Frequently Asked Questions
About Sessions & Services
Q: What's the difference between a headshot and a portrait?
A: A headshot isn’t just a tightly cropped photo of your head and shoulders. The lighting, framing, and camera settings are tailored to focus attention on your face. They are typically designed for professional use (casting submissions, LinkedIn, company websites, business cards). The emphasis is on a clean, professional look that represents you in a work context.
A portrait is a broader artistic representation that can include more of your body, environment, and personality. Portraits capture mood, tell a story, and are perfect for personal branding, or creative projects. Think of headshots as "professional introduction" and portraits as "personal expression."
Q: What is considered a “look.”
A: For photos, a “look” is generally an outfit change and/or a lighting/background change. For makeup this is generally the initial makeup and changes beyond touch-ups. For example, a person might start with very neutral makeup, and then do a set with a smokey eye, the initial makeup would be one look and the change to the smokey eye would be the second look.
Q: How do I know a photographer can take good pictures of normal-looking people, not just models?
A: There are a couple ways to tell if a photographer is good. The first and most obvious, is if the photos look good, not just whether the people look attractive in them. Look at the lighting, composition, focus, and overall vibe. A good photo should naturally pull your focus to an area, typically the face or eyes. A good photo should make you feel something, even if that feeling is just that it is a good photo. A good photo portrait should give some sense of the person it is attempting to capture.
Q: How should I prepare for my session?
A:
Clothing: Bring 2-3 outfit options in solid colors (avoid busy patterns). Choose clothes that make you feel confident and represent how you want to be perceived.
Grooming: Get haircuts 3-5 days before your session. Keep makeup natural unless otherwise discussed.
Rest: Get good sleep the night before—it shows in your eyes!
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water the day before for healthy-looking skin.
Avoid Elastic: Consider the cut of any outfits you might wear at the shoot (neckline, shoulders, open back, rise for jeans, etc.) and avoid elastic straps/waistbands anywhere you might have exposed skin in an outfit. Marks from elastic bands typically take about 24 hours to disappear.
I'll send a detailed preparation guide when you book.
Q: How long does a typical session take?
A:
Headshot sessions: 30-45 minutes
Portrait sessions (depending on package): 1-3 hours
Q: When will I receive my photos?
A: You'll receive your fully edited, high-resolution images within 5 business days via a private online gallery. Need them sooner? Rush delivery (24-48 hours) is available for an additional fee.
Q: How many final images will I receive?
A: This depends on your package:
check out available packages
All images include professional retouching (minor blemish/and skin correction, color correction, ). I deliver only my best work—quality over quantity.
Q: What's included in your retouching?
A: Every image includes professional retouching:
Color correction and exposure optimization
Skin/blemish correction (while keeping natural texture)*
Eye brightening
Stray hair removal*
*I maintain a natural look— over-processing makes skin look plastic and hair look like a helmet. I strive to make you look like the best version of yourself, not like a different (or plastic) person. Additional retouching (teeth whitening, significant alterations) is available upon request.
Q: Where do sessions take place?
A: I offer flexible options:
Studio sessions: Professional indoor studio with controlled lighting and multiple backdrop options
On-location: Outdoor settings or your office/business location throughout LA County
Your choice: Have a specific location in mind? Let's discuss!
Location is included in your session fee at my studio. Travel fees may apply for distant locations.
Q: Do you offer makeup services?
A: Yes! Professional makeup artistry is included in the Elite Package and available as an add-on to any package. I work with talented local makeup artists who specialize in camera-ready makeup. This is especially popular for headshots and professional portraits. Not required, but highly recommended if you want that extra polish.
Q: What if I'm uncomfortable in front of the camera?
A: Most people are! That's completely normal, and I specialize in making camera-shy clients feel comfortable. I'll guide you through every pose and expression—you don't need to know what to do. We'll start with easier shots so you can get comfortable, and I'll show you images as we go so you can see how great you look. Many clients tell me this was much easier and more fun than they expected.
Q: What rights do I have to the images?
A: You receive full personal and professional usage rights to all delivered images. This means you can:
Use them on all social media platforms
Print them for personal use
Use them for business marketing and promotion
Share them with agents, employers, or clients
For commercial licensing (publication, advertising campaigns, product packaging), please contact me for extended licensing options.
Q: What is your pricing and how do I book a session?
A: For pricing and booking click here and use the form at the bottom to request a booking
Didn't find your answer? Contact me
