The Headshot Photo Shooting
studio portraits I outdoor portraits I portraits on location
in Berlin
A HEADSHOT SESSION WITH ME
– how does it work?
In this blog post, I will give you a brief overview of how a headshot photo shoot works with me, how you can best prepare yourself and what needs to be considered so that we can achieve the best possible results together.
Meet the photographer.
Headshots and portrait photography are my strong suit and the main focus of my photographic work. Since 2013 I have worked at my studio in Berlin at Treptower Park, where most of my headshot photo shootings take place. Portrait photography allows me to meet many fascinating people and capture interesting, unique and beautiful faces.
In general but especially for portraits, I prefer to work without a large fleet of technology and photograph with the simplest light set-up possible. In my opinion, this is how the most beautiful and effective pictures are created.
I have a style in which I like to photograph my models, but I am also happy to adjust to any purpose and need. For example, I can do more natural-looking portraits for LinkedIn and personal use. And, I’m equally glad to more staged headshots aligned with any corporate guidelines. I enjoy working in my private studio setting and am equally happy on location or outdoors in and around Berlin.
For smaller and larger companies, I travel with the necessary equipment – preferably accompanied by a make-up artist I trust – and photograph management and employees on the customer’s premises.
So, you need a professional headshot for whatever purpose? I’m glad you found me. If you like my work, you can drop me an email or give me a call to make an appointment. What exactly is needed, we clarify in a conversation before the shooting.
How to prepare
for your headshot photo shoot
Before you come to my studio, you can do a little something to prepare yourself for the upcoming event.
For example you can secretly practice your best smile – or whatever facial expression you prefer – in front of the mirror. Then you already know what works and it makes it a little easier for you to stand in front of the lens.
Otherwise, give some thought to your look. I’ve put together some information about the outfit, hair and make-up for you, but don’t stress: we can discuss everything in more detail when we make our appointment.
What to wear for your headshot session?
The outfit for your shoot depends on what you need the pictures for and also how you feel.
There are a few basic things you should keep in mind when making your choice. Match the outfit (color and style) to the planned background/shooting environment. Monochrome outfits usually look good. Patterns and prints are often a little more challenging or not always ideal because they distract from the essentials.
In general, very small patterned outfits are less suitable.
Make sure that everything is as wrinkle-free and stain-free as possible. And it’s better to bring one outfit too many than one too few.
If you want to use the black background, we recommend a simple, black T-shirt with a not too large neckline. Here the clothing fades completely into the background and only the face of the person portrayed comes into its own.
Make up for your photo shoot.
Less is more. Put your everyday mascara or lipstick on, but please refrain from heavy foundations and the like. If needed, I might give you some matting powder to minimize reflections. But that is really all that is necessary.
Of course, ladies, if you want a particular makeup look, I can also book a professional hair- and makeup artist for our session.
To ensure a professional look for corporate shoots, I recommend having a professional makeup artist on set.
The Shooting Options
There are a few “standard” shooting options– small, big, special package, or an outdoors option. Find the offers here.
The small Package
The “small package “is for people who really only need one picture. You choose one of my two standard backgrounds, black or grey. The photoshoot takes about 20 minutes. You bring your desired outfit and maybe one more as a backup just in case.
You will receive one retouched picture, in color and black and white, including a version for web and one for print as digital files.
The BIG Package
The “big package “includes a black and grey backdrop. You can bring two or more outfits, and we shoot for about 30 to 45 minutes. That is usually enough, but don’t worry if we need longer; we take the time necessary. In the end, you will receive three retouched pictures.
The Special Package
I love the studio shoots, but outdoor shootings are a great option to consider when the season and weathers allow. So, I guess you can say, “I like to take my models to the park.”
Treptower Park is just across the street and has beautiful surroundings for shoots in nature from late April until October.
If you prefer a more urban setting, the Schuckerthöfe is a different option a few minutes walk away. There are a variety of lovely exposed brick or concrete walls or other urban looking features available. Of course, it is also possible to combine studio and outdoor shootings.
You can check out the options here.
You can choose 2 hand-painted backdrops for your session. However, it is also possible to combine a hand-painted and a plain one.
The Outdoor Packages
I love the studio shoots, but outdoor shootings are a great option to consider when the season and weathers allow. So, I guess you can say, “I like to take my models to the park.”
Treptower Park is just across the street and has beautiful surroundings for shoots in nature from late April until October.
If you prefer a more urban setting, the Schuckerthöfe is a different option a few minutes walk away. There are a variety of lovely exposed brick or concrete walls or other urban looking features available. Of course, it is also possible to combine studio and outdoor shootings.
If you have wishes that are not covered by my “standard “headshot packages, let’s chat, and I would be happy to tailor something for you.
For example, maybe you want the pictures to be taken at your company’s office or in your living room or garden? No problem! I am happy to join you on location.
Also, suppose you have any particular ideas or requirements for your shoot, for example. If you are a musician needing an album cover, I am happy to create options for you. I can draw up an individual quote for you and assemble the team needed.
The Headshot Session
So, they day of our shooting has come. You arrive at my studio where I will have prepared the set-up. We have a little chat and then get right to it.
I am used to people familiar with being in front of the camera and people who feel uncomfortable or even hate it like the plague. Don’t worry, I got you covered.
We take our time, get you comfortable. Chat, click and enjoy.
During our shoot, you get to check the pictures so that we know we are on the right track.
After the Headshot Session
I will make a preselection of your pictures. You receive a private link to an online portfolio with 40 to 100 images. You can take your time to look through and make your selection.
When you are done choosing your favourites, send me your selection in the online portfolio. I am also happy for you to let me know what you want retouched and how intense the retouch should be. I personally like to keep it natural so that you still look like yourself. I do remove pimples and slightly soften lines. But there is usually no major photoshop involved.
After one to three days, you will receive your retouched pictures as digital files in colour and black and white, as a printable version and reduced for web. I have standard sizes (1000x1500px for web and 20x30cm for prints), but if you have special wishes for how you need your portraits cut and sized, just let me know.
Of course, you may choose more pictures than included in your package to retouch for an additional charge.
After you get all your pictures and are happy with the look and feel, I send you an email invoice.
So, that is basically how it works.
If you have any more questions, I am happy to chat and provide you with all the information you need. That’s it. If you have more questions, just ask.
