Houston Headshot Photographer

I am a Houston headshot photographer, creating better headshots for picky people since 2004. For exceptional, hassle-free professional headshots, I’m your best choice.

I won’t claim that I’ll capture your spirit, essence, or soul during our session. Nobody can do that in the brief time you’ll set aside for headshots. But I’ll absolutely create super-nice photographs that you’ll love. And that your friends will love. And that everybody else will love.

Helped me find my best look and best smile. These are the best photos of me that I have. — George Smith

Stop apologizing for your headshot. Let me create your next fresh, modern headshot that screams editorial, not cookie-cutter—quality matters, especially in Texas.

Examples
Headshot Pricing
Headshot Expert
First Impression
Perfect Posing
Headshot Expressions
Details Matter
Corporate Headshots
Trade Shows & Conferences
Social Media
Professional Applications
Job Search
Background Replacement
Flexibility
Professional Profiles
Headshot Types
Common Headshot Questions (FAQ)
How to Hire Me

Examples

View my headshot portfolio, and you’ll see some spectacular images. And they’re better than similar photos you’ve seen elsewhere. Perfect for people of all shapes and sizes.

Every prominent individual, agency, association, company, corporation, firm, group, organization, and team deserves business headshots that best represent an ideal personal and professional brand.

Portfolio

headshot photography examples

VIEW My PHOtoS

That’s the best reason to hire me—because you want better headshots. Look your best. Be your best.

Headshot Pricing

If you’re an individual, my fee is only $350.

For businesses and organizations, for multiple people, you’ll pay $350 for the first subject and $70 for each additional person.

Pricing

headshot photography fees

$ See All Options $

You’ll receive all your photos for this price. You won’t see session pricing, creative fees, print credits, or a starting price mentioned here. Choose me, and you’ll skip the hidden costs and photo-hostage pricing.

I also offer unlimited tradeshow and conference headshot options. Contact me with your event requirements for those volume jobs, and I’ll provide a custom quote.

Outstanding price/value for package [headshots] … best offer I’ve seen. I’ll definitely work with Rob again. I highly recommend him to anyone who’s looking to get superb results and value. — Winston Lin

Most people see me as an affordable headshot photographer offering reasonable Houstonians straightforward pricing that won’t break the bank. But that doesn’t mean my photography is cheap. Cheap never means good—much less great.

For more pricing information, check out my headshot fee details. Or contact me right now and let’s get started.

Your Headshot Expert

Although I’m a headshot expert, I still want to know what YOU want from YOUR photos. I’ll listen carefully to your preferences, desires, and fears if you care to share.

If you’d like to share more, show me your past photos and tell me what you like least and love most about them.

After I understand what you want (what you really, really want), we’ll create a plan and address those ideals.

Don’t worry about sounding picky. I love picky.

And if you’re one of those folks who claims they aren’t photogenic, you just haven’t been photographed by me yet. I’ll change your mind. These photos are more than a calling card. Hire me as your Houston headshot photographer today!

There’s also a recent study by The Greer Institute (not the real one), in which expert photographers determined that 9 out of 10 people surveyed think that Rob Greer is the best headshot photographer in North America. Or was it just Texas? Actually, it was only Houston. But being the best headshot photographer in Houston is enough. That being said, as an unrepentant overachiever, I have some hard questions for that 10^th person.

Great First Impression

My headshot photography will make you stand out, create a great initial impression, and will help you look:

approachable
authentic
authoritative
comfortable
competent
confident
friendly
honest

interesting
natural
not a serial killer
professional
real
relaxed
smart

That’s one reason I’m one of the most recommended headshot photographers in Houston. Ask my mom. She’ll back me up.

Perfect Posing

You don’t need to know how to pose or how to look great when you’re being photographed. It’s my job to know those things and I’ll guide you expertly.

And knowing how to pose correctly helps transform your headshot from ordinary and extraordinary. And making you comfortable in front of my camera is part of that process.

You’ll be surprised and relieved with the process as I share easy-to-follow, supportive directions.

