FAQ - Headshot Photography Questions

Got questions about your headshot session? You're in the right place.

PRICING & PACKAGES

  • Individual headshot sessions start at $795 for our signature Not-So-Corporate Headshot package (outdoor, 2 outfits, 50+ images). Deluxe sessions are $2,000.

    Corporate headshots range from $250-500 per person for team sessions, or a flat fee day rate for large offices.

    Express Team Headshots at our Sausalito studio are perfect for teams of 15-30 people with consistent, professional results.

    View all packages and pricing

  • Individual sessions include:

    • 10-50+ professionally edited photos (package dependent)

    • 2 outfit changes (most packages)

    • Posing direction

    • Online gallery + downloadable files

    • 10 days to 3 weeks turnaround

    Add-ons available: Rush delivery, extra retouched images, AI background changes, hair/makeup coordination.

  • We require 72-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Your deposit holds your date and is non-refundable, but we'll work with you to find a new time that works.

BOOKING & SCHEDULING

  • Easy! Fill out our quick booking form, and I'll respond within 1-2 business days to start scheduling. Everything is handled via email (though I'm happy to hop on a call if that's easier).

    Once we confirm your date and you pay your deposit, you'll receive a Final Confirmation with all shoot details, location guide, and prep resources.

  • I photograph Monday through Saturday and respond to emails 7 days a week. I don't work Sundays.

  • I do my best to hold dates for 24-48 hours while you decide, but dates are offered first-come, first-served. Once you pay your deposit, your date is officially locked in.

    • Basic sessions: 30-45 minutes

    • Deluxe sessions: 45-90 minutes

    • Corporate team shoots: Varies by package (typically 5-10 min per person)

CAMERA-SHY & NEURODIVERSITY-FRIENDLY

  • You're not alone—99% of my clients feel the same way! This is literally my specialty. I've spent 13+ years perfecting the art of making camera-shy people feel comfortable, confident, and even enjoy the process.

    Here's how I help:

    • Clear, hands-on direction (no awkward "just be natural!")

    • We chat about your photo goals and preferences before we start

    • I work at your pace with patience and positive feedback

    • Most clients tell me the experience was "painless" or even fun

  • Absolutely—and I love it. I've completed training for supporting neurodiverse people, and I draw on personal experience (my partner has ADHD) to create a comfortable, low-stress environment.

    I provide:

    • Clear communication and expectations upfront

    • Minimal distractions during the shoot

    • Direct, specific posing instructions (no vague requests)

    • Flexibility with pacing and breaks

    You're welcome to share any accommodations that would help you feel comfortable.

LOCATIONS & STUDIO

  • My studio is based in Sausalito and photograph throughout the San Francisco Bay Area—primarily San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and Marin County.

    Popular SF locations: Hayes Valley, Golden Gate Park, Pacific Heights, Outer Sunset, Financial District

    East Bay favorites: Jack London Square in Oakland and Berkeley spots with great variety

    Once you send in a form through my website, I'll send you a Location Guide to help you choose the perfect backdrop for your vibe.

  • Both!

    Outdoor sessions are my bread and butter—natural light, variety of backgrounds, and that relaxed not-so-corporate feel. San Francisco's fog actually creates beautiful, even lighting.

    Studio sessions happen at my Sausalito studio with your choice of natural light or professional studio lighting, plus colorful backdrop options. Studio sessions are my current favorite!

  • Nope! No travel fee for shoots within San Francisco or Oakland city limits.

    If you need me to travel beyond that (Peninsula, South Bay, further into East Bay or Marin), we'll discuss a travel fee when booking.

  • If heavy rain is forecasted, I'll reschedule you ASAP at no charge.

    For light or intermittent rain, I'll check in 1-2 hours before the shoot to make the call.

    Backup plan: We can always use my Sausalito studio instead!

PREPARING FOR YOUR SHOOT

  • Once you're booked, you'll get my Resource Guide with extensive tips on outfits, colors, patterns, grooming, and more.

