Chicago headshot photographer: Factor Chosen Model Jefferson West

Working with Factor Chosen Model Jefferson West: A Photo Shoot Experience

This was my second time working with Factor Chosen model Jefferson West. Our first shoot was in 2014, so this reunion was long overdue. Thankfully, our next meeting is already in the works, promising more creative collaborations ahead for this Chicago headshot photographer.

Jefferson’s high cheekbones and dazzling hazel eyes make striking close-ups a piece of cake. This example of models’s headshots in Chicago was lit with a Photek Softlighter II 60-Inch Umbrella and edged out with a Profoto RFi 36-Inch Octabox.

During our shoot, I aimed to capture a range of looks for Jefferson. In the first setup, I used a Photek Softlighter II 60-Inch Umbrella for a soft, even light, and added depth with a Profoto RFi 36-Inch Octabox. Jefferson’s high cheekbones and hazel eyes make for stunning close-ups, showcasing his versatility as a model.

For this shot, I initially wanted to use the Photek umbrella but found my Profoto D1 Air 500 Monolight on its lowest setting was overpowering the natural light. To enhance the lighting, I placed a black flag on Jefferson’s left side to increase shadows and depth.

For another setup, I wanted to use natural light. However, my Profoto D1 Air 500 Monolight on its lowest setting was too strong, so I enhanced the lighting by placing a black flag on Jefferson’s left side to create shadows and depth. This technique helped maintain the natural light feel while highlighting Jefferson’s features. A crucial skill to have for a Chicago headshot photographer.

Portrait of Jefferson West shirtless with defined abs, using a CheetahStand 48″ RiceBowl RB-120 Deep Para and Chopstick zooming rod for a hard light effect. This lighting setup required careful retouching to smooth out the skin.

For our third and final setup, I decided to deploy my CheetahStand 48″ RiceBowl RB-120 Deep Para and Chopstick zooming rod. Placing the light all the way in the back of the parabolic modifier created the hardest light possible, acting more like a shaft of sunlight than a beauty dish. This type of light takes some getting used to, as it often requires a second light as a fill source and careful retouching to smooth out the skin. We captured some striking shirtless portraits of Jefferson, showcasing his defined abs and muscular build.

Shirtless portrait of Jefferson West with sunglasses — Close-up shirtless portrait of Jefferson West with sunglasses in his mouth, captured with the CheetahStand 48″ RiceBowl RB-120 Deep Para for a dramatic effect.

In addition to the shirtless shots, I also photographed Jefferson in a tightly fitted dress shirt with a bow tie. The hard light from the CheetahStand setup added a dramatic effect, making these images stand out in his portfolio.

Jefferson West in a tightly fitted dress shirt with a bow tie, shot with the CheetahStand 48″ RiceBowl RB-120 Deep Para for a striking effect.

Chicago headshot photographer: Flexible Pricing and Packages

My pricing and packages are designed to give you flexibility. Whether you need a single image for LinkedIn or multiple images for your portfolio, my sessions include at least one retouched image, with additional images available for purchase.

1 Hour Session – $499

- Closeup, 3/4 & full body
- Color or B&W
- 2-4 Background Changes
- 2-4 Clothing Changes
- 1 Retouched Image

2 Hour Session – $749

- Closeup, 3/4 & full body
- Color or B&W
- 3-5 Background Changes
- 3-5 Clothing Changes
- 3 Retouched Images

3 Hour Session – $999

- Closeup, 3/4 & full body
- Color or B&W
- 4-7 Background Changes
- 4-7 Clothing Changes
- 5 Retouched Images

5 Hour Session – $2299

- Closeup, 3/4 & full body
- Color or B&W
- 6-9 Background Changes
- 6-9 Clothing Changes
- 15 Retouched Images
- All Images in High Resolution

After your shoot, you’ll receive a link to a web gallery with all the photos, minus the outtakes. You can select your favorites for retouching. Once selected, we retouch them, taking into account any notes you have. You’ll then receive high-resolution versions without watermarks.

Click here to book your shoot!

Client Testimonials

I pride myself on delivering exceptional results, and our clients’ experiences speak volumes. Here are some testimonials from those who have worked with me in the past:

“I had been wanting to do a shoot with John for quite some time and he did not disappoint! He was very accommodating and easy to work with. His studio provided a very comfortable and welcoming atmosphere and my images came out exactly how I imagined. I highly recommend his services!”
— D Leonard

“John is an incredible photographer! I never imagined my photos looking the way they look. Don’t think, just hire, you won’t regret it!”
— Evan S

“Working with John was easily the best experience to date! John is super personable, engaging, very talented at his craft, and is genuinely a nice guy. And the customer service he provides is amazing! I can’t say enough about the quality of work that John provides. I was so pleased with my daughter’s 21st birthday session and final photographs that I will definitely use John in the future. I would highly recommend John.”
— Tan A

Mastering Your Look with a Chicago Headshot Photographer

Capturing the perfect headshot is an essential step in advancing your modeling career. As a Chicago headshot photographer, I provides expert photography services tailored to highlight your unique features and professional potential. Whether you need headshots for a compcard, portfolio, or auditions, my expertise ensures you will receive top-quality images that stand out.

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