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Hampshire College! I'm headed back for more headshots 10/16–10/18. See you at Homecoming!
Stopped Down Studio
STOPPED DOWN STUDIO
Bay Area Headshot Photographer
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Headshot & Portrait Pricing

I keep it simple: Headshots or portraits, it's one session, with one fee. Unlimited looks, for up to two hours. I'll ask what you need when you're booking.

Images are priced individually. I don't do packages. Everything is retouched with 20+ years of creative discernment.

When you arrive I’ll pick through your clothes, steam my picks, and coach you in front of the lights. We’ll review the pictures together as we go, leaving you about a dozen prime shots to pick from.

Pay for your favorites, get on your way, and get retouched finals in four business days.

Professional headshot example

$125

$125/image · sold individually

Questions?

How is my retouching different from AI?

I retouch to build trust.

AI was trained on plastic skin, dead eyes, and bad light. I fix all of that before I turn the camera on. AI looks at millions of faces to decide what yours probably looks like. I already know that—you were right in front of me. I skip the math and just remove distractions so the photo focuses on what only you can bring.

If it’s you, it stays. Zits zapped, nose hairs plucked, but scars are part of your story.

Headshot retouching example 1—after retouchingHeadshot retouching example 1—before retouchingretouched
Headshot retouching example 2—after retouchingHeadshot retouching example 2—before retouchingretouched
Headshot retouching example 3—after retouchingHeadshot retouching example 3—before retouchingretouched

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included?

Session fee: $125, headshots or portraits. It pays for up to two hours of studio time and unlimited looks. We’ll shoot you in several shirts/tops and on several backgrounds, review as we go, and end up with about a dozen images, with lots of variety.

Images: $125.00 each. This pays for retouching, unlimited usage rights, a high resolution copy, and crops for socials. No packages, just what you need.

What's the difference between a headshot and a portrait?

A headshot helps you make connections. I use consistent, flattering lighting and direct you to look confident and approachable, to make an emotional connection with clients, contacts, casting directors, and hiring managers.

A portrait reveals your personality. I design lighting and direct you to tell your story. Portraits are great for album covers, creative promotional materials, dating profile pic, reflecting on a moment in your life, and more!

It’s the same session either way. Tell me what you need when you book, and we’ll make room for both.

Where is your studio?

Temescal, Oakland—one block from MacArthur BART. Free parking on 39th Street and in the BART garage.

What is a look?

A combination of clothing and lighting. I shoot headshots on white and light/dark grey backgrounds, giving you lots of options across as many outfit changes as we have time for.

Do you offer packages?

No. Packages create decision fatigue and leave people paying for images they don't need. You pick your favorites, I retouch them, done.

How quickly will I get my photos?

Within four business days, usually sooner. You'll receive high-resolution files plus social-ready versions.

After Your Session

Retouched images delivered within four business days. If a detail doesn't sit right—flyaway hairs, skin tone, etc.—I'll fix it at no charge.

Referrals & Returning Clients

Returning clients take 50% off my current session rate. For every paying client you refer, they save on their session and you get a free image.

I don't know what to do in front of a camera.

Totally normal! I'm happy to walk you through the session on a video call. Questions?