Group Headshot Session - Behind the Scenes (with links to gear)

[@kellybarnes7330]

Great video Gary, any chance you can do a more in depth capture one and iPad video?? Thanks

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Yes I have had a request for this already, it’s on the list :) thanks for watching

[@ismaelrodriguez3214]

Awesome bro

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Thank you!

[@BrettElizabethPhoto]

OMG the music. As a child of the 80s I can't help but smile. Serious question though - what is that cart you are using to haul your gear? Your gear list shows a different rolling bag.

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Well it's been a while since I made this, but the grip bag I use now is the Think Tank Production Manager 40, the cart I use is the Rock n' Roller R3 :) The 80's music must have been speaking to me when I made this!

[@JohnGress]

Great tips! I need to get me one of those ipad stands now that you converted me to C1!

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Amazon :)

[@sacramento-headshots]

Just rewatched this again after a long while. Love that I can still learn new things that I didn't catch, or wasn't ready for, the first time around. Thank you!

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Absolutely!

[@AlisonCarlino]

Get it Gary... miss ya! We are 100% back to work over here. Good to see you working too.

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

It’s good to hear, glad to be working again for sure

[@Jimfelder]

Gary, you are just too talented and hilarious for your own good. YOU ROCK BUDDY!

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Thank you kindly, good sire. I appreciate you taking the time.

[@keithwhitephotography3495]

Another great video! Love the sound track! For some reason I fee the need to watch Miami vice...😎

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Yeah I went full 80's synth!

[@pattymattes7124]

So you ship out the images for editing? Okay, I guess that saves time. I like how you set up the contactless system so they can pick their favorite image. Well, this is another great and entertaining video. I love your humor.

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Retouchup is my go to currently. If you sign up for an account and use the referral source Photobomb, you get a coupon :)

[@MarcusSortijas]

Gary Hughes Thanks for sharing Retouchup! When I searched for photo retouching services on Google, I saw the same companies over and over on the “best retouching companies” lists. Which made me a bit suspicious they were gaming the search results or the reviews or both. Good to get a credible recommendation from a pro like you 😎👍

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

I can tell you that outsourcing your retouching takes some trial and error. The good thing is that Retouchup, although they don’t always get it perfect, will continue to work on the order until you are happy. It can take a little practice to get dialed in, but they are a good company

[@goboss]

@@GaryHughesOfficial, they are indeed, I've used them for years to do background cleanup or work on a client's skin that would take a lot of time to do myself. What specifically do you ask them to do for the headshots? Sometimes they can be a little heavy handed with skin editing and I always specify to keep texture in the skin.

[@stacymarie8426]

GARY!!!! You crack me up! Love this video... so educational and motivating- what gorgeous shots with such ease! Thank you, friend! makes me want to come train with you in FL even more so now!

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Bring the whole crew, would love to see you guys!

[@MichelleLadlow]

Great stuff Gary. I always enjoy your behind the scenes

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you for watching!

[@TiffinboxTV]

This is brilliant. Thanks for sharing how you do these group shots!

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

My pleasure!

[@ismaelrodriguez3214]

Dude! Thanks for the insight. I needa check on that iPad app

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Of course :) thanks for watching

[@RonClifford]

Thank you so much for this great workflow video. I love that you can go wireless to an iPad with Capture one and I may finally have to give that program a whirl for Headshots. I have not started shooting indoors yet as I've felt I wouldn't get the connection I'm used to but your images seem to say, at least for you, that then mask has not diminished your ability to get great natural connection in your images.

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

A mask has certainly presented challenges for me in connection as smiling is my greatest weapon, but there are other tools at your disposal. Thanks for watching!

[@ClarkSandersPhotography]

Awesome content Gary! Love getting to go along with you like this! Talk about an efficient set up!

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

How about we trade mentoring because I would LOVE to see how you make your beautiful images!

[@ClarkSandersPhotography]

Gary Hughes heck yea! But...you’ll be like, “that’s all you do?l 😂😂

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Simple is beautiful sometimes.

[@marcellecours3774]

Great video man! I've been following your work since I saw you for the first time on Creative Live years ago. I've learned A TON from you so thanks! I was wondering if you could make a video on your workflow. I know you've briefly stated it in the past, but I'd love a detained, step by step overview.

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Workflow in what way? Anything specific?

[@marcellecours3774]

@@GaryHughesOfficial So in some videos you talk about importing the images into C1 after the shoot. In others you talk about shooting tethered directly into C1. In all videos you talk about letting client select images before they leave, first with Canon Cam Connect, then later with a new C1 feature. So I'm just wondering, what's the workflow like now? I always shoot tethered to C1 in the studio, but I've never offered the option of client choosing image the day of the shoot. I love that idea, but not sure the best way to do it given the latest software, etc. For reference, I'm primarily using a Canon R5 and shooting tethered to C1 on an iMac. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

In the studio, I use Camera Connect on an IPad. On location I tend to use C1. When doing instant delivery on a big headshot job, I currently use Simple Photo Share. Usually I show the client a selection of images and have them rate the ones they like using the star rating system. Pretty simple :)

[@MarieNuchols]

Wow, I love how you have created a contactless system for photo selection. That must really make the whole process much less stressful for everyone. Great leadership in the field and gorgeous work, as always!

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Thank you, I think I am going to do a more detailed video on that setup soon :)

[@kamveakrakmann3435]

@@GaryHughesOfficialwould love to see it. Been searching high and low in trying to figure out a similar system using LR but to no avail. Maybe time for me to switch to Capture one also.

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

@@kamveakrakmann3435 highly recommend. I also have a new platform for renaming, organizing and delivering headshots called Headshot Tools, you can check it out here www.HeadshotTools.com/Register.html?Code=Gary

[@richryanphotography]

Can you make a video on how capture one pilot works. Specifically, how the clients can view the photos why you are still shooting? Thanks Gary... all your videos are workshops are awesome!!!!

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

It’s on the list, but they are coming out with C1 for iPad soon so it may become irrelevant. That being said, I don’t have them choose while I’m shootings unless I have an assistant

[@mortonvisuals]

@@GaryHughesOfficial That was going to be my question. When I use Pilot the gallery keeps refreshing as new images are being shot, so that the viewer keeps losing their place. But unfortunately not shooting while they choose really kills my throughput.

[@jm3231]

Yay thanks so much! I hang off every word of advice you give and study every tiny detail of your set ups. LOL. Now I want to copy all the great gear that you have - even that kool trolley. 😂 Love the landscape orientation for corporate headshots and that high-key modern look. I just find I'm always shooting off the background. And wow you're only using one light? That eye reflector thing does all the fill? Thanks from NZ 🙏

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Hey JM, technically I am using 3 lights, but yeah only one for the subject with the reflector doing the full. It’s a pretty compact setup for someone who works in small spaces pretty often. The background is 5ft wide, and I have to back up and zoom in to stay on the background. In situations where I don’t have enough room for that I just crop the images to 5x4 :)

[@jm3231]

@@GaryHughesOfficial thanks Gary. I wondered how far you back you had to shoot. 3 lights? I only see two. 😅 Just spotted the background light which is positioned so differently to your creative live session. I'm gonna give that a go🤙 I love the results.

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Two for the background (watch closely) and one for the subject. This video is more of a peak behind the scenes than a technical breakdown. I am potentially working on something that goes into much more detail in the future as I have changed how I do things quite a bit in the last five years since Creative Live.

[@RetinaDesign]

Good stuff Gary. Quick question, do you still use the Glow ArcLight II Curved Reflector when you have clients who wear glasses?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

It depends on the glasses, honestly. Sometimes I do have to move it out of the way or lower it closer to the floor. Typically I back up the main light a little, lower the reflector and then adjust my ISO to compensate for the exposure difference. That gives you a clear pocket for the lenses where there will be no reflection.

[@RetinaDesign]

@@GaryHughesOfficial Thanks Gary. Nice and concise :-)

[@davidgarb9035]

Great stuff Gary! I always seem to take way too much gear. I've started leaving extra stuff in the car. I see here that you are using a deep Para and I've seen you using a 60 inch umbrella - which do you prefer?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

The results are pretty similar, to be honest. The para has a grid I can use if I want, and it’s a bit less spill but almost the same.

[@jodimajor4898]

What lens are you shooting with that you're able to get a horizontal image on that small background? Thanks for this video. Great info.

