What Exactly Are Virtual Headshots?

Virtual headshots are a popular form of business portrait widely used on company websites, internal communication platforms, and LinkedIn profiles. They provide a professional representation, enhancing your online presence and leaving a positive impression on potential clients and employers. Unlike traditional professional headshots taken in person with a photographer, virtual headshots are captured using a smartphone or computer web camera. By editing the photo to enhance lighting, contrast, and the background, a virtual headshot can rival a professional one in specific scenarios. Although virtual professional headshots may only be suitable for some placements, such as print marketing materials or book covers, they can still be incredibly effective for making a positive first impression online. By carefully crafting your virtual headshot, you can leave a lasting impact on potential connections and colleagues, ensuring you present yourself in the best possible light.

How Can I Get Virtual Headshots at Home?

Zen Studios LA offers a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on capturing your professional virtual headshots using your smartphone. 

Once you’ve followed our guidelines, you can conveniently purchase a virtual headshot package via our website and easily upload your photo for our expert editing team to refine.

It’s crucial to adhere to the guidelines for exceptional virtual headshots.

Rest assured; our team will carefully review your submitted photo to ensure it meets all the guidelines before launching into the editing process.

What Do I Wear for Virtual Headshots?

Choosing the appropriate photo attire depends on your personality, industry, and intended placement. For more conservative fields like law and finance, we recommend opting for the standard suit-and-tie attire or its female equivalent. Alternatively, a helpful rule of thumb is to observe professionals in your industry on LinkedIn, paying closer attention to successful individuals rather than just your immediate network. Remember, dress for the job you aspire to have, not just for the one you currently hold. If you still need to decide, feel free to consult with us! We’re always here to offer guidance.

How Do I Pose for Virtual Headshots?

There’s no need to get carried away with extravagant poses regarding virtual headshots. Our in-person sessions focus on a minimalistic approach that highlights your professionalism rather than your posing skills.

To kick off your session, warm up with simple and straightforward poses. Just stand tall, wear a confident smile and radiate self-assurance.

As you progress, feel free to experiment with poses like crossing your arms, placing your hands in your pockets, or leaning towards the camera over a table. You can find examples of these poses in the provided section.

Our goal is to capture the best version of yourself while maintaining an authentic and professional look. So let’s get started and create stunning virtual headshots together.

Which Backdrops Work Best for Virtual Headshots?

For most industries, we highly recommend using neutral backdrops in white, gray, or black shades. These colors provide a crisp and professional quality to your shots, conveying reliability and consistency.

When you order virtual headshots on our website, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from 20 different background styles. During the editing process, our team can remove the original background of your photo and replace it with a more polished and professional backdrop.

However, if you work in creative industries, non-profits, or the tech field and would like your photos to have a bit more “pop,” feel free to select a colored studio backdrop or even try a natural background. These choices can bring out more personality in your photos.

At Zen Studios LA, we offer a wide range of diverse virtual backdrop options to cater to your preferences.

How Remote Teams Get High-quality Virtual Headshots?

Zen Studios provides a bespoke virtual headshot service specifically designed for distributed teams. With a simple account creation, employees can easily upload their own home-taken photos using a unique link.

Our team will meticulously retouch the photos, seamlessly replacing the background according to your preferences. This option is a perfect fit for remote teams and those on a tight budget, delivering a convenient and scalable solution for obtaining professional virtual headshots for your entire team. It’s a cost-effective way to ensure a consistent and professional visual representation. Join us for remarkable virtual headshots tailored for your team’s needs.

How Much Do Virtual Headshots Cost?

Depending on location, package, and provider, virtual headshots can vary in cost, typically ranging from $225 and above. When considering pricing, two critical factors to keep in mind are licensing and retouching fees.

Licensing plays a vital role as photographers often retain ownership of the photos until they are purchased. This is separate from the session fee, which covers the time spent in the photographer’s studio. Additional licensing fees might apply if you use the photos for press releases, advertisements, magazine features, or book covers.

Regarding retouching, photographers commonly charge $225 and above per photo. It is essential to factor in these fees while calculating the total cost of your session.

At Zen Studios, we offer affordable sessions where you get to retain 100% usage rights for all images from your shoot. Additionally, we provide a custom-retouched image of your choosing. Exciting opportunities await! If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, our Virtual Headshot services have you covered. Don’t wait; book your session now and let us capture your best self!

  • 1 Look (1 Outfit / 1 Backdrop)

  • Wardrobe Consultation

  • 1 Hi-res Retouched Image

  • Women – Makeup – Add $140

  • Men – Grooming – Add $125

  • Contact us for Spring Promo 2024!

  • 2 Looks (Outfits and/or Backdrop Change)

  • Wardrobe Consultation

  • 2 Hi-res Retouched Images

  • Women – Makeup – Add $140

  • Men – Grooming – Add $125

UNLIMITED LOOKS

$999
  • On-Location Shoot – 120 min Session

  • Wardrobe Consultation

  • 10 Hi-res Retouched Images

  • Women – Makeup – Add $200

  • Men – Grooming – Add $125