This posing process includes paying close attention to minute details in your head, body, arm, hand, chin, eye, and torso position. This means that I’ll make sure that you look natural, relaxed, and poised in every photograph.

Have you ever seen photographs of friends or colleagues posed in a way someone would never stand or sit naturally? I aim to break that cringe-worthy tradition of unnatural headshot poses.

Headshot Expressions

For most poses, I’ll photograph you with a closed-mouth smile, authentic smile, neutral expression, or serious expression. And if you have your own business smile preference or want a Tyra Banks smile, we’ll do that, too. Then, when we’re done with your session, you’ll pick the headshots with the expressions you love best.

Smiling expressions show confidence, friendliness, and approachability, while forced smiles are disingenuous. But if you need a serious headshot, we can do that too.

One goal here is to make sure you look like your authentic self. And I’m funny for at least an hour. So, even if you’ve never been photographed with a genuine smile, I’ll help you get there with my situational and self-deprecating humor.

Details Matter

You’ll notice my obsessive attention to detail when I create your headshots. That includes ensuring your hair, makeup, apparel, shirt, blouse, collar, tie, jacket, accessories, and other clothing look great.

I’ll also examine your person seeking evidence of leftover breakfast, baby reflux, mystery smutch, and anything else that might distract from your photographs.

This careful and thoughtful scrutiny means you won’t discard photos because something is out of place. Could you ask for anything more from your new headshot photographer in Houston?

Corporate Headshot Photographer

My corporate headshots are professional business photos. And whether you prefer business suits or business casual wardrobes or conservative or edgy lighting, I’ll provide you with great advice or follow guidelines set by your marketing department.

When creating corporate headshots where quality and subject satisfaction are more important than speed, I photograph about twelve subjects per hour (5 minutes per person). That allows each subject to review their photos on the back of my camera and try again if they don’t see a photo they prefer.

Alternatively, I can work significantly faster and cover about 20 subjects per hour. However, with that greater speed, there’s no time for subjects to review their photos, and that would leave me less time to address minor wardrobe issues.

I’ll still pay close attention to details, but some things might slip through that I’d otherwise have time to address. Since my fees for this work will be time-based, the greater speed is less expensive overall, but the end results aren’t quite the same.

Some folks have asked me to photograph 30 or even 40 subjects per hour. Is that possible? Absolutely. Almost anything’s possible except winning a land war in Asia and sharpshooter Stormtroopers.

Consider this scenario. If you visit a restaurant and ask the chef to prepare your meal faster than usual, the result may be undercooked or overcooked. I don’t know about you, but I prefer high-quality, perfectly cooked, delicious food. Put another way, when you crave a burger, would you prefer a Big Mac or a Five Guys Cheeseburger? If you’d prefer a Big Mac, then I’m not your best choice.

Trade Show & Conference Headshots

I also offer unlimited headshots for annual meetings, tradeshows, and conferences. Contact me with your event requirements for volume headshot opportunities, and I’ll provide a custom quote.

I can offer you one headshot station or several stations.

My speed varies depending on the quality desired and your needs. I can photograph folks as fast as 90 seconds per person or up to 5 minutes per person. The more time we allot for each person, the more images they’ll have to select from, and the more likely they’ll find one they love.

If speed is more important, I can work quickly too. I tell folks to plan for about twenty-five subjects per hour for most trade shows.

If you’re running an in-house conference, this is a great way to make sure staff from several regions or countries are photographed consistently.

And when I’m photographing conference attendees who are also your clients, we can create branded or sponsored headshots while your team engages with attendees during the process or with the contact information you harvest from the headshot sessions.

If you have a preferred lighting style, I can emulate your preferences. Find a style you love, and I’ll execute that style in the space you’ve allowed me at your show.

For most conferences, companies print a business card or postcard with a custom address to the online gallery and any marketing messages supporting your show. That gallery can be a custom domain or a domain that matches your website, sending folks to your online gallery, where your guests or employees can download the photos at no charge.

