Headshots
Professional doesn’t have to mean stiff.
Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, building a personal brand, or refreshing your company website, the goal is simple: a headshot that actually feels like you.
Private Headshots
Private Headshot Session
$300+
These are perfect for working one-on-one to hammer out specific needs and details, or to make sure we've got ample time to get in sync and craft the perfect headshot. Pricing matches my standard portrait pricing options. Our premium professional studio in SE Portland, Cobalt Studios, is available at no additional cost.
Headshot Happy Hour
Event ticket starts at
$75
This is our streamlined way to acquire a premium headshot for minimal cost. If you need an updated portrait and want to keep it simple, quick, and extremely uncomplicated, this may be your move. We try to do these monthly when possible, so peep our events for Headshot Happy Hour.
Team Headshots
Pricing customized; view my guide sheet here
Pricing varies between standard and enhanced variants, to be determined by your specific needs.
If you've got a crew of 3 or 300, we're here to help streamline new portraits for the entire crew. We can staff additional photographers when necessary. As for location, we offer our Portland Studio or can come to your site (if location meets needs). Add a staff or crew portrait or bundle this into a full branding session to save dough and check multiple boxes off your media task list.
Highlighted Testimonials
Michael was easy and fun to work with. I was able to get some much needed headshots. I highly recommend him and Nilas Photography.
-Jean Podrasky
Michael was incredible to work with! I am not usually comfortable in front of a camera, but his energy and professionalism quickly put me at ease and I had a great time. The photos turned out beautiful; I would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a darker/ alt aesthetic.
-Delaney
A Few Things Worth Mentioning
You don't have to be good at being photographed.
Seriously. Most people aren't. A good headshot session is guided, conversational, and designed to get you comfortable enough that the final images actually look like you.
Professional doesn't have to mean boring.
Clean, polished, traditional headshots are absolutely an option. But if your profession, personality, or personal brand calls for something more expressive, we can build that in too.
Studio access is included.
Every headshot session includes complimentary access to Cobalt Studios in Southeast Portland when the studio is the right fit for what you're after.
One headshot doesn't have to do everything.
Need something polished for LinkedIn, something warmer for your website, and something with a little more personality for social media? We can build variety into the session so you're not stuck with one expression and one backdrop.
Bring your actual personality.
A headshot can be professional without looking like you were held hostage by a corporate photographer. If there's something about your style, work, or personality worth showing, let's use it.
Need something quickly?
Headshot Happy Hour is our streamlined option for getting a professional portrait without committing to a full private session. Check the events page for upcoming dates.
Headshot Specific FAQ
I've never had a professional headshot taken. What should I expect?
Don't worry about knowing what to do. Most people aren't naturally comfortable in front of a camera, and that's completely normal. We'll guide you through positioning, expressions, small movements, and variations throughout the session so you don't have to figure it out yourself.
The goal is a professional photograph that still feels like you.
What should I wear for a headshot?
That depends on where you're using the images and how you want to present yourself. We'll help you determine what makes sense for your profession, personal brand, and the look you're after.
For most sessions, bringing a couple of options is a good idea.
Can I change outfits?
Absolutely. Outfit changes and variations depend on the session you've booked, but bringing more than one option can give you useful variety without requiring an entirely separate session.
Can I get more than one background or look?
Yes. Multiple backgrounds, lighting setups, and variations can be incorporated depending on the session and the amount of time available. We have canvasses and dozens of colored paper varieties.
If you need several distinctly different looks, we'll plan for that when scheduling.
I need a headshot for LinkedIn. Do you do those?
Absolutely. LinkedIn, company websites, professional profiles, press materials, speaker bios, business cards, social media, and personal websites are all common uses for professional headshots.
If you need something specific, let us know where the image will be used and we'll make sure we're building toward the right result.
Can my headshot still have some personality?
Please.
Professional doesn't have to mean stiff. We can keep things clean and conventional, or introduce more personality through wardrobe, expression, lighting, environment, and background depending on what fits you and your work.
Can you make my headshot match my company's existing photos?
Usually, yes. At the sake of sounding like a pretentious jerk, the issue here is usually being asked to replicate a low quality photo, which... yeah. If you're updating a team and need new portraits to look consistent with existing staff photography, send us examples ahead of time. We can use those as a reference for lighting, framing, background, and overall appearance.
Do you photograph teams and companies?
Yes. Absolutely. We photograph everyone from small teams to large groups, either at Cobalt Studios or on location when the space and setup are appropriate. Larger teams can also be accommodated with additional photographers when needed.
Can we combine headshots with branding photography?
Absolutely. In fact, combining the two can be a great way to get more out of a single production. We can photograph your primary headshot along with environmental portraits, workspace imagery, team photographs, products, or other branding content.
What if I hate having my picture taken?
You're in good company. I've heard that line from hundreds or even thousands of people who've met me and my camera.
A huge part of the job is making the process comfortable enough that you stop thinking about the camera. We'll give you direction without forcing you into stiff poses, and we'll work through enough variations to find photographs that feel natural.
Do you retouch headshots?
Yes. All selected images receive professional editing, including color, exposure, and finishing work. Additional detailed retouching can be discussed when needed.
The goal is to polish the photograph without turning you into someone else.
Do I need a full private session?
Not necessarily. If you need something simple and efficient, Headshot Happy Hour may be the better option. If you need more time, multiple looks, specific creative direction, or a more customized experience, a private session gives us considerably more room to work.
If you're not sure, just ask. We'll help you choose.