Headshot Session FAQ

This posts answers all of the most common questions. If you still have questions after reading this, please shoot me a message at studio@charmcityheadshots.com.

What are your session fees?

Please scoot on over to my home page to see my latest session options and fee. These packages cover the most common situations, but if your case is unique please let me know and I'll happily work up a custom quote!

How can I make an appointment? When and how do I pay?

The easiest way to see my availability and make an appointment is to check out my scheduling calendar. I take a $100 deposit to hold the session. You can use a credit card or Paypal to make the appointment right on my calendar, or if you prefer I also accept Venmo (where my username is "@Dennis-Drenner") . The remainder is due at the end of your session.

What if I need to reschedule?

Your confirmation email has a reschedule link you can use to reschedule your appointment up to 24 hours in advance. Last minute cancellations will incur a $100 fee (i.e. you lose your deposit).

What's the difference between a studio and a location shoot?

For a studio shoot, you come to me. With a location shoot, I bring a portable studio to your location and set up in a conference room or other convenient spot. Location shoots are great for larger groups or busy folks who don't have the time to come to my location. Ideally, I like to have a space that is at least 10 feet by 10 feet to set up the portable studio, but I can cram into a tighter space if need be.

I'm looking for a portrait that shows some of the background. Can you help with that?

Absolutely. I love doing environmental portraits and have done hundreds of them over the years. We can photograph you in your place of work, in a field with your cows or hanging off the skids of your helicopter. Whatever helps tell your story! Please email me for a customized quote for this type of job (generally we'll be looking at something closer to my location session pricing).

I am also able to change the background digitally if that is a better option for you. You can see examples of that here and here. Digital background changes incur additional retouching fees. Please inquire for more details.

What to wear?

Wear solid or simple patterns, dark to mid-toned colors, avoiding bright whites and bold patterns. In your headshot we want the attention on your face, not on your clothing. Splashes of color (like a red shirt under a dark blazer) are good. Ideally, bring a few options-- different shirts, jackets, ties, jewelry, scarves.

Blouses for ladies should not too low cut or they could end up being cropped entirely out of the frame (and it will look like you are doing a naked headshot shoot!) We can also deal with this issue by using clips to hike the blouse up a bit closer to your neck.

Makeup and grooming tips

I don't usually recommend makeup for men. It can help, but unless you're an actor or TV personality, the makeup is more likely to make you uncomfortable and isn't worth the trouble. Men should pay extra attention to grooming their facial hair. I can't give you a clean shave with Photoshop!

For women, keep the makeup simple and flat, but a bit heavier than usual is OK as the camera takes some off.

If you want to work with a professional makeup artist, please let me know and I'm happy to recommend some of my local favorites. For individual studio sessions, most folks will arrange to have their makeup done off-site just before the session. For larger groups, we will often arrange to have the makeup artist on location. You should double check price and details with the MUA, but it's usually around $125 per person.

Studio location

The headshot studio is in my home office at 3646 Elm Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211. It's a grey house with a red door. I'm right in the heart of Hampden, but street parking is usually not a problem. That said, if your session is on Friday or Saturday night or other peak time, arrive a bit early in case you have trouble finding a spot.

What happens after the shoot?

I shoot somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 images during a typical 60 minute session. After our shoot, I will narrow this down to 30-50 of the best images which I will put into an online gallery and deliver to you within two or three business days. At your convenience, you can let me know your favorite image for a retouch. Regular sessions include one free retouch, and additional retouches are just $35. I am usually able to get the retouched images back to you within two business days.

For more details on post-shoot matters like downloading and retouching, please check out this post: http://www.charmcityheadshots.com/blog/blog-post/after-the-shoot/

I'm on a super tight deadline. How quickly can I get my photos?

I usually take two business days to deliver your initial set of images. It takes another day or two to deliver final retouches of your favorite/s. For folks on a tight deadline, I can speed this process up, even delivering images the same day. Please let me know if you need me to go warp nine -- I can usually help! (Rush service does incur a $100 additional fee).

So I get all the pictures?

Yes. You can download and keep all the photos in my final edit of approximately 30-50 photos and do what you want with them!

Can you do passport and visa photos?

Yes I can and they are included in my normal studio session, though you will have to get them printed elsewhere. For more details please check out this post: Passport Photos. If you don't want a professional headshot and just want a quick passport photo, try Service Photo on Falls Road in Baltimore.