Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for a professional headshot session in Barrie?
Keep it clean and timeless: solid colours (navy, charcoal, deep green, burgundy) photograph like a dream in my waterfront studio. Avoid busy patterns, logos, or loud white (it reflects under the chin). For Barrie pros, I always say layer with a blazer or cardigan – we get that crisp Canadian weather! Bring 2-3 outfit options and we’ll pick the winners together on the spot. Women crush it with subtle jewelry; men look fire with a tailored shirt and a watch. Goal = LinkedIn-ready in one click..
How long does a headshot session take, and what’s the turnaround time?
Most headshot sessions with me take 20-45 minutes – quick, relaxed, zero stress. You walk in, we grab a coffee (I always have the good stuff), nail 3-4 looks, and you’re out. Full gallery of lightly retouched proofs viewable right after our session, final high-res images in a few business days (often faster because I’m obsessed with making you look unreal ASAP). Need it tomorrow for a speaking gig? Just say the word – I got you.
Do I need to do my own hair and makeup, or can you recommend pros?
Come as you are and still look flawless, or level-up with my go-to Barrie HMUA team (they’re literally the best in central Ontario). Pro hair + makeup runs $150-$200 and takes place right in the studio before we shoot – saves you time and guarantees that on-camera glow. If you’re already polished, I’ll just do minor touch-ups in post so you look like YOU, just 10 years younger and richer (you’re welcome).
What’s involved in a product photography shoot for my small business?
We start with a quick call about your brand vibe, then I quote flat-rate packages (no surprise fees – I hate that crap). Day of shoot: you drop ship or deliver products to my Barrie studio (or I come to you). Multiple angles, pure white or lifestyle backgrounds, custom props if needed, hero shots + detail shots optimized for Shopify/Amazon. Every image is colour-corrected, clipped, and retouched to perfection. Most small-business shoots wrap in 4 hours depending on the quantity and details..
Can you handle editing and retouching for product images for Amazon, Shopify, or Etsy?
100%. Every single product photo gets pro retouching: dust/lint removal, perfect colour matching, reflections added or removed, backgrounds swapped – whatever makes your product sell faster. E-commerce-ready files (web + print) delivered in 3-5 days. My retouching is clean but punchy – your stuff will look more expensive! (don’t tell anyone).
What’s the difference between lifestyle photography and traditional portraits in Barrie?
Traditional portraits = classic, posed, beautiful but sometimes stiff. Lifestyle photography captures you actually being you – laughing with your team downtown Barrie, walking the waterfront at sunset, using your product in real life. It feels authentic, tells your brand story, and converts like crazy on websites and social. Clients book me for lifestyle because it doesn’t look like stock photos – it looks like YOU winning.
Where do lifestyle or portrait sessions happen – studio or on-location in Barrie, Collingwood, or Muskoka?
Your choice! My waterfront studio in downtown Barrie has giant windows and that killer natural light everyone obsesses over. Or we go on-location: Kempenfelt Bay, Meridian Place, your office, your store – anywhere that screams your brand. Golden hour by the lake? Chef’s kiss. I know every secret spot from Barrie to Orillia to Collingwood.
Why hire a commercial photographer in Barrie over a DIY or Toronto photographer?
Because DIY product shots and iPhone headshots scream “small” and cost you sales. One pro session with me pays for itself in higher conversions, better branding, and looking like the established boss you are. Toronto agencies charge double and make you travel – I’m local, faster, friendlier, and my clients dominate Google Images in Simcoe County. Simple math: invest once, win forever.
How do I book a session with the top headshot and product photographer in Barrie?
Easiest thing ever: shoot me a text/call at 647-218-5878, DM me on Insta @justindadswellphotography, or click the giant “Book Now” button on the site. I’m usually booked 2-4 weeks out, but I always keep last-minute slots for my favourite clients (that’s you now). Let’s get you on the calendar this week – your new photos are gonna break the internet!
What’s the difference between lifestyle photography and traditional portraits?
Traditional portraits = classic, posed, beautiful but sometimes stiff. Lifestyle photography captures you actually being you – laughing with your team downtown Barrie, walking the waterfront at sunset, using your product in real life. It feels authentic, tells your brand story, and converts like crazy on websites and social. Clients book me for lifestyle because it doesn’t look like stock photos – it looks like YOU winning.
Where do lifestyle or portrait sessions happen – studio or on-location?
Your choice! My waterfront studio in downtown Barrie has giant windows and that killer natural light everyone obsesses over. Or we go on-location: Kempenfelt Bay, Meridian Place, your office, your store – anywhere that screams your brand. Golden hour by the lake? Chef’s kiss. I know every secret spot from Barrie to Orillia to Collingwood.
Why hire a commercial photographer over a DIY setup?
Because DIY product shots and iPhone headshots scream “small” and cost you sales. One pro session with me pays for itself in higher conversions, better branding, and looking like the established boss you are. Toronto agencies charge double and make you travel – I’m local, faster, friendlier, and my clients dominate Google Images in Simcoe County. Simple math: invest once, win forever.
How much do professional headshots cost in Barrie in 2025?
My 2025 headshot packages start at just $199+tax for a quick 20-minute session with 1 fully retouched final image – cheapest pro rate you’ll find in Simcoe County for this quality. Most clients go for the Signature Headshot Session ($299–$599+tax) which includes multiple looks, wardrobe changes, and 5–8 retouched images. Corporate team rates drop even lower per person. You’ll always get a custom quote within an hour – no hidden fees, ever.
Where is the best place to get LinkedIn headshots in Barrie or Simcoe County?
Hands-down my waterfront studio in downtown Barrie. Giant windows, coffee on deck, and I’ve shot thousands of Headshots that actually get my clients hired. