In Session Image Selection & Image Review

The Five Minute Rule

An important question we get often is how much time do we need, per person?

And while we pride ourselves in the ability to pose and elicite great expressions in just seconds, the experience improves exponentially if you can afford at least 5 minutes per person.

That additional time isn’t just for more photos — it’s to allow for relaxed image review and image selection. These processes help turn a quick capture into an intentional asset.

It is for this reason we don’t charge by the hour. We are invested in the outcome as much as you are, so once you have us booked, you have the day, so feel free to give as much time to your people as possible.

Here’s what you can expect for different time frames:

Group Sessions - Individual Slots Under 5 Minutes

Breaking it down, it takes about 1–2 minutes to prepare: lint roll, hair spray, eye drops, oil wipes, and get them in place. Another 30–60 seconds to tweak the light, adjust positioning, and generate strong expressions. At this point, it's already been 3 minutes.

In a time crunch, we have no issue choosing the best images ourselves. But realistically, most people want to see.

At that point, it becomes less about what’s possible, and more about what’s ideal.

If you only have 5 minutes per person, we focus on generating as many strong expressions as possible so there is a range of good options to choose from later.

This approach works well when the priority is efficiency — capturing usable material without slowing the pace for review.

Group Sessions - Individual Slots Up to 10 Minutes

With closer to 10 minutes, the dynamic shifts.

People have time to settle in.

A first round allows them to experience the process. Seeing those images helps it click.

A second round typically feels more natural — less like they’re “going along with it” and more like they understand what they’re doing.

This is where the expressions become more intentional.

It also allows time to identify strong options and briefly discuss what makes one image feel more balanced than another.

Group Sessions - Individual Slots Over 10 Minutes

When more time is available, the goal often expands beyond a single usable headshot.

This is common with executives or individuals who need multiple looks for different contexts.

For example, it often makes sense, at the very least for leadership to have one headshot on a white background with a real smile, and one headshot on a dark background with a more reserved expressio.

These two will go a long way to cover bases of what might come up.

Beyond that, we can setup portraits for half body shots, partners, and groups, to replace stock imagery and prepare for announcements, awards, etc.

Image Review and Image Selection - In Short

Every shoot is different. Sometimes we are in the office with 8 hours for anybody to sign up. Other times, we set up during a conference at the hotel — where meetings and presentations dictate availability.

Often, this is the only day the team is together for the year, and board members only have 30 seconds, if that.

Regardless of the scenario, we can adapt to make sure that the ultimate goal is achieved, and your team headshots are authentic to the individual, with consistent quality for the company.

Note: For companies pressed for time who still wish to allow individuals to make their own selections (we love that), we do offer online galleries and image storage.