Headshot Specialists
One question we get a lot is: “What’s a headshot?”
A headshot is generally a photograph used for publicity and advertising purposes. A businessperson might use a headshot for a press release, a realtor might use it on their business cards. Writers use them on their websites, book covers, and magazine bios. Models, actors, musicians, TV personalities, and news people use their headshots to get work, on websites, as promotional pictures, for editorial purposes — the uses are endless! Typically a headshot is just that — a head — but sometimes, it’s a 3/4-length, or even full-length image. It all depends on the intended usage of the photo.
Another question we hear often is, “Why are you so cheap compared to the LA and NYC headshot photographers? Well, it’s very simple — it’s the difference between the cost of doing business here and in a major metropolis. Headshot photographers in NYC and LA have to pay more for everything — studio rent, utilities, insurance, and basic cost of living are far higher than here in the Capital Region. So they must cover these higher expenses by charging you more.
We have been shooting headshots here in the Capital Region for years, and in San Diego for years before that. Our quality and service is such that clients come to us from all over the country! We have worked with many actors, musicians, executives, politiicians and news staff, coming from NYC, Boston, Syracuse, Utica, and further. In short, we offer the quality and service of NYC headshot studios, at a fraction of their cost.
All photos Copyright © Paul Grupp. All rights reserved.
Let’s talk about some examples of the different types of headshot photography we do:
We love to do business headshots at your office, shop, or other place of business. This lets us include subtle environmental cues that help tell your story. This is a classic headshot, useful for “who we are” sections of a business website, inclusion on a business card, attachment to press releases, inclusion with an editorial story in a newspaper or magazine.
Environmental Headshot - Business
Especially for editorial usage, we often take a wider shot that is more than a “pure” headshot. Sometimes showing a little more of the environment adds interest and meaning to the photo.
Environmental Headshot - Business
Another example of a business headshot that includes even more of the environment.
Business Headshot - Studio
Sometimes, you don’t want any distractions in the photo — just you. The more formal the usage of the photo, the more formal the photo itself can be.
Corporate Headshot - Studio
A classic CEO portrait. Simple, beautiful, and it communicates a lot about who the subject is.
Political Headshot - Environmental
While we don’t post many examples publicly, we do a lot of political photography. We’ve photographed Senators, Congressmen, Judges, Prosecutors, Governors, and presidential candidates.
Model Portfolio - Environmental
Model Portfolio photography is one of our specialties — we’ve photographed fashion models, glamour models, even Playboy models! Whether you are just starting out and need to create a portfolio from scratch, or you’re a working professional needing to update your book, we can work with you to make some stunning images.
Model Portfolio - Environmental
This photo is from a session we did in both the studio and on location — a portfolio update for an established model.
Model Portfolio - Studio
This model needed some photos in a particular shirt for a local entertainment website.
Actor's Headshot - Studio
Increasingly, actors from all over the state have been coming to us for Actor’s headshots. Some, like Stanley, are well known, others are just starting out. Notice the white border and name printed on the photo. This is an option available on any of our headshot packages, and is often selected by actors.
Actor's Headshot - Studio
Another example of a headshot that is more than a headshot — sometimes, including more of the subject tells a more complete story.
Actor's Headshot - Environmental
In the spring and summer, we typically do actor’s headshots both in the studio and outdoors. This gives you the widest range of choices to select from. We have some great locations to shoot in right next to our studio; we also can shoot anywhere in the Capital Region.
Acting Headshot - Studio
Just after semester breaks, we typically get a lot of student actors — both at high school and university level. We love shooting first headshots for student actors! Our years of experience helps us put even the most nervous student at ease, and coax out those great personality traits you want to come across in your headshot.
Musician Headshot - Environmental
Musicians are a favorite specialty of ours. We love shooting musicians for promo pix, CD covers, website images, whatever!
Model Portfolio - Studio
We could go on and on – we love showing and discussing headshots. If you’re looking for some new headshots, whether business, corporate, political, actor’s, musician, or whatever — we want to shoot them for you! Drop us an email or give us a call at (518) 526-9970 to schedule your session.
Want to see more examples of our headshot photography? Click here!
All photos used in this article are Copyright © Paul Grupp. All rights reserved.
