If you have never worked with a photographer before, you might not know what to expect when organising your female professional headshots. That’s totally understandable so read on to discover the process.

Firstly if you are seeking professional headshots for yourself, then you will need to find a great headshot photographer to work with. Obviously this will not be the case if you are a part of a company and someone else is organising the photoshoot! I’ve got a whole blog on finding a great photographer for your professional headshots. But essentially, best to ask a friend whose profile whose female professional headshots you admire. After all someone will have a great LinkedIn profile picture or headshot on their website. However if this doesn’t apply to you, then you will find a great variety of photographers on Google or Instagram.

It should of course be someone who can fulfil your brief. So for example, do they need to have a studio? Or do you have a location you prefer to use? Just make sure they can accommodate this. Next of course, you must find someone whose style you like, which will be evident from their website and/or social media. And once you have found the right photographer, they should advise you of next steps.

Generally, that should include communicating the shoot fees and how many images you will receive. Do the shoot fees include editing of all or selected images? And clarity on whether the cost of the photoshoot includes any prints or high resolution digital negatives. You should also be advised of the length of your photoshoot and any options of location. Finally, you should be advised on how many changes of outfit you are allowed, if any,

And if you are not confident about your makeup it’s reasonable to expect that your headshot photographer can recommend a hair and make up artist to work with. It may be that if they operate a big volume headshot studio, they may even have someone working in house. But generally, you should expect to arrive shoot ready with hair and makeup done ahead of time.

Next your headshot photographer should advise you on what you should wear and how to prepare for your photoshoot. Here at Serena Bolton Photography we send out a PDF with preparation tips when we confirm payment of your headshot. Thinking through your outfits, jewellery, nails, etc in advance will help you feel confident and calm on the day.

At your photoshoot, the photographer should take charge. After all, you are not a professional model (yet). The photographer should do their best to put you at ease if you are nervous. And to direct you on how to pose.

At the end of your photoshoot, they should make sure that you are happy with how the session went, and advise you as to when you will receive your images. And by what means.

Hopefully that will make you feel better about booking your female professional headshots. But if you want further advice, read this blog on how to prepare for your headshot photoshoot.

And if you are ready to invest in professional headshots, whether in your office, on location or in my West London studio, I would love to help. You can email me on serena@serenabolton.com, ring me on 07958511819 or click to book a Zoom or telephone conversation.

“Photography through the lens of a storyteller”

LONDON HEADSHOT AND CORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHER