Finding a professional headshot photographer in Portland, OR

You can’t throw a rock in Portland without hitting a photographer. Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration. But there really are a lot of photographers around. Some are amazing while others are pretty inexperienced. No one wants to spend their time or their money having headshots done, just to end up disliking their photos or the entire experience. Especially busy business owners. But how do you choose the professional headshot photographer that is the right fit for you? Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a professional for your photo shoot.

1. Personality

You want your photos to feel like the real you. In order for that to happen, you need to choose a headshot photographer whom you connect with. Someone that will make you feel comfortable. I realize it can be difficult to know that just by perusing the internet. So I suggest looking at the photographer’s About Me page and reading their reviews. Click the links in this paragraph to learn more about Photography by Rayleigh.

2. Style

How do you want your photos to look? What part of your personality should your headshots convey? Do you want to look strong, confident, and trustworthy? Do you want to portray a welcoming and friendly vibe?

You may be looking for a cooperate look with a plain background and straight posing. Or it’s possible that a more relaxed, lifestyle look with varied backgrounds and interesting posing may suit you better.

When you are searching for a photographer in Portland, check out their portfolio. Do any of the photos in their portfolio match the vibe you want for your professional headshots? Some photographers can achieve different kinds of looks based on their individual clients needs, while others claim one style as their strength.

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When thinking about style, another thing to consider is whether you are strictly wanting actual headshots or if you also want what is known as “personal branding” photos. Personal branding photos are photos that you can use in your marketing that aren’t just pictures of your head and shoulders. Such as, 3/4 body or full body portraits, photos of you working or even customized stock photos taken in your space. If you are considering a photographer for your headshots, just ask if they have experience with personal branding photos, as well.

Photography by Rayleigh can accommodate a corporate look, a lifestyle look, or a personal branding session for you.

3. Studio, Outdoor, or On-Location

Do you have a preference about where your photo shoot takes place or what kind of environment you want? Some photographers have a studio, set up with backdrops and perfect lighting, so that’s where they prefer to shoot headshot portraits. Others consider the great outdoors their “studio.” Of course, even if a photographer has a studio, they may be willing to take the shoot outdoors if that’s the look you want for your shoot. So it’s definitely worth asking about.

If you want your place of business in the background of your professional headshot photos, you might want the photographer to come to you for the photo shoot. This is what’s known as, “on-location.” Or if you have a team of employees who all need headshots, it might just make more sense for the photo shoot to happen where it’s easiest for everyone to gather. Find out if the photographer you are considering is set up to be able to do that.

With Photography by Rayleigh, most clients choose to have their shoot at my studio in Tualatin, OR. However, an outdoor location or other location is an option, as well.

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4. Pricing

According to an article on Snappr, the average price of a 1 hour photo shoot with a photographer in Portland, Oregon is $258. You can really find headshot pricing anywhere from $75 to $1000+. You likely have a budget in mind for your portraits and you’ll surely want to find a photographer who can accommodate that. Just keep in mind that, as cliché as it is, it’s still completely true that you get what you pay for. If you want to look professional in your headshots, you’ll want to hire a skilled photographer who can accomplish the look you need for success.

A lower priced photographer could certainly get a photo to you that you could use on your website. Actually, a friend with a nice iPhone could probably do that for you for free. But if you want to impress your clients and customers and give them a better sense of your company’s commitment to quality, you need to invest in a headshot that speaks the same level of quality.

You’ll want to decide if your priority is quantity or quality? You may find a photographer who will give you more photos for a lower price. But you will likely have to sacrifice quality. I highly recommend investing in high quality photos, even if it means you get fewer photos. Your business marketing will thank you.

Below you will see a comparison of a photo taken by an inexperienced photographer verses a higher quality portrait of the same beautiful business owner.

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5. The Experience

Aside from the skills of the photographer, there are other services that may be included. Does that photographer simply show up, snap a few photos, and hand over the unedited photos? Or is there more involved in the experience?

Professional hair and makeup

Does the session include professional hair and makeup? This may seem like a frivolous expense at first. However, I assure you, it’s so worth it! Not only because your hair and makeup look fantastic. Even more than that, it’s because you will feel more confident while having your photos taken. That confidence makes all the difference in the final photos! The time spent in the makeup chair, chatting with the photographer also helps you feel more comfortable with the photographer before the shoot starts. That’s makes a difference, as well.

Pre shoot consultation

Does the photographer help you figure out what kind of look might work best for your business? Do they offer wardrobe guidance?

Posing

Is the photographer skilled at perfect posing that makes you look slimmer, more confident, more friendly, or whatever other look you want that can be accomplished with posing?

Post shoot editing

Does the photographer edit out skin blemishes and clothing wrinkles (or face wrinkles if you want that)?

To learn more about what it’s like to have a shoot with Photography by Rayleigh, I invite you to check out my What To Expect page. Spoiler alert: the answer is yes to all of the above questions.

Conclusion

I know that finding a professional headshot photographer in Portland who is a great fit for you can be daunting. Especially for busy business people. I hope these 5 tips help you focus on what to look for in a photographer so you can make an educated decision before spending your hard earned money.

Are you looking for a professional headshot photographer? Let’s chat!

If you would like to discuss your headshot session near Portland, please send me an email and we can chat! Let’s see if we are a good fit for each other.

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