Professional Headshot Kingston: What to Expect & How to Prepare
Most people spend more time picking a profile photo than they’d like to admit — cropping an old group shot, trying a selfie with better lighting, asking a friend to take something “quick.” The result is usually fine, but not quite right.
A professional headshot solves that problem in under an hour. Here’s exactly what the process looks like at Tsing Photography in Kingston — and how to show up ready so you walk away with photos you’ll actually want to use.
Quick Facts
- Session time: 30–60 minutes
- Starting price: From $129 (retouched files included)
- Delivery: 48–72 hours (rush available)
- File types: Web-optimized + high-resolution (print-ready)
- Booking: By appointment — book online
Who Gets Professional Headshots in Kingston?
More people than you’d expect. Common use cases we see:
- LinkedIn profiles — especially for Queen’s University graduates entering the job market
- Law firms and medical clinics — team pages and Google Business profiles
- RMC officers and faculty — institutional bios, conference materials
- Small business owners — website “About” pages and marketing materials
- Real estate agents — signage, MLS profiles, social media
- Speakers and consultants — press kits, event programmes
The common thread: you need a photo that looks like a competent, approachable version of yourself — not a photo that looks like it was taken at a staff party in 2019.
What Happens During a Session
Here’s the typical flow at Tsing Photography:
- Arrival and brief chat (5 min). We’ll talk about where the photos will be used, what look you’re going for, and any preferences on background (light, dark, or contextual).
- Shooting (20–40 min). Multiple expressions, angles, and if you’ve brought outfit changes, we’ll shoot each look. No posing experience needed — I’ll guide you through it.
- On-site review. You review the selects on a screen before leaving. You’re not guessing what you’ll get — you see the options and choose your favourites.
- Retouching and delivery (48–72 hrs). Files arrive by email: web-optimized for LinkedIn/website, high-resolution for print.
How to Prepare: Clothing
Clothing is the most common thing people get wrong. The photo is cropped from the shoulders up — but what you wear still matters a lot for tone and professionalism.
✓ Works Well
- Solid colours: navy, charcoal, white, burgundy, forest green
- Simple layering: blazer over a plain shirt
- V-necks and crew necks (clean neckline)
- What you’d wear to an important client meeting
✗ Avoid
- Busy patterns (stripes, plaid, small prints)
- Bright logos or graphics
- Very light grey (shows sweat under lights)
- Anything too casual (hoodies, athletic wear)
Tip: Bring 2–3 options. We can do quick outfit changes in a few minutes and compare results on-screen. Having options gives you more usable photos for different platforms.
How to Prepare: Grooming and Appearance
Come camera-ready — meaning, how you’d look for a high-stakes meeting, not a glamour shoot.
- Hair: Get a trim if you’ve been meaning to. Session day is not the right time to try a new style.
- Makeup (if applicable): A little more than your everyday look works well — cameras flatten contrast. Matte finish holds better than shine under studio light.
- Glasses: If you wear them daily, wear them in at least some frames. We can adjust lighting to reduce glare.
- Skin: Moisturize the day before, not the morning of (shine is harder to retouch than dry patches).
Background Options
Most professional headshots use one of three backgrounds:
- White or light grey — clean, versatile, works across most platforms
- Dark charcoal or black — more dramatic, good for creative or senior roles
- Environmental — shot in your actual office or a contextual setting (available on request)
Not sure which suits your industry? I’ll make a recommendation based on where the photos will be used.
Pricing
Headshot sessions at Tsing Photography start at $129, which includes:
- 30-minute session
- On-site review of selects
- 3 retouched files (web + print resolution)
For full-team headshots (law firms, clinics, corporate offices), custom pricing is available. See the full headshot service page for all options, or book an appointment directly.
Ready to update your professional photo?
Headshot Sessions from $129 — Kingston, ON Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
How long does a professional headshot session take?
Most sessions take 30–60 minutes. That includes setup, shooting multiple looks, and reviewing your selects on-screen before you leave — so you know exactly what you’re getting.
What should I wear for a professional headshot?
Solid colours work best — navy, charcoal, white, burgundy. Avoid busy patterns and bright logos. Bring 2–3 outfit options if you want variety. What you’d wear to an important client meeting is usually the right call.
How much does a headshot session cost in Kingston?
Sessions start at $129, which includes retouched digital files ready for LinkedIn, websites, and print. See the headshot service page for all package options.
When will I receive my photos?
Retouched files are delivered within 48–72 hours. Rush turnaround is available — mention it when booking.
Do I need hair and makeup done beforehand?
Not required, but it helps if you want the most polished result. Come as you would for a high-stakes meeting. Cameras tend to flatten contrast, so slightly more defined makeup than usual works well.
Can I use the photos for LinkedIn, my website, and print?
Yes. All delivered files include both web-optimized (compressed for online use) and high-resolution (300 dpi, print-ready) versions. No need to request separately.
Do you do team headshots for businesses in Kingston?
Yes. We do team sessions for law firms, medical clinics, real estate offices, and other businesses — either at our studio or on-location at your office. Contact us for team pricing.