This conference offering can bring you high-volume foot traffic and can make for a favorable attendee impression when they visit your booth or dedicate headshot area. Do more than other exhibitors!

I’ll make this process smooth, easy, and cost effective for you and your teams. Let’s talk about how we can make that happen today.

If you need impressive headshots for social media platforms like Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, LinkedIn, Goodreads, Medium, Messenger, Periscope, Pinterest, Quora, Reddit, Snapchat, TikTok, Tumblr, WeChat, WhatsApp, X, or YouTube, I’ll create compelling and affordable photographs quickly. Get those compliments rolling in today!

Professional Applications

Are you completing applications for medical residency via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), submitting international resumes, Greek rush applications, developing your curriculum vitae (CV), submitting college applications, applying as a conference speaker, or entering a contest?

Hire me and I’ll make sure you look your best and stand out. I’ll also ask for and follow any application-specific capture requirements exactly.

But I don’t do passport photos. Your best bet for those pictures is Walgreens or CVS. You can save money and time if you get government headshots at those locations.

Job Search

If you’re hunting for a new job, you may know that potential employers will check your LinkedIn profile. Have you ever paid attention to LinkedIn headshots? If you haven’t, go look right now. I’ll wait.

OK, I’m glad you’re back.

I’m guessing you saw several awful images, many average photos, a few good portraits, and one or two great headshots.

In 2016, LinkedIn stated that people with profile photos received 21 times more profile views and 36 times more messages. In 2021, they noted that folks with profile photos received 9 times more connection requests.

I can’t speak to the accuracy or currency of those statistics, but I think you’ll agree that having a great profile photo can be a significant differentiator in your job search.

Those hiring managers won’t stop with LinkedIn. They’ll look for your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts too. And your photograph on those platforms should also reflect your personal brand.

I needed to get some updated headshots for a new position and despite my attempts at mediocrity he persevered and did his magic! Not only did the photos turn out great, but he made it a fun experience as well. — Drew Roberts

Now that you’ve seen what’s out there, don’t you want/need/deserve a spectacular headshot?

Reach out today. I’ll deliver.

Background Replacement

If you’d like a badass environmental headshot in a cool location that’s not easy to find or otherwise inaccessible, consider my background replacement options.

One service I offer on request is photographing your environmental background without any subject present so I can perform background replacement services on future photographs I take of subjects who might not have been present during your initial on-site photography.

Also, if you’ve seen an amazing background somewhere, you can hire me to drive to that location and create the perfect photo suitable for all your future background-replacement headshots.

Flexibility

By strict definition, headshots include a person’s head and shoulders only. And if that’s your preferred style, that’s what I’ll deliver.

Alternatively, I’d recommend a more flexible 3/4 capture. This means I’ll photograph you from the top of your head to about mid-thigh. With that modern capture style, you’ll have maximum cropping flexibility.

That cropping flexibility means that you can crop your final photos horizontal or vertical, square or panoramic, or chose from a variety of other aspect ratios beyond the common 2:3 ratio.

Those additional ratios help you on social media platforms that require square or round photos, on business websites supporting unique portrait layouts, in publications where art directors need options for covers or double-truck spreads, for corporate email signatures, or for Zoom or Microsoft Teams calls where panoramic headshot dimensions are recommended.

Why limit how and where you can use your headshots? Check out your cropping options.

Professional Profiles

Folks who have professions, positions, and hobbies where great headshots are commonly wanted or required include:

accountants
actors
airmen
artists
astronauts
athletes
attorneys
authors
bankers
bloggers
brokers
celebrities
chiropractors
civil servants
Coast Guardsmen
contestants
dancers
delegates
dentists
doctors
educators
engineers
entertainers
executives
firefighters
hunters
influencers
investors

journalists
lawyers
Marines
members
military
models
musicians
nurses
performers
physicians
podcasters
police officers
politicians
realtors
reporters
sailors
scientists
seniors
soldiers
speakers
sportsmen
students
surgeons
teachers
therapists
therapists
victims
writers

Headshot Types

There are three headshot types. They include indoor headshots, outdoor headshots, and environmental headshots.

