FAQ

Headshots are self-defining: they are photographs of a subject's head and/or shoulders, clearly showing the face and, ideally, the personality of the subject.

Portraits, yes, can also be of the head and shoulders, though typically include more or all of the entire form.

If a headshot is a resume, a portrait is a C.V.

Yes, we photograph from our modest home studio in Congress Heights, Washington, D.C. Please do not come with a posse. One person is cool. Two is getting cozy.

We are a 5 - 10 minute walk from the metro station of the same name (depending on how long your legs are) and, excluding Sundays, there's almost always a parking spot in front of the building.

Nope. Studio is amazing, for too many reasons to list here. But if the project calls for it, of course, we're outside.

No.

While it is true that women do take priority, we also love to show as many sides as possible to men and so welcome non-binary identifying folk to approach me for portraits when they feel ready.

No, and similarly to the previous answer: melanin comes first.

As of 2024, the standards of beauty or otherwise socially acceptable entertainment are still largely Eurocentric.

We want to give a treatment that is Hollywood, magazine and runway -- things that still typify Eurocentricity -- as much as we can to everyone that we photograph, but especially so to people with darker skin tones, or who otherwise might escape the immediate artistic gaze.

No.

Choose Neat Shiny Owl for fine-art portraits, boudoir or non-traditional headshot sessions by appointment.

One month in advance is always ideal -- life is wild for everyone. That said:

For full day sessions , please book no sooner than 2 weeks before your session.

For partial day sessions, please book no sooner than 1 week.

For headshots and mini sessions, please book no sooner than three days.

You should not be reaching out to us.

We appreciate your understanding.

It's not guaranteed to. For production, some folks have been able to breeze through a session in as little as one hour.

But quality portraits are very intimate, regardless of genre. Some people will take longer to reach ideal vulnerability for their greatest images. And then, a light might need readjusting, just like a shirt needs a safety pin and a quick steam mid-session.

Sometimes, there's food. And just about always, there's music. Dancing can never be rushed.

For post production, much of the work is actually effectively distilling the complete set down to its absolute best parts. During and following this process, much effort is taken to rid each image of as many distractions as possible, or being sure to keep artifacts and otherwise distracting elements in, for the sake of telling a specific story.

Additionally, collaborative projects will always take a backseat to projects with paying clientele.

Even if it serves to tell a story........ almost certainly not.

We love moisturized skin here. We do NOT want you bringing dishonor to yourself, your family or your cow.

Oil and butter up, fam. And if you need help, we got you.

Yes.

Everyone is retouched. Usually it's minimal, sometimes it's stylized.

But if you're thick, you're thick. And if you're skinny, you're skinny. We won't judge you for what your weight or size is, it's quite literally part of what makes you "you."

Absolutely! The first one is on the house. After that, we need to feed Seymour.

Yep. Easy is better, isn't it?

First, not everyone's session calls for makeup.

Secondly, if you are booking a mini session, you are responsible for your own makeup.

The sooner you secure your standard or luxe session date, the sooner we can secure your makeup artist for said date.