I recently received a call from a company executive about photographing professional corporate headshots on-site at their upcoming convention at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. His top priorities were promptness, efficient setup, and the ability to work through a large queue smoothly — with approximately 100 members of their sales team needing headshots. Of course, post-production quality was equally important. These lenses pick up everything, and we can all use a little help.

While AI retouching tools have come a long way, I prefer to maintain manual control and personally oversee the quality of each image. At this point, I can work efficiently while ensuring no visible traces of retouching. Consistent exposure, subtle refinements around the eyes, neckline, and stray hairs, and—when needed—minor adjustments like opening a less dominant eye or tucking a chin are all part of my post-production process.

It also helps to bring a friendly, approachable energy to the job. With limited time for each person, the goal is to put everyone at ease quickly, whether they’re confident in front of the camera or a little shy. The clock is always rolling, and I have to deliver results that best represent each team member—and the company as a whole.

For the setup, I used a portable pull-up background and two Profoto A2 heads: an Octabox for the key light and a strip box for the fill. The entire setup took about ten minutes—easy in, easy out—with consistent, professional results. All of these elements come together when companies hire a headshot photographer: efficiency, consistency, and a polished final product.