Indoor & Studio Headshots

Indoor headshots are photographs taken at my studio or at your location using lighting equipment and a solid background—usually seamless paper.

For these photos, I’ll supply white, black, gray, or blue backgrounds, or you can choose from an additional 25+ background colors that I have available. Check my Photography Backgrounds page for in-stock and additional colors you can order for your custom project.

These indoor projects are also known as studio headshots.

Outdoor Headshots

Outdoor headshots are photos captured outdoors. I typically use natural light and skip elaborate lighting equipment.

Houston Outdoor Headshot Examples

I’ve staked out amazing areas outside my studio for outdoor work. But if you want me to visit your home, office, or public space, we can do that too.

Environmental Headshots

Environmental headshots are portraits that emphasize background elements and help tell stories. We’ll work together and find the best location for your photographs.

Examples might include photos of folks standing in front of office windows with downtown Houston views, someone standing in front of industrial equipment, an individual sitting in an office chair behind a desk, or a person holding a prop or being surrounded by props. Those additional storytelling background elements help inform viewers about the subject.

Common Headshot Questions

Here are responses to the most common headshot questions and statements I hear from Houstonians. You can also read my full FAQ here.

Artificial intelligence, search engines, and many photographers say that a headshot is a photograph featuring a person’s head and shoulders. That said, you can request more than head-and-shoulders-only photographs—at least when you hire me.

Headshots are used for social media, self-promotion, and corporate purposes. They’re also used when you die, so make sure yours is updated and doesn’t suck.

For an itemized and bulleted list of everything included with most headshot photography sessions, don’t miss my headshot photography pricing page. That’s where I cover that information.

I make people look skinnier because I’m a posing expert. And if you want to look even skinnier, I can provide Photoshop retouching. Let me know what you want, and we’ll make that happen. Professional posing guidance at reasonable prices that won’t break the bank.

Although I offer headshot retouching, most of my clients don’t choose retouching. I think that’s because those folks are using small versions of their headshots on websites and social media and because business branding seems to be moving toward more image authenticity. But if you want it or need it, I’ll provide it.

As much as you want. Or as little as you want. But if you ask me, less is more. I promote authenticity. Most clients don’t ask for additional retouching.

Me too. I hate being photographed. Almost as much as I hate going to the dentist. Seriously. I know how you feel because that’s how I feel. When I’m photographing you, I’m going to channel that knowledge to help you feel at ease. You’re like me so I know how to do that. We’ll make you happy with your new headshots.

Clothes. If you need more specifics, check out my wardrobe recommendations.

You don’t need to know how to pose. I know how to pose people. That’s my job. Just show up and I’ll make sure that you’re always well posed.

For every outfit, pose, and background I’m going to photograph you smiling, half-smiling, and serious. Then when we’re done with the photography session, you can pick the headshots you love best.

I don’t know. Do you? Some headshot subjects go all out and hire a makeup artist and hair stylist, while others prefer a more natural look. If you want to find someone who can help you with your hair or makeup, check out my hair and makeup vendor recommendations.

Some people have a best side. Some people think they have a best side. And some people don’t know if they have a best side. I’ll photograph you from both sides unless you share that you really dislike a side. But I’ll mostly photograph you straight on and facing the camera—because that’s my style. I always avoid unflattering angles.

If you frequently wear glasses, then you should be photographed wearing glasses.

It’s harder to take headshots of people wearing glasses than it is to photograph people who wear contact lenses or have no eye correction. Reflections in glasses can be frustrating to overcome. But I know how to handle those issues—maybe because I’ve had lots of practice and I wear glasses too.

I’ll use closely directed facial posing and slight lighting adjustments to help remove lens reflections. Some lenses are easier to manage than others, but I know all the tricks and will use them if you want to wear glasses.

I’ve heard countless times, “I need to lose 10 pounds first.” Don’t wait. Get your headshots taken today. Then, when you lose those 10 pounds, come back for an updated photograph!

