Professional Headshots

Anyone with a business or online presence will benefit from a professional headshot. This includes professionals, actors, realtors, doctors, and many other professions. Headshots are also oftentimes used for online dating and social media profiles.

Professional headshots can vary in cost. Keep in mind a session fee is separate from the cost of retouching photos and buying individual digital images. Our Session fees start at $249 for a studio session and $399 for an on-location in Orange County. We also offer group rates. Be sure to ask about headshot promotions. 

Deciding on what to wear for your headshot should be based on your industry. You want to look professional for your profile photo. A general rule of thumb to go by is to avoid busy loud patterns. Stay with neutral solid colors. Avoid wearing bright colors like red, yellow, and purple. In addition, I don’t recommend large clunky jewelry this can be distracting, taking the focus off you.

At this point you probably realize a DIY headshot is not for you including a a virtual headshot. So to prepare for your in-person session begin with why you need professional portraits. Think about your industry when deciding on what to wear and when deciding on your background option. Headshots should be taken with a simple background.  After we set a date and location for your session you must decide on what outfits you want to wear. If you are having a hard time choosing, bring your favorite outfits in and I will help you decide on the best looks. Stay well hydrated and get plenty of rest the night before. Make sure your clothes are well-pressed and wrinkle-free.

Studio photography is taken indoors in a controlled environment. This means I have full control of the lighting and there are no outdoor elements to get in the way like wind, bright sun, rain, etc. An environmental session is taken at a specific location usually outdoors in a park, nature setting, downtown, or outside your office building often using natural light. When I come to you I still have control of the lightning and do not depend solely on natural light. I bring my mobile studio to you. We discuss your headshot background and the pros and cons of a busy background and a simple white background. Another option for corporate headshots is at your office. This is very popular for businesses with many employees.

I hear this often from clients. The answer is yes I can make you look good in your photo. I believe when you are guided and coached properly throughout your session the photos come out great. We want your photo session to be stress-free and relaxing. I want you to get the perfect headshot. That is why we offer business portrait tips, including the best backdrop option, posing tips such as body language, and whether you should have a natural smile, a slight smile, or a genuine smile. 

To secure your session I require a non-refundable session fee of $250 for studio or $399 for outdoor headshots.

We are experts in facial expression and posing. Think of your headshot session as a guided experience. Arms crossed headshot can be good for some industries if done correctly. Along with a neutral expression. However, you should look friendly, confident, and approachable. Therefore, I recommend choosing a headshot with a genuine smile and friendly body language. With the right guide, you will get amazing headshots in minutes. 

Depending on which package you choose. 2-3 outfits are usually sufficient. Be sure your outfits are pressed and ironed before your session. 

I understand how important it is to get your photos back in a timely manner. Our turnaround time is 1-3 business days. This allows us time to edit or decide which images are best, and color correct the photos you purchase. I do offer a rush 24-hour delivery for an additional fee.

 Images must be purchased a la carte after your session. No images are included with your session fee. Images are priced on a sliding scale and include retouching.

Absolutely. I like to show you what I am taking usually at the start of the session. This helps you see and feel confident in what we are creating.

Yes, I retouch the images you choose to keep. I do not retouch every photo. However, I do retouch photos you purchase. If you buy out all the files I do not retouch every image. The editing process will be professional and not overly retouched for a more natural authentic look. However, reasonable requests can be met. 

Absolutely not. The goal of retouching is to enhance while looking realistic. Here is a my retouching philosophy in regards to each part of your face.

Eyes

Look best when you don't go overboard with the retouch.

Make your eyes slightly larger. Sounds weird, looks fantastic. Requires a light touch.

Lighten the whites of the eyes about 40% and remove any redness.

Darken the edge of the eyelid to make the iris pop. We call it digital eyeliner.

Brighten the iris about 15-20% will look amazing. More aggressive brightening will result in a "Children Of the Corn" look.

Eyelashes can be thickened or duplicated for special close-ups.

Skin

I like to soften skin just enough to have you not think about it. The key is to still see some texture or pores of the skin.

Erase bags or dark circles under your eyes.

smile lines.

Uneven, blotches, sun discolorations will be removed or evened out to match skin tone.

Tanning, whitening, or skin tone adjustment. Typically used for people with red or flushed skin.

Blemish removal and makeup blending.

Hair

Remove any fly-aways.

Fix any bare spots.

Highlight, darken, or add tint and shine.

Body

Adjust body contours. We call it a digital diet.

Reduce neck, under the chin, or face width.

Slim arms, legs, or stomach.

Smooth out any lumpiness in the body or cloths.

Double chins removed.

Clothing

De-wrinkle your outfit.

Remove lint.

Professional headshots are close-up portraits of a person taken by an experienced photographer with a professional camera and lighting equipment. The purpose of the photo can be used for profiles, social media, websites, and other marketing material.

Sessions usually last 30-60 minutes long. If we get the perfect photo in 30 minutes great. If it takes longer then we take more time till we get the right shot.

Yes, and I highly recommend it. When you look and feel good your portraits directly reflect this. I can arrange for a makeup artist and hairstylist to come to the studio at an additional cost, or you can have this arranged with your favorite stylist.

Yes I have a portrait studio set up for individuals looking for professional images.  However, 95% of our clients want a more natural look or prefer we come to them. That said I have pre-arranged blocks of studio time for my clients so if you would like to be photographed in a studio I can easily arrange it.

Photos are sold as digital images and can be viewed and delivered through our private online gallery. After you select your favorite images they are delivered digitally via download. 

No, I don’t just photograph headshots. Christopher Todd Studios is a full-service photography studio. I offer family portraits, engagement sessions, and special event coverage. Including, weddings, corporate, and private events. I also specialize in branding photography.

Yes, we offer group rates. The first headshot is $399 each additional person is $75 up to 12 people. Get in touch for special pricing for groups larger than 12 people.