How to Prepare for a "Virtual" Headshot Session

We're excited to have the opportunity to take your new headshots! In this guide we'll outline what you can expect and how to prepare.


First, here are 5 CRITICAL things to know:

1. Be sure the time you scheduled is at least 1 hour before sunset, since we'll be using your window for light.
   1. If you need to reschedule the time, please email us at [email protected].
2. Be sure to install the "Shutter App" on your phone before the session.
   1. Google Play Store Link
   2. Apple App Store Link
3. Make sure your physical space is set up properly per the guide below.
4. Your photographer will call you at the telephone number you included in your booking at the start of your shoot.
5. Note that being unprepared cuts into your shoot time and may cause your shoot to be rescheduled.

Please scroll down and read this article in full to learn how to set up properly!

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​What You Can Expect

First off, please note that it's imperative that you set up properly before your shoot, otherwise your session may need to be rescheduled. Instructions on how to set up can be found further down on this page.

Keep in mind that in order to make your final image look professional, we will be retouching your favorite shot.

In retouching, we'll change or blur the backdrop, adjust the brightness and color in the photo, and fix blemishes and flyaway hairs, plus whiten teeth.

Be aware that you'll be seeing unmodified photos at first, which will look unprofessional. This is because they have not yet been fixed up, so try to ignore the unprofessional background, etc., and choose the one you like best based on your own body position and expression.

Then we will finalize it and send it back for your approval.

​Take a look at the before and after image below so you know what can be done. As you can see, we can put any backdrop behind you and customize the lighting to ensure it looks realistic.

Things to Consider

Clothing to Wear:

Make sure to already be wearing what you plan to wear for your photos. Here is a great guide on what colors and clothing work best for headshots.


Backdrop You Want:

If you're with a company, they will already have a backdrop determined, so you can ignore this.

Otherwise, here's a link to see the different backdrops we offer. If you need something very specific that's not listed on that page, please email us at [email protected] beforehand so we're aware. If you're not sure of which backdrop will work best for you, we can discuss that together during the shoot.


Retouch Submission Link:

After your shoot, you'll need to use this page to submit your image for retouching. Please keep this link in a safe place:
https://www.cityheadshots.com/virtual-retouch-request.html

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How to Set Up Properly

Please pay close attention, as setting up incorrectly can cut into shooting time and may cause your shoot to be rescheduled.

Technical Setup:

Please be sure your phone has the required app installed ahead of time so we can take your photos:

1. Install the Shutter App onto your phone. Open the app to be sure it loads, and you should see a 9-digit code displayed. You can close out of the app until the date of your shoot.
   1. Google Play Store Link
   2. Apple App Store Link
2. Scroll down on this page and complete the "physical setup" steps. You need to be positioned properly before the shoot begins, otherwise we may not have enough time and will have to reschedule your shoot.
3. At the start of your shoot, your photographer will call you at the phone number provided to request your 9-digit app code. The 9-digit code appears on the home screen of the app when opened (see the image below), so all you'll need to do is let the photographer know what your code is, and they'll be able to begin the shoot.
4. Grant Shutter App access to your camera and microphone. You'll need to click "OK" when prompted so that the photographer can control your camera remotely. We'll be taking your high-res photos directly through your phone and the photographer will help you with the exact positioning once the session begins.
5. After the shoot, you can delete/uninstall the app. You won't need it anymore, and it doesn't save your data, so you can feel free to simply remove the app from your phone.

If you have trouble with any of these steps, feel free to email us at [email protected] and we'll help you out. We have included some screenshots below to reference while setting up your app.

Send your photographer the 9 digit code displayed on this page.

Click "OK" when prompted for access to the camera.

Click "OK" when prompted for access to the microphone.

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​Physical Setup #1 - The Classic Virtual Headshot
Shooting By Yourself

This is the most common option and doesn't require anyone to assist you during the shoot.

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The Physical Setup:

1. Find a table and chair and position them in front of a bright window. Make sure the window will not have direct sunlight shining on you, and lower your chair to the lowest setting possible (if it can go up and down).
2. Find some books and pile them up (or you can use a box, tripod, etc.). Stand your phone on top of them so it is about eye level or 1-2 inches above. You can see some example images below of different usable setups.
3. If you have a friend to assist, scroll down to see other options. You won't need to worry about using books or standing up your phone since someone will be holding your phone for you during the shoot.

When setting up, be sure that the window is behind your phone, NOT behind you.

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IMPORTANT: If you're needing a half body shot (or something further out), we recommend having a friend assist so you can be standing (instead of sitting) during the shoot. See Option 2 below.

After the shoot is finished, you'll use this page to send your photo to us to retouch!​

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​Physical Setup #2 - More Variety
Shooting with a Friend

If you have some available to assist during the shoot, you can get more body positions and you'll be able to stand during the shoot.

Positioning:

1. Position yourself facing towards a bright window, about 6 feet away. Make sure the window does not have direct sunlight shining on you.
2. Your friend should be standing with his/her back to the window, holding your smartphone. Make sure the smartphone is about 2-3 inches above your eye height.
3. The photographer will guide you the rest of the way!

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After the shoot is finished, you'll use this page to send your photo to us to retouch!​