Absolutely. I love seeing what you like best and love least. Although I’ll create great headshots either way, hearing about how you see yourself in photographs is sometimes helpful. Please tell me what you like most and least about yourself in photos. We’ll strive for perfection.

I’m better than other headshot photographers. You’ll see the difference if you review my portfolio, reviews, expertise, and experience. If you don’t see the difference or if those things aren’t important to you, you should hire someone cheaper.

When current customers, potential customers, and potential employees click on your About Me page and see your staff photos what do they think? Do those photos do a good job representing your people and your company?

I was once asked to interview for a job, and I looked at the staff photos. They didn’t look professional, which made me think the company wasn’t professional.

This is a simple question with an easy answer: Just hire me. But since you asked, here’s a step-by-step guide.

Look at example headshots from my portfolio.
Choose your preferred style—studio background or environmental.
Contact me for availability.
Schedule your headshot session.

Of course, I’m near you—that’s guessing you’re in Houston. Let’s get to work!

There’s a straightforward way to take a good headshot picture. You just take your headshot with me and your problems are solved!

I’ve been creating headshots for 20+ years, and I’ve experimented constantly, looking for the best ways to create a good headshot. My #1 move and ongoing recommendation is to switch from seated headshots to standing headshots.

Photographing you standing instead of sitting means that your wardrobe hangs naturally, and I don’t need to adjust it artificially. Also, it’s easier to have good posture standing rather than sitting.

You can also move faster when standing, as movement is easier and less restrictive.

I’ll share the rest when you hire me!

There is no standard for headshot photographer pricing.

I’ve seen amateurs and beginners charge $150 on Facebook, and I’ve seen photographers who do high-pressure in-person sales charge thousands.

Check out my affordable headshot pricing, and you’ll see that it’s reasonable, it won’t break the bank, and it won’t cost an arm and a leg.

A professional headshot is one where you look professional. Duh, right?

Badminton has rules, and the IRS has rules, but there are no headshot rules—at least not in the true sense of the word “rules.”

There are no rules.

When I photograph people, I usually alternate between a neutral/serious expression, a closed-mouth smile, and a full smile. Some subjects look great with each expression, while others prefer one over the other two.

The best headshot pose is one where you appear natural. Depending on the time afforded me and the subject’s physical characteristics, I’ll typically photograph people facing the camera directly and standing at a 30-degree angle to the camera.

Sometimes, you’ll have your hands at your side; sometimes, you might clasp your hands; other times, you might have a hand in your pocket. Depending on the job, you’ll sometimes stand with crossed arms.

I’ve developed a comprehensive getting-ready guide outlining everything you need to know about how to dress for your headshot.

Headshots are never perfect. Instead, I aim for repeatable excellence.

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence. — Vince Lombardi

I use the turtle method to lengthen your neck. You simply push your entire face straight toward the camera, extend fully, and then pull halfway back—like a turtle. That move reduces double chin issues.

That’s called the submental area, and I always pay attention to it when I create headshots. If you want to get fancy, a double chin is technically and scientifically called submental fullness.

Your chin should be neither up nor down in headshots; your submental area should be parallel to the ground. I usually follow that rule unless you always stand naturally with your chin raised or lowered.

Absolutely! If your company has a closely defined branding preference or if you have an example photo, I’ll follow your instructions and deliver a photo that matches your preferred lighting, background, crop, and style.

Unless your company uses a style from 15+ years ago that features dated lighting styles or mottled backgrounds. In that case, I’ll still match your preferred style, but I’ll never post your photos in my website portfolio or on my social media accounts. You might also want to avoid sharing that photo on your personal social channels. Can you tell I’m not a fan of dated headshot styles?

If you’ve booked a studio headshot session and want to include your business partner or family member, we’ll also create their individual headshot within your booked time for an additional $70 per person.

I can certainly offer team photography and group photography. For more information, check out my Group Photography Pricing page.

When you book me for onsite business headshots, some subjects may not make their appointment. For large companies, you can book me across multiple days, allowing subjects one or two makeup headshot opportunities.

