Availability / Timing / Location:

Where is your studio located?
We offer our services on-location, which means we come to you at your home, office, or some other location of our choosing. This makes it super-convenient for our clients as it works around their often tight schedules. Our coverage area is as far south as Carmel and as far north as San Francisco, CA.

How long does a headshot session usually take?
A basic, one-background headshot session may only take 5 minutes of actual picture taking. We try to get to know you a bit before we bring out all the (admittedly) intimidating equipment, though. If you have a short window of time, just let us know and we can minimize the chit-chat. If we're doing multiple locations/settings, we may spend up to 20-30 minutes per person. It just depends on your unique requirements and how much variety you're looking for.

How many photos do we get from a session?
It depends on the package, anywhere from 1 to 5 photos is typical. 

Do you work weekends?
We try to keep weekends open for our own family time. Plus, who wants to get all dressed up in business attire for a photo shoot on the weekend? Sweatpants and college t-shirt time, amirite?

How much in advance do I have to schedule?
No strict rules here, most headshots are scheduled the same week. Depending on your flexibility and our schedule, we may even be able to do same-day. Payment in full is required at the end of the shoot, no deposits are necessary.

Pricing:

What's included with a basic headshot package?
The most common headshot package configurations are explained in detail here.

How much does a headshot session cost?
The session fee is $250 and files/photos are purchased separately for $150/ea. We have package discounts as well.

Do you take deposits?
Nah. We want you to see the results before you pay anything.

If I bring a friend, can I get a discount?
Yes, the session fee is fixed at $250, no matter how many people we’re photographing. Files are $150/ea so everyone just purchases the photos they love from there.

Do you ever have specials?
We have package deals which can save some money, depending on your needs.

Do you discount for larger groups?
Custom pricing is available for groups of 10 or more. The most important factors are time constraints, location, # of people and turnaround requirements.

Services / Process:

Do you offer more casual, lifestyle portraits?
We do a mix of traditional headshots and more creative portraits – often in one session. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll make it happen.

Do you take group photos?
Yep. Please let us know ahead of time what your intent is. We don't want to show up for 2 or 3 headshots, then get a group shot of 150 employees landed on our lap. The bigger the group, the more planning is required. If you *only* need a group photo (and no individual portraits), this is still possible and requires a custom quote. Just contact us.

Can you match my company's existing style guidelines?
Almost always. Please send over your corporate photo guidelines so we can let you know if it's a problem or not.

Do you bring backdrops with you?
Rarely. We always use found locations, indoors or out, for our portraits. Maybe it's a blank part of a wall. Perhaps it's a conference room. Or even the parking garage. Opportunities abound, and we're always looking for them. We've gotten all the results you see without bringing cumbersome backdrops that take forever to set up and break down, so we're not about to start doing so now... We keep our prices low by being good & fast!

Do you take passport photos?
Not really. Probably cheaper local options for this. But we have done "regular" sessions where we'll find a white wall for a couple shots for this specific purpose.

How do I view the proofs after the shoot?
If we have time, we’ll do a proofing session on a laptop at the end of the session. Otherwise, as soon as the proofs are ready for review, we'll send you a link so you can select your favorites. At any point before or after receiving your favorite photos, any reasonable retouching request will be honored at no extra charge.

What's your turnaround for the photos?
Typically a week, but if you have immediate need, same day or 24-hr turnaround can usually be arranged. We usually don't charge as long as this request isn't abused too often.

Style / Retouching:

Do you retouch the photos / make me look younger?
By default, we fix blemishes, hard lines, and stained teeth. For the final photos you wish to purchase (or that come with your package), we are happy to make additional retouching to hair, skin, eyes, etc. Just ask.

Can you make me thinner?
We believe everyone has natural beauty – you have nothing to be ashamed of. We never alter body structure by default, and are hesitant to do it by request – but we *will* make these types of adjustments (if you ask real nice).

Can I wear different outfits?
Yes. If you want our feedback on outfits, we're happy to do so upon arrival. The # of changes allowed varies by package, but usually for guys it's 1-2 shirts and a suit jacket. Women are free to change outfits as appropriate per package.

Do you use lighting equipment?
Yes, we bring professional lighting equipment to ensure a consistent "studio" look on-location. It doesn't matter what time of day it is, what the weather is like, or if we're shooting indoors or out. 

How can you get good shots so quickly?
Experience and a positive attitude helps! Seriously though, if it takes more than 10 minutes to get a decent shot, we're not doing our job well. We like to get you when you're fresh, not when your smile muscles (and patience) are worn out after an hour of pictures. We like to shoot in the morning when you're literally fresh, as well – that way you can get it over with first thing (after coffee, of course) and get on with the business of the day.

What Ifs 

What if I don't like my photos?
First, we ask for your feedback about what we both can do (as subject and photographer) to get better results. Sometimes it's simply a matter of some additional retouching to the first set of photos. If not, we schedule a second session, after which we review the photos on a laptop with clients to ensure there's at least a few keepers in the bunch. We then send out the second round of proofs for your review. If your spouse / friends / family / coworkers agree that yes, these are terrible photos of you – then we issue a full refund. 

What if I have to cancel at the last minute?
Since we don’t usually take deposits, it’s really not a big deal. We’ll just reschedule.

What if?
As if!