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Clients can begin by visiting our website, where they can access our rates and use our online booking system. Once the session type is selected, and a date and time for the photoshoot are selected, a non-refundable deposit is required to secure the booking. This deposit will be applied towards the total due for the session. The balance is due at the end of the photoshoot; however, clients will receive an email a few days before the session, offering the option to pay in full. Alternatively, clients can opt to pay for the entire session at the time of booking.
After booking, clients will receive a survey to detail their specific needs and session objectives. This ensures all requirements are clearly understood. If necessary, clients can also book a Zoom session at that time to discuss specifics.
Clients wishing to schedule a Zoom consultation before booking their shoot can initiate the process by filling out our contact form.
Step 1: Arrival and Preparation On the day of the photoshoot, clients arrive at the studio or a designated location. If makeup and hair services have been arranged, they are completed prior to shooting and do not count towards the session time.
Step 2: The Photoshoot The photographer guides the client through the photoshoot, providing direction on poses and expressions to best capture the desired looks. Different backgrounds and outfit changes are incorporated as planned, ensuring a variety of image styles are available for selection.
Step 3: Review Within a few days of the photoshoot, clients may review watermarked proofs of the images that meet our standards in an online gallery to select their preferred images for retouching. This ensures clients are involved in the selection process and satisfied with the initial results.
Step 1: Image Selection Clients choose their preferred images from the session. The number of images selected depends on the purchased package, with additional images available for retouching at an extra cost.
Step 2: Professional Retouching The chosen images undergo professional retouching, including adjustments to color, brightness, blemishes, and other enhancements to ensure the client looks their best. This process is carefully performed to maintain a natural appearance.
Step 3: Final Delivery Retouched images without watermarks are delivered to the client in high-resolution via an online gallery. Clients typically receive these images within 2-5 days after making their selections. If a faster turnaround is needed, we can usually accommodate such requests.
This streamlined process is designed to be transparent and efficient, ensuring a smooth experience from booking to the final delivery of stunning, professionally retouched images. Each step is handled with the utmost professionalism to meet and exceed client expectations, making John Gress Photography an excellent choice for those seeking quality and reliability throughout the photographic process.
Deposit: Clients have the option to either pay in full or make a non-refundable deposit of $150 with a credit or debit card at the time of booking to secure their session date and time. This deposit guarantees your slot and prevents other bookings for that period. Please note that this deposit is non-refundable, regardless of any changes or cancellations to the appointment.
The deposit will be deducted from your final bill, with the balance due immediately after your session. Payment can be made via cash, credit cards, Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal.
If you request hair and makeup services and we cannot schedule a service provider for your photoshoot, we will refund your deposit if rescheduling is not possible. For sessions requiring extensive services such as hair, makeup, and styling, a higher deposit may be required. By booking an appointment, you grant John Gress Media Inc. permission to use the retouched images from the session for commercial purposes.
Rescheduling: You may reschedule your shoot for any reason, provided you notify us at least 48 hours before the scheduled time, without forfeiting your deposit.
Retouching: We specialize in natural retouching aimed at enhancing your appearance while preserving your authentic look—well-rested, healthy, put-together, and blemish-free. We strive to present the best version of you, subtly making you appear a little younger without altering your essential features. Each image includes up to three rounds of retouching, although most images typically require only one. Additional retouching is available for $10-30 per round, depending on the complexity of the adjustments required.
While we endeavor to meet all client requests, our focus is on natural studio and location shoots. We do not specialize in heavy alterations or composite images. For specialized retouching needs beyond our scope, you are welcome to take the images to external service providers.
Answered by John Gress, Chicago Headshot Photographer
What exactly are Headshots?
Headshots can vary, typically focusing on the head and shoulders but can also include different framing styles to suit various professional and creative needs.
How many images do I need?
The number of retouched images depends on the client’s goals. Actors might need a few specific shots for casting, while models might require a broader array to fill a compcard or build a portfolio. We advise focusing on quality over quantity, showcasing only the best images.
What is a Look?
A “look” refers to a set of pictures captured in one session with a single outfit. Unlike some photographers who limit the number of shots per look, I ensure we shoot until we’ve captured the perfect images, aiming to cover as many looks as possible within the booked time.
What do you mean by Retouched images?
Retouched images are adjusted for color, contrast, and brightness to highlight the subject’s best features while removing blemishes and other distractions. This process is delicate and aims to maintain the subject’s natural appearance without looking overdone. Effective retouching can subtly enhance youthfulness without significant alterations to one’s natural look.
What should I wear?
Clients should bring a variety of outfits to the session, ideally twice as many as they plan to shoot. Wardrobe should include a range from simple jeans and a t-shirt to more styled outfits, avoiding logos and overly trendy looks. Solid, classic colors work best, especially for lifestyle models. Actors benefit from bright solids and neutral tones.
What should I be doing in the images?
Clients should vary their poses and expressions throughout the shoot to help in selecting images that showcase their range and suitability for different roles or campaigns. If you’re unsure what to do, don’t worry—I will guide you through various poses and make sure you feel comfortable and look great on camera. I encourage you to experiment and ‘get your next top model on’ by trying different expressions and poses. It’s essential to explore a wide range of options to ensure we capture your best possible look.
Do you really need a make-up artist or hair stylist?
If I were being photographed, I would opt for a professional makeup artist on set. Many people underestimate the impact of professional makeup, believing they might manage on their own. However, a skilled makeup artist can significantly enhance your appearance, ensuring you look your absolute best, especially under studio lighting. While actors may have the skills to apply their own makeup, the expertise of a professional can provide a solid foundation for high-quality retouching, addressing subtle imperfections that are difficult to correct post-shoot. For men, especially those with shorter hair, a hair stylist isn’t always necessary, but for anyone looking for varied looks, professional hair and makeup are highly recommended.
At John Gress Photography, located at 5339 W Lake St., Suite 427, Chicago, IL 60644, models, actors, and individuals seeking exceptional headshots choose us for our professional excellence and creative distinction. Our studio specializes in headshots and portrait photography that can enhance your LinkedIn profile and capture the attention of casting directors and agents. Whether you prefer to shoot in our fully equipped studio or embrace the natural backdrop of nearby outdoor settings, we are committed to delivering stunning results. Explore our diverse headshot portfolio by visiting our gallery.
Our pricing structure is designed for flexibility, allowing you to select precisely the services you need without overspending. From a single polished image for professional networking to a series of vibrant photos for social media, we tailor our packages to your specific requirements. Every session includes at least one professionally retouched image, with the option to enhance additional photos as desired.