Alternatively, you can send those folks to my Houston studio for their makeup headshot.

1,000,000 (said in my best Dr. Evil voice)

Well, maybe not that many. However, if you have a high headcount requirement, I can provide multiple headshot stations staffed by several photographers so we can cover more subjects simultaneously.

We can create your headshots using either method, although appointments are more efficient than having folks simply show up. Appointments or sign-up sheets also mean that folks aren’t standing around, making their colleagues feel uncomfortable by watching them being photographed.

Actor headshots differ slightly from professional business headshots because they’re meant for a different audience. Actor headshots are used for casting and should show your range, personality, and suitability for the roles you pursue.

Also, your actor’s headshot background should be relatively unrecognizable, as the focus is on you and not your environment.

I was a photographer in Los Angeles until 2019 and photographed hundreds of actors. I’ve even been cast in a Hollywood play, so I know a little about the actor headshot scene from your side.

I’m a time-based photographer, so I don’t limit your looks.

For most single-subject headshot sessions, you can usually change up to three times during your 1-hour session without seriously impacting your time in front of my camera.

Some people change faster or slower or bring more or fewer outfits, which affects the number of looks received. If you change quickly and bring more than three wardrobe changes, you can have more than three. Or if you only want one look, that’s OK, too.

For onsite headshots with multiple subjects, if a few folks want to change out a jacket or a tie, I allow that, assuming sufficient time is available between subjects.

When I’m photographing individuals, my headshot session length is typically up to one hour.

When I’m creating headshots for several subjects consecutively, speed is important because I’m usually working on-site, and staff needs to return to their tasks and responsibilities ASAP. In those situations, I’ll spend about five minutes per subject.

Absolutely. If you prefer that I work at your location rather than in my studio, my full lighting kit is 100% portable, so I can make that happen for you as long as you have enough room for me to work.

When you’re planning for your headshot session, you should know that my most successful headshots are those where my clients have prepared using my helpful getting-ready tips. As my pal Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

I typically deliver headshots within one to seven days, depending on my availability. I can also deliver sooner if you select my rush service.

Once a month is a good timeframe for new headshots. But seriously, it depends on your needs and personal brand. Physical appearances for most folks will change enough over one year that annual headshots aren’t a terrible idea. And certainly every two years is an excellent idea for most people. Just don’t be that person who hasn’t updated their headshot in 5+ years.

I don’t offer discounts, but my headshot fees are already an incredible bargain when compared to those of similarly skilled photographers.

Basic headshots are less expensive than premium headshots. That’s sarcasm, folks.

All my headshots are premium; I don’t have a presumably inferior basic headshot option.

I have a rainbow of background paper color options available. However, my most popular background colors are light gray, dark gray, and medium blue. The next most popular colors are black and dark blue.

If you’re science-oriented, color psychology says that the most popular color is blue. In fact, 42% of people favor blue over other colors. Next in popularity are green and purple at 14%, red at 7%, black at 6%, and orange at 5%. Interestingly, when segmenting female and male statistics, only 35% of women surveyed preferred blue versus 57% of men.

As my headshot subject, I’ll encourage you to bring at least three wardrobe changes for your session. During a typical one-hour headshot session, we usually have time for at least three clothing or style changes.

Your best headshot style depends on your personal brand and your most frequently used social media platforms. For example, LinkedIn headshots are usually clean, well-lit, and professional, while Facebook headshots are more casual and less polished. Or not.

There are no fixed rules to your social media headshot style. For example, I use the same headshot for all platforms, thus ensuring my brand consistency everywhere. I know other folks who have different headshots on every platform. You do you, boo boo.

Traditional headshots are what you see in my headshot photography portfolio, with a few exceptions. Cinematic headshots are infrequently requested, but I have the experience and lighting skills required for that work, too.

The main differences between traditional and cinematic headshots are lighting, composition, and storytelling.

Cinematic headshot lighting is usually more dramatic and directional than the light used in traditional headshots, and dark shadows are more acceptable in those situations.

