What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
INDIVIDUAL HEADSHOT SESSION
$500 SESSION FEE
$100 PRICE PER IMAGE
Includes retouching
CORPORATE HEADSHOT SESSIONS
Our corporate sessions are designed for groups of people that need a consistent look and feel for their brand. Although we often have our clientele come to our SF Bay Area studio, we are happy to setup at a location of your choice as well. Many companies have an ongoing relationship with us that allows their new team members the flexibility of dropping by the studio at their convenience. Contact us to discuss the scope of your project and get specific pricing for your organization. There is a location fee for all shoots not in our studio.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I use the Peter Hurley method, and provide resources and instructions to ensure terrific results.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
It all started in Port Alexander, Alaska, in a tiny fishing village on Baranof Island with 120 people total population. In this setting, I learned to frame subjects by using the natural beauty of Tongass National Forest, to connect with photographic subjects, and to connect the subjects to the beauty of the natural environment. Fast forward three decades, and I have evolved my approach to be purely focused on headshots in California. I still use leading lines, and complimentary colors, but in a setting where such things are far more subtle. The angle of the hair, a tilt of the head, a splash of color or light painting, all of these things can enhance interest in the image and keep the viewer fully engaged. In 2019, I graduated from photography courses at the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco, California as part of my continuing education.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I was born and raised in Alaska, in commercial fishing and subsistence communities. Despite being part of the United States, Alaska is nearly impossible to describe to those who haven't lived there. For example, if you combined the area of Texas, California, and Montana, it would still be less than the size of Alaska. In this gorgeous, remote, and peaceful environment, I won my first photography award at age 14.
What types of customers have you worked with?
18% Grey, High Key, and Low key headshots are popular for corporate themes for businesses such as Law Offices, Real Estate, Finance.
HIGH KEY HEADSHOT S
This form of headshot brings a clean, cheerful, high end, professional look which is especially popular for medical and health care organizations. These photos look especially good against light colored or white website backgrounds and profiles.
LOW KEY HEADSHOT S
This style of headshot shows only the portion of the subject that is most desired, as lighting in this case is just the minimum that is needed hence the name "low key". This style works especially well against darker business cards, web pages, and user profiles.
SPLASH OF COLOR HEADSHOT S
While 18% Grey, High, and Low key styles are great for blending in a complimentary manner, color gels are for those who are more interested in standing out than blending in. This remains a popular style for business headshots.
light painting HEADSHOTS
This style is popular with software developers, those who work in tech, and those who are industry disruptors. This is the ultimate way to stand out and be noticed.
This is all done in camera with lights, with wanding that occurs towards the subject to create unique lighting and design patterns to frame and empower the subject.
While this method is popular with conventional portraits, to my knowledge I am the only photographer on earth who currently offers light painting headshots, making this a very exclusive option.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I enjoy donating to charity when I have an opportunity. I love being able to help those who don't have the means to get a professional headshot in addition to my professional work, as I know that having one can open so many doors in life both personally and professionally.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
The modern headshot should make you look like yourself on your best day times 10, exuding very positive vibes. Inspect portfolios for this in order to ensure that when it's your turn, your headshot shows you at your most confident and approachable.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Perfect lighting, perfect color, perfect equipment, perfect angles, these things are only important when accompanied by a heartfelt, and powerful expression. Fortunately, in addition to the basic techniques which I coach, I enjoy being a friendly and encouraging person to each and every person I meet. Once we are working together, it becomes my mission. From sharing jokes, to stories about Alaska, to asking about your pets and your favorite things, to offering to sing if needed (my mother was a music teacher, I have stage experience), I guarantee that the session will be fun! Yes, this is a money-back guarantee, because if you’re not having a great time, that will show in the pictures. This is a “fun is mandatory” experience and I will stand on my head to ensure you’re getting the best pictures of your life.
