FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What sets my headshot photography apart is my ability to create a professional yet comfortable experience for my clients. With a personable approach and keen attention to detail, I will help you feel at ease in front of the camera, allowing your most confident and approachable self to shine through. As a skilled listener and coach, we will work together to capture the authentic you while ensuring you look polished and successful in your image.

With extensive experience in the corporate world as a sales executive for several Fortune 500 companies, I understand firsthand the importance of a strong, professional headshot. Whether for LinkedIn or other professional platforms, I strive to capture authentic images that convey confidence, credibility, and likeability—helping my clients make a lasting impression and succeed in their careers.

A headshot is a professional photograph that is used for business, branding, acting, modeling, or social media profiles. It creates a strong first impression, establishes credibility, and enhances personal or professional branding. In addition, a professional headshot helps project confidence and approachability - key qualities for successful job candidates. 

For your headshot session, choose outfits that reflect professionalism, confidence, and your personal brand. Here are some tips:

Clothing Choices

✔ Solid Colors or Subtle Patterns – Neutral or jewel tones (navy, burgundy, gray) work well. Avoid busy patterns or overly bright colors.
✔ Avoid Distracting Logos or Graphics – Keep the focus on your face, not your clothing.
✔ Classic Over Trendy – Stick to timeless styles that won’t look outdated quickly.

Necklines & Fit

✔ Tailored & Well-Fitted Clothing – Avoid baggy or overly tight clothes.
✔ Flattering Necklines – V-necks, scoop necks, and collared shirts work well. Avoid deep plunging necklines.
✔ Layers Work Well – A blazer or jacket adds depth and professionalism.

For Men

✔ A Crisp Button-Up or Polo – Stick to classic colors like white, blue, or gray.
✔ Blazers or Suit Jackets – Great for corporate or executive shots.
✔ Avoid Shiny Fabrics – Matte fabrics photograph better.

For Women

✔ Blouses, Dresses, or Blazers – Structured tops work well.
✔ Avoid Sleeveless Tops – They can make your arms look more prominent.
✔ Minimal Jewelry – Simple studs or small necklaces keep the focus on your face.

Grooming Tips

✔ Hair & Makeup – Keep it natural and polished. Matte foundation reduces shine.
✔ Shave or Trim Facial Hair – Clean up beard lines if applicable.
✔ Glasses – If you wear them, ensure they are anti-glare.

To prepare for your headshot session and ensure the best results, follow these tips:

1. Plan Your Outfit

✔ Choose solid, neutral, or jewel-toned colors.
✔ Avoid busy patterns, logos, and overly bright colors.
✔ Make sure your clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and well-fitted.
✔ Bring a few outfit options for variety.

2. Grooming & Skincare

✔ Get a good night's sleep to reduce dark circles and puffiness.
✔ Stay hydrated and moisturize your skin.
✔ Avoid excessive sun exposure before your session.
✔ Men: Shave or trim facial hair neatly.
✔ Women: Keep makeup natural and matte to reduce shine.

3. Hair Preparation

✔ Style your hair neatly and naturally.
✔ Avoid drastic haircuts right before the session.
✔ Bring a brush or styling products for quick touch-ups.

4. Rest & Hydration

✔ Drink plenty of water the day before.
✔ Avoid alcohol and salty foods to prevent puffiness.
✔ Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep.

To help with any clothing touch ups, a lint roller will be available - as well as makeup paper for shine control.

Headshots are scheduled by appointment after a phone consultation. Each appointment is scheduled for two hours, but the headshot session may take less than an hour if the client is happy with the photos. The extra time also allows for look changes if the client wants to have photos taken with different clothing.

I am conveniently located in the heart of the Ballston neighborhood in North Arlington, Virginia. My studio is within walking distance of the Ballston Metro, making it easy to access by public transit. You can find us near the corner of North Glebe Road and Washington Boulevard. For those driving, we’re less than a mile from the North Fairfax Drive exit on Route 66, offering easy access by car.

Reserved parking is available in Visitor Parking spot #5 directly in front of the Studio location.  

PhotosByMichel accepts all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. We also accept Digital Wallets (Apple Pay and Google Pay).

