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Stopped Down Studio
STOPPED DOWN STUDIO
Bay Area Headshot Photographer

Headshot & Portrait Pricing

When you arrive I’ll pick through your clothes, steam the keepers, and give you precise, friendly direction. We’ll review together as we go, leaving you about a dozen shots to pick from. Pay for your favorites and get retouched finals in your inbox in four business days.

Professional headshot example

Headshot Session

$200

$125/image · sold individually

  • Quick and clean (up to 75 minutes)
  • Flattering lighting that takes you seriously
  • Up to five looks
Creative portrait example

Portrait Session

$300

$125/image · sold individually

  • Take our time to explore (up to two hours)
  • A piece of art made from something you're feeling
  • Weigh in on the look or leave it to me
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 in front of me for an hour. 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 (headshot: $200, portrait: $300). This pays for our studio time, typically an hour, but up to 75 minutes. We’ll shoot you in several shirts/tops and on several backgrounds, review as we go, and end up with about 12 images, with lots of variety.

Images: $125 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!

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 up to five outfit changes.

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?