Question 1

How much retouching do you do on headshots?

Accepted Answer

I take great care to get your images loaded into my computer straight from the camera. My goal is to make sure that you look your best by using appropriate lighting along with flattering posing techniques. Any shots in which you are blinking or out of focus will be eliminated. Post-processing typically involves color correction and cropping, and then your selected images will be retouched for a more polished look. This includes removing flyaway hairs, smoothing skin, and can include more extensive enhancements such as slimming and shaping.

Question 2

My work dress is casual. Can I wear something casual for my headshot?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Feeling comfortable and natural is an important part of getting your best image. Wear what your colleagues would consider professional and appropriate for your field of work.

Question 3

What do I wear to my headshot session?

Accepted Answer

Always wear clothes that match your style and personality. Color is great for tops, but keep in mind that bright colors tend to draw attention away from your face, so consider choosing something neutral that complements your eye color and skin tone. Be sure that your clothes are clean and neatly pressed. This is especially true for collared shirts and suits. Have them looking sharp, as the camera picks up a lot of detail. If you are doing a headshot, your lower half won't make it into the final pictures. But don't neglect wearing pants or a skirt that will make you feel confident for your appointment. Make sure to dress comfortably, but in attire that is appropriate for your line of work. Confidence and comfort help you achieve your best image. Stay away from clothes are are too tight or uncomfortable. Don't underestimate being well-rested, and be sure to drink plenty of water in the days before your shoot.

Question 4

What does a custom session include?

Accepted Answer

You may expect the following from your custom session:

A photography appointment lasting from 45 minutes to two hours.
Sorting, retouching, and editing of photographic products at the photographer's discretion.
A portrait viewing and ordering appointment. You will view at least 30 images one-to three weeks following your session.
A custom session DOES NOT include digital images, prints or other products.
Your $400 deposit will be applied to your order.

Question 5

What is a little session?

Accepted Answer

Little sessions are 30 minutes long and result in a collection of about 10 images. These work well for the following:

Families with one child
Baby or child portrait
Maternity session
Environmental headshot

These sessions take place in my studio or at a South Hills nature location on select dates. Little Sessions are not practical for families of more than three, or for sessions that need a little extra time -- newborns, seniors, pets, or multiple toddlers, for example.

Question 6

What is the difference between a headshot and a branding portrait?

Accepted Answer

A headshot will provide a picture of your head and shoulders only. This is best for your LinkedIn profile, your Website, or other purposes in which it's helpful to share your image and personality. We shoot these in our studio and use a simple, neutral background usually.

If you need something a little more specialized but don't have time for a location shoot right now, we offer a compositing service, which means that we can take your headshot in our studio and add your selection from our library of unique and interesting backgrounds after your shoot, using editing tools. We can even simply change the background from a neutral color to the color of your choice.

Headshot:

Headshot of Pittsburgh Physician

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/MN0dlYh75t/resources/u5FUy5vVZk/Headshot%2001.png (Headshot of Pittsburgh Physician)

Composited Headshot:

Composite image headshot

A branding portrait is suited for more involved shoots where you will need a full length portrait, an environmental portrait, or more extensive imagery for the purposes of personal branding or business. This type of shoot is best if you need anything more than a head and shoulders portrait in our studio. For example, you might want to shoot on-location outside or in your place of business. You might want lifestyle-type portraits of you doing your work. You may want to showcase interesting tools of the trade or equipment unique to you and your business. We have worked with everyone from physicians and lawyers to personal trainers, musicians, and real estate agents, and we love coming up with creative and commercially-viable imagery for our clients in their workplaces.

Branding portrait of a personal trainer:

Branding Portrait of a Personal Trainer

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/MN0dlYh75t/resources/aJSkG6k9fg/Parker-020.jpg (Branding Portrait of a Personal Trainer)

Branding portrait of a Pittsburgh Executive:

Question 7

What is your style for headshots?

Accepted Answer

My style for headshots is simple, clean and expressive. The goal is to end up with a portrait that feels like your best self caught on camera.

Question 8

Where is your studio and what is it like?

Accepted Answer

Missy Timko Photography Studio is a very large, beautiful space located in the uptown Mt. Lebanon neighborhood of Pittsburgh. For more info about the studio, click here.

Check out the inside of our beautiful space:

Question 9

Where will we be shooting my headshot?

Accepted Answer

Headshots are usually taken in my studio located in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. I have great lighting and beautiful backdrops that will make your portraits look great. You can even have you hair and makeup done there!

For branding portraits, we can shoot on your site, on location, outdoors, or in my studio.

Question 10

Will you retouch my portraits?

Accepted Answer

We will use soft lighting and flattering poses to bring out the best in you. However, with high-resolution imagery and large wall portraits, images generally require some retouching for a high-end look. We use the most advanced retouching techniques for an undetectable, yet polished effect.

We start by removing flyaways, blemishes, and any other temporary imperfections. We will correct any wardrobe mishaps (wrinkles, straps or slips showing, etc) and remove distracting background elements, such as power lines or light switches. We then do a natural retouch on skin so that you look like the best version of yourself. We take any specific retouching requests at the time of ordering your portraits.