Headshot Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during my headshot session?
At Undying Xpressionz, we understand that not everyone loves to have their photos taken. Our experienced team is here to guide and direct you into flattering poses. We let you see your headshots at several points during your photo shoot so you can provide your feedback. We take your feedback and use it to create images you love!
What are you doing to reduce risk during the Coronavirus pandemic?
Our goal is to give you the same great experience in the studio while doing everything we can to keep our clients and staff safe. Our studio safety procedures include:
- individual photo shoots booked by appointment only
- disinfecting of all common surfaces between photo shoots
- hand sanitizer stations
- dedicated client washroom/change room that is cleaned after each photo shoot
- no-penalty rescheduling - if you feel sick or are in contact with someone with the coronavirus, please reschedule
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that situations come up and you may need to postpone or cancel your appointment. Should you need to change your photo shoot date, please let us know as soon as possible. There is no penalty to reschedule your photo shoot. If you are not feeling well, or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, please postpone your photo shoot to keep our staff and clients safe. If you would like to cancel your photo shoot completely, please allow at least 24 hours notice for a full refund of your headshot session fee less a $50 admin fee. There are no refunds for missed appointments or cancellations less than 24 hrs before your session.
What happens if I am late for my appointment?
Please try to be punctual, as we often have other clients booked on the same day. If you are late, it may cut into your session time. There are no refunds for missed appointments.
How long does a headshot session last?
Our Standard headshot session lasts for up to 1 hour and includes headshots from the waist up. If you’d like more time and a greater variety of posing, including full-body, please contact us directly.
What does a typical appointment look like?
When you arrive for your appointment, our friendly team will greet you and help you get any wardrobe changes you’ve brought set up and ready to go. With your input, we’ll select your first backdrop, get our beautiful studio lighting set up just right for you, and start shooting the first set of images. We are there to guide you into flattering poses and to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera. We take a quick break after the first set to let you review the headshots and provide feedback. Our team takes your feedback and continues to adjust and modify through a few more sets, wardrobe changes, and backgrounds (as desired) until you have a nice collection of headshot possibilities. At the end of your session, we review all of your images with you and you select your favorites to purchase.
If you’d like to show your family or team your headshots before you decide what to purchase - no problem! There is no pressure to pick your photos at your appointment. We’ll put all of your headshot choices into a private gallery that you can choose from in the comfort of your own home.
Should I bring wardrobe choices to my photo shoot?
Yes! It’s always a good idea to bring a few wardrobe choices to your photo shoot. We aim to give you a variety of looks during your photo shoot. Occasionally, fabrics can have a pattern that does not photograph well (causes moire). Bringing a few options allows us the flexibility to choose the outfit(s) that work best in front of the camera and that are flattering on you.
What should I wear to my session?
Keep it simple! You can’t go wrong with a clean pressed collared shirt and blazer for either men or women. We have put together a blog post with more suggestions for your wardrobe choices to help you pick the best outfit for your photo shoot. It’s always a great idea to bring several options and we can help you choose what’s best at the studio.
Please note, the studio is not responsible for your wardrobe choices. If you come to your session with wardrobe choices that you are not happy with, you are welcome to book a second session at the standard headshot session rates to have another opportunity to try a different set of wardrobe choices.
Can I have the RAW files?
RAW files are unfinished images and we do not supply these to our clients. If you choose to purchase the downloadable Online Proof Gallery, proof image are web-resolution (2048ox) and are good for social media. Retouched images are high-resolution (5000px+) and delivered as high-quality JPG images suitable for websites, social medial, print material, business cards, billboards, buses, etc. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Do you offer hair/makeup services?
Hair and makeup are not included in your session fee. We ask you to come to your session looking your best with your hair and makeup done ahead of time. In the retouching process, we remove imperfections such as blemishes, stray hairs, and bags under your eyes. Our assistant is available to help with quick hair touch ups and our studio has hair spray and lint rollers available. You’re welcome to bring your makeup to apply quick touch-ups.
Please note, the studio is not responsible for your hair style and makeup choices. If you come to your session with hair style and makeup that you end up not liking, you are welcome to book a second session at the standard headshot session rates to have another opportunity to try a different look.
What does retouching include?
Our standard professional retouching service includes:
- Stray hair removal
- Removal of blemishes
- Reducing shine on face
- Reduce under-eye bags
- Reducing wrinkles
- Whitening teeth
- Whitening eyes
- Removal of glare in glasses
- Image cropping Exposure and color correction
Our retouchers are careful to keep your headshots looking natural. Extensive retouching can be requested for an additional fee.
Do I really need professional retouching for my headshots?
Yes! Retouching is the final polish that make great headshots look amazing! Even if you wake up looking your absolute best the day of your photo shoot, professional retouching will create that final polished look that you’re after. Some photographers choose to take retouching too far. You've likely seen images like this. The person looks like they have no pores, their pupils are glowing, and every line on their face as miraculously vanished. Imagine the shock when they show up for their job interview! You can trust Undying Xpressionz to capture you in your best light, and provide professional retouching that looks just right!
How long does it take to get my images back?
For individual headshot sessions, you will typically receive your proof gallery 1 business day after your shoot. Once you notify us of your favorites, you will receive your fully retouched images in about 5 business days. Let us know if you need a rush delivery.
How will I receive my headshot images? Will I receive a USB drive or CD?
Our studio delivers the digital headshot images you purchase as high-quality JPG files in a private password-protected online gallery. You can easily access this gallery from any device and download your files as many times as you need. USB drives and CD’s are easily lost or damaged. They’re also no longer compatible with many devices these days. Your gallery will remain available for 1 year from your photo shoot date. Please download and back-up any images you wish to keep during that year and store them safely.
How does copyright work?
Our studio maintains copyright ownership of every image we take. When you purchase headshots at our studio, you have permission to use them personally or professionally both in print and online to promote yourself and your business. Other uses may require a commercial contract and an additional licensing fee. Most headshot clients do not require a commercial contract. Please contact us for details. Will I have to sign a photography contract? Yes, our standard headshot contract is used for all of our headshot clients. You can preview a copy of the contract here. Is there anything else I should do to prepare for my headshot session? Make sure to get a good night’s rest the night before your shoot. We also recommend drinking plenty of water which will hydrate your skin and help you feel and look your best! Make sure you iron or steam the clothing choices you are bringing to your session and decide on how you will style your hair and/or makeup. We’re looking forward to creating amazing headshots for you!
What if I have a group of people who need headshots?
Our team is happy to serve you all with headshots that make your brand look great! Whether your company is a small firm or an international brand, our team makes the process simple. All you have to do is contact us and book your photo shoot date. We take care of all the details!
Do you offer re-shoots if I’m not happy?
Throughout your headshot session, our studio provides several opportunities to see your headshots and we ask for your feedback. If you are not happy with the headshots taken for reasons that are in our control such as lighting and posing, please tell our photographer promptly so that we can make adjustments during your session and we will make things right. It’s our top priority to create headshots you love! If you are unhappy with your headshots for reasons in your own control such as your wardrobe, hair styling, and/or makeup choice, you are welcome to book another shoot at our standard headshot session prices. At the next photo shoot, you will have another opportunity to make adjustments to match your styling preferences and we’re happy to serve you again with a new set of headshots to choose from. Please come fully prepared for your headshot session and carefully choose your wardrobe, hair style, and makeup application. Our studio is not responsible for your choices or if you come unprepared for your session.