Studio
portraits
Portraits made on a backdrop, with the light set for each person. For portraits made where people live and work, see our environmental portraits. For team and individual headshots, see headshot photography.
Portraits on a backdrop
Portraits made on a backdrop, with the light set for each person. Without a workplace in the frame, the picture is about the face, the posture and what the person holds. For portraits made where people live and work, see our environmental portraits. For team and individual headshots, see headshot photography.
Our backdrop portraits were made for the San Antonio Business Journal, the San Antonio Express-News, NPower Texas, SAMMinistries and Edgewood ISD. They fit websites, social media, press and print.
What a portrait session includes
Every session starts with a planning call, so we understand who the images are for and where they will live. You get a written estimate with the shot list and schedule before we book. On the day, the lighting is designed around your people and your space, and everyone is coached in front of the camera.
Afterward you review the images in a private online gallery and choose your favorites. We color and retouch your selections, so people look like themselves, never over-smoothed. Portraits arrive within 5 business days of your selections, and rush delivery is 25% more.
Who is in our portfolio
For the San Antonio Business Journal, business owner and community leader Nancy Victor throws a punch in a red boxing glove. Dennis Noll, former president and CEO of the San Antonio Area Foundation, smiles through a burst of popcorn. Dr. Michael A. Casillas, an oral surgeon, wears the plumed helmet and ceremonial uniform of King Antonio XCV.
For the San Antonio Express-News, World War II veteran Reid Clanton faces the camera against a black background. NPower Texas alumni Patience Gyakari, Michael Fugett, Raymond Robinson Jr., Zooey Nguyen and Brittany Holmes posed on a backdrop for the nonprofit. Libby Rippetoe hugs her son for SAMMinistries, and a young ballet folklorico dancer sweeps her red skirt against a black curtain for Edgewood ISD.
How to book
Tell us who the portrait is for and where it will be used, and we’ll reach out within one business day. Headshots on a studio backdrop start at $350, and the full rate sheet, including environmental portraits, is on the Photography page. A 50% deposit reserves your date, the balance is due at delivery, and government and school clients may use a purchase order.
Common questions
What is the difference between a backdrop portrait and an environmental portrait?
An environmental portrait is made where the person works, creates or leads, so the setting becomes part of the picture. A backdrop portrait puts the light on the person alone. See our environmental portraits.
How soon do we get the portraits?
You choose your favorites in a private online gallery. Retouched portraits arrive within 5 business days of your selections, and rush delivery is 25% more.
Can you set up the backdrop at our office?
Yes. For headshots we bring the backdrop and lights to your office, workplace or an outdoor spot. A conference room or empty office about 10 by 15 feet with an outlet works, and setup takes about 45 minutes.
How much does a portrait session cost?
Headshots on a studio backdrop start at $350: a one-hour session with two looks, live image review on set and three retouched headshots. An Executive session is $950, with up to two hours on location, three looks and five retouched images, including an environmental portrait in your workplace. A single environmental portrait, a half day on location, also starts at $950. The full rate sheet is on our Photography page.
What should I wear?
Wear what you wear on a good day at work. If clients know you in a lab coat, a uniform or a company polo, wear it. Solid colors and simple textures work best, because very fine stripes and tiny checks can shimmer on screens. Bring a second top or jacket, and wear your glasses if you wear them every day. Do your hair and makeup the way you usually wear them.
How many retouched images do we get?
An individual session includes three fully retouched headshots from two looks, and an Executive session five images from three looks. You pick your favorites in a private online gallery, and more retouched images from your gallery are $75 each. We retouch so people look like themselves, never over-smoothed.
Where can we use the headshots and portraits?
On your own channels: your website, staff directory, LinkedIn and other social media, press, proposals and print, with no time limit. Each person can also use their own headshot on their personal LinkedIn profile and speaker bios. Paid advertising is licensed separately.
Can you photograph our whole team on one backdrop?
Yes. A team half day is $1,800 for up to 15 people, with one retouched headshot each, and each extra person is $95. A team full day is $3,200 for up to 35 people. Everyone is photographed in the same light on the same backdrop, so the portraits match on your website, in your staff directory and on LinkedIn. Here’s how a team day works: Team headshot day checklist.
Will someone we hire later match the team?
Yes. We keep a record of the backdrop, lights and camera settings from your team day. New hires and anyone who missed the day are photographed later as an individual session, $350, matched to your team’s setup.
What if I’m nervous in front of the camera?
We coach every person, one at a time, and show you a few frames on the camera screen before you go. Individual sessions include live image review on set, so you leave knowing there’s one you like.
What does a single portrait on a backdrop cost?
A single portrait on a backdrop starts at $350. That covers the planning call, the lighting set for you, coaching in front of the camera, a private online gallery to choose from, and retouching of your selections. For a whole team, see our team headshot day; for portraits made where you work, see environmental portraits.
Who owns the photos, and where can we use them?
That depends on the scope of work. Your written estimate spells out the uses included, such as your website, social media, print or recruiting, before we book. Licensing for advertising and other extended uses is quoted separately. Tell us on the planning call how and where the images will run, and we set the terms before the shoot.
Book a photo shoot
Headshots, team days, environmental portraits, events and brand shoots. We’ll reach out within one business day.