Commercial photography is different than traditional portrait or wedding photography. In order to legally use your images in marketing materials you need a commercial license. While Kirstie Dunston Photography is still the copyright holder, this Standard Commercial License allows the use of web-ready licensed content for personal or commercial reasons such as inclusion on your website, portfolio, advertisements in trade publications, local magazines, internal documents, and for typical press releases.

The Standard Commercial License does not include commercial usage such as national advertising campaigns in consumer magazines, product packaging, logos, billboards, any type of “broadcasting” through electronic media (including TV and on non-company websites like YouTube, Reddit or other "share" type sites), stock photography, print sale profits, creation/production of on-demand or made-to-order products, or resale of any nature.

Licensing for such commercial uses requires purchase of a Full Commercial License, which can be purchased per image or for your entire photo package. Please contact me for more info and pricing!

You will receive your completed online gallery approximately 2-3 weeks after the shoot date. Timing may vary depending on the size of the project.

I offer many different design services including business cards, flyers, Squarespace websites and more. If you need a consistent look for your current website, or need help designing or redesigning one, I may be able to help! Contact me to schedule a consultation where we can go over your website or design needs to see if my services are a good fit for you.

If you don’t have a brick and mortar you’d like to be photographed in, I’m happy to work with you in selecting locations that will help accomplish whatever aesthetic you’re after. I have a cozy, neutral-toned home studio in Winchester that is available for your session at no additional cost. Additionally, there are other local studios to rent and public locations we can utilize, like well-lit coffee shops and other establishments.

Prepare for your headshots by taking care of yourself in the days leading up to your session. Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking, drink plenty of water, and be well-rested.

General Grooming: Make sure eyebrows and nose hairs are properly trimmed, fingernails are clean and freshly manicured, lips are moisturized, and eyes are clear of any redness.

Hair: Don’t cut or dye your hair right before the shoot. Some shades of freshly colored hair can look too vibrant and unnatural on camera, drawing more attention to your hair than your face. Colored hair looks more natural after 1-2 weeks’ worth of shampooing. The day of your shoot, remember to keep styling simple. If you want to vary your hairstyle with your different outfits, please do!

Beards: If you have a beard, trim it evenly so it’s nicely groomed. If you’re going clean-shaven, get a good shave before your headshot session.

Makeup: I always recommend hiring a professional makeup artist, especially if you’re not used to or comfortable with applying makeup on a regular basis. These artists usually know what photographers are looking for and are trained to help bring out your natural beauty for the camera. If you prefer to do your own makeup, it’s typically a good rule of thumb to apply your usual natural makeup look a bit bolder than you normally would.

Glasses: Glasses can be worn during your shoot, but they need to be spotlessly clean because any fingermarks or dust will show up on the final images. If you wear them at your desk but won’t be wearing them for the photos, please make sure that you take them off at least half an hour before the shoot. The last thing you want is those little red marks on the side of your nose showing up in the photo.

Practice: It may sound silly, but it’s amazing the confidence you can gain from a little practice before the shoot. Remember to focus on smiling from within, and also the persona and tone you’d like to project. Practice smiling both with your teeth exposed and your lips together.

What’s considered appropriate dress in the workplace varies widely by industry. When in doubt, look to your boss or another industry leader you respect for inspiration.

When choosing what colors to wear, not only should you consider your business branding colors, it’s also good to consider color theory:

• Dark colors are perceived as more formal, dominant and authoritative

• Light colors make the wearer appear more friendly and approachable

• Some bright colors convey confidence and energy

• Muted colors are conservative and less threatening

• High-contrast pairings like a dark jacket and light shirt can create a powerful image that conveys influence and authority

• Stick to solid colors, avoid big prints or busy patterns (unless it’s part of your style/brand), and be sure to contrast with your skin tone.

• Layering your tops can add an interesting visual quality to your headshots. This works best with a solid colored button-down or jacket over a contrasting color shirt underneath.

It’s always good to bring more selections than you need so we can work through them together at your shoot.

Opt for clothing that fits snugly and shows the natural curves of your body.

Avoid sleeveless tops, be sure to wear a higher neckline, and keep jewelry simple.

Don’t wear your portrait wardrobe in the car as it can cause wrinkles and other possible issues. Instead, bring your clean, neatly pressed pieces to the session on hangers.

Most importantly, wear what you love! Bring outfits that you really feel good in, because looking great in your headshots isn’t just about your clothes, it’s also about your expression. We want you relaxed and feeling awesome in what you’re wearing so that it comes across in your photos!