Headshots in Sacramento: what to know before you book

What a headshot session with me costs, where we shoot around Sacramento, what the hour is actually like, and how to show up ready.

Smiling bearded man in a navy textured vest over a white collared shirt, headshot by Sacramento photographer Courtney Hanson

If you work in Sacramento, there's a good chance your face is already out there: on your firm's website, a conference program, your LinkedIn profile, the staff page at the nonprofit you run. The question is whether that photo still looks like you, and whether it looks like the professional you've become. If you're thinking about a new headshot, here's what to know before you book, and what a session with me is actually like.

What a headshot session costs

My headshot fee is $200 for one person. That includes a free 15-minute planning call before we meet, a 45 to 60 minute session with two looks, and two final, polished headshots delivered digitally within 5 business days. If you have colleagues who need photos too, the per-person rate drops for groups, and I can set up at your office so nobody steps away from work for more than a few minutes.

Where we shoot in Sacramento

I photograph people all over Sacramento, and I don't send everyone to the same spot. On our planning call we'll talk about where your photo will live and what feels right for you, and we'll pick a location together, indoors or out. For teams, that's usually your office. I bring the same backdrop and lighting for every person, so your team page finally looks like one team, and new hires can be photographed later and still match.

Who I photograph here

Sacramento runs on people: legislative staff, advocates, attorneys, nonprofit leaders, hospital and small business teams. Over fifteen years I've photographed a lot of them, along with lobby days, rallies, and press conferences at the State Capitol. So I understand that a headshot for a law firm bio and a headshot for a creative portfolio are two different photos, and we'll plan for the one you need.

What the session is like

Most people tell me they don't like having their photo taken. That's fine. Making that part easy is my favorite part of the job.

Here's how it goes. We start with a quick phone call to plan your shoot, and when you book I'll send you a detailed list of wardrobe and grooming tips so you walk in feeling ready. At the session, you don't need to know how to pose. I'll coach you through every angle and expression, and we'll take breaks whenever you want.

Almost everyone feels a little stiff for the first few minutes. That's normal, and it passes. The best shots usually come once you've stopped thinking about the camera.

Two looks, one session

Every headshot session includes two looks, so you leave with a polished version and a relaxed one. Same person, same hour. A blazer or cardigan over a simple top is the easiest way to get both from one outfit, and I'd suggest bringing two or three tops so we have a backup if something doesn't photograph the way you hoped.

What to wear

A few quick tips from the list I'll send you when you book:

The full list, including hair, makeup, and the night before, is on my headshot tips page.

After the shoot

Your two final, polished headshots arrive within 5 business days through a Dropbox link, and you have full usage rights. Use them on your website, LinkedIn, a conference bio, a press release, anywhere you need, for as long as you need. If you're on a deadline, tell me on our call. Faster turnaround is possible.

Ready to book?

Send a few details through the form below, or call or text me at 916-316-0625. I'll reply within a day to set up our planning call, and we'll go from there.

Ready for yours?

Send a few details and I'll reply within a day to set up a quick call. Prefer to talk now? Call or text 916-316-0625.

First
A free 15-minute call to plan your shoot
Before
Wardrobe and prep tips so you show up ready
After
Your photos by Dropbox, with full usage rights

Book a session