- Book based on what the headshot is for—LinkedIn, acting, corporate, or personal brand
- Prepare outfits 1 week before: solid colors, well-fitted, multiple options
- Sessions typically last 30-90 minutes depending on the package
- Expect 3-5 business days for delivery (rush options usually available)
Getting professional headshots in NYC is one of the smartest investments you can make in your career—but if you've never done it before, it can feel intimidating. Here's everything you need to know.
Step 1: Know What Kind of Headshot You Need
Write down every place the image must work: LinkedIn, company directory, press, speaking bio, casting profile, website, book jacket, or medical directory. Each use can require a different crop, expression, background, and retouching level.
Not all headshots are the same. The style depends on where it's going:
- LinkedIn/Professional: Clean, approachable, and polished. Usually shot from the chest up with a simple background. Your goal: look competent and trustworthy.
- Acting/Theatrical: Character-driven, showing range. Multiple looks, different expressions. Your goal: show casting directors your types.
- Executive/C-Suite: Premium, authoritative. Studio lighting with a more editorial feel. Your goal: command respect.
- Personal Branding: A mix of headshots and lifestyle. Headshot plus working shots, casual shots, and environmental portraits. Your goal: look human and hireable.
Step 2: Prepare Your Wardrobe
This is where most people stress. Don't. Here's the cheat sheet:
- Bring 2-3 tops. Solid colors in navy, emerald, burgundy, or black. Avoid busy patterns and logos.
- Fit matters more than brand. Tailored and well-fitting beats expensive and baggy every time.
- Avoid pure white. It can blow out under studio lights. Off-white, light blue, or light gray are better.
- Steam everything. Wrinkles show up in every frame.
We send a detailed wardrobe guide to every client before their session. Read our full wardrobe guide here.
Step 3: Day-of Preparation
- Get a good night's sleep. Dark circles and puffy eyes are hard to edit out naturally.
- Hydrate. Dehydration shows in your skin.
- Grooming: Get a haircut 3-5 days before (not the day of—it always looks too fresh). If you wear makeup, go slightly more defined than usual.
- Eat something. Low blood sugar = low energy = flat photos.
- Arrive on time. Your session starts when you arrive.
Don't experiment with anything new the day of your shoot. No new skincare, no new haircut, no new makeup products. Stick to what you know works.
Step 4: During the Session
Here's what a typical headshot session looks like:
- Setup (5-10 min): We'll chat about your goals, review your outfits, and get lighting dialed in.
- Warmup (10-15 min): The first few minutes are always a little stiff. That's normal. We'll guide you through poses and expressions until you relax.
- The sweet spot (remaining time): Once you're comfortable, we move through looks and expressions quickly. Most people hit their stride about 15 minutes in.
Your only job is to follow direction and relax. We handle angles, lighting, and telling you exactly how to stand, where to look, and when to smile.
Step 5: After the Session
Confirm the selection process before the shoot. Some photographers deliver a proof gallery for you to choose from; others recommend selects. Ask whether additional retouched files can be ordered and whether the delivered resolution supports print as well as web.
Request:
- Tight square or circular-crop-safe headshot
- Vertical head-and-shoulders portrait
- Horizontal frame with negative space
- Color and, if useful, black-and-white versions
- Web-ready and full-resolution files
- Clear personal or commercial usage terms
How to Compare NYC Headshot Quotes
Do not compare only minutes in front of the camera. Check the number of looks, background changes, proofing process, retouched-image count, additional-file cost, turnaround, studio or travel fees, and whether wardrobe or expression coaching is included.
Use the NYC photographer price guide for a quote checklist. If you dislike being photographed, read the camera-shy headshot plan before choosing a photographer.
- Timeline: Expect your edited gallery in 3-5 business days. Rush delivery (24-48 hours) is available for most packages.
- Selection: We deliver the best edited images. You don't have to sift through hundreds of outtakes.
- Formats: We provide high-resolution files plus web-optimized crops for LinkedIn, websites, and social media.
- Retouching: Professional retouching is included—blemish removal, skin smoothing, color correction. You'll look like you, just polished.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
NYC headshots typically range from $250-$1,000+ depending on session length, number of looks, and deliverables. Read our complete NYC photography pricing guide for detailed breakdowns.
Start with the image’s real job
Get matched for the role, crop, background, and direction style you need.
Tell us where the photograph will appear and what it should communicate. We’ll route the request to the appropriate headshot specialist.