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

80-200 2.8 at amour 135mm :)

[@richryanphotography]

Does that one light on your background light the entire background or does it require a little work in post?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Nice and even :) it’s two lights

[@ringvolt8229]

Great video Gary! What are the advantages of the curved reflector at the bottom vs a strip light?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Well I can’t say as I recommend using a strip light for professional headshot as the catch light might be a little too strong for my taste. That being said, the Arclight reflector and similar gives you great fill light while mimicking the shape of the iris. You basically get eyes that look great while still looking really natural.

[@ringvolt8229]

thanks Gary

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

No worries, thanks for watching

[@JimFelderOKC]

Ok so is the iPad connected to the laptop via usb? It’s not wireless? I wonder if I could use a Windows machine and C1 and Tether to an iPad?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Capture 1 works with Capture Pilot as long as Borge devices are on the same WiFi network. There are a couple ways to set it up, but WiFi is best. As far as across platforms, I can’t see why it wouldn’t work. I just shit a job the other day where I used my phone as the WiFi hotspot to connect both devices and that worked pretty well.

[@zacgrimaldo]

Great job on the video! How did you get so much room? I always get put in a small conference room with a giant conference table in the middle! Is that a Tether Tools laptop table/stand?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

This just happened to be the lobby which was closed to the public because of the pandemic, just kind of worked out. I try to get the most room I can on every job but sometimes you get what you get. That stand is a $50 DJ laptop stand from amazon :)

[@zacgrimaldo]

@@GaryHughesOfficial Thanks for the reply! Yeah I've been put in hallways, walkways...outside...LOL. Awesome! Thanks and why do you shoot horizontal instead of vertical?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

@@zacgrimaldo horizontal can give you more options afterward. Most social profiles and email signatures are square or round. I actually wrote a short blog post about it hughesfioretti.com/blog/why-we-shoot-business-headshots-sideways/

[@MichaelCook1981]

What do you use to deliver the client images? I shoot real estate photography, and want to get back into shooting headshots to offer more services to Realtors.

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

We typically deliver to the client using Pixieset for whole-gallery delivery or Simple Photo Share for instant delivery

[@johnleighdesigns]

An excellent behind the scenes super helpful as I sometimes procrastinate on approaches and setup on the best and efficient way of working and this to me is perfect. The one question I have in mind is if you finding it easier working with the X-drop compared to a collapsible or roll of paper and if you prefer the grey so you can also blow it to white? kind regrards from London UK

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

White works well for grey too if you shootout the right way. I suggest you season to taste, whatever you are more comfortable. The amount of light needed to turn grey to white can be taxing on portable lights and end up causing a lot over spill if you find yourself in a small-ish space.

[@johnleighdesigns]

cool and you finding it easier working with the X-drop compared to a collapsible or roll of paper

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

X-drop is great, yes. More portable and especially useful if you travel a lot.

[@bryang4856]

Hello, Mr. Hughes! Two questions: 1. What stand are you using for the iPad? 2. You mentioned in the studio headshots video that you use the Canon Connect app. In this one you mention using Capture Pilot. Any reason for the change from studio to on-location?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

I just bought a cheap stand off Amazon, nothing special that I would recommend. As far as C1, it allows me to use Capture Pilot so I can keep the laptop near me while tethered and still have people select their image on an iPad. Camera Connect is excellent for individuals in the studio when I’m not shooting tethered

[@bryang4856]

@@GaryHughesOfficial Duh...That makes perfect sense. Thank you for that! I just made the jump to C1 recently and didn't even realize I could use Capture Pilot. I wish I made that connection a couple of weeks ago. Had team headshots for 30 people and it would have come in handy. Definitely using this setup this week for a group of 20. They'll love it! Then I can simply go home, edit and get their shots back to them in a fraction of the time.

[@bryang4856]

@@GaryHughesOfficial Also, I'm going to make the jump to the pistol grip at some point. Can't justify the purchase just yet. Just bought a new 70-200 and a few Westcott FJ (400 & 200) strobes. The grip will have to wait ;)

[@richryanphotography]

whats the stand you have for the IPAD?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Just a cheap one from Amazon

[@adamchandler8508]

Great video! Who do you outsource editing to, Gary? Also, it appears that you're tethered wirelessly to the iPad, is that correct? If so, would you mind sharing how that works (i.e. do you need a wifi connection?). Thanks!

