The sitting fee covers the photo session itself — the photographer's time, creative direction, and the work of getting you the best possible shot. It's separate from the cost of your final images. Think of it as the service fee for the experience, not just the photos you walk away with.
Scheduling a session is easy and takes less than 5 minutes. Book a session online or call first if you need more information. Once you book online, you'll receive email and text confirmations one day and 2 hours before your session. You can reschedule or cancel online as well.
Headshots are close-up, face-forward shots — ideal for LinkedIn, resumes, and professional profiles. Portraits are more expressive and tell a fuller story about who you are; they can include props, instruments, or a wider frame. If you're not sure which fits, contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.
HeadshotDC requires 24-hour notice for cancellations, changing a session time, or arriving more than 20 minutes late. Sessions with makeup/hairstylist services require 48 hours' notice. A fee of $200 applies for cancellation or postponement with less than 24-hour notice. Before you cancel, email us for help or click the reschedule button.
Most sessions run between 20 and 60 minutes, but we never watch the clock. If you need extra time for wardrobe changes or want to try a few more looks, we'll keep shooting. The time limit in our booking system is just a scheduling requirement — it doesn't cap your time in the studio.
You're all set — we'll take it from here. Sessions are designed to be relaxed and straightforward. As we shoot, we'll review images together in real time so you're never guessing. By the end, you'll have a clear set of favorites to choose from. (And yes, we make a mean cappuccino during every session.)
Having your hair and makeup professionally done is the icing on a good headshot cake — we offer both as add-ons. Ensure your skin is matte and oil-free. Hair should be styled to your liking but tame. Consider a manicure and lotion on hands, arms and neck. Pro tip: bring your comb/brush.
Choose subtle-colored shirts/blouses and dark-colored jackets. Avoid patterns, bright colors or any items that draw attention away from your face. Make sure whatever you wear is well-pressed.
Depending on your session, the typical turnaround time is 24–48 hours (1–2 business days).
After you've made your final selections, use them just about anywhere for personal and professional use — print, social, your own and your employer's/school's/organization's websites and marketing, résumé, LinkedIn, portfolio, and prints and canvases for your home. A credit to HeadshotDC where customary is appreciated. Two uses need a separate license first: a photo on a commercial product that's sold, or in a book.
We believe white backgrounds are timeless, but we're willing to follow your creative direction. In most cases, backgrounds can be swapped in post-production.
Yes, we offer real-time review and selection, eliminating the need for proofs. An on-site photo technician will help you and your crew pick their best image on the spot. If you don't like it, we'll retake the photos!
As fast as two business days for small groups (2–4 people). Large groups (5+ people) in 5–7 business days. Expedited turnaround is also available. Retouching includes skin smoothing, blemish removal and eye enhancement.
Each session includes a high-resolution image (300 dpi) delivered fully retouched & includes licensed image use (print, social media, website & marketing).
New staff can book a 10-minute appointment directly with our studio — no need to be the middleman. We'll ensure their photo matches your team's look to ensure consistency across your organization.
No problem. We offer makeup sessions in our studio with easy scheduling, keeping it consistent with the photos we've already taken of your team.
Yes, you can! We offer group photos for small and large groups in addition to the headshot setup.
Get an instant estimate using our pricing calculator on the For Teams page.
Our studio is at 1401 Florida Avenue, NW, in Washington, D.C., on the corner of Florida and 14th Streets. We’re a few blocks from the U Street / African-American Civil War Memorial / Cardozo metro station on the Yellow/Green line.
Metered and free parking is available on 14th Street and Florida Avenue. We're a few blocks from the U Street / Cardozo Metro station on the Yellow/Green line.
Never. Unlike many studios that send files to outside retouchers or overseas editing services, we keep your entire process — from capture to delivery — within our studio. Your data stays with us, period.
Everything is done in-house by our team — no outsourcing, no third-party labs. Your photos are edited right here in our studio and never leave our hands.
Keeping everything in-house means your photos and personal data are never exposed to third-party vendors. We're also mindful of how headshot images can be misused — including in facial recognition systems — so our in-house approach adds an extra layer of protection for your identity.
If we haven't answered your question here, contact us and we'll get back to you within 1–2 business days.