If possible, please provide 24-hour notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your booking.  The courtesy of advance cancelation notice, will allow PhotosByMichel to offer your time slot to another client who may be able to use it.  Thanks!

Please reach out to me through my Contact page.  After discussing your specific requirements for your headshot, we will schedule your session.  I will send you a link to my calendar that will allow you select a convenient time slot.  You then receive confirmation email to confirm your session appointment. 

If hair and makeup services are required, then they should be arranged directly by the client - although PhotosByMichel can provide recommendations if necessary.  Those services can delivered on-site at PhotosByMichel before the photoshoot begins during the headshot session.

I have extensive experience and training in guiding clients on posing and creating natural expressions that bring out their best look in headshots. My approach is tailored to each individual, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I provide clear direction on posture, angles, and subtle expressions while keeping the session relaxed and enjoyable. My goal is to make the process seamless and fun, so clients can showcase their most authentic and professional selves.

Certainly.  Multiple outfits are encouraged if you are uncertain regarding the best look for the intent of your headshot.  The session is scheduled for two hours to allow enough time for multiple looks.  That should allow enough enough time for up to three looks if necessary and multiple shots of each look.

Yes! Throughout the session you will have the opportunity to review your photos as we work together to create your images that project your best self.

A studio monitor projects the images as we take them.  As we work with different poses and looks, you are welcome review each set of images.  Based on your feedback, we can make any necessary adjustments to the pose or look.

Ultimately, the session is about your professional image. Our goal is to capture a confident and personable headshot that reflects the best version of you. 

Absolutely!  Friends and colleagues are welcome to attend your session for support. Because the studio space is rather limited, it may be advisable to invite only one or two other individuals if desired.

Typically, your retouched headshots will be delivered to you within two business days.  The retouched headshots will address removal of facial shine, stray hairs, skin blemishes, whitening of teeth and eyes and include a standard facial retouch.

Same-day or expedited photo delivery is available upon request.

If you are not happy for any reason with your photos, the session will be fully refunded to you.  PhotosByMichel will strive to make every effort to create an image of you that is a reflection of your best self in every way possible. 

If necessary, the session can be rescheduled to allow for any adjustments in clothing or appearance that will help create the image you desire.

Clients will receive an email with a link to their private gallery.  The gallery will include their selected photos from the session and will be fully retouched.  Those images can be downloaded at full resolution.  The files can then be uploaded to a printing service and will be large enough to produce high quality print images.

Yes. Based on whether you choose the Essential, Signature or the Premium Branding Session, you will receive either one, three or six edited images, respectively.  The selected images will be professionally retouched and sent to you within two business days.  If additional images are purchased, those images will also be professionally retouched.

The main difference between a headshot and a portrait comes down to purpose, framing, and style:

Headshot

• Purpose: Primarily used for professional branding (LinkedIn, corporate websites, acting, modeling, etc.).
• Framing: Typically close-up (head and shoulders).
• Style: Clean, well-lit, with minimal distractions. The focus is on the subject’s face and expression.
• Expression: Often neutral to friendly, depending on industry norms.

Portrait

• Purpose: More artistic or storytelling-driven, used in personal projects, editorials, or fine art.
• Framing: Can be close-up, medium, or even full-body.
• Style: More creative in lighting, posing, background, and composition.
• Expression: Can range from candid to dramatic, showing more personality or mood.

Your final images will be delivered to you via email with a link to your private gallery of the photos you selected for retouching from the session. The gallery will allow you to download a high resolution image (300 dpi) image of each photo.

The link can also be shared if you would like others to view your final images.

The image can then be used for your LinkedIn profile, as well for any social media, website, marketing or personal branding requirements.  In addition, because the the images are high resolution, the files can be used to create high quality 8X10 prints if so desired.  

Yes - we can provide an outdoor headshot if desired. Based on the travel requirements, the pricing for the session fee would be a custom quote.

PhotosByMichel does offer on-location shoots within the DMV area.  On location shoots are typically done for 5 or more people who require headshots on site.  Based on your specific requirements and budget, a scope of work and quote will be provided to you for your consideration.

On location team headshots would typically be custom quoted based on a daily or half-day rate.  This pricing structure would reduce the cost of individual headshots for teams of 5 or more people.