Professional Headshot Photography
“Henry is a true professional who provided a fun process with wonderful results!”
“Amazing at making his clients feel comfortable and getting the best shots possible!”
“Just amazing… Henry made it easy AND made me look good. Absolutely worth the investment.”
Trusted by Respected Brands
Professional Headshots are our Specialty
We come to you On Location
Or visit us at our Photo Studio in St. Louis
Professional Headshots for Individuals
Next-level business portraits for the busy professional
How it works
-
See if I’m the right photographer for you. Call, email, or text me to discuss your ideas and ask any questions you may have. Send a message to get started.
-
No need to be nervous, I’ll guide you through every step. You might even have fun!
-
Within one day of your headshot photo session you will receive an online photo gallery with your proofs.
Take the time you need to review your photos and select the images you would like to buy.
I retouch and edit your photos to magazine grade standards.
I upload your photos to your gallery in high resolution and web resolution.
Use your web resolution photos for your LinkedIn and other social media profiles.
Order prints from the finest labs in the country through your online gallery.
Warm, Professional Guidance
I care about helping you get a truly exceptional professional business portrait out of your session.
My role is to guide, coach, and pose you through your headshot session. I'm here to make your experience effortless and engaging, all in a welcoming and comfortable environment.
Quick Delivery
Review your photos right away. Your online proofing gallery is delivered within 24 hours of your photoshoot.
Headshot Preparation & Style Guide
Click here for tips on what to wear and how to prepare for your professional headshot.
Contact Henry David Photography
Send a message with your preferred availability and we will get you on the schedule! Let us know any details about the type of photoshoot you are looking for and we will provide you with full pricing details.
St. Louis Headshot Studio
Take a peek inside Henry’s Photography Studio, located near The Grove.
Features:
Spacious 1,000 square foot studio
Makeup and Hair Station
Private Changing Area
3 Seamless Backdrops
2 Board and Batten Backdrops
Vintage Furniture & Props
Henry David Photography is a member of the Professional Photographers of America. He is rated as one of the top three best commercial photographers in St. Louis, and one of the best St. Louis portrait photographers as rated by Expertise.com
Hello! I’m Henry.
I'm St. Louis based photographer specializing in professional headshots.
I'm here to create headshots that you will be thrilled to show to the world, while making your experience easy and hassle free.
Having worked in the film and fashion industries before relocating to the Midwest, I bring a unique perspective into what makes a great photo WOW your clients and business connections.
I love working with people to help them look their best, I'm here to create striking images that resonate with your brand and show the world that you're passionate about what you do.
I'd love to hear what you'd like in your professional headshot. Contact me today!
A splendid experience. Very professional and exquisite skills. Knows how to use lighting and can evoke any mood from his repertoire of incredible ability. Recommended for anyone seeking a professional headshot or something much more….
Dr. Tahir Rahman
Henry was very professional and I was pleased with how the session turned out. He was super friendly and I felt very comfortable shooting with him due to this being my first time. He suggested great spots for lighting and worked with what made me feel most confident. Henry shot my best angles and gave me guidance for posing. Highly recommend!
Carly Browning
Henry was extremely professional and prompt, and was able to slide me in for a photo shoot within hours of my request. He has an eye for detail while also being able to quickly get a number of shots and have a location in mind for the perfect background, very convenient for a busy schedule like mine. I'd strongly recommend Henry David Photography to anyone looking for professional quality!
Nicole Johnson
Benjamin P. Davis, Saint Louis University
Natural Light Headshots
Professional headshots don’t always have to be taken in the studio.
Natural light can be a great alternative, allowing you to get warm, friendly, and authentic portraits that retain a strong professional appeal.
“…Benjamin wanted to convey a more approachable image to his audience. That's where we stepped in to help transform his visual messaging.
During the rebranding session, we focused on capturing a warm and inviting first impression. A key aspect of this process was the headshot. Benjamin needed a professional photograph that would accurately represent him to potential readers, students, and colleagues. We wanted to showcase his expertise and approachable personality.”
The Best Photo Locations in St. Louis
Let us know what you want your photos to convey, and we’ll point you to the best places in St. Louis. We are always open to photographing in new spots, but we know the city's top photo locations really well. If you have a place in mind or need ideas, we’re here to help!
