Should I wear my glasses for my headshot?
If you wear glasses in your everyday life, we should absolutely create headshots with them on. If you sometimes wear them and sometimes don’t, we can photograph both looks so you have options. Some lenses show more glare than others, depending on your prescription and the lens material. I’ll adjust lighting and angles to minimize,or completely eliminate, reflections so your images stay clean and professional.
Do I need a blazer, or can a shirt alone work for professional headshots?
If your business culture is one where clients usually see you in a blazer or suit coat, it’s worth bringing one along. We can photograph both with and without it so you have a range of looks to choose from. That variety gives you flexibility for different uses, your company website, LinkedIn, speaking engagements, or press features, all while keeping your personal brand consistent. For a deeper dive, read my full guide: What Should I Wear For A Professional Headshot
What should I wear so I look credible on LinkedIn and my company site?
Start simple: wear something you like and feel confident in. From there, don’t overthink it. Think about how your clients or peers expect to see you in person and start from that. The goal is to look like you on your best day. If you’re unsure, bring a few clothing options to your session so we can create a range of looks. That way, you’ll have options that feel right for LinkedIn, your company website, and beyond. For a deeper dive, read my full guide: What Should I Wear For A Professional Headshot
How many professional headshots do people usually end up choosing?
There’s no set number. Some clients buy one or two, others choose twenty or more. Since you’re not a one-dimensional person, I always encourage selecting a range of images you can use in different situations. One might feel right for LinkedIn, another for your website’s About page, and something slightly different for local press or speaking engagements. You’ll be surprised by how often you’ll need a great headshot once you have them.
If I hire the makeup artist, do I need to arrive early for my appointment?
No need to arrive early. Your appointment time already includes your makeup application. My trusted makeup artist will be ready for you when you arrive, and once makeup is complete, we’ll move straight into your headshot session.
How long does a headshot session take?
It depends on what you need. If you’re coming in with one clothing look and only want one image, your headshot session can be as quick as 10–15 minutes. If you’re bringing multiple looks and want a variety of images, plan for 30 minutes to an hour. Most of my clients select around five final images from their session. If you are working with one of my trusted makeup artists that can add 30 minutes to an hour to your overall time.
Where is Ben Marcum Photography located?
My studio is in the Plainview Village Shopping Center at Hurstbourne Parkway and I-64, between Derby City Pizza and Surge Staffing. The address is: 9940 Linn Station Rd, Louisville, KY 40223. It’s easy to reach from anywhere in Louisville and convenient to surrounding areas like Middletown, Jeffersontown, St. Matthews, and Prospect.
How Should I Do My Hair For My Headshots?
You know your hair better than anyone. Keep it simple and styled the way you love it on a great hair day. If you’re unsure, think about how you’d wear it for an important meeting or job interview. If you want to explore options for changing styles during your session or prepping before your shoot, you can read my full guide on how to wear your hair for headshots.
How Many Headshots Do I Get?
As many as you’d like. Images are sold à la carte, so you only purchase the ones you love. Some clients choose two or three; others buy thirty or more. We’ll review your images together during your session, and you’ll select your favorites before you leave the studio.
Do I need a makeup artist for my headshot session?
It’s optional, but highly recommended. A professional makeup artist knows how to create a clean, camera-ready look that photographs beautifully under studio lighting. If you’d like to see examples and learn when it’s worth it, read my full guide on hiring a makeup artist for professional headshots.

