Whatever your image should be
Love It
Entirely Guided Headshot Sessions
In the real world, you have a valuable presence. On camera, you suddenly forget how to smile. Why?
Most people chalk it up to being “awkward on camera” but the reality is headshots are tricky when you consider the situation: a hi-res camera, bright lights, zoomed in on the face, against a plain background.
If you ignore these challenges and wing it, let’s just say results may vary.
Our guided approach addresses these challenges, head on (ba dum tss), proving time and again that even the most camera shy individuals can take great headshots - if they are willing to follow along!
WORD ON THE STREET
WORD ON THE STREET
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Great job with helping take our company to the next level! Really appreciate the professional rapport and execution. Was beyond impressed with your work.
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Hair and makeup by Amy looked amazing and photo session was professional and fun - landing great headshots that I can use at my firm, on social media, or other situations.
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The value of the images goes beyond aesthetics—they are a true reflection of who I am and what I represent.
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I truly feel the finished work conveys his talent of capturing the professional yet authentic look I was hoping for.
Professional Headshot Photography
The Loop, Chicago
In office / On location / In Studio
Printers Row
Street Parking / Secure Parking
Building Access / Parking Details shared upon booking
Sessions by appointment only.
FAQ
What do you recommend for wardrobe?
Generally, dress like you are going to the office. For more information on wardrobe, visit read our blog post on wardrobe selection do’s and dont’s.
I am awkward in front of the camera, can you help?
YES. This is what clients love about State Street Headshots. We accept all responsibility for drawing out a wide range of expressions, without sacrificing authenticity and attractiveness. So, don’t worry about posing or making different faces, just bring outfits you love and get excited to see yourself like you never have before.
Can I book with my friend?
Ultimately, this decision is up to you. One key to my sessions is helping people relax, and for most, that means working without an audience. I understand for some, it may help to have a friend tag along. In these cases, I do ask any audience do their best not to interfere. Understand that part of the subject getting the best images is whether or not the photographer can be 100% tuned in.
Do you offer background changes?
Yes, there are a variety of colors and textures to choose from. Solid color on seamless paper work great for headshots, and hand painted canvas works really nicely for portraits. I love layering backdrops whenever possible!
Do you retouch images?
Absolutely. Retouching is as much a part of the results as the photography itself. Using headshot specific processes to retouch skin, eyes, lips, etc., your final images will look polished to perfection, without looking fake/plastic. We are aware of a portrait aesthetic popular in fashion and beauty, which exaggerates skin smoothing, contouring etc., and if you like this aesthetic, we can accommodate but do not always recommend - depending on your industry. Of course, if you just like how it looks and want to have fun with it, go for it!
Can I get a headshot outside or on location?
Yes! Depending on distance and any permits required, there will be an additional fee. Unless you want a very specific location (like the inside of your office) we may be able to achieve the goal you have in mind with a combination of studio production and background replacement in post production. This can save time and money, so for anything beyond our standard looks please reach out beforehand to get a quote.
Do you charge per hour?
No. For full individual sessions, 4 hours are blocked off for 1 AM and1 PM session. On location shoots are either 4 or 8 hours.
Should I get hair & makeup with my session?
This is a personal preference. If you are stressed out about doing your own makeup for your photos, have a professional do it. If you have a look that feels like you, it might make sense to keep that consistent. This is a popular topic, so we put together tips on doing your own hair/makeup for headshots, plus more details on the in studio hair and makeup. Click here : https://www.statestreetheadshots.com/offtherecord/professional-hair-and-makeup
Do you offer packages?
Images are sold a la carte, and various packages are offered in-studio. Rates and availability are subject to change.
How Long Are The Sessions?
All individual sessions include 4 hours of studio time. Corporate accounts may have shorter sessions for new hires, promotions, etc. Depending on time restraints and/or how many images are needed, we may add or remove time.
What is the rescheduling policy?
All individual in-studio sessions include 1 emergency reschedule, no questions asked and unlimited reschedules when at least 72 hours notice is provided. Any last minute rescheduling after the first will incur a $250 fee. Group sessions can refer to the group guide.
Is there parking?
Street parking is available in front of the building, and secure parking is available a few buildings down the street.
Your headshots could be for Linkedin or a billboard, but no matter how mundane or grand, you should be able to choose how you present yourself. And that should not hinge on whether you know how to emote on camera.
With a little coaching, you can go beyond the "1-2-3 smile” and choose from a variety of authentic expressions to work for whatever context you need.
Being photographed is personal, so consider booking a discovery call first so we can get up to speed and go over details like wardrobe, makeup, and overall style.
I look forward to working with you!
Andrew Michaels
Owner/Lead Photographer
Trusted By The Best
You are invited to present yourself
exactly as you do in the real world-
for websites, press, advertising, &
wherever they hang your picture next.
We aren’t getting any younger
It’s Beautiful
Entirely Guided | Headshot Sessions
In the real world, age and experience are invaluable.
On camera, it’s easy to think age is the enemy, but the real issue is headshots are tricky. Without a session built around the challenges of being on camera, results…may vary.
Our guided session proves time and again that age is not just valuable, but beautiful.
Expression Coaching
In Session Review
Natural Retouching
Hair & Makeup
WORD ON THE STREET
WORD ON THE STREET
-
![]()
Great job with helping take our company to the next level! Really appreciate the professional rapport and execution. Was beyond impressed with your work.
-
![]()
Hair and makeup by Amy looked amazing and photo session was professional and fun - landing great headshots that I can use at my firm, on social media, or other situations.
-
![]()
The value of the images goes beyond aesthetics—they are a true reflection of who I am and what I represent.
-
![]()
I truly feel the finished work conveys his talent of capturing the professional yet authentic look I was hoping for.
We invite you to present yourself
the way you do in the real world -
on websites, decks, advertising,
and wherever they hang up your picture next.