For cinematic headshots, the background and environmental composition details are more important than in traditional headshots. For example, I might include layered objects in the foreground and background that wouldn’t ever be included in a traditional headshot. Or I might position the subject off-center in the composition.

The most common mistake made by my headshot subjects is they don’t read and follow my getting-ready recommendations.

You can keep telling yourself that, but know that folks who meet you in person know that your headshots are outdated, and they’re silently judging you. Don’t be that person with the five-year-old headshot!

My headshot pricing is the same for everyone. The only things that affect my fees are how long you spend with me, how far I must drive for on-site headshots, and if you need your photos faster than my typical delivery timeframe.

Everybody!

I’ll typically photograph you with three facial expressions, including a neutral expression, a closed-mouth smile, and an open-mouthed smile.

Some subjects prefer one expression exclusively for their headshot, and in those cases, I’ll photograph those folks according to their preferences.

A relaxed smile conveys approachability, contentment, happiness, and warmth, while a neutral or serious expression can show strength, determination, authority, and competence.

You already know the answer to this question, and that answer is absolutely.

Princeton psychologists Janine Willis and Alexander Todorov claim that first impressions are formed in a tenth of a second after seeing a photograph. A similar study from the University of York confirmed nearly identical results.

Additional less-prestigious studies cite longer times to first impression, but none claim more than a few seconds.

Since your headshot is often the first time someone will see you, don’t you think you need an incredible headshot to maximize your potential for an excellent first impression?

Of course! I’m YOUR friendly headshot photographer. Most photographers are friendly with a few notable exceptions; don’t pick a notable exception.

Although some folks think that a crossed-arm pose identifies a closed-off, defensive, or uncomfortable subject, with the right direction, it can communicate confidence, authority, and professionalism.

The key to this pose is to ensure that you’re standing straight and not leaning forward or back, that your shoulders are relaxed, and that you are turned slightly away from the camera.

The primary disadvantage to a crossed-arm pose is that it’s a bit cliché. It’s used so frequently that it’s not very original. However, most headshot posing isn’t original per se, so I don’t think that this critique stands up to scrutiny.

Although some photographers offered virtual headshots during COVID-19, virtual headshots aren’t a common request these days. However, I serve at your pleasure, so if you need one, I’ll deliver following either your style directions or directions from your organization.

The headshots we’ll create are perfect for vinyl, paper, or modern digital billboards. My photos have already appeared on outdoor advertising around Houston.

The photos I provide are 472 times the required resolution for a 14’ x 48’ billboard.

For more common print needs, the native print size for most headshots is 18” x 27”, and with enlargement, you can print much larger without any quality loss.

I don’t use session fees as a sales tactic. And I don’t use in-person sales meetings or photography reveals as an upsell opportunity. Instead, my headshot pricing is all-inclusive and fully transparent.

In photography, cutting off the top of someone’s head is called a head crop, top crop, or tight crop. I’ve also referred to it as a magazine crop. I never use that style in headshot photography.

Although this style might work in editorial portrait photography, when trying to represent someone accurately, you should show their entire head. A cropped head can make the viewer think the subject is hiding something in the cropped area.

As a funny side story, during the early days of my career, I photographed Clive Cussler. I was sharing his images, and he was upset that I cut off the top of his head in a few photos. I thought the crop added an artistic touch. He thought they were a mistake. That was almost 20 years ago, and I still don’t take top crop photographs.

If you have a gap between your front teeth, also known as your central incisors, that’s called diastema (daɪ.əˈstiː.mə or dai·uh·stee·muh). It’s sometimes caused when your upper lateral incisors are missing or small. Stay with me, but I think it’s an awesome feature, and it looks fabulous.

If you don’t believe me, and if you’re not sure if you like the gap, check out the celebrities who also have diastema. Just a few notable folks with front tooth gaps include:

If I had diastema, I’d own that gap and celebrate it as part of my personal brand, just like those celebrities. Let’s show the world how amazing you are through your photographs. That said, if you don’t like your full smile, we can absolutely stick to closed-mouth smiles if that’s your preference.

