FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What sets my headshot photography apart is my background. With extensive experience in the corporate world as a sales executive for several Fortune 500 companies, I understand firsthand what a strong, professional headshot needs to accomplish — conveying confidence, credibility, and likeability to help you make a lasting impression and succeed in your career.

That experience shapes everything about how I work with clients. I bring a personable, coaching approach to every session, helping you feel at ease in front of the camera so your most confident and authentic self comes through. Whether for LinkedIn or other professional platforms, my goal is simple: to capture the real you — polished, approachable, and ready to open doors.

A headshot is a professional photograph used for business, personal branding, and online profiles such as LinkedIn and company websites.

It’s often the first impression you make, and a strong headshot helps establish credibility, communicate professionalism, and build trust. A well-crafted image also projects confidence and approachability—key qualities for career growth and professional success.

In today’s digital world, your headshot is often your first impression—make it count.

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✔ Classic Over Trendy – Stick to timeless styles that won’t look outdated quickly.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.

Sessions are available by appointment and can be booked instantly through my online calendar, where you can view real-time availability and reserve your time in just a few clicks.

Each session is designed to be efficient, guided, and relaxed—typically completed within about one hour. This includes a brief welcome and consultation, your time in the studio, and a guided image selection process so you leave confident in your final choices.

Most clients are in and out within 45–60 minutes. The session is focused on capturing a strong, polished look, though I’m happy to accommodate a quick outfit change if time allows. For clients looking for multiple looks or more variety, the Signature Headshot session is designed specifically for that experience.

My studio is located in the Ballston neighborhood of North Arlington, Virginia, just a short walk from the Ballston Metro.

You’ll find the studio near the corner of North Glebe Road and Washington Boulevard, with convenient access from Route 66 for those driving.

Yes—reserved parking is available for clients in Visitor Parking spot #5, located directly in front of the studio.

PhotosByMichel accepts all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, as well as digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Payment is securely processed at the time of booking.

Yes—please provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your session.

This allows me to offer your reserved time to another client. I appreciate your consideration and understanding.

Scheduling your headshot session is quick and easy. Simply click any Book Now button on the website. You’ll be taken to my service page where you can choose your preferred headshot package and view available session times on the studio calendar.

Once you select a time and complete your booking, you’ll receive an immediate confirmation email with the details of your upcoming session. You’ll also receive a reminder email the day before your session that includes helpful preparation tips.

Hair and makeup services are not provided directly, but I’m happy to recommend trusted professionals if needed.

If you choose to book hair and makeup, services can be arranged to take place at the studio prior to your session so you’re fully prepared before we begin.

Absolutely. I provide clear, step-by-step guidance throughout the session to help you look natural, confident, and professional.

I’ll guide you on posture, angles, and subtle expressions, making small adjustments along the way so nothing feels forced or uncomfortable. My approach is tailored to each individual, ensuring you feel relaxed and at ease in front of the camera.

No prior experience in front of the camera is needed. The goal is simple: to help you present a polished, authentic version of yourself with confidence.

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Certainly. My Signature Headshot package includes multiple outfits 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—reviewing your images is an important part of the experience.

Your photos are displayed on a studio monitor as we shoot, so you can see how everything is coming together in real time. As we work through different expressions and subtle adjustments, you’ll have the opportunity to review each set of images.

I’ll guide you throughout the process, and together we’ll make any refinements needed to ensure your final images feel natural, confident, and aligned with how you want to present yourself.

The goal is simple: to create a polished, professional headshot that reflects the best version of you.

Absolutely—friends or colleagues are welcome to join you for support.

Having someone you trust can help you feel more relaxed and confident in front of the camera. That said, the studio space is limited, so I recommend bringing no more than one or two guests to keep the environment comfortable and focused.

Final retouched headshots are typically delivered within one business day.

Each selected image is professionally retouched to ensure a clean, natural, and polished result. This includes reduction of facial shine, removal of stray hairs and minor blemishes, subtle skin refinement, and light enhancements such as teeth and eye whitening—while maintaining a realistic, professional appearance.

If you need your images sooner, same-day or expedited delivery is available upon request.

Your satisfaction is very important to me. If for any reason you are not happy with your photos, I will make it right.

Because we review your images together during the session, we’re able to make adjustments in real time to ensure you feel confident in your final selections. If needed, we can also schedule a follow-up session to refine anything such as wardrobe or overall look.

If you’re still not satisfied, your session will be fully refunded—no questions asked.

Your final images are delivered digitally through a private online gallery.

From your gallery, you can download your fully retouched images in both high resolution (for printing) and web-sized versions (perfect for LinkedIn, company websites, and other online use).

While prints are not provided directly, your high-resolution files are suitable for producing high-quality prints through any professional printing service.

Yes—professional retouching is included with every session.

Depending on your selected package, you will receive a set number of fully retouched images (2, 4, or 8). Each selected image is carefully edited to ensure a clean, natural, and polished result.

Additional images may also be purchased, and those selections will be professionally retouched as well. Final images are typically delivered within one business day.

The main difference comes down to purpose, framing, and style.

Headshots are designed for professional use—such as LinkedIn profiles, company websites, and personal branding. They are typically framed from the chest or shoulders up, with clean, well-lit styling and minimal distractions. The focus is on your expression and presenting a confident, approachable version of yourself.

Portraits, on the other hand, are more artistic or storytelling-driven. They may include wider framing (half-body or full-body), creative lighting, varied backgrounds, and more expressive or stylized poses.

In short, a headshot is about making a strong professional impression, while a portrait allows for more creative expression.

Your final images are delivered via email with a link to your private online gallery.

From your gallery, you can download your fully retouched images in high resolution (suitable for printing) as well as web-sized versions for LinkedIn, company websites, and other online use.

Your gallery link can also be shared with others if needed. High-resolution files are suitable for producing quality prints, including standard sizes such as 8×10.

Most headshot sessions take place in my studio, where I can control lighting and create a clean, consistent, and professional look.

Outdoor headshots are available upon request for clients who prefer a more natural setting. Because these sessions require additional planning and travel, they are quoted on a custom basis.

Most individual sessions take place in my studio, where I can provide a consistent, professional result.

I also offer on-location headshot sessions throughout the DMV area, typically for teams of five or more who prefer to have headshots taken at their office or workplace. This is a popular option for law firms, corporate teams, and organizations looking for a consistent, professional look across their staff.

On-location sessions are customized based on your team size, setup requirements, and schedule. A detailed scope of work and quote will be provided based on your specific needs.

Corporate and team headshot sessions are priced separately from individual sessions and are typically quoted based on team size and project scope.

For smaller groups, pricing is generally offered on a per-person basis. For larger teams, volume pricing may be available, resulting in a lower per-person rate as the group size increases.

A custom quote will be provided based on your specific needs, location, and schedule.