The Ultimate Guide to Professional Headshots in Austin

ALEXAugust 21, 2023

Table of Contents

A professional headshot in Austin captures your expertise and approachability through visual storytelling. For Austin professionals and business owners, an updated, high-quality headshot is a vital personal branding tool to make strong first impressions online and in-person. This guide covers how to get professional headshots locally.

Why Invest in Professional Headshots?

Great headshots offer many advantages for professionals:

Visual Authority – Quality headshots lend credibility and trustworthiness at a glance. This attracts prospects.
Memorability – Polished photos help people remember you when networking and applying to jobs or contracts.
First Impressions – On resumes, websites, and social media, your photo shapes how clients, employers, and connections perceive you.
Personal Branding – Consistent professional photos ensure you present the same brand across platforms.
Confidence – With expert posing, lighting, and retouching you will look and feel your best, conveyed in the photos.

Simply put, professional headshots are essential marketing assets that make strong, positive first impressions.

Ideal Headshot Attire

What you wear makes a big impact. Follow these tips:

Business formal – Suits, blazers, and stylish dresses project professionalism and credibility. Stick to solid, neutral colors.
Minimal patterns – Small prints or subtle pinstripes work better than loud, distracting patterns. Avoid stripes.
Flattering colors – Darker shades of blue, gray, black, and brown photograph well and convey authority.
Proper fit – Clothes should fit smoothly without pulling or sagging. Wrinkles look unpolished.
Collared shirts – Crisp collared shirts and blouses neaten the look for both genders.
Accessories – Remove bulky jewelry. Men should wear minimal cufflinks, tie clips or pins if desired.

Bring extra wardrobe options and press clothes to ensure you look sharp.

Finding the Right Austin Headshot Photographer

With endless photographer options in Austin, narrow down your search:

Specialists – Search professional groups like LinkedIn to find those focused on headshots over general portrait photographers.
Portfolios – Browse photographer websites and social media to evaluate consistency, quality, posing, and retouching style.
Reviews – Check reviews on Google, Facebook, and Yelp for professionalism, satisfaction rates, responsiveness, and uniqueness.
Studio – Look for a clean, modern studio with appropriate backgrounds and lighting options. Outdoor sessions also available.
Equipment – Confirm they use high-end DSLR cameras, lenses, lighting, and editing software to produce polished photos.

Taking time to vet photographers leads to better experiences and headshots. Meet ahead to ensure a great interpersonal fit.

What to Expect During the Shoot

During your session, the photographer will:

Discuss your goals, ideal image, specific uses for the headshots, and more. Review any photo release forms and get your consent.
Consider your features, posture, and direct flattering posing – chin angle, shoulder position, facial expression etc.
Coach natural expressions and genuine connection with the camera to capture authentic smiles.
Adjust studio lighting and backgrounds as needed for most complementary look.
Include some candid shots between more posed photos.
Show you sample images in the camera viewfinder and make adjustments based on your feedback.
Offer clothing changes, touch-ups, alternate locations, and props if included in your package.
Make the process as comfortable and low-stress as possible.

Communicate any particular needs or concerns so the photographer can accommodate them.

Post-Processing Through Retouching and Editing

After the shoot, your photographer will meticulously retouch and edit the photos using software like Photoshop and Lightroom to:

Optimize brightness, contrast, colors, and skin tones for clarity and a polished yet natural look.
Subtly smooth skin while retaining your facial features and expressions.
Minimize background distractions and blemishes.
Sharpen details like eyes and hair for added polish.
Correct red eye digitally if needed.
Choose the ideal frame ratio – vertical, horizontal, or square based on your needs.
Add your name, logo, or other text/graphics per your request.

Skilled editing enhances your best features while still looking authentic. This takes technical expertise.

Budgeting for Professional Headshots

Pricing varies based on:

Session length – Usually 30 mins to 2 hours.
Shooting location – Studio, outdoor, corporate site.
Number of final images – Typically 10-30+ retouched digital files.
Usage rights – Print, web, commercial licensing.
Retouching level – Basic or premium.
Additional services – Hair, makeup, clothing assistance.
Package options – Good deals on bundles versus a la carte pricing.

Expect to invest $400-$800+ on average. Focus on value over initial price. Quality headshots make strong first impressions.

Conclusion

An outstanding headshot conveys your expertise and approachability in an instant. Partnering with a professional Austin headshot photographer provides photos you can use confidently for any purpose. Take time to find the right photographer and prepare your best look. Your investment in a professional headshot maximizes your personal brand and visibility.