Frequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions, and their corresponding answers, to help you plan your visit – or maybe you’re just curious…? If you have a question that isn’t addressed here, please reach out and we will get back to you as soon as possible – or feel free to pick up the phone and give us a call.
Prepping for your shoot ...
Our studio is comfortable and fully equipped with professional equipment. We have a clothing rack for your wardrobe options, a change room and make-up area, and a comfortable kitchen and lounge to enjoy a coffee or tea and a chat before your session.
What to bring and wear ...
Your clothing has a huge impact on the look and vibe of your headshot. You can start with all the tops that you feel confident and comfortable in, and then refine it from there. Here are some tips to help you work out what to pack.
Where do I park?
The Norwood Studio has parking available in the carpark at the rear of the studio. Enter via North Street (just past the mural). You are welcome to enter via the back door of the studio; otherwise come through the front and we can set you up in the green room (changeroom / make-up room / chill out space). For further information on parking at Cog Creative see the parking and location pack pdf.
Do I need to arrive early?
There is no need to arrive early as there may be a shoot prior to yours. Please arrive on time (or as close to that as possible) and there will be enough time for us to have a chat with a coffee / tea, and set you up in the green room, and with any clothing you have set up on the clothes racks. If you do arrive early and someone is at the studio, there is a reception area you can wait in. Or there are plenty of café’s nearby.
I am very nervous about having my photograph taken – any tips?
Most people feel a little (or very) anxious about having their picture taken in a formal environment. We promise there is absolutely nothing to worry about (we know that’s easy to say, but we do mean it). The session is VERY relaxed and it’s our job to make you look as relaxed and comfortable as possible. We basically hang out in the studio and chat while we take a few snaps! You will be directed with very detailed instructions about how to stand and what to do with your arms, shoulders and head. We promise to make you look great with gorgeous lighting, and to be authentic in front of the camera. We have lots of tricks to help you forget about the camera and just have fun. There’s no need to worry about how you will look –we will choose the best outfits and try different poses and expressions until we get what we need, and you will be surprised at how much fun it is.
Can I bring my shaving kit to the studio for a different look?
Yes! If you would like to get your headshot taken with a beard / stubble and then shave for a fresh-faced look that is no problem. The Basic Headshot package may not allow enough time or flexibility for this so please book the Standard or portfolio package to make sure we have enough time during the session. We have a simple bathroom sink you can use (but please keep it clean and tidy when you are done). If possible please email a note to say that you are planning to shave mid-shoot so that we can allow enough time within the session.
i need to match a specific style for my headshot - can you do that?
Yes! If you need (or would like) to match an existing look for a company style guide, for example, we can easily match the look you require. Please email the style guide or reference images through as soon as possible so that we can make sure we can be set up with lighting and backdrops to suit. If you’ve seen something online that you like the look of, feel free to send through a link or reference images.
Will I see the photographs as they are taken?
Your headshots are captured directly to the studio computer, and the images will come up on a monitor as we work. This will help you to feel confident and for us to collaborate to make sure you are happy with the details of the shot like how your hair looks, any distractions with how your clothing sits, and details like your expression and pose. If we are on location indoors (as opposed to one of our studios) we will also shoot to a laptop (where possible) and you can see images as we go at regular intervals, or at the end of the session. If you prefer not to see the images as we work, that is absolutely fine too.
Do I have to select my final images on the day?
This depends on what type of shoot you have booked in for. Most of the corporate headshots are simpler and shorter shoots, and we will review and select your final images at the end of the shoot. For multiple-looks (wardrobe changes and background changes) with longer shoots, we will most likely send you a link to a private online gallery for you to select your images from, at your leisure. We are happy to work around your needs and adopt whichever system you would prefer.
How soon before I get my final edited selections?
Please allow at least 1 week for us to process your final selections and do the required post production. However if you do require your images urgently please let us know at the time of your shoot so that we can prioritise your edits.
how do i choose my final images for editing?
If you have booked a corporate headshot with just one or two images required, we do prefer that you select your final image/s on the day of your shoot if time permits.
If you have booked a shoot with a range of outfits and looks we prefer that you make your selections via our online gallery system.
After your shoot please allow a few days for us to process your shoot and prepare your images into the online system. When your gallery is ready you will be emailed a secure link to the online gallery, where you can go through the shots to select your favourites for editing. The online gallery system allows you to mark your favourites and send us a notification when your selections have been finalised. If you have not received your online link after a few days please check your junk mail as these emails do sometimes end up in junk mail depending on your email settings – please keep an eye out and reach out if you have still not received the link so that we know to re-send it.
None of your headshot packages suit my needs - can you do custom package prices?
Yes we can create a custom plan and quote for any headshot or portrait ideas or needs you may have. We can be very flexible to create exactly what you require at an affordable price. Instead of booking via the website just send an email with as much detail as possible so that we can respond with a specific quote.