Bristol Photographer | Professional Headshots | Portraits | Personal Brand Photography

Frequently Asked Questions…

What should I expect during a headshot session?

During your headshot session, you can expect a professional yet relaxed environment. We alway start by sitting down with a drink and having a chat about your expectations and how we can achieve them. You will also be offered to choose the music so feel free to come with a playlist. The aim is for you to start the session feeling relaxed and confident so if there’s anything I can do to help this then do let me know. There is more about what happens during the session if you click HERE.

How long will it take to get my images?

Within 2 working days of our shoot I will send you a gallery of the best images from the shoot. You can choose your favourites and then let me know you’ve sent them over. I’ll then send you the balanced, retouched and high resolution images you have chosen within 5 days. This can be sooner if you let me know in advance of your timescale.

Where will the shoot take place?

The shoot will take place in my studio in St Andrews, Bristol BS65BY. There is also the option of shooting on location and I’m very happy to discuss this. There may be a small travel charge added if the location is not within the nearby vicinity. This will also be discussed.

Can I have an outdoor background for my shoot?

For some brands an outdoor background absolutely makes sense as it will imbue the values of the brand which may have more to do with the freshness and natural feel of the outdoors. Or you may want to reflect other elements of your brand’s personality with a truly local backdrop, or feature your own premises. Let’s have a chat and work out the best place for your photographs to take place.

Do I get all the images from my shoot?

I will select the best photos from the shoot and will include a large range of looks and expressions in the gallery for you to choose from, as only you know what you like about yourself. The gallery images will all be watermarked. From these you choose your agreed number of images and I will colour correct and retouch them, sending you the final high resolution digital images within 48 hours. If you have a need for them sooner just let me know when booking.

What is retouching?

Retouching is a general term used to describe the changes made to a raw image to remove imperfections or add style and colour.

In Headshots this generally means removing spots and blemishes, tidying tray hairs or correcting clothing and backgrounds.

Headshot retouching should be simple and realistic. I do not remove permanent features, change faces or features or overly soften and blur the skin.

Can I retouch the images myself?

The editing on my images is all part of the style of my images you see publicly.

Therefore, all retouching is done by myself. The way my images are published are how peoples opinion of my photography is formed so I have to be very protective of it.

Do I own the photos from my session?

As a Photographer I own the copyright to all photos I take, but the session fee you pay provides you with a licence to fairly use the portraits for personal promotion. You cannot sell on the images for publications or commercial use without consulting with me first.

This is an article from the UK Government about Image Copyright and Usage

Can I see the images from the shoot?

Yes for sure! I will show you images on the back of the camera throughout the shoot. I really want your feedback on your photos. remember this is a COLLABORATIVE shoot, so it’s important to me that the photos align with your brief and expectations. You will also want to see now and again how your hair and makeup are coming out, and whether you like the look we are going for.

How should I prepare for my shoot? What should I wear?

I have created a section on the website which gives you plenty of information on this. Click here to read about how to prepare for your shoot.

What is the difference between a portrait and a headshot?

A headshot is a close-up image that primarily focuses on your face, head sand shoulders, designed to capture your face, expression and personality, reflected not just via your expression but the way you present yourself. It is typically used for professional profiles, such as Spotlight, LinkedIn and corporate websites. For Spotlight’s purposes actors would usually want to display a number of headshots, capturing a broad range of looks which they are able to portray. Spotlight headshots will focus much more on facial expression, clothing playing a secondary part, whereas in Linked-In and Corporate portraits the sitter’s attire will contribute and link to the professionalism and confidence of the subject.

A portrait encompasses a broader range of images, including 3/4 or full-body shots, and can be more creative and varied in style. Portraits are often used for professional and personal brand photography, the images being used in marketing materials, capturing not just your appearance but also your personality and the context in which you work or operate. While headshots are specific and straightforward, portraits offer more flexibility and can convey additional elements of your personal or professional life.

What is personal brand photography?

If you click here you will see a summary of what personal brand photography is and why it is important.

Why are professional headshots important?

For the business world A professional headshot is often the first impression you make online, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, which is crucial for personal branding and career advancement. Headshots convey critical traits such as professionalism, confidence, and approachability, which are essential for building a solid personal brand and positively impacting your professional network. A high-quality headshot enhances your visibility and fosters trust and credibility with potential employers, clients, and colleagues.

For actors and performers

Having a range of natural and honest headshots are absolutely vital to put on spotlight where the casting directors will find you. They insist that your headshots are very much a reflection of you so that they can evaluate if you would be appropriate to consider for a particular casting. There’s no point in taking misleading photos and covering something up as they will find this out at a casting call and be annoyed their time has been wasted …but what you can do is make sure you show both the depth and breadth of your look so that they can consider you for more roles.

How often should I update my headshot?
It makes sense to update your headshot every 1-3 years or whenever significant changes occur in your appearance or career. Keeping your headshot current ensures that your professional image accurately reflects who you are. Whether you've undergone a notable change in your appearance, shifted roles, or advanced in your career, a recent headshot helps maintain a consistent and honest representation of your professional self. This not only keeps your online presence fresh but also effectively supports your personal branding efforts.