Ask the photographer

Headshot questions, answered.

The questions people ask most before a session, answered from the studio & the reason why we encourage a spectrum for strong public facing representation.

Getting ready

What should I wear for professional headshots?

For headshots as a professional, a range of 3 separate looks, casual, business casual and formal business. putting thought into your representation shows intelligence and forethought, matching a key color to your eyes is one way to show thought and effort goes into your representation.

What to wear · at a glance

Best colors — tap one

Navy. The safest power color. Reads calm and capable.

Colors to avoid

Pure whiteLoses detail and pulls attention off your face.
NeonThrows color onto your skin.
Skin-toneBlends in and washes you out.
Busy patternsSmall checks shimmer on camera.
Fine stripesCan cause a wavy distortion.

Fit & style

Tailored fit
Too loose

Structured clothing keeps attention on your face.

Necklines

V-neck
Scoop neck

Lengthens the neck and draws focus upward.

Layers

Blazer
Jacket
Cardigan

Adds depth and an instant professional read.

Sleeves

Long
Three-quarter
Sleeveless

Keeps the frame clean.

Jewelry

Minimal pieces
Large or bold

Nothing should outshine your eyes.

Glasses

Anti-reflective lenses
Glare

Lets us see your eyes through the frames.

Dress for your industry, dress how you show up on a relaxed day, a high energy day, and an important day.

Dark suits, crisp button-downs, conservative styling.

What colors match my eyes.

I reccomend keeping it simple because color theory is subjective. Choose a color that is the same as your eyes, if you have dark black eyes choose a jewel tone like Safire, Ruby or Emerald.

How do I prepare for a headshot session?

To Prepare for a headshot session, drink water the day before and the day of so that your skin and lips appear healthy and you don't show up at the studio with dry skin and cracked lips.

How do I pose for a headshot?

The Technique we use at the studio is based on a variety of body language ques, like leaning forward by 12 degrees to imply an engaging social signal. We move from a serious, closed mouth facial expression and slowly rise into a smile without showing teeth, then into a full natural smile and if possible, we laugh as much as we can.

Actors and performers

What makes a good acting headshot?

A good acting headshot dosn't use too much editing, it show you in your natural state, how you would meet yourself onset. It's simple, it's honest, it's what I think a good headshot as a professional in the industry represents.

What should actors wear for headshots?

Always dress as yourself, then outfits that represent generalized characters that get hired frequently, like nurse, or police officer implied, the roll that you can imagine yourself playing allows you to aim for that specific character type. I recommend reading the book by Jenna fisher, a lead from The Office, "The Actors Life". Her story and process of finding the right headshot to represent who she wanted to play and the process of getting the manager to reflect that.

How many headshots does an actor need?

Actors need 1 headshot, but ideally you would live infront of the camera, living the life style that keeps you connected to media makers is your lfiestyle. Actors tend to be close to those who make them look good and remind them of who they are. An actor with a headshot for every roll puts themselves into a great position in the industry.

How often should actors get new headshots?

An actor should change their headshot every time their look changes or they discover a new one.

What's the difference between a theatrical and a commercial headshot?

The difference between a theatrical and commercial headshot is the context in which it is used and the people choosing them, every casting director has their own standards that match with others just like them, so it's important to learn the standards of each casting director.

Professionals and business

What is a headshot, and how is it different from a portrait?

The difference between a headshot and a portrait is simply that there are two words to describe something similar, we say things like a headshot shows you what you look like while a portrait shows who you are, what you do, more depth than a headshot, but an actors headshot shows them in their element, that is portrait...it's easy to go back and forth but the truth is that a portrait is a vertical orientation of an image while a headshot can be landscape or vertical.

Do business and corporate headshots really matter?

Headshots only matter as much as you or others care.

How should my headshot change between LinkedIn, a company bio and press?

The platform that your image is displayed on should be in harmony with the culture of that platform. LinkedIn is more social while a company bio, press coverage or press release is more controlled towards a specific demographic.

Phone, AI and cost

Can I take a professional headshot at home or with an iPhone?

You can and should take headshots at home! it's simple! Stand close to and facing an open window, clean up the background, turn on the lights behind you, make sure the phone is as far away as possible from your face, zoom in a little stand facing the window and that's about as good as it gets at home. You can get professional looking results like that!

Are AI headshots as good as a real photographer?

In reguards to if Ai headshots are as good as a real photographer? If get the right AI and a good set of training images, you cannot tell the difference, but you lose out on the real world experience, visiting the studio, networking, there are butterfly effects that come from our choices.

How much do professional headshots cost?

Professional headshots can be free or thousands of dollars! At my studio its $233 for a full gallery and retouched selects delivered 24-72 hours after the shoot.

Where can I get professional headshots near Knoxville and Oak Ridge?

The best place to get professional headshots in Knoxville and Oak Ridge is at Secret City Visual Arts shot by yours truly Brian McQuain of course :) and in reality, there are tons of great photographers! You can check Facebook and find great hyper local photographers, it's pretty risky! Our foundational principle is to provide the best possible public facing representation. With over two decades of professional experience, I want you to have a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Book a session · $233