I have a knack for helping folks smile naturally, and I’ll use my hard-won techniques with you, too. My methods are natural as part of getting to know you, sprinkled with my personal humor.

And, the best headshot photographers say they can bring out your best smile, but let me prove it by making you smile right now. Here are some things you might hear during your headshot session:

Can you go back to that expression you had five photos ago? That was so amazing.

Relax your right butt cheek. You’re holding a bunch of tension there.

Think about carrots.

Did you smile? If so, then I can help you smile when I create your headshots, too.

If you’re concerned about your fine or deep smile lines, forehead wrinkles, frown lines, under-eye wrinkles, crow’s feet, lip lines, or neck wrinkles, I understand.

Some people call them worry lines, thinker creases, stress tracks, concentration cracks, laugh lines, giggle grooves, pucker prints, orgasm lines, and tech neck. That’s just your life showing on your face, but let’s get into what we can do about them.

My flat-lighting headshot photography style naturally reduces wrinkles, but they’ll still exist in your photographs. Surprisingly, fewer than 1 in 10 of my clients ask for retouching, and I think that’s because my lighting style is very complementary to wrinkles, and many people are leaning toward headshot authenticity.

If you’re convinced you need fewer wrinkles, if you choose my headshot retouching service, I’ll naturally reduce those pesky buggers. But the last thing we want folks to think when looking at your headshot is, “What are they hiding?” With my retouching, your photos won’t make you look like a plastic Barbie or Ken. Instead, we’ll present folks with the best version of you, with fewer wrinkles.

If you have an appearance issue that must be addressed before we take your photographs, I’m extraordinarily prepared. I’ll have these items available for your personal care during most headshot sessions.

Victorinox Swiss Card (scissors, pen, nail file, screwdriver, tweezers)
ForPro Professional Hand Mirror
NeuType Full Length Mirror (in studio only)
Flint Retractable Mini Lint Roller
Zorom’s Natural Oil Blotting Paper
Kerasilk Multi-Purpose Hairspray
Redken Glass 01 Smoothing Serum
Zeiss Lens Wipes
MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Cotton Swabs, Individually Wrapped
Safetec Lip Balm, Individually Wrapped
Cocoburi Dental Floss Picks, Individually Wrapped
Wet Ones Sensitive Skin Hand Wipes, Individually Wrapped
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Sheets
Safety Pins
Binder Clips
Sewing Kit

Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation. ― Robert Schuller

This may not be your story, but many folks, including me, see ourselves at our subjective age. Simply stated, subjective age is how old we feel or perceive ourselves when we’re not looking in a mirror.

The number of years between how old we think we are in our minds’ eye and how old we are increases as we age. For example, when I’m sitting in front of my computer typing this comment, I think that I’m physically the same guy I was when I was in my early 20s. I still have hair, a flat tummy, a few cute dimples, and I can hop up from my chair and run five miles anytime. But that’s not my reality.

In one study by Duke University and the University of Aarhus (Denmark), people over 40 feel 20% younger than their age. I suspect many people, including you, see themselves as even younger than the 20% delta cited in the study, regardless of their age. It also doesn’t help that some people see aging as a catastrophe.

I don’t want to make this scientific and pull out the Combined Vigor–Maturity Index (CVMI), where you examine your subjective age identity in terms of vigor and maturity, looking at your cognitive, emotional, and social realities.

Instead, let’s just simplify it and say that it’s difficult to feel great about yourself when you see yourself in your mind’s eye as being ten to thirty years younger than you are today.

That’s ok. Many other folks, like me, feel the same way. I wish I had a solution for this concern, but you need to push through it, and there is no magical panacea.

How to Hire Me

Are you ready to get started with your new and improved headshot? I’m super glad because that means we’ll meet soon. If you’re ready to book me for your next headshot, please contact me today, and schedule your appointment.

Also, when you contact me, please let me know if you need accessibility accommodations so I can prepare and offer qualified recommendations.

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