Guide to Your Remote Headshots with Kelli Rad

Hi, I’m Kelli—your photographer for this remote headshot session. Whether you're in a city apartment or a house in the suburbs, we’ll use the magic of your phone and technology to capture beautiful, professional portraits—wherever you are in the world.

Chances are, this is your first time doing a remote photoshoot—So, what is it?

It’s a new art form developed out of the limitations of COVID, and it’s a lot of fun. All photographs are shot remotely through your phone! I have photographed over 400 people this way from Ireland to Tasmania. You can see more about remote photography and my work here. 

What you’ll Need CHECkLIST:

  • A well-charged phone

  • A well-lit wall with natural light or an outdoor area like a balcony with soft, indirect lighting.

    TIP: Take a selfie with your back towards the wall. Is your face well lit? Is there a little sparkle in your eye? Good. That’s a great spot!

  • Your well-dressed self (think polished but true to you!)

    Choose one from the following:

  • A person to hold the camera (the easiest option!)

  • A phone tripod (recommended here)

  • A can of beans (really!) or any small but sturdy object with a rubber band AND a chair or desk to place it on with books or shoe boxes nearby to adjust the height.

Unedited Examples to show lighting!

Scheduling your shoot:

(If you haven’t already.)

Before your session:

Please download the Shutter App on your phone before our session. This app allows me to see your space and take photos remotely. Once installed, the app will generate a Unique Code—please send this code to me at hello@kellirad.com 24 hours before our scheduled shoot.

Don’t worry 2 hours before our shoot, I will send you a reminder!

Download the Shutter App: https://start.theshutter.app

What to Expect During Your Session:

At the time of your shoot, you’ll simply open the Shutter App on your phone, click Begin session, and I’ll be there. If you do not see the Begin Session prompt, shut the app and open it again.

Don’t worry—I’ll guide you through everything. From lighting and setup to where to look and how to position your body, I’ve got you. I’ll even try to make you laugh with my charmingly awkward enthusiasm!

  • I'll likely ask you to turn your body about a quarter toward the light source and give you direction on what to do with your hands—because for some reason, they always forget how to act normal during photos. We’ll chat as we go, and I’ll help ease any nerves so you can feel comfortable and confident.

  • I’ll take plenty of images to ensure we have lots of great options.

    After the Session

    Please keep your phone and the Shutter app open for about 5–10 minutes after we wrap. This gives the photos time to upload and transfer to me.

    I’ll send you a Zip file of all of the photos we took (with your eyes open!) and you choose with one you would like me to color correct and retouch. If there is anything you would like to see in the retouch beyond the usual, please let me know. I aim to please!

    Important: Don’t uninstall the app until I confirm that all your photos have safely uploaded to the cloud.


FAQ

  • Great question. Lighting can be a little subjective, and it’s totally normal to feel unsure. One easy way to check is to take a quick selfie in the spot you’re thinking of—does your face look evenly lit? Is there a little sparkle in your eye? If so, you’re in great shape.

    And if the light isn’t quite right when we start, no worries—we’ll simply move around your space until we find something better. In the rare case that the lighting just isn’t working at all (which hasn’t happened yet!), we’ll reschedule for another day. Easy as that.

  • That’s completely normal—and honestly, most people feel a little nervous before being photographed! I’ve guided many clients through this, and my approach is gentle, calm, and encouraging. We’ll take our time, and I’ll walk you through each step so you’re never wondering what to do. You don’t need to “perform” for me—I’m here to capture the most natural, confident version of you.

  • Cloudy light is actually wonderful for headshots—it creates soft, even light that’s super flattering. If the light in your space changes too much, we can always shift our setup or tweak our timing slightly. But rest assured: clouds are not a problem. In many cases, they’re a bonus.

  • No problem at all! You’d be surprised how many options we can find, even in small or tricky spaces. We’ll work together to find the best spot using whatever natural light you do have—hallways, corners, even doorways can work beautifully. I’ll help guide you on setup before and during the shoot so you’re never stuck guessing.

  • Life happens—and I totally get that. I ask for 24 hours' notice if possible, and we’ll find another time that works for both of us. No stress.

  • Just email me! I’m happy to answer anything that comes up. I want you to feel relaxed, informed, and excited going into our shoot—so don’t hesitate to reach out.