    Quick tips:

    • Bring a few options—I'll help you choose

    • Solid colors or subtle patterns work best

    • Dress for how you want to be seen professionally

    • Layers give you variety (jacket on/off, scarf, jewelry)

    An "outfit" = one complete look (shirt + pants, dress, suit, casual combo, etc.). You can add/remove layers within one outfit.

  • I don't offer it directly, but I have trusted artists I work with regularly:

    You book and pay them directly. About 25% of my clients add this service—it's totally optional but can boost confidence!

    I also have a monthly headshot pop up with Christina Choi (check out the Specials page) where you can have make up and studio photos done, it is super fun!

  • Your Final Confirmation includes everything you need:

    • Location details and parking info

    • What to bring (outfits, water, touch-up makeup)

    • Grooming tips

    • What to expect during the shoot

    Day-of: Just show up, relax, and trust the process. I'll handle the rest!

DURING YOUR SESSION

  • We'll meet at our agreed location, chat for a few minutes to get comfortable, then dive in!

    I blend candid photojournalistic shots with posed portraits. I give tons of direction—where to stand, how to angle your body, where to look—so you're never left guessing.

    My goal: photos that look authentically like YOU on your best day.

  • Me! Sarah Deragon. I'm the founder, owner, and sole photographer. I've spent 13+ years working with everyone from camera-shy individuals to 200+ person corporate shoots for companies like Google, Stripe, and Adobe.

    My superpower? Connecting with people and helping you actually enjoy your session (and love your photos).

AFTER YOUR SESSION

  • You'll receive an email titled "Your Photos Are Ready" within 10 days to 3 weeks of your session.

    The email includes:

    • Link to your online gallery

    • Downloadable .zip file with all images

    Check your spam folder if you don't see it!

  • Yes! Rush turnaround is available for an additional fee. Just mention this when you submit your booking form so we can discuss timing and pricing.

  • You'll receive an invoice a few days before your session. Payment is due at the end of your shoot (or as agreed for corporate bookings).

    Your photos won't be processed until payment is received.

  • All photos include professional editing in Adobe Lightroom:

    • Color correction

    • Minor skin smoothing

    • Blemish removal

    • Clarity and vibrance adjustments

    Not included: Body slimming, head swapping, heavy wrinkle removal, or graphic design work (cropping, resizing, vignettes).

    Extra retouching available for a fee (like my anti-glare treatment for glasses).

    Less than 1% of photos on my site have additional retouching—it's rarely needed!

  • As a digital business, I don't offer prints directly. I recommend Social Print Studio for high-quality prints at great prices.

    You'll receive high-resolution digital files perfect for printing anywhere.

CORPORATE & TEAM HEADSHOTS

  • Do you do corporate headshots?

    Absolutely! I've worked with Google, Adobe, Stripe, Cloudflare, Yelp, and many other companies—from small teams to 200+ person multi-city shoots.

    Corporate packages include:

    • Express Team Headshots (studio, 15-30 people, 5-min slots)

    • Leadership Headshots (more time, 3 images per executive)

    • On-Site Pop-Up Studio (I come to your office)

    • Company Brand Refresh (team + leadership bundle

    Learn more about corporate services

  • Yes! My On-Site Pop-Up Studio package includes everything needed to set up at your location. Minimum spend + half or full-day rate applies.

    Requirements: dedicated space, power access, day-of contact person, and minimum 12 bookings.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Unfortunately no, but I have an amazing list of wedding photographers I'm happy to share!

  • Yes! My images are available for editorial, commercial, and educational licensing. Each license is customized based on scope, duration, content and distribution.

    Contact me with project details for a quote.

  • Of course! Check out my Yelp reviews or Google reviews to hear from past clients.

    Spoiler: Most people say the experience was way easier and more fun than expected. 😊

READy TO boOK?

Still have questions?

Get in touch—I'm here to help make this process as painless as possible.

Ready to do this?

Book your session now and let's create photos you'll actually love.