“Henry did a wonderful job and was very easy to work with. His process is about as effortless as you could possibly make it. My questions were answered right away. He is very professional and made me feel comfortable being photographed (which I hate). The photos are lovely, and I have several outstanding photos to use.”
A headshot is often your first impression. If you look your best, you'll feel confident, and this will come out in your headshots.
You’ve booked a headshot session and are preparing to come to your photoshoot. How should you prepare? Here’s what you can do to ensure effective results from the shoot:
Headshot Preparation & Style Guide
Sleep
You want to be as fresh and relaxed as possible on your shoot day. Drink plenty of water and get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep. Although we can remove dark circles during editing and retouching, you should get enough sleep on the night before to look truly well rested in your photos.
If for some reason you didn't get a good night’s rest, and you do have bags under your eyes, applying a cold compress to the area will help reduce the swelling.
Fully remove your makeup and be sure to moisturize your skin before going to sleep to freshen it up and prepare your skin for the photoshoot.
Grooming
Wash your face before the session to remove dirt and oil from your skin and to reduce shine.
Do not apply excess face lotion the day of your session - it will make your face shiny under the lights.
A great hair cut is key to looking sharp. We recommend getting a hair cut within three to seven days of your headshot session.
If you are curling your hair or if you have a hairstyle that needs complex styling, we recommend booking your session in the morning so your hair is in it's best condition for your photoshoot.
Trim your ear, nose, and eyebrow hairs if needed
If you shave daily, we recommend shaving within 4 hours of your session
If you have a beard, make sure it’s neatly trimmed
Don’t worry if you have razor cuts or irritation, this can be easily removed in retouching
Hair & Makeup
The hair and makeup in a professional headshot should be timeless, classic, and natural.
Professional hairstyling and makeup is not just for film and television. Studio photography requires lighting that is very similar to the lighting on a film set, so that shine on your forehead or nose, or the redness from getting too much sun will be noticeable in your headshot.
It is always a great idea to hire a hairstylist and makeup artist (I’m happy to recommend a few very talented stylists). However, if you plan on applying your own makeup, the most important thing is to wear a photo quality matte powder makeup that will reduce shine on your face. Also, try to balance out your skin tone and color, especially if you have red areas.
Acne or other skin conditions can be removed or reduced in retouching. Don’t overdo your makeup to cover up these blemishes.
Clothing
Keep it simple! Don’t overthink your wardrobe. Headshots are about you and not on what you are wearing. Your face should be the focus in the photograph, so avoid distracting patterns and loud colors.
Choose clothing and accessories with a timeless style. Unless you plan on frequently updating your headshot, it’s best to stay away from fashion trends that may date your headshot.
Dress appropriately for your industry. For example, a traditional business calls for a formal look while creative industries may allow for more flexibility. In general, it’s better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.
Make sure your clothes are wrinkle and lint-free before arriving.
Ladies: avoid loose hanging fabric in the sleeves and around the torso. Wear a jacket - jackets add structure around the arms and shoulders, they flatter and frame your face, and create leading lines that are aesthetically pleasing. Variations on professional include: suit jacket and button-up shirt, button-up shirt alone, suit jacket with blouse, cardigan and blouse, suit jacket and dress, cardigan and dress, dress alone.
Gentlemen: find your best suit, the one that makes you feel sharp and confident, and bring a few of your favorite ties if you are accustomed to wearing one. Variations on professional outfits include: suit and tie, suit without tie, dress shirt and tie, dress shirt without tie, sport coat and dress shirt, dress shirt and tie under v-neck sweater.
Color
Do wear colors but nothing too bold. Solid colors always work best and you cannot go wrong with matching colors in your outfit with the color of your eyes. Blue works for everyone. Earthy browns and greens are great choices for a timelessly understated look. It’s always better to lean toward neutral colors than to have multiple colors that compete with one another. Consider reviewing fashion catalogs or Pinterest boards for ideas. The models in these publications are professionally styled and will give you a good sense of clothing and color combinations. If your current wardrobe is out of date or does not fit you well, this may be a good opportunity to invest in some new clothes that will make you feel confident for your photoshoot.
Accessories
Keep accessories to a minimum and choose simple pieces that complement your outfit.
What to bring
Bring more clothes than you’ll need so you have options. We can always assist you in choosing the most flattering outfits.
Bring any jewelry or accessories you wish to wear.
Bring any makeup and hair products you use to do touch-ups at the studio.
If you need to shave, feel free to bring your razor with you and shave at our studio.
If you have any questions about how to prepare that were not answered here, please send a message.
“Just amazing - I have never loved a headshot or the experience but Henry made it easy AND made me look good. Absolutely worth the investment”
Dr. Dimitrios Mathios, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Neurosurgery Department
The Importance Of A Great Professional Headshot
Investing in new headshots goes beyond simply updating your appearance. A high end headshot has the power to unlock new business opportunities.
In this age of social media, our interactions and impressions of others are increasingly shaped by the photos and online posts we encounter. It's a reality that we make decisions about trust, compatibility, and business potential based on the personality projected through these visuals.
The right images can speak volumes about your competence, trustworthiness, and commitment to excellence and professionalism. Allow people to get to know you and your personality before they meet you.
I often hear people say they wish they'd come to me first after an unsatisfactory headshot elsewhere. Invest in a headshot that's done right the first time. Don't settle for less only to seek quality later.
Choosing the Right Headshot Photographer
Finding the right headshot photographer in your area can be a difficult choice. As a busy professional, you need an quick and easy way to update and polish your online presence. To make sure you’ll get the best results, here are a few things to check for:
What kind of photography are they best at?
Many photographers have so many "specialties," it's hard to know what their real strength is. Look for a photographer who shows people in the way you want to be portrayed. Is the visual messaging right for you and your profession?
Consider their expertise and previous work
Any capable headshot photographer will have an extensive body of work. Go through their website portfolio and review their photos with a critical eye. Get a feel for their style, influences, and method. Make sure they are experienced with taking the kind of headshot you are looking for. Choose a photographer whose work shows they have invested the time needed to understand the way studio lighting works with the human face. Do all their photos all look the same or are they always learning to apply new techniques? Does their work take their client’s audience into consideration?
Check their Reviews and Testimonials
Reviews are critical for many people when picking a photographer. How was communication with the photographer prior to the shoot, how did they act during the shoot, and how attentive were they with follow-up and photo editing? Is the photographer able to provide the results their clients are looking for?
Communication
Before booking your photoshoot, have a conversation with your photographer about the result you are looking for. Send a few reference photos of headshots you like. You might not have any ideas in mind, in which case, ask your headshot photographer to suggest their best ideas. During the shoot, does the photographer provide extremely specific direction? Does the photographer know how to help you pose in a calm and relaxed manner? Will they guide you with directions that you can focus on during your photoshoot? Unless you are a trained model, there's nothing more paralyzing than hearing your photographer say "Ok, do your thing!"
After the shoot, how quickly are you able to see your selects and proofs of your headshots? Is the photographer quick to respond to your editing requests? Can they deliver the headshot photos in a file format and size that meets your company’s requirements?
The Asking Price
Before agreeing to work with a photographer, it's important to make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for.
How much does a Headshot Cost?
A professional in headshot photography will charge a fee that is appropriate for an expert to charge. Does the price reflect the value they will provide to you? Consider how you will be using the photographs alongside the quality of the photography to help you evaluate.
“Henry David Photography is amazing! I am camera-shy/camera-awkward and had never had a photo shoot before so I needed a lot of guidance on wardrobe, hair and makeup, posing, etc. Henry could not have been more friendly, helpful, responsive, or professional. He has a creative and artistic eye for what looks best and pays meticulous attention to detail, not only while staging and taking the photos but in the editing process as well. He listened carefully to what I wanted, suggested shots I never would have thought of (many of which ended up being my favorites), got the photos back to me faster than I ever would have expected, and I couldn’t be happier with the results! If I could give six stars I would!”
Headshot Editing and Retouching
Precise retouching is critical to the success of your headshot.
Every professional headshot can benefit from the editing and retouching process. Correctly executing these steps can transform your headshot into a marketing tool that has immediate and lasting impact.
Editing is at the heart of what I do as a professional photographer. If I’m not in the studio shooting, I’m at my computer retouching.
I’ve crafted a flexible approach that always produces a captivating polish to your headshot, and includes eye bag removal, wrinkle reduction, blemish removal, teeth whitening, eyebrow enhancement, facial slimming and more.
