Headshots Prices and Policies

For individual headshot packages, please contact us via email or phone. Visit our contact page

Payment Policies

Accepted forms of payment include cash, checks and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover). Cash payment must be made in person.

Shoot dates are not held without a $100 non-refundable retainer. The retainer is applied towards the final balance for the shoot.

All shoots must be paid for in advance or by the day of the session. No images will be delivered until the balance is paid in full.

If you need to cancel for any reason, one reschedule is permitted with 48 hours notice. The reschedule date must occur within 30 days of the original shoot date. Retainer fees are non-refundable. If you need to reschedule, contact us immediately. Additional reschedules beyond one will incur a second retainer fee.

Payments late beyond seven days of the shoot will incur a $50 fee per-week. Images will not be delivered until payment is made in full. Payment not collected within 30 days will be turned over to a collections agency.

Bounced checks will incur a $25 fee.

Custom payment plans are available, however no matter the plan, all fees are due by the day of the shoot.

Discounts

Clients may only apply one discount per shoot. Children's Headshot Update Shoots are not eligible for discounts.

Client-for-Life Program

Balance photography rewards returning customers with our unique Client-for-Life Program. Once you have reached a certain number of regular-priced shoots, you will get your Client-for-Life membership card and receive a free shoot each year. Benefits in the Client-for-Life program apply to headshots, commercial pictures, family/baby portraits, pet photos, boudoir sessions and more. Inquire for details.

Turnaround Time

For all shoots, standard turnaround time is 3 to 5 business days. If you need your images faster, rush turnaround (24 hours) is available for $75.00.

For retouching, standard turnaround time is 3 to 5 business days. If you need your retouched files faster, rush turnaround (24 hours) is available for $25.00 per image.

We do not offer turnaround at the shoot; ie, we do not process pictures "while you wait."

Consultations

For headshots, we are happy to have a complimentary phone or iChat/Skype consulation with you. Phone or video chat consultations must be scheduled in advance and will last about 15 minutes. We ask that you please read all the information in our FAQ, policies/prices and about pages before your consultation and have questions ready to go.

If you would like an in-person consultation for your headshot, we can set up a meeting at our location. In-person headshot consultations are $20.00, paid in advance, and the fee will be applied to the cost of your shoot.

Retouching Polices/Rates

It is our strong belief that your headshot should look like YOU! Like you at your best, in present time. Not looking older or younger or thinner or thicker. But how you really are. To that end, the following Photoshop work is included in your headshot selects retouching: overall image toning/color correction; cleaning up background elements; general lighten/darken of image; teeth whitening; under-eye circle lightening; blemish removal; stray hair removal; gentle skin smoothing; removing skin shine; fading wrinkles/age spots.

If you don't see it on that list, you'll likely see it below. If we don't include it on the list above, we want you to think hard about whether or not you really need it — if it's really you. If you're wondering... can they make me look thinner/thicker/younger/blonder/etc.? The answer is yes, we can. In fact, we can do just about anything you need with Photoshop. But the next question is — should you do that? Your headshot should be an honest, authentic picture. We can make you look however you want. But ultimately, when you show up in front of a director/agent/client/human being — you need to look like the photo you sold yourself with. We will Photoshop whatever you like. We include the list above and offer the list below.

Please note, if you do not use one of our recommended professional make-up artists, additional retouching fees may apply, as non-professional make-up, or make-up applied by artists not familiar with our lighting/shooting style typically require additional retouching labor on the computer. A great deal of retouching can be avoided — and thus a more natural photographic look achieved — by hiring the right make-up professional from the beginning. For all clients 13 and over, male or female, professional make-up application is strongly recommended.

Additional retouching charges:

Weather Policy

The show must go on, and so do we. Shoots can proceed in fog, rain, snow and cold or hot temperatures. In fact, ideal shooting is on an overcast, slightly cold day. The best natural light all year... is in the winter, thanks to the less direct angle of the Earth. Snow also makes gorgeous lighting conditions. If your shooting in the summer time, we strongly suggest you plan to get here early — before the humidity and insects make their daily appearance.

We will check in with you the day before your shoot, but we will go on with all shoots in most weather conditions. Shoots are rarely cancelled due to weather. But, there are some situations when safety comes first, no matter how urgently you need your pictures.

Here are the occasions we will reschedule for weather, due to health or safety concerns....

  1. Temperatures are below freezing (32 degrees F) or above 95.
  2. There is flooding reported in our area, or in the area between you and us.
  3. Storms with lightning and thunder, or extreme wind.
  4. Sleet or ice are falling from the sky and it's not safe to drive.
  5. Snow is too deep to drive in.
  6. The State of Maryland has declared a state of emergency, such as a hurricane, tropical storm, earthquake or other Act of God, and all non-emergency personnel must be off the roads.

Escort/Guest Policy

For all shoots, only one escort/guest is allowed. Our work area is not designed to accommodate entourages. Please do not bring along anyone who makes you uncomfortable, as they will be with you through the entire shooting process. Best tip — if you're nervous and want an escort, bring a friend or relative that makes you laugh.

Clients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No exceptions. The parent/guardian should plan to stay for the entire duration of the shoot.

Copyright Policy/Model Release Policy

As the artist creating your images, the photographer who takes the pictures holds the copyright. To actually transfer copyright ownership is a complex and expensive legal procedure and is not necessary for most individual's needs.

All headshot shoots include a signed copyright release to use the images for promotional purposes including websites, resumes, postcards, business cards, posters, book cover flaps, comp cards, programs, portfolios, brochures, trade show displays, business stationary, headshot repros and social networking/dating sites. If you have some other specific use in mind, please let us know, we're happy to talk to you about it.

Additionally, we ask all our clients to sign a basic model release for us, so we can use your pictures to promote our work — just as you will use our images to promote yours. We will never sell your pictures for stock. Period.