Headshots can be taken in a variety of locations, from professional photography studios to offices, parks and in downtown areas.  Not long ago, most headshots were taken against a formal backdrop, which is still standard for companies wanting a consistent look. However, artwork, brick walls and the great outdoors all make for stellar storytelling portraits. Make sure the photographer you hire has the right equipment to set up a professional outdoor studio or one they can pop up at your location. Be weary of "Natural Light" photographers. It usually means they do not know how to use studio lighting. Most photographers prefer natural lighting, but they also know it is not always reliable. Perfect conditions and the time of day must align to make beautiful pictures.

At Photography by Misty, individual headshots are mostly taken at our home studio in Plano. The cost is $199, which includes a session and two genuinely enhanced headshots. The PbM will also travel to you -- up to 60 miles -- for $279. Locations farther than 60 miles will incur a travel fee. 

Professional sessions can take as little as 5 minutes or as long as two hours.

At Photography by Misty, our home-studio sessions for our basic session, including 2 final enhanced images last between 20-30 minutes. Signature Headshot Session, with multiple looks, outfit changes and  5 finals, plan to spend 30-60 minutes.

Regardless of the session you choose, expect attention to detail, expert posing and lighting. It is important to us that your professional pictures reflects you on your very best day.

Do friends, family and co-workers compliment you when wearing a certain outfit or color? Start there. Wear that outfit that puts a little more pep in your step as long as it is form-fitting. Clothes that are flowy and loose or even too tight will add weight. And, yes, that matters in a headshot, too.

For men: Everyone loves a crisp white oxford, however, it can dominate the headshot. If you want to wear white, top it with a jacket. The same is true for a patterned shirt. We will ask you to button your jacket so make sure you can.

For women: Flowing sleeves and bodices are great in person, but not in headshots where they add weight to your frame. Wear at least a three-quarter length sleeved top or a jacket. Great guns or not, any skin showing other than your face and neck can draw unwanted attention.

Glasses: If co-workers and clients know you for wearing glasses, then wear them. Misty's photographers are experts in lighting clients so there is no lens glare. They will also be happy to take a few shots of you without your glasses to compare.

The photographer should get to know you while expertly posing and lighting you. And he/she should be paying attention to details such as wayward hairs, crooked ties and askew necklaces. 

At Photography by Misty, our team is well-versed in facial expressions and body language. What do you want your professional pictures to say? After creating images of you in 3 to 5 different poses with different facial expressions, and possibly a wardrobe change, you will have the chance to look at the images on a laptop. Our assistants are patient and really care about how you feel and look. They do want you to settle, our team wants to be sure you are happy and proud to share your pictures. And it's ok if you need more time in front of the camera. We will help guide you in selecting the best headshots.

The client should leave a session excited to use their new headshot. If that means stepping back in front of the camera. It won't take as long the second time, as the photographer and assistant have a better idea of what you like and don't like.

At Photgraphy by Misty, after you look at the original images, be prepared to explain to the photographer what you did or didn't like (pose, facial expression or a personal hangup) so the photographer will know how to approach round 2. If you feel anything less than confident about the result, let's try again.

Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Oftentimes, but not always, if your image is sent to you prior to your departure, one of two things happened. Either it was delivered as is, meaning no retouching, or it was run through the same editing process as the girl or guy before and after you.

At Photography by Misty, once you've chosen your top images, they'll,head to our in-house Editor Jenny for some genuine enhancements -- aka "FauxTox." Don't worry, even your mother won't know your portrait has been enhanced. She'll just know it is the best picture she has ever seen of you. 

We take (reasonable) editing requests. For example, if you have a scar you want removed, your teeth to be whiter, let us know. Also, we have helped several people with Bell's Palsy fall in love with their pictures again. Of course, we know you're beautiful just the way you are. However, when animated, no one notices what you consider flaws (we are all our worst critic). Stop that motion, and sometimes imperfections are all you see.

Editing takes time to ensure the best quality. Our Photography by Misty editor works with one headshot at a time to ensure a genuine deliverable. We do not mass edit pictures. Headshots are delivered within 7-10 days. Rush processing might be available upon request.

Well trained photographers understand lighting and white balancing. When calculating true whites, true blacks, the gray in between then adjusting lighting accordingly, your features will have definition and the correct tone.

Photography by Misty is very mindful of skin tones. There is no one camera or lighting setting for all skin tones. We adjust depending on the client and are passionate about people and their past experiences. 

• Schedule a cut or color at least a week prior to your session
• Do not drink alcohol or energy drinks the night before or that day of (yes, there is reason we also have to mention the day of...). Both are dehydrators and wil, age you overnight. Try it some night.
• East heathly. Inflammatory foods will add weight to your face.
• Prep the weekly leading up to your big day. Does that white dress shirt have a lipstick stain on the collar? Did that jacket shrink in the wash since you last wore it.

Help us help you!!