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

I outsource to Retouchup.com as well as Rebooku - in this video I’m using Capture Pilot for iPad :)

[@adamchandler8508]

@@GaryHughesOfficial Awesome, thanks, Gary!

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

No problem

[@karlmullings5824]

Good morning Gary My name is Karl and I am in flagstaff. I have tried using capture one over the years the learning curve seems crazy. Can the same thing be done with light room. What are you using to hold up the iPad. Have an amazing day I am off to go shoot high school golf.

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Hi Karl! Capture 1 was a little bit of a curve, but what really helped me was setting the workspace to "Migration" it is specifically laid out to make C1 look and function more like what Lightroom users are used to seeing. That being said, LR can do most of what I did here and I used it for years before switching to C1.

[@Jimfelder]

@@GaryHughesOfficial BUT! what is the alternative app to automagically send it to an iPad from LR? Do you know?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

You can use a photobooth app like Mashbooth or a full fledged event solution like Simple Photo Share :)

[@KimSmithEichPhoto]

Gary, what software do you use to rename the files after client names on a spreadsheet? I feel like I’ve read about some sort of barcode system used for school pictures but I can’t remember what it’s called and Googling isn’t getting me anywhere

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

I actually rename them as I go in Capture 1. Set the capture name designation to "Clipboard Contents" - then you Ctrl + C their name on the spreadsheet and C1 names them whatever is on your clipboard until you Ctrl + C something else :)

[@KimSmithEichPhoto]

what a cool hack! Thanks!

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

@@KimSmithEichPhoto no worries :)

[@dnik7420]

What kind of tray/stand do you use for your laptop? Thanks

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Just a run of the mill laptop stand from Amazon. It is actually for DJs, not photography

[@dnik7420]

@@GaryHughesOfficial Thanks!

[@waltjennette]

Great video and you've gotta new sub!!! Thanks for the bts! Really helps a lot when some things I've been looking for. Are you using an AD200 for your key/main light?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Yes indeed! I will be adding a couple of AD300 pros shortly to the lineup :) thanks for watching

[@jm3231]

Hey Gary do you tether to both iPad and a laptop? Or just lpad when on location ?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

As of right now, I don’t tether to an iPad, just my laptop. I am looking seriously at C1 for iPad for smaller jobs

[@jm3231]

@@GaryHughesOfficial Thanks Gary! I saw your Ipad and wondered if it would be enough. I'm all grown up now and tethering at my headshot sessions and because of you have purchased C1. Have yet to figure it out. Do you know if C1 will read QR codes? Have yet to do the research but wondered if you might have a quick yes or no.

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

IPad would be fine for small location gigs, travel, and shooting in the studio. For larger jobs, complex edits, and better organization, a laptop is still the way to go

[@jm3231]

@@GaryHughesOfficial thanks heaps

[@ReidLucier]

Hey Gary! Great video. What portable backdrop are you using here? Looks pretty cool and easier than bringing in a roll of paper.

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Wescott X-drop :)

[@ReidLucier]

@@GaryHughesOfficial nice! Thank so much.

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

No worries

[@mandrielbass9151]

Good afternoon, how much do you charge for Headshots?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Hi! Depends on a few things. Entertainment or corporate? How many people?

[@alexanderpetrenko79]

Lens left open???

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Can you be more specific? Are you asking if the aperture was set to wide open? If so for the video yes, f2.8, for the headshots, no. F5.6 for professional headshots usually.

[@alexanderpetrenko79]

@@GaryHughesOfficial This: i.imgur.com/CB6jQau.png

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Lol, yes I will do that when changing camera bodies sometimes. You gotta really be creeping on these videos to catch that

[@alexanderpetrenko79]

Gary Hughes seen on the first run and can’t unsee :) In all seriousness, do you adjust height of your light and reflector for each person?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Only when it’s necessary.

[@pattilooneyphotography]

I can't believe I am the first to ask! How much did you charge for this session? One package price or do you break it down?

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Pricing is on my website :) hughesfioretti.com