Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a headshot session cost?
Sessions start at $299 + HST, which includes the session and one professionally retouched image. Additional retouched images are $75 each.
You don’t need to decide how many images you want before the session. You’ll choose your favourites after you’ve seen what we created.
How long does a session take?
Session length varies depending on what you need. We can keep things quick and focused if you’re in a hurry, or take more time to work through different looks, wardrobe and lighting. There’s no need to use more time than you need.
What should I wear?
Bring a few options. Solid colours, layers, jackets, shirts, sweaters and different necklines can all photograph well. What works best will depend on you and what you need the photographs for.
If you’re unsure about something, bring it. We can go through your wardrobe together before we start shooting.
Do I need to know how to pose?
Not at all. I’ll give you direction when you need it and pay close attention to expression throughout the session. You don’t need to practice poses or arrive knowing what to do in front of the camera.
How many looks can we shoot?
There’s no set number. We can change wardrobe, backgrounds, lighting and expression throughout the session to create a gallery with some range.
How much we do depends on what you need. A straightforward business headshot might only require one setup, while an actor or editorial session might involve several.
How do I choose my photos?
You’ll receive a private online gallery where you can look through the session and choose your favourites. Your first retouched image is included, and you can purchase additional retouched images for $75 each.
When will I receive my photos?
Your first professionally retouched image is delivered within 24 hours. Additional retouched images are delivered within 5 business days.
What size are the finished files?
Finished photographs are delivered as high-resolution digital files suitable for professional, web and social media use.
Do you photograph actor headshots?
Yes. Actor headshots are a big part of what I shoot. We can work through different wardrobe, lighting, backgrounds and expressions to give you a range of natural-looking images for casting and submissions.
Do I need an idea for an editorial shoot?
No. You’re welcome to bring references or a specific concept, but you can also come in without one. We can experiment with lighting, wardrobe and backgrounds and develop the shoot as we go.
Can you match our existing company headshots?
In most cases, yes. Send me examples of your existing headshots and I can match the lighting, background, framing and overall style as closely as possible.
This also makes it easier to photograph new employees as your team grows.
Is there parking?
Yes. Free parking is available on site.
Do I have to purchase additional images?
No. One professionally retouched image is included with your session, and there’s no minimum additional purchase. If you want more, additional retouched images are $75 each.
Who will be photographing me?
I’m Dan Pearce, the photographer behind Hero Shots. I’ve spent more than 10 years working professionally in film and television lighting, alongside my work as a portrait photographer.
That lighting background is a big part of how I approach headshots: natural-looking light, careful attention to expression and adjusting the setup to the person rather than putting everyone through exactly the same thing.
How do I book?
Sessions can be booked online. Your $299 + HST session fee is paid when you book, which reserves your appointment.
Should I bring reference photos?
You can, but you don’t have to. References can be especially useful for editorial portraits or if there’s a particular lighting, background or overall feel you’re after.
Can I see the photos while we shoot?
Yes. We can review images throughout the session so you can see what we’re getting and make adjustments as we go.
What backgrounds are available?
I have several background options in the studio and can change lighting and background depending on the look we’re creating. If you need a particular background or need to match existing company headshots, let me know before the session.
Do you retouch the photos?
Yes. Your selected images are professionally retouched. For headshots, I keep retouching clean and natural, taking care of things like colour, exposure, temporary blemishes and small distractions without making you look overly retouched.
Editorial portraits can leave a little more room for creative finishing depending on the image.
Can I get prints?
Yes. Professional lustre prints are available, including standard 8×10 actor headshot prints. Prints are $15 each or 5 for $60, with larger sizes available on request.
Who are editorial portrait sessions for?
Anyone looking for something beyond a standard headshot. I photograph actors, musicians, artists, models, creatives and professionals, but you don’t need to fit into a particular category to book an editorial session.
Do you photograph teams and companies?
Yes. I photograph individuals at the studio and can also bring a headshot setup to offices and workplaces throughout Toronto and the GTA for company headshots.
How does pricing work for larger teams?
Team and company pricing depends on the number of people, location and what you need delivered. Get in touch for a custom quote rather than booking individual $299 sessions for each employee.
Where is Hero Shots?
Hero Shots is located at 312 Dolomite Dr, Unit 218 in North York, Toronto.