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Behind the Scenes of a Headshot Session

Last Updated: August 26, 2024

Black and white behind-the-scenes photograph of photographer in business attire arranging professional studio lighting equipment stands and white seamless backdrop with exposed industrial ceiling details at Richard Waine Photography Lancaster Pennsylvania headshot studioPhotographer Richard Waine with trimmed beard and eyeglasses resting on top of head carefully composing shot through professional camera viewfinder with computer monitors displaying headshot images visible in background at Lancaster Pennsylvania photography studioBehind-the-scenes view of female client in brown and tan houndstooth blazer over rust-colored blouse positioned between large black rectangular studio lighting panels and modifiers during professional headshot session at Richard Waine Photography Lancaster PennsylvaniaDual monitor tethered photography workflow displaying side-by-side comparison of color portrait and monochrome conversion of woman with shoulder-length wavy blonde hair wearing white collared shirt using professional photo editing software at Richard Waine Photography Lancaster Pennsylvania studioPhotographer Richard Waine and makeup artist collaborating with blonde female client in white shirt at computer workstation reviewing and selecting headshot images together during post-session image selection process at Lancaster Pennsylvania photography studioProfessional corporate headshot of woman with textured wavy shoulder-length blonde hair with subtle highlights wearing crisp white collared button-down shirt photographed against rich black studio background with professional lighting by Richard Waine Photography Lancaster Pennsylvania

Sometimes lack of clarity around expectations and workflow gives way to the question: What really goes into a professional headshot session?

If you’ve never experienced a headshot session before, you might think it’s as simple as showing up, smiling for the camera, and calling it a day. But in reality, there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes to ensure that the experience and results are enjoyable, help to further your goals, and are consistent with your brand and messaging.

Let’s take you through a typical day in my studio, where I turn headshot photography into a personalized, enjoyable experience.

  • Pre-Session Consultation: Prior to your session, I always start with a consultation. This is where we get to know each other. Learning about your career goals, your personal style, and the message you want your headshot to convey is helpful in providing some direction, and aligning your preferences with my process. Whether you want something formal and authoritative or relaxed and approachable, we discuss wardrobe, backgrounds, and specific concerns to ensure everyone is on the same page.

  • Setting the Scene: On the day of the session, I take great care in setting up the studio. Lighting is paramount in photography, and I use advanced lighting techniques to flatter your individual facial features. The chosen backgrounds are meant to complement your look without distracting from your face.

  • Positioning and Expression Coaching: Most people aren’t professional models. I coach and direct you through a variety of body positions (poses) and expressions, helping you find the ones that feel most natural while exhibiting confidence and approachability. Authenticity is always more flattering than something contrived.

  • Multiple Takes, Multiple Angles: I typically aim to provide my clients with “range” by rotating head positions, body positions, expressions, and clothing options. This gives us plenty of options to choose from during the image review process.

  • Reviewing and Selecting the Best Shots: I use two large monitors to coach and direct clients so concepts are easier to digest. After we shoot, we sit down to review the images together so you can choose your favorites and discuss any minor retouching needed.

  • Post-Production Magic: Once you’ve selected your favorite headshots, we fine-tune the image by balancing colors and dealing with blemishes or flyaway hairs. The result is a polished, professional image that looks like you—just the best version of you.

  • Delivering the Final Product: Finally, I deliver your headshot images in multiple crops and variations. Custom sizing and requests are no problem, helping you achieve consistency across your brand.

Professional headshot photography workflow infographic diagram showing seven interconnected gears representing sequential stages including pre-session consultation setting the scene positioning and expression coaching multiple takes and angles reviewing and selecting best shots post-production editing and delivering final product by Richard Waine Photography Lancaster Pennsylvania

Making professional headshots is a process that involves careful planning, attention to detail, and a lot of collaboration. Most importantly, it’s a process that’s designed to make you feel comfortable and confident, resulting in portraits that truly represent who you are.