What to Expect During Your Headshot Session

Arriving For Your Session:
When you arrive I recommend that you call Jason Ludwig at 813-419-2596 to let me know you have arrived. I can meet you at the front door, which might be locked. The studio address is 1213 N Franklin Street, Tampa FL 33602 and is located across the street from the Old Fly Bar in Downtown Tampa.

Introductions:
I really try to make sure the session is as smooth as possible for you. The process of the photography session goes something like this:

You come in, we introduce ourselves and I give you a quick tour and you can hang any items up that you have on hangers on the rolling rack. I recommend you arrive in casual clothes (if you brought dress clothes) or for men, minus the jacket and tie to help you stay cool and relaxed.

We talk a little about what you need exactly, and how you plan to use the headshots:(for instance, you may be a lawyer, a business professional, or an author, etc.).

Shortly after, I’ll talk to you about what makes a great headshot. First, I’ll teach you a few tricks, like the “Hook” for posture and the “Turtle” to reduce any double chins. Next, we will practice the slight eye squints that bring out confidence and get rid of that dreaded “Deer in the Headlights” look that so many business portraits are known for.

I am here to coach you through the whole process of creating a great headshot.

Getting Started:
After that, we’ll begin warming up and shooting to dial in the lighting and determine you “good side”. I’ll direct you and be sure you’re in the best poses and have the best expressions. About every 10 minutes, we will take a look at the computer and identify some of your best poses and looks. We will continue to work those poses until you find a few photographs that you love.

I need your help to convey to me anything that you feel needs improvement over the course of the session.

I want nothing more than having you totally satisfied with the outcome and things are for the most part easy to adjust during the session. However, once the session is over then it’s your responsibility to work with the images that we decided to keep. I’m a big deleter and want your shoot saturated with amazing shots, so I have no problem deleting shots during the editing process in order to only keep the best of the best.

Wrapping Up:
At the end of the shoot, we’ll sit down at the computer and go through all of your images and pick out your best ones. We’ll delete any unusable images so you can go home and select the shot(s) you’d like for retouching. Every session includes at least one retouched image. Later that day I will send you an email with a link to an online gallery for you to make you final selection. You can share the link with friends or family if you need any final opinions.

Payment & Paperwork:
Full payment is due at the end of your photography session by Cash or Credit Cards. We use the Square Payment System to process swipes and chip and pin cards and an invoice emailed to you right away. Easy, Safe and Secure. For minors, a standard model release will also be presented to be signed off by the parent or guardian.

What Happens Next:
If you have selected the photographs you want to be retouched during your session, I will email you back the touched up images in high resolution within two to three business days (I can rush that time frame if you need it, just ask). I save them in color or black and white and size them for Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook or for Printing. If you have several photographs to consider, I will upload a small JPG version to DropBox and send you the link. You can share the link with friends and family or anyone else you might want feedback from.

And that’s it! You’ve got yourself a new set of professional business portraits.

Preparing For Your Session

Clothing:
Bring a few different options for clothing for Two / Three Look Sessions. For headshots, you’ll really just need to concentrate on tops (unless you’d like some 3/4 shots). Feeling confortable with the clothes you bring is key; if you don’t feel good wearing it leave it at home.

I suggest bringing a wide variety of colors. Don’t be seasonal; everything from t-shirts, tank tops to sweaters and light jackets can work. Textures and layers do well, I would not recommend any busy patterns.

If it’s not in the studio we can’t shoot it, so if you find yourself questioning whether or not something will work just bring it along.

One Look Headshot Session: If you have chosen this package please arrive wearing your selected clothing and have your hair/makeup ready.

Two / Three Look Headshot Sessions: Feel free to bring several shirts, ties, jackets so we can photograph them to see which combinations stand out and photograph the best.

What should I wear?
Most often you want to choose solids and keep your clothing simple.

Women should generally bring a variety of necklines (mostly open neck). Straps, tank tops, v necks, sleeveless…button down and non-bulky turtlenecks are also fine. PLEASE REMEMBER to bring the correct bra for all of your tops to minimize unwanted lines or straps.

Necklines to avoid: Boat Necks, Cowl Necks, and Bulky Turtlenecks. These kinds of tops DO NOT photograph well for a headshot.

Men should generally bring clothes for a more layered look, which will add more dimensions to your headshot (t-shirt, collared shirt, sweaters, jackets, etc.). A t-shirt worn by itself will not photograph well unless it is form fitting and you have an athletic build.

Rules can be broken! If you have clothes you like that make you feel attractive…Bring them along. And of course, bring clothing that is ironed. I have an iron handy, but it is best to be used just for touch ups. Please do not bring your entire wardrobe…but if you are unsure, bring a few more items.

Men: If you are considering a suit and tie, make sure your shirt fits you properly around the neck. Please try on your shirt(s) before your session. This is the number one issue I see with guys and it can ruin a headshot if it is not a good fit.

Ties: bring several that you like. We will hold them up and photograph them at the beginning of the session to see which one photographs best for color and patterns.

Hair:
Women: You should arrive with Hair and Makeup ready. We have a big mirror in the studio and lint brush. The studio has a large restroom to do any last minute touch ups for hair/makeup.

A few days beforehand, give yourself a close-up in your mirror.  Take a look at your eyebrows and skin pores and use any last minute cleansers or exfoliation to have a fresh clean look. Light face makeup is recommended to reduce shine and eye makeup to create some attention around your eyes.

Men:
You should arrive with your hair ready. Bring your hair products in case you need to make any final adjustments. We have a big mirror in the studio and lint brush for jackets. There is also a bathroom just down the hall to do any last minute touch ups. We do not recommend any makeup on men.

A few days beforehand give yourself a close-up in your mirror. Take a look at your eyebrows, nose and ear hairs and trim them up. The camera sees what you see this close. Also, check out your skin around your nose and perform a facial scrub or cleanser to have a fresh clean look.

Facial Hair: if you are scheduling later in the day or evening you may need to shave again. If you want to shoot some with stubble we can and then you can shave clean in the bathroom. Bring your gear with you, towel, shaver & shave cream.

Jewelry: I recommend that you do not wear any large / hoop earrings. Small earrings are ok as longs as they are not very reflective. Necklaces can be difficult to photograph, as they may not lay straight. If they do we can photograph you without the necklace.

Makeup:
Women: Light makeup is recommended

Men: Please do not wear any makeup or cover-up. Any blemishes will be addressed in the photograph retouching.

Parking Around 1213 N Franklin Street, Tampa FL 33602

Where We Are Located:
First things first, click on this link and print out the directions to the studio with my contact information. If you are good with maps use this link Map & Directions. 

Option One: There are three parking spots in front of the building on Franklin Street and six more on South Franklin Street, South of Royal Street:

Option Two: Street Parking - There is also a pay lot on the southeast corner of Franklin and Royal. The City of Tampa uses the Park Mobile App and you can download it here: Park Mobile App
You can also park in the 717 Parking Pay Lot just south of the studio. You can download their app here: 717 Parking App

Option Three: If you are unable to find parking please call me at 813-419-2596 and I can let you into the gated lot behind the studio if a visitor spot is available. Enter off of Fortune Street.

I like my clients to be 100% informed, so thanks for taking the time to read all this pertinent information (I know it’s a lot!). If you still have questions feel free to ask.

Thanks,
Jason

Jason Ludwig
jason@freewayphotography.com
Phone / Text 813-419-2596