Question 1

Do you specialize in pageant headshots?

Accepted Answer

Pageant headshots are definately one of my specialties.   As the official photographer for the Miss Alaska America program,  I’ve photographed nearly a hundred young gals since 2020 and have worked with 7 different pageant systems so far and growing,  I've even photographed Miss America 2022 Emma Broyles with her winning headshot!   I know what the judges are looking for and I know how to create a captivating headshot that will leave the judges wanting to know more.

Question 2

How can I be sure that I will walk away with an amazing photo?

Accepted Answer

The first thing you need to know is to trust the process.   From preparation, to makeup and hair, to posing, then retouching,  my goal is to create an amazing image that you are proud of,  so I won’t let you walk away without being completely happy.

Question 3

I’m not sure what to wear.   Can you help me choose the right outfit?

Accepted Answer

Of course!  One thing to remember is that your favorite outfits may not always be the ones that photograph the best.   Be open minded about your outfits and let me help you select the one that compliments you and the final image.   This means you should be bringing multiple clothing options to the studio so that we have choices.   After booking, I will send you my preparation guide and outfit suggestions for your pageant headshot.	 Oh, and you can wear something comfy from the waist down, we won’t see it in the headshots.

Question 4

Do you offer professional makeup?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  While you are welcome to do your own makeup,  having a professional makeup artist that has experience with creating just the right shade of foundation,  the perfect eyes, the right amount of contouring,  and has the flexibility to adapt to the look that you want, is invaluable for a pageant headshot.   You can trust that the makeup artists that I work with have years of experience and know what works best in front of the camera.  Makeup pricing will be listed on the proposal.   Do you need to use my makeup artist? No, you are welcome to come to the studio photo ready.

Question 5

Do you offer professional hair styling?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  The makeup artists that I work with also can create a simple style with curls, soft waves, or straightned hair which is exactly what we recommend.   However,  if you are looking for a specialty hair style, like an updo or something that involves intricate work or fancy braiding,  let us know in advance of your booking so that we can arrange the right artist for the job.   Are you required to book my hair stylist?  No, you are welcome to come photo ready with your hair already styled.

Question 6

How much time should I plan for the entire studio process?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the session you booked, however,  you should plan on the following:
Outfit Prep and selection:  15min
Makeup:  1hr
Hair:  45min
Photoshoot: 20min to an hour depending on session type.
Photo culling and selecting: 30min
Total: about 3 to 3.5 hours in the studio when all the services are used, or about 1 hour total for the headshot lite sessions without makeup services.

Question 7

How do I prep my skin for the best photo results?

Accepted Answer

Take care of your skin by moisturizing on a daily basis leading up to your shoot .   While makeup does cover up blemishes,   healthy skin is essential.   Chapped lips on the other hand are hard to hide.  Use a soft bristled brush to your lips daily to maintain healthy looking lips before your shoot.

Question 8

What if my skin has blemishes on shoot day?

Accepted Answer

No skin is perfect, and its very common to have have blemishes that you don’t want shown.   Just know that between makeup and photo retouching, we can ensure your skin looks blemish free in the final photo.

Question 9

I don’t want to appear pale, should I spray tan?

Accepted Answer

Please only use professional tanning salons well before your photoshoot.  DO NOT spray tan before your shoot.  Hiding the edges of the spray tan are nearly impossible.   That being said, tanning is not necessary,  makeup and photoshop have enough control over your skin tone for the best results.

Question 10

If I wear glasses, is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

If eye-glasses are part of your everyday look and you wish to capture your headshot with glasses,  its important to note that glasses can cause unwanted glare.   Even anti-glare glasses give off a purple hue.    The best way to capture a headshot with glasses is to bring in a pair with the lenses removed.  You won’t notice the lenses are missing in the image and we will have a much clearer view of your eyes.    If a lensless frame is not possible, we will try an alternate angle with the lighting to reduce the glare.  If we can’t avoid the glare, be prepared to shoot without glasses.

Question 11

I don’t know how to pose for a headshot,  what should I know?

Accepted Answer

Luckily for you, you can rest knowing that you will be guided during the entire shoot.    I’ve got you covered using tried and true posing techniques that I have mastered over the years,   plus clear and easy communication for every angle in front of the lens.    We will discover your best and most flattering angles in real time as we evaluate each photo on the monitor.

Question 12

How do I choose my final photos?

Accepted Answer

After the shoot,  we will sit down and look at your photos together and I will be there to help you with the selection process.    While we select your favorites, we will refer to your pageant headshot requirements for guidance (Requirements are different for every pageant system).  If you prefer,  I can send you an online galllery link to choose your photos later, however, you won’t get the benefit of my guidance and the photos will be watermarked.   It’s recommended that you choose your final photo before you leave.

Question 13

Do you photoshop or retouch the photos after?

Accepted Answer

Yes, nearly every photo that I deliver has some level of retouching, from light skin retouching, all the way to high-end professional glam retouching and this is included in your session fee.    My goal is to deliver a very natural look with just a touch of glam.   When I share my results with you, I want you to be happy, so you can opt for more or less retouching, the choice is yours.    Here are some of the things that I address in my photos…. skin blemishes or redness, white eyes and teeth,  dark circles and unwanted shadows,  fly away hairs and hair gaps,  and more.    High-end retouching may also include clothing fixes and flaws, hiding undergarments, adding additional contouring, fixing hair gaps, filling in eyebrows, modiying lip color, and more.

Question 14

What is your turn around time?

Accepted Answer

My goal is to deliver the first retouched photo within 3 business days of your session, but sometimes it can take a week or a little more.    Be sure to ask me my current turn-around times when booking your session.

Question 15

I’m a little anxious about being photographed, is this normal?

Accepted Answer

This is totally normal,  especially if this is your first time in front of the lights and camera.  Just know that this feeling will subside once we’ve started the proces,   you should feel pretty relaxed about the whole process in no time.

Question 16

How do I book with you?

Accepted Answer

If you are reading this, chances are you are already in my system.  However, If you haven’t filled out my website form, head to www.kevinhedin.com and fill out the form at the bottom of the main page.   You should be receiving a  proposal shortly via email.... If you didn’t get my headshot proposal by the end of the day, please send me a message via text or email, and I will be sure to send that to you.   Text 907-227-2021 or email at kevin@kevinhedin.com

Question 17

I’m not sure which session to book,  is the Headshot Lite or the Headshot Pro session right for me?

Accepted Answer

Both sessions will give you amazing results, however the Headshot Pro session is recommended for those that want to craft 2 distinct looks instead of just 1.   We can change outfits, backgrounds, and lighting for a complete new look.  It’s also a longer session, so you get a full hour in front of the camera so that we can craft the exact look that you want.   The Headshot lite session is a 20-min session and is more suited for beginning or local title headshots,  while the Headshot Pro session is better suited for seasoned competitors or State or National pageants.    Both sessions allow studio time for makeup, hair, and choosing your official photos with the photographer.

Question 18

Can I bring a family member or a friend?

Accepted Answer

Of course, you are welcome to bring someone to your shoot.   If you are 17 or younger, you are required to bring an adult with you, but you can also bring a friend if you would like.

Question 19

Can I see some of your examples of your headshots?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course, I have an updated gallery of pageant images below.   Feel free to click on any of them to see more images of the same person.

Frequently asked questions