Frequently asked questions.

What types of sessions does Halide Photography offer?

Halide Photography offers individual headshots, team headshots, conference and event headshot booths, and branding sessions for professionals and organizations across Greater Boston and New England. Sessions are designed to be relaxed, guided, and tailored to how you actually use your images, including LinkedIn, websites, speaking, marketing, and more.

How much does an individual headshot session cost?

Individual headshot sessions are $250 for the session itself. After your shoot, each fully retouched image you choose to keep is $75, so you only invest in the photos that help you achieve your goals.

How much do team headshot sessions cost?

Team and group headshot sessions are custom-quoted based on how many people you have, where you’re located, and what you need delivered, and generally start at $1,500. This approach makes it easy to scale from a small leadership team to a full-office headshot day while keeping your brand consistent.

What do conference and event headshots cost?

Conference and event headshot booths start at $2,500. Packages are tailored to your event length, attendee volume, and any sponsor branding or custom delivery options you’d like to offer.

What do branding sessions cost?

Branding sessions—which go beyond a single headshot to build a library of on-brand images—start at $2,500. These sessions often include multiple looks, locations, and a variety of portraits and lifestyle images for your website, social media, and marketing.

Where is your studio and what areas do you serve?

The studio is located at 92 Concord St, Unit 12, North Reading, MA 01864, about 20 minutes from Boston with easy access from I‑93. Halide Photography primarily serves Greater Boston and the North Shore, but routinely travels to clients throughout New England and beyond.

How do I book a session?

For an individual headshot session, you can book instantly online at a time that works for you. Head over to our headshot page to book!

For corporate headshots, event and conference headshots, or branding sessions, fill out a contact form on the service page you’re interested in, or reach out directly via email at info@halidephoto.com.

How far in advance should I schedule?

We pride ourselves in being available on any schedule! If you need headshots for you or your team on a tight schedule, please reach out!

For individual headshots, booking 2–3 weeks ahead usually gives a good selection of dates. For teams, conferences, and branding sessions, 4–6 weeks (or more for large events) is recommended to lock in your preferred date and to ensure we logistics solidified.

What does a typical individual headshot session include?

Your session includes time in the North Reading studio, outfit and styling guidance, fully guided posing and expression coaching, and an in-person review of photos after we finish the photography session. We don’t set time limits on our sessions, we believe that it’s important to have as much time as we need together without having to watch the clock.

What’s included in a team headshot session?

Team sessions include a pre-shoot consultation, on-site setup at your office (or a chosen location), consistent lighting and backgrounds for everyone, and an efficient schedule so your team can move through quickly. Pricing is customized and starts at $1,500, with a clear proposal outlining what’s included.

What’s included in conference and event headshot coverage?

Conference and event coverage includes a fully equipped professional headshot station, professional lighting, a polished backdrop, and a workflow designed for high volume. Headshot booths are perfect for sponsors or organizers who want to offer real value to attendees. Event headshots start at $2,500 and can be structured as sponsor-branded, participant-pay, or hybrid models.

What’s included in a branding session?

Branding sessions are more in-depth: they may span multiple locations, outfits, and scenarios to tell the full story of you and your business. Starting at $2,500, these sessions are planned around your brand colors, messaging, and how you’ll use the images across your website, social media, and marketing.

What makes Halide Photography different from other Boston headshot photographers?

Halide Photography is a premium, headshot-focused studio built around connection, empathy, and humor, perfect for people who hate having their picture taken. With world-class, purpose-built lighting and guided coaching, you get images that look polished and powerful without feeling stiff or fake.

I hate being in front of the camera. Can you still help me?

Yes. Most clients start by saying they’re camera-shy, not photogenic, or haven’t updated their headshot in 10 years. Through conversation, clear direction, and a relaxed studio environment, the process is broken down into simple steps so you’re never left wondering what to do.

What is your approach to posing and expression?

My approach is to provide clear guidance on your posture and position in front of the camera, then to work with you to create the expression that fits the purpose of your headshots through conversation and a bit of humor. I’ll never say “smile” during a session…when’s the last time you had a great photo taken of you when you were cheesing for the camera?

Can I see images during the session?

Yes, that’s an integral part of our process. We’ll periodically review images on-screen so you can see what’s working and what you want to refine. This collaborative check-in helps ensure that we can adjust, capture the style and expression you’re looking for, and so that I can coach you on expression and posture.

Who typically hires you for headshots?

Clients range from executives, founders, and consultants to lawyers, physicians, real estate agents, academics, and creative professionals. Many people are updating their LinkedIn, starting a new role, launching a business, or simply replacing an outdated image they no longer love.

Do you offer headshots for actors, creatives, and students?

Yes, sessions can be tailored for actors, performers, authors, and students who need images with a bit more personality or range. Backgrounds, lighting, and posing are adjusted to fit the expectations of your field while still feeling authentic to you.

