Headshots help you stand out from the crowd and make a good impression on potential employers, colleagues, and clients. So it’s essential to choose a photographer with experience taking high-quality headshots.

We’ve put together our top 5 tips for finding a professional headshot photographer to create an exceptional photo session.

How to Find a Professional Headshot Photographer?

Whether you need headshots for your business or a casting director, here are five tips on how to find the right headshot photographer to suit your needs.

Make a List of Professional Headshot Photographers

Start making your list using Yelp or Google to search for great headshot photographers in your area.

Look at their websites and social media pages to get a sense of their style and professionalism—and if they have any reviews from previous customers.

Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations of photographers they’ve used. Ask for photos taken by those photographers so you can compare styles and techniques.

Create a Checklist

Creating a checklist to narrow your choices is a great way to ensure you’re hiring the right photographer for the job.

1. Inspect their portfolio. To get a good idea of their capabilities, look at their work and see their style.
2. Visit their social media profiles. If they don’t have social media profiles, that’s usually not a good sign—they probably don’t care enough about their work to promote themselves!
3. Check to see if they specialize in headshots or if they do other types of photography as well. 

Read Reviews and Testimonials Online

By reading through the experiences of other clients, you can get a sense of what kind of experience that particular photographer has provided others with in the past.

Some things to look out for in these reviews:

• How responsive was the photographer?
• Did the photographer make sure you were comfortable throughout the shoot?
• Were you pleased with how your photos turned out?

Communicate Before You Commit

Before hiring a professional headshot photographer, you should ensure your headshot experience is the best it can be by asking the right questions.

• Pricing: You want to avoid being surprised by an unexpected fee or additional charges after the fact.
• Experience: It may not be a good fit if they specialize in business headshots, but you’re hoping for something more casual and fun.
• Styling: Ask about what clothes you should wear to match the tone of the images.

Consider Your Goals

The next step in deciding how to find a professional headshot photographer is to ask yourself the following questions about your professional headshot goals.

What Are Your Career Objectives?

A person’s career goals can influence the professional headshot photographer with whom they work.

For example, a person looking for a finance job may want a headshot that shows them being serious and professional.

On the other hand, a person looking for a job in retail may want a headshot that shows them smiling and having fun.

What Kind of Budget Do You Have?

Unsurprisingly, your budget can influence which professional headshot photographer you choose.

Some photographers offer cheaper packages, while others charge by the hour and work with people who have more money to spend.

Your business headshot is an investment in your career. Make sure you don’t sacrifice quality just to get a lower price.

Do You Have a Preferred Headshot Style?

A person’s preferred headshot style can influence what kind of professional they consider.

Candid shots show a person looking at ease in their natural environment, while black-and-white headshots help emphasize the subject’s features.

The best approach is to find someone who can capture your personality.

Questions To Ask a Professional Headshot Photographer

Before booking a photographer, it’s a good idea to meet with them in person or ask the following questions over the phone like you would during an interview.

Who Have They Worked With?

When looking for a photographer to take your headshots, it’s essential to ask them about their background and experience. 

If a photographer has worked with many individuals in the past, they have experience with what it takes to work with big clients, which makes them much more likely to be able to handle your needs as well.

What Packages Are Offered?

When you’re looking for a photographer to shoot your headshot session, it’s essential to ask them about the packages they offer and how many images you receive. 

Depending on the package and any associated hourly charges, packages may include the following:

• Sitting fees
• Final images edited in color, black and white, and sepia tones, with no watermark
• A high-resolution digital copy of all final images
• A private online gallery for you to share

Do They Provide Professional Editing?

Professional editing is a must-have for professional headshots. Images can include edits with basic cropping and color balance adjustments to more advanced techniques such as retouching.

How Long Does It Take To Get The Headshots?

The time it takes to get your headshots depends on the photographer and their schedule.

Ask how quickly they can turn around proofs and final copies. If you have an event or interview and want your headshots back in time, ensure your chosen photographer is available when you need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about getting professional headshots.

What colors are best for a professional headshot?

Solid and neutral colors are always a safe option. White and cream fall into light neutrals, whereas navy and black belong to the dark neutrals category. Never wear pastels or prints.

Should I avoid black-and-white professional headshots?

Black-and-white headshots can be just as professional as color ones. Feel free to try something different. You’ll have to ensure the background is not busy. Otherwise, it will distract from your image.

Are professional headshots worthwhile?

Yes! A professional headshot is one of the best ways to start building your brand and promoting yourself as a professional. It’s also an essential part of your portfolio, no matter your industry.

Get an Experienced Professional Headshot Photographer Today!

If you’re wondering how to find a professional headshot photographer, we have you covered.

Our photographers are all highly trained and have extensive experience working with clients like you. They will give you the attention and care you deserve during your session, making sure you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. Schedule a session today by calling or clicking here!

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