Working with a Professional Headshot Photographer


As a professional headshot photographer in Utah, I work with many businesses all along the Wasatch Front. Oftentimes, these businesses are larger and need headshots for several individuals, even sometimes hundreds of individuals. I want to talk about my process so there is no guesswork when it comes to hiring a professional photographer for your business. 


Step 1: Consultation

When hiring a headshot photographer for your employees, it's important to have a dialogue either face to face or over the phone. This is a chance for me to get to know my client, understand their needs, and discuss details such as where we will be taking the headshots, backdrop color, what the headshots will be used for, etc. If I am photographing multiple employees, then I bring all of my equipment and travel on-site so it's more convenient for the business and employees to get their headshots taken. Headshots can be taken indoors using a plain, non-distracting backdrop, or outside when the weather permits and the location is scouted out beforehand. On occasion, I do take headshots using a nice wood wall, or non-distracting wall at the business if it caters better to the company's aesthetic. To learn more about different types of headshots, check out my other blog post here.


Step 2: Book and Create a Sign-Up Sheet

After the consultation, businesses can book their headshot session using my online calendar located here. This calendar reflects my current availability. Generally speaking, for 10 to 20 employees, it will take about 1 to 2 hours to do the headshots. For 20 to 40 employees, it takes about 3 to 4 hours. For larger companies who want 40+ employees, I charge a day rate and plan to be on-site for 6-8 hours. Upon signing up for a headshot session, you'll pay a deposit that will reserve your time and day in my calendar. Depending on how many employees will get their headshot taken, I strongly suggest businesses create a sign-up sheet they can send around to their employees. This helps mitigate wait time, and helps the flow of the overall headshot session. 


Step 3: The Day of the Shoot

I will arrive on-site 15-30 minutes early to set up lighting and ensure the equipment is working properly. I also want to make sure that I'm ready to go so that employees are not waiting around and we can start the headshot session on time. I work to make sure everyone that steps in front of the camera feels comfortable. Most importantly, every one of my clients walks away feeling good about their headshot. I know that it can be scary to be in front of a camera. I've worked with a lot of individuals who are insecure and do not like their pictures taken. The best approach I take is to talk to each client, get to know them a little bit, and say something to make them laugh or smile. That usually breaks the ice from the get-go. Also, I show each client on the back of the camera what their headshot is looking like. If they don't like a particular side of their face or something about what their wearing is off, then we keep taking pictures until they feel satisfied with the final result. I work with each individual for about 3 to 5 minutes and make sure they walk away feeling good about their headshot. 


Step 4: Delivery of Photos

After the headshot session, I send a link to preview the photos from the session. For smaller companies of 10 to 30 employees, I let each individual choose which headshot they want me to edit and turn over for final delivery. For larger companies, and to avoid time delays, I pick the best headshot from each person, edit it, and send it via an online gallery link. Every headshot is retouched using Photoshop. I make sure to remove any blemishes, fix stray hairs, and make sure the lighting is perfect for each headshot. Attention to detail is very important as a professional headshot photographer. All photos will be in high-resolution and can be downloaded in original format, or a smaller web-sized version for those using their headshot for an email signature or social media profile. 


The process of working with a headshot photographer is easy and painless. I want to make sure that every client that I work with feels comfortable in knowing that I will make each employee or team member feel their best in front of the camera. If your company is looking to hire a professional headshot photographer, then check out my business headshot page here or contact me directly and we will get the process started!