Do I really need a professional headshot?

A professional headshot creates immediate trust and recognition on LinkedIn, your website, and across marketing materials in a way a selfie, AI headshot, or cropped photo from a wedding usually doesn’t. In a competitive Boston market, a strong headshot can help you stand out to recruiters, clients, and partners before you ever speak.

What should I wear for my headshot?

Choose clothes that fit well, feel like you, and match how you want to be perceived; more formal for corporate, more relaxed for creative or personal brands. Solid colors and simple patterns work best, and layers (like blazers or jackets) often photograph especially well.

Do you offer hair and makeup?

Yes, professional hair and makeup are available through a trusted stylist we work closely with. This is an optional add-on that can be selected at booking. We also offer hair and makeup for team sessions and conferences - just ask!

Is hair and makeup included in the session price?

Hair and makeup are not included in the base session price.

Can you help me choose outfits?

Absolutely. Bring a few options, and at the start of your session we’ll review everything together and make some selections. You’ll get guidance on which pieces look great on camera and best fit your goals and industry.

Is there parking at your North Reading studio?

Yes, convenient parking is available at the studio in North Reading. Parking details and exact directions are included in your confirmation email so you know exactly where to go.

Do you travel to offices in Boston and surrounding towns?

Yes, Halide Photography regularly travels to offices across Greater Boston and New England for team and leadership headshots. Travel fees vary by distance and will be clearly outlined in your quote.

What do you need from us for an on-site corporate or event setup?

Typically, a conference room or open area with space for a backdrop, lights, and a small staging area is ideal, plus access to power. Before your session date, we’ll schedule a complimentary consultation, either in-person or remotely. Our goal during the consultation will be to align on shooting location, logistics, style choices, and any other details that are important to make the session execution flawless.

Are my chosen images retouched?

Yes, all final purchased images include professional retouching designed to look natural and flattering. The goal is to help you look rested, polished, and confident—never plastic or over-processed.

What does standard retouching include?

Standard retouching typically covers skin tone enhancement, blemish removal, under-eye retouching, flyaway hair cleanup, and color and contrast adjustments. If you need heavier or more specific edits, like background replacements or compositing, those can be quoted separately.

How will I receive my photos?

Your selected images are delivered as digital files via an online gallery or download link. You’ll receive high-resolution files suitable for print and web.

Can I use my headshots for LinkedIn, my website, and speaking engagements?

Yes, your headshots are licensed for broad professional use, including LinkedIn, your website, speaker bios, and typical marketing materials. If you need extended licensing (such as large-scale advertising or exclusive image use), that can be discussed and customized.

Can you provide the RAW files?

Generally, no. RAW files are like digital negatives; they’re unprocessed and not yet a finished product. Part of what you’re hiring me for is the editing and retouching that brings your images to life. I deliver high-resolution, fully edited images that reflect the quality, style, and professional standard of Halide Photography. Sharing RAW files would be like a chef serving unfinished ingredients instead of a plated meal, and I want you to walk away with something polished and ready to use. However, if you require RAW files, that can be quoted.

Do you require a deposit to book?

Yes, a non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your date and time. Details are outlined clearly in your booking agreement before you pay.

What if I need to reschedule or I’m sick?

If you’re ill or have an emergency, get in touch as soon as you can to discuss rescheduling within the current policy window. The aim is to stay flexible while also respecting reserved studio or event time.

What if I’m not happy with my photos?

The process is designed to be collaborative, with image review during and after the session so you can steer the look. If something still feels off, reach out. I want to make sure you’re completely happy with your images.

Will my images work across LinkedIn, Zoom, Slack, and other platforms?

Yes, your files are created to be flexible for LinkedIn, Zoom, Slack, internal directories, and your website. If you have specific size requirements, those can be provided as alternate crops.

Can you coordinate with my designer or marketing team?

Absolutely. Specs can be discussed directly with your designer, web developer, or marketing/PR team. This ensures your images arrive in the right formats and fit seamlessly into your materials.

If an employee misses a headshot event or we hire them after the event, can they still get a matching headshot?

Yes. We document all of the details of the shoot so that we can recreate the exact setup used for your event at any point in the future. Ask us about corporate partner employee headshot sessions - if we’ve provided headshots for your team or event, we make it easy for you to send employees to our studio to get their headshot at a special price. This is great for new hires as a part of the onboarding process.

I don’t see exactly what I need. Can we customize something?

Yes, custom headshot and branding projects, like multi-day shoots, ongoing new-hire programs, or editorial-style campaigns, can be designed around your needs. Share your goals, timeline, and approximate scope, and a tailored proposal will be created for you.

How do I get started?

Visit our contact page and use the form or email listed there to reach out with a few details about what you’re looking for. From there, you’ll get a quick response with next steps, availability, and the best session type for your goals.