2024 ©Josh Humble

Headshot FAQ’s


Here are a few common questions and it really helps to look over these before the shoot. Having the wrong expectations can cause frustration for all involved.

Should I arrive early?

Arriving on-time is preferred, but anything earlier than 10 minutes will likely mean waiting.

I’m often shooting with another client in-studio, coming from another shoot on-location, ect., so arriving too early won’t usually get the appointment started earlier.

Do you provide RAW photos or unedited photos?

I don’t offer RAW or unedited photos, nor do most photographers – it’s not an industry norm. I’d be weary of the few who do, as this is a sign they’re not concerned with the quality of their product. If photographers hand out unedited photos, they’re not giving you quality.

First, a RAW photo or file isn’t what many think. A RAW file is not like a tiff or jpeg file — it’s pure data from the camera and can’t be opened or used without specific software. While this is a rare request, most people are actually asking for an unfinished or non-retouched image. I DO NOT offer unretouched images either, as skin shine, stray hairs, dull teeth, etc., while common issues, have no place in a headshot and reflect poorly on all of us. It’s like asking a baker to give you a half-baked cake, or a graphic designer giving you an unfinished logo. A specialist’s process is unique to them, and the post process is just as important as lighting my subjects with care and making them as real and comfortable in front of the camera as possible. Picking the process apart is not going to give you good product.

Can I keep my proofs?

Proofs are ONLY for viewing to decide upon your final images. They otherwise stay with the photographer. This is another industry standard that keeps unfinished work from going public making both the subject and photographer look bad.

There is also a “PROOF” watermark on the proofs, which is partially opaque. While this is not a problem for most people, someone occasionally asks for it to be removed, but it must stay, as the watermark cannot be removed without turning it off for all clients in the system. For those who are challenged by it, I can send low-res select proofs via email. The Proof watermark helps prevent unauthorized use of the images, and I’ve tried hard to find the right balance of helping client’s see what they need to see while keeping the value of the watermark. Here’s a helpful post I wrote about proofing.

Why aren’t my proofs retouched?

Final images are retouched, not proofs.

Retouching is a serious art that requires roughly 10-20 minutes per image, and that time has to be paid for (this is a large part of the final image cost). There’s simply no reason to retouch a bunch of images that won’t be used and are only there to help clients select their final image. Efforts are made to make the proofs look as good as possible without putting a ton of time into them, but the real value is in the final images you’re to receive.

Do you take just a couple shots?

I take a variety of images with different poses and levels of expression to find what works best for each person.

I’m also tweaking my light through the process. With rare exception, only taking a few photos won’t cut it no matter how good the photographer is, or how natural the subject is. That’s generally nothing more than a mugshot. I can get your best look in anywhere from 5 minutes to 10, or even much longer, if we’re doing a variety of lighting, looks, clothing changes, etc.

How will I know what to wear?

I send a headshot tip sheet to clients that helps them prepare. BUT, the biggest issue I see with people is wearing a white or nearly white top with no sports coat or something darker to contrast with.

PLEASE do not simply wear a light top. This works poorly in most situations with most any backdrop. Solid colors with nothing too distracting is a great place to start. Moderate Trendiness can be good, but anything that makes too bold a statement will be dated soon, and most importantly, the shot will be more about the distraction than your image.

Can I get my final images at the shoot or later that day?

While RUSH services can usually be had next-day, finals generally can’t be had same day, as there’s a proofing/editing process that clients and I collaborate on, and the post-process — where contrast tweaks and natural retouching are applied — need to happen to ensure a great final product.*

I’ve had some bad retouching done before. How can this be avoided?

Examining a photographer’s portfolio is a good way to avoid bad retouching. If their work is well-polished but natural looking, they’re likely great to work with.

Retouching is necessary in most portraiture, with the exception of some fine art, photojournalism, street photography, etc (we should never see it in the latter). A GREAT photographer will either do it themselves or have a professional retoucher handle it. Either way, they should know this part of the craft well. I’ve spent nearly as many years studying this separate but integral art as I have photography itself, and it should be treated just as importantly. Skin should look natural, well-blended, and free of unevenness. It should never look fake, blurred, or plastic-like. Most natural features and natural lines — while they may be softened some — should usually remain intact. Great retouching should still look like you, but the best representation of you, and should never be noticed.

What if I’m not happy with my photos?

This is rare, but it does occasionally happen with any photographer or service.

There are re-shoot options and costs depend on the situation. However, I take extensive efforts to make certain people love their images before leaving the shoot, including lighting adjustments, posing adjustments, various expressions, and talking with clients as we’re shooting so they’re comfortable. During and towards the end of the shoot, I show people what we’re getting on the back of the camera or a monitor. THIS is the time to shoot more images, make hair and expression adjustments, or any other improvements. The biggest mistake a very small portion of people make is liking what they see at the shoot, but hating them when seeing the proofs later. This should never happen if we’re both consciously viewing the previews at the shoot. If you don’t like something or want to change something at the shoot, please speak out and let me know.

Can I apply my own filters to my final images?

This is never advisable and almost always makes you look bad to potential clients, agencies, etc.

These are “fun” filters made for the public and have nothing to do with the subtlety of professional retouching. In other words, retouching should never be noticed, and people want to see the REAL you in your best form. I provide realistic retouching removing blemishes, evening skin tones, and applying moderate skin smoothing. If after receiving your finals, you’d like something done additionally or not as much (heavier or lighter retouching), let me know and we can resolve the issue without ugly filters.

Why is a deposit required?

A deposit is required to book a session, and this is common with photographers. This not only establishes value for the time slot with the client, but also the photographer or service provider that we’ll both hold to that date.

As well, like most photographers, we often share our studio space with various photographers and clients. If I book a client for one of our studio spaces, no other client or photographer can book that slot. So time is money. The deposit I usually take is $60, and is non-refundable unless I cannot make the shoot.

Is there a reschedule fee?

Appointments can be moved up to three times, provided notice is given up to 72 hours prior to the shoot.

After three reschedules, a new $60 deposit will need to be paid. Reschedules within 72 hours require a $30 rescheduling fee, which covers my rental time in the studio. There are other clients wanting to possibly book your time slot, as well as other photographers. Attempting to reschedule an hour or less from the shoot may incur a $60 fee, which covers the cost of going to the studio or location, setting up, etc.

*RUSH services may not be available during peak production times.