We are really good at what we do. And building confidence comes naturally to our team who is passionate about others. However, if you feel bloated, older, smushed into your clothes or think your hair is too bright, our expertise is not going to help much.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, Photography by Misty can reschedule for another day or move the session to an indoor location. We’ll stay in touch and make the best decision together.

We may have jacked this from elsewhere...

We don't care how you call us, just call (text or email) us. And we hope to see you soon. 

• Our monthly in-studio sessions
• 214.235.3239
• Misty@PhotographyByMisty.com

There's no denying it, some really great software exists. And it is only going to get better. Not to mention, virtual or AI-generated headshots are less expensive. However, you are taking the picture on your phone and emailing it to be edited onto a professional backdrop. No one is there to pose you, light you or pay attention to the small details.

At Photography by Misty, we've taken ourselves through the process. And, hey, we know what we're doing in front of the camera. Yet, when you can't see yourself in the mirror, there's a lot of trial and error. And while we do use a little PhoTox, each headshots is handled on an individual basis. Our professional photographers are trained to do all those things. You may love that computer-enhanced headshot, but what do your honest friends have to say?

Most photographers will set up shop on location. And that's the way to go, as astepping around the corner for a professional headshot session gives your team more time to focus on work. Be sure to ask questions.

Every week, an admin, HR director or CMO tells us, "We have great lighting in our office and we also have a white wall." That's great, but at Photography by Misty, we roll out of our door and into your place with lighting, modifiers, professional backdrops and even an assistant, making for a smoother process. While we have a plethora of backdrop options or will even order one just for you, a nice office can serve you better than an official backdrop. We have stepped into some of the nicest spaces in DFW.

Do friends, family and co-workers compliment you when wearing a certain outfit or color? Start there. Wear well-fitting clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable.

For group shots: Solid colors, minimal patterns, and coordinating (but not matching) outfits work best.

For men: Everyone loves a crisp white oxford, however, it can dominate the headshot. If you want to wear white, top it with a jacket. The same is true for a patterned shirt, wear it with a jacket. We will ask you to button your jacket so make sure you can.

For women: Flowing sleeves and bodices are great in person, but not in headshots where they add weight to your frame. Wear at least a three-quarter length sleeved top or a jacket. Great guns or not, any skin showing other than your face and neck can draw unwanted attention.

A professional photographer can typically shoot 20 to 30 people per hour. At Photography by Misty, we recommend 3 to 5 minutes per employee which comes out to 12 to 20 people per hour.  We keep things moving while still giving each individual the attention they deserve.

If you have 100 employees who need headshots and don't like the idea of it taking 5 to 8 hours, you can hire multiple -- up to four -- photographers.

Yes. Photography by Misty recommends at least 10 minutes with top executives. Options include, a wardrobe change and second backdrop. Executives also have the opportunity of getting two headshots.

Absolutely. Misty's photographers guide each person through simple, natural adjustments so they look confident and align with your brand. 

That's more common that you think -- and exactly where Photography by Misty shines. Our process is designed to put people as ease, resulting in authentic, confident images. 

Yes. Please provide Photography by Misty with examples of your current headshots before the day of the photo shoot.

Yes. Immediately after their individual session, the photographer or the assistant will help the employee narrow down the options and select their favorite. 

We provide natural enhancements -- often called "FauxTox" -- that refine without over-editing. The goal is a polished, professional look that still feels authentic. 

Final images are typically delivered within 7 business days, depending on the scope of the project. All the images are put into one organzied online gallery for easy downloading.

Photography by Misty prefers a couple of weeks notice. However, because we have a team of trained photographers and assistants we are usually able to accommodate last-minute requests.

Photography by Misty needs, at least, an open space that is 12 feet by 12 feet with a table and electrical outlets for our laptop. If you have hired two photographers, double those requirements. We will need to know where to park and where we can unload our equipment. And having internet access is helpful.

Photography by Misty offers both per-person and day-rate options depending on your team and goals. 

4 people: $199 each

5-9 people: $159 each

10-19: $129 each

20-30: $99 each

If you have less than 4 people, reach out to us for pricing. If you have more than 30 people, please inquire about half-day and full-day rates.

need to put in half day and full day rates 

Photography by Misty brings an assistant for a multitude of reasons:

• Assistants are a second pair of eyes to fix a wayward necklace, straighten a crooked collar or tell a joke to entice a genuine smile.
• Assistants guide the client in selecting the final image so the photographer can keep shooting.
• Assistants can also grab spare batteries out of the camera bag, run to the car or sign in people without having to disrupt the photographer's work.

Photography by Misty schedules breaks if shoots are longer than 4 hours. If shoots occur during meal time and more than 4 hours, meals and snacks are appreciated but not required.

The employee(s) can come to Photography by Misty's home studio (in Plano) at a discounted rate ($99).  We also can return to the company, however, at the original rate. 

• Fill out an online form: Our monthly in-studio sessions
• Call: 214.235.3239
• Email: Misty@PhotographyByMisty.com