Chances are, you aren’t a professional model and have no idea what to do in front of a camera. It’s the photographers responsibility to coach you towards the shots you need. It is important that you actually like the actual photographer. If you and your photographer do not connect, you won’t be able to be yourself around them. That tension will show in your shots. You are trusting them with your most important marketing tool. Make sure you communicate with your photographer before your session; take the time to have a conversation on the phone with them, or set up an in-person consultation. Most photographers will do these for free. Ask questions. Get a feel for who they are, and how they work. Find out how they direct their clients. Great communication is definitely a big part of the suggesful business portrait.
Feel free to give me a call with questions: 917-903-5603
Polina

A headshot photo captures the shoulders, or mid-chest, and up to the top of the head, so the shirt is the most important item. Choose an outfit that looks professional and feels elegant. Stay away from large, bold prints, logos and patterns. Solid colors always work best. Keep it simple, do not over-accessorize. Too many extra visuals will detract from your face, which should be the only focal point in your pictures. 
Tip: Go shopping, but leave the tags on. We can hide them during your session then you can return them if you’d like, and I promise I won’t tell. :)
Men should choose their favorite suit, preferably dark color, such as grey or navy blue. If you don’t wear a tie, that’s OK! Earthy tones or solid neutral colors will work if you do not have a suite. Guys please shave closely and slowly before the session.
Women should choose a professional suit or a classic office-wear outfit. Women should set an appointment for a haircut / hairstyle a week or two in advance, as freshly cut hair could look unpredictable. Make-up should look natural and professional. You can do it yourself, but hiring a make-up artist would provide the best results. Wear what your consider an "everyday" daytime makeup. Avoid glossy/sparkly/shimmery reflective lipstick and face powder.
Your hands are not usually a part of a standard headshot session. However, for a lifestyle or editorial they could be in the frame, so it’s best to get a manicure for your nails. For women choose a neutral, skin tone polish, or a clear coat, so as not to distract from your face. For men a clean trim is enough.
Use moisturizer the night before and in the morning and also drink plenty of water 2 hours before the sessions.

Every single person I have ever photographed needs guidance on what to do in front of the camera. Having your picture taken is a very forced and unnatural experience. It’s the photographer’s job to create an atmosphere that you feel safe to be yourself in. I will help take your mind off having your picture taken through my direction. This will allow us to capture natural reactive expressions. 

Absolutely! Don’t worry about that blemish; wrinkles can be softened, and any minor imperfections can be taken care of. The key to good retouching is for it to relax and smile. I will not use a skin retouching photoshop plugin that makes people look plastified. Every detail is retouched manually by hand. We will discuss specific retouching concerns and requests during your session.

If you have the time, you will choose your favorite images on the spot, right after the shoot. In most cases the final edited images will be delivered via an email download link withing 2 business days. For offices and larger assignments, retouching can take up to 5 business days. Your download link will stay active for 7 days only, so you’ll want to download them quickly.
Additional Edited Photograph: $50/image
Same Day Retouching + $50/image

It's generally best to book about 7-10 days in advance. However, slots frequently open up so feel free to email me a range of dates/times and I can let you know availability. You can reserve the type of professional portrait you need via RATES link above. That will take you to a calendar with dates and times. Once you reserve the date, I'll send you a photo agreement to review, sign and pay the session fee.
Deposits and session payments are non-refundable, but can be applied to a shoot at a later date if you reschedule at least 72 hours before your session date. If you must reschedule last minute, you may pay a $50 rescheduling fee to avoid losing your payment completely.
I accept all major credit cards. You can also pay me by personal local check. If you have a gift certificate or refferal discount, just give me a call to book:
917-903-5603
Polina