If you’ve never booked a professional headshot session before, it’s normal to have questions. What do I wear? What actually happens once I get there? Is it going to be awkward?

I get it – and I want you to walk in feeling prepared, not nervous. So here’s an honest, step-by-step look at exactly what happens when you book a headshot session with me, from that first inquiry to the moment you download your final images.

Getting in Touch

It usually starts with a message through my website contact form. From there, we go back and forth over email chatting about pricing, your availability and timing, and whether you’re picturing a studio session or something outdoors. There’s no wrong answer here – it really comes down to the vibe you’re going for and where you’ll be using your images.

Booking Your Session

Once we’ve settled on a date, you’ll get a confirmation email with everything you need: my standard client agreement (so we’re both clear on things like image usage, editing, sharing online, and cancellation policies), guidance on what to wear and how to prepare, and your confirmed session time and location.

The day before your session, I’ll send a reminder email with those same details – time, location, and a quick refresher on what to wear – along with your invoice. Payment can be made securely online by credit card, or by e-transfer, cheque, or cash, and it’s due on or before your session date.

Arriving at Your Session

My studio is a private space inside my home in Tsawwassen, so if we’re shooting indoors, you’ll have access to a private washroom, mirrors, and somewhere to hang your outfits.

Before we start shooting, we’ll chat. I want to know what you’re hoping to get out of your photos, what you do for work, the “vibe” you’re going for, and any backdrop colours you’re drawn to. If you have a side of your face you prefer, tell me – little details like this matter. If you’ve brought outfit options, we’ll talk through those too (outfit changes are available for longer sessions).

During the Shoot

Then we get to work. Depending on what you need, we might do a mix of sitting and standing shots, using studio lighting or natural light, smiling and non-smiling – you’ll end up with a good variety to choose from.

I guide your posing the whole way through, but honestly, it often doesn’t feel that way, because we’re usually just talking. That conversation is intentional – it keeps things relaxed, and relaxed is what gets you natural smiles and natural posture instead of that stiff “game face.” Along the way, I’ll also step in to fix flyaway hairs, smooth out a wrinkled collar, or adjust clothing that’s sitting a little strangely – small things that make a big difference in your final images.

Wrapping Up

Before you head out, I’ll walk you through what happens next. Within 48 hours, you’ll receive an unedited preview gallery of your images. From there, you pick your favourites, and those are the ones that get edited and retouched.

Editing and Delivery

My editing style is about making you look like the best version of yourself – not a different person. That can include things like removing blemishes, softening wrinkles, taking out marks on clothing, brightening under-eye shadows, taming flyaway hairs, adjusting the backdrop tone, whitening teeth, and brightening eyes. Nothing drastic – just a little polish so you “pop.” And if there’s an edit on that list you’d rather skip, just say so. It’s entirely up to you.

Once I have your selections, your images go into my editing workflow. In slower seasons, that might only take a few days; during busier stretches, it can take up to two weeks. When your edits are ready, I’ll deliver them through my online gallery, where you can download full-resolution images to keep and use however you need – LinkedIn, your website, a business card, wherever!

Ready to Book?

If you’ve been putting off updating your headshot because you weren’t sure what the process looked like, I hope this helped take some of the mystery out of it. Reach out through my website and let’s get something on the calendar.

Eran Sudds is a Tsawwassen photographer who specializes in fun & natural sessions for you and your entire family. She is available for maternity, newborn, family portraits and headshots at locations in South Delta, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland. Contact her to book your session!