Hiring a photographer can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. You may know that you need new photographs, but you may not know what kind you need, how to prepare, or what will happen once you arrive. My job is to make the entire process feel clear and comfortable, from our first conversation through the delivery of your final photographs. Here is what you can expect when you work with Zettl Photography.
1. What happens after I contact you?
Every session begins with a conversation. Before we talk about dates, locations, or pricing, I want to understand why you need photographs and how you hope to use them.
The images we create for a keynote speaker should look different from those created for a financial advisor, veterinarian, business owner, or family preserving an important season of life. Once I understand your goals, I’ll recommend the type of session that makes the most sense and guide you through the rest of the process.
2. How do we decide what kind of photographs I actually need?
Most people begin by saying they need a headshot. Sometimes they do. Often, though, what they really need is a collection of photographs that tells a broader story.
During our conversation, we’ll talk about where your images will appear, who you are trying to reach, and what you want people to understand or feel when they see them. That helps us decide whether a simple headshot, a business portrait session, or a complete image library is the right fit.
3. How do I prepare for my session?
I’ll send you suggestions before your session so you know what to expect. We’ll talk through clothing, locations, timing, and anything else that will help you feel prepared.
My goal is that by the time we begin photographing, you can focus on the experience rather than wondering whether you brought the right jacket, chose the right location, or forgot something important.
4. What should I wear?
Choose clothing that feels like you on your best day. Solid colors and simple patterns usually photograph well, and clothing that fits properly almost always matters more than whether it is the latest style.
If you are unsure, you are welcome to send me photographs of your options beforehand. I’m happy to help you choose pieces that photograph well and create enough variety for the ways you plan to use your images.
5. Where will we photograph?
That depends on your story. We may photograph at your office, in your home, around St. Louis, inside a studio, or in another location that supports the purpose of the session.
Rather than choosing a setting simply because it is attractive, I prefer locations that add context and make sense for the person or business being photographed.
6. What if I’m awkward in front of the camera?
Almost everyone tells me some version of this.
Being comfortable in front of the camera is not a requirement. Helping you become comfortable is part of my job. I’ll guide you throughout the session with simple direction and conversation, so you are never left wondering what to do with your hands, where to look, or how to stand.
Most clients tell me afterward that the experience was much easier, and often much more enjoyable, than they expected.
7. How long does the session take?
The amount of time depends on what we are creating. A straightforward headshot session may take less than an hour. A business portrait session with several outfits or locations may take longer, while a complete image library can take several hours.
We’ll discuss the timeline beforehand so you understand how much time to set aside and what we can realistically accomplish during the session.
8. Can I change clothes?
Absolutely. Different outfits can create different impressions and give you more flexibility in how you use your photographs.
I’ll help you choose combinations that create real variety rather than simply changing from one nearly identical outfit to another. A jacket, sweater, open-collar shirt, dress, or change in accessories can shift the tone of an image while still feeling consistent with who you are.
9. How do you pose people who aren’t models?
Very few of my clients are professional models, and I never expect them to arrive knowing how to pose.
I’ll guide you through natural movements, posture, hand placement, and expressions that feel comfortable. Rather than putting you into a rigid pose and asking you to hold it, I pay attention to how you naturally move and make small adjustments that photograph well.
The goal is not to make you look like someone else. It is to create a photograph in which you recognize yourself.
10. Can I bring someone with me?
Of course. Some people enjoy having a spouse, friend, colleague, or member of their team there for encouragement or a second opinion on clothing.
As long as that person helps you feel supported and relaxed, they are welcome.
11. What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
If weather is an important part of the session and the conditions are not working in our favor, we can adjust our plans, move indoors, or reschedule.
I would rather make a thoughtful change than force a session in conditions that will affect the quality of the photographs or leave you feeling uncomfortable.
12. How do I choose my favorite images?
After the session, I’ll narrow the photographs to the strongest images before you see them. Depending on the type of session, we may review them together so I can help you compare expressions, body language, and the different ways each photograph may work for you.
The image you are immediately drawn to is not always the one that communicates the most confidence, approachability, or authority. I’ll explain what I see so you can make an informed decision while still choosing photographs that feel like you.
13. What kind of retouching do you do?
Every final image receives careful, natural retouching. My philosophy is simple: you should still look like yourself.
I may remove temporary distractions such as blemishes, stray hairs, lint, or glare and make subtle refinements to the photograph. I do not want your skin to look artificial or your features to feel unfamiliar.
If there is something specific you would like adjusted, you are always welcome to ask.
14. When will I receive my photographs?
Most portrait galleries are ready within a week -sooner if need be. Larger commercial projects or image libraries may take longer, depending on the number of photographs and the level of retouching involved.
I’ll give you a delivery estimate before or shortly after your session. I work efficiently, but I also take the time to make sure the final photographs are carefully edited and ready to represent you well.
15. How can I use the images?
Your final files will be prepared for the ways you plan to use them. Business clients commonly use their photographs on LinkedIn, company websites, speaker pages, publications, proposals, press releases, social media, advertising, and other marketing materials.
Depending on your session, you may receive high-resolution files for print along with smaller versions optimized for websites and social media. If you need a particular crop, orientation, or file size, let me know so I can prepare it correctly.
16. What happens after the session is over?
Receiving your photographs does not have to be the end of the process.
If you need an additional crop, help choosing photographs for your website, guidance on which images to use in different places, or another session as your business or family changes, I’m here.
Many of my clients return over the years because their businesses grow, their roles change, their families evolve, and their stories continue. Their photographs should continue with them.
