but are not necessarily the quality of finished images. To make selection easier for the client, I edit the original shots to eliminate those which are not as good as others. Next the proofs are uploaded to a web gallery. There is a separate gallery for each subject, and each proof has a unique proof number for identification. Each gallery is protected by a password. Directions for accessing the gallery are emailed to the client. Proofs are usually ready for viewing by the end of the day following the shoot. If there is a larger number of subjects, proofing may require an additional day or two.

Once the client has made his choices from the proofs, he emails me the proof numbers of the selections.

Next I retouch the selected images and upload them to the internet. Finally I send the client directions for downloading the files. Delivery of the finished files is usually done by the end of the day following the order. Orders for multiple files may take longer.

The quality of headshots and other portraits is greatly enhanced by retouching. For this reason we retouch all our portraits at no additional charge.

Retouched

Our aim is to achieve the most natural look, so that the retouching  is not apparent. The most common feature of retouching is to smooth skin and to reduce wrinkles and blemishes. We go beyond that. Some people tend to squint when they smile: we can open the eyes a little to counteract this. If one eye appears smaller than the other we can enlarge it or reduce the other to match more closely. Double chins can be de-emphasized, broad jaws can be narrowed, lips can be slimmed orincreased, ruddiness reduced, eyes brightened, etc. All these enhancements and more,

Un-retouched

when done discretely and as appropriate to the particular face can improve the portrait without appearing unnatural.  This customized retouching, combined with a well posed and lit portrait results in an image of which you can be proud.

Here are some tips for getting ready for our visit to your office for a headshot session. Of course, we’ll be happy to work with you any way you like, but we have some ideas for optimizing the success of the shoot, based on many sessions over many years.

Our Requirements

We use two light stands and a background stand in our set-up. This requires a certain amount of floor space, usually a minimum of about eight by ten feet. A conference room usually works well. Otherwise, we can work in an empty office or a lobby or waiting area. We always find something that works.

Also we’ll need a task chair, or any chair with a low back, for the subjects to sit in.

Personal Preparations

Darker clothes are usually preferable, but not required. Do avoid white– this can cause severe contrast problems. (This does not apply to shirts or blouses worn under jackets.) If you’re not wearing a jacket, wear long sleeves.

Women: wear your normal make-up, but bring some powder to touch up glossy areas before being photographed. Simple jewelry is best; avoid large, flat, shiny surfaces like metal. Short necklaces are better than long, so we can feature the whole thing in the shot.

Men: reserved ties are best. We recommend against pocket handkerchiefs and lapel pins. White (if worn under a jacket) or blue dress shirts are fine.

Time per Sitting

Our first hour at your office includes set-up and break-down, which takes about twenty minutes. Average number of sittings in first hour is four. The average number of sittings in additional hours is six. This may vary depending on readiness of people and length of time required to get an acceptable portrait.

Scheduling

The cost of your session will depend on how quickly we can proceed from one portrait to the next. This means that people should be prepared to enter the camera room when called. Here are some approaches to scheduling based on our experience:

• By the Clock 

Unfortunately, we can’t predict the exact time it will take for each sitting, so          scheduling by the clock will eventually put us ahead or behind schedule, but it tends to average out. The average time per portrait is about ten minutes.

• When Called

The next person can be called when the previous person is finished, although this adds some time to the schedule as we wait for their arrival. If minimizing inconvenience to your people is the main concern, this is probably the best approach. If someone is unavailable, it might be possible to move ahead to someone else, and return to the first person later in the schedule.

Hair and Make-up

Make-up at Spa Sydell

We suggest that you have your hair styled and make-up done in your usual fashion before your headshot or portrait session. Apply your usual make-up; there are no special requirements for photography. Don’t worry about small blemishes – we’ll retouch them. Men should remember to shave. Women should bring some cosmetic powder to touch up glossy areas in the face if required. We have powder available to touch up men when it’s necessary. Please remember to bring a comb or brush. If you’d like on-site hair styling and make-up, we can arrange it for an additional fee. You may also arrange for your own stylist to accompany you to the studio.

Clothing and Jewelry

Actor

It’s not a good idea to wear white, bright or pastel colors or loud patterns; the emphasis of a headshot is on your face, and clothing should not distract from this. The same advice applies to jewelry keep it simple. Items with flat, reflective surfaces should be avoided. If you’re wearing a necklace, it’s best if it’s short, so that all of it will show in a closely cropped shot.

Business Headshots

Attorney’s headshot

For business headshots we suggest that you choose one outfit for the session. Jackets should be darker in color. Navy, black, dark grays, dark reds, dark greens and dark blues work well.

Actors & Entertainers

In sessions for actor’s and entertainers the goal is often to get more than one good shot, with some variety for comp cards and portfolios. You may want to bring several changes of clothing. Actors, for instance, may want a business look and a casual look. We suggest up to four changes; your time is better spent shooting than changing clothes. Black always works, so we suggest that you bring at least one top of that color.

Portraits

Engagement portrait

For portrait sessions, you’ll probably want to stick with one outfit, unless, for instance, you want both a casual and a formal portrait. If we’re doing a head & shoulders portrait, we recommend wearing long sleeves, even for a casual look. If  you are one of a group, it will be important to balance everyone’s clothing. Usually, we suggest trying to keep everyone in either warm or cool colors. For jewelry, the same suggestions apply as for business headshots.

These are guidelines that we’ve found generally work. Of course, every rule has exceptions, and we’re happy to photograph you however you like.

 Headshot or Portrait – What’s the Difference?

Executive portrait

People who want a picture of themselves taken are sometimes confused about how to name what they want. Say, for instance, you are looking for a small picture, say 5″x7″, of yourself for a gift. Because of the size of the image you’ll probably want a fairly close-up picture of your face; a wider shot would lose most of the detail in your face.

This is often called a head & shoulders portrait. Why not call it a headshot? You could

Actor’s headshot

refer to it that way, but generally headshot refers to a commercial image used for promotion or publicity, such as those used by models and actors. Beyond the head & shoulders portrait, 3/4 and full length poses are often taken in portrait photography.

Other Differences

Beyond matters of size, there are usually other significant differences in the way a photographer might approach a head & shoulders portrait and a headshot. For models, the goal is to produce a number of usable shots, for use in a portfolio or comp card, which is a single sheet printed with several different images of the subject. Actors may want several images showing a range of expressions. In either case the goal is to capture a lively, extemporaneous expression. This requires taking  numerous exposures in a fast sequence. This is very different from the goal of portrait photography which is usually to capture a timeless expression, one which is more generally representative of the subject. The deliberate pace of a portrait session allows for more considered lighting which can be carefully adjusted to flatter the subject’s features. The headshot session, in contrast, requires a more even lighting that will work regardless of the particular pose the subject strikes: whether the model turns to the right or to the left, whether she lifts or dips her chin.

The Business Headshot

Business headshot

An exception to these distinctions between the portrait and headshot is the business headshot, which, apart from usage, has more of the characteristics of the portrait than the model’s or actor’s headshot. The goal is usually to produce one excellent pose which will be used for public relations and editorial purposes.