FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where are you located?


Pasadena, CA. 

How long is a typical shoot? 

Our shoots are a minimum of about 1 hour for one look. (We don’t offer photo packages for less than an hour to ensure we all have time to get settled and into a groove.) Then the time commitment goes up between 30-1hr for each additional look. 

How do I book with you?

Send us an email, either through our contact page or at info@ziggypopportraits.com, and we will reach out and set up a phone consultation to answer any questions you might have and get you scheduled for a session!

What should I wear? 

Bring several clothing options you feel great in! Also, consider various colors and hues, from light to dark, to coordinate with different backdrops. Avoid tight patterns or logos. Headshots and portraits will generally be waist up or sternum up. Jewelry or accessories can be utilized to highlight your style but should not pull focus from your gorgeous face. If you have any questions, we can offer guidance during our initial consultation phone call. And don’t worry; we have a steamer and lint roller on hand. 

What constitutes a “look”?


A look is usually one outfit + makeup + background. Taking on and off a jacket, simple accessories, or hair up or down (within reason) can be done within one look. For great examples of how clients have utilized multiple looks in their sessions to show off their range, see this gallery. 

What is the turnaround time from shoot to edit? 

Because we don’t outsource our post-production, the turnaround for a selects gallery is 2 business days after the shoot. Then once you pick your favorite image for each look, the turnaround is another 2-3 business days. We can usually work around deadlines you might have; rush processing is available for an additional fee. 

What about makeup and hair? Do I need a makeup artist or hair stylist? 

Hair and makeup are highly personal and subjective to each person, but an excellent guiding principle for headshots and portraits is “look like yourself on your best day.” 

A natural, polished look yields excellent results with our flattering lighting and professional lenses. We also employ very subtle blemish removal if needed in post-production. Do your hair and makeup like you would for an audition. In general, avoid heavy textures, overtly sparkly formulas, or makeup techniques you are unfamiliar with or uncomfortable with. If looking and feeling your best means hiring the services of a professional beforehand, then we say go for it! Bring your essential supplies for touch-ups, and we provide blotting sheets, a mirror, vanity space, and basic supplies for flyaways. You will want to come camera ready for your shoot time.

*We highly recommend a good night's rest, a meal before your session, and being well-hydrated.

What are your COVID policies? 

We take the comfort and health of our clients seriously. We take covid tests before each pop-up session and ask that you also please test 1-2 days before your shoot with us (since obviously, you can’t wear a mask in your photo!) We are happy to wear masks during your shoot as well. Our studio has a large patio door that opens for ventilation, and we use a fan to move air throughout the room. If a positive Covid diagnosis occurs, we will happily transfer your deposit to a future time slot and reschedule. 

What is your space like? What about parking?

We shoot in our live/work studio space, like hanging out in a friend’s apartment but with fancier photo gear. We use backdrops with many beautiful colors to choose from (as well as timeless classic black and gray.) We feel a clean, simple background really keeps the focus on our amazing subjects. 

There is free 2-hour street parking in our Pasadena neighborhood, and two paid lots nearby that we can direct you to if we are doing a longer session. 

Do you have a question that isn't answered here? Drop us a line!

( info@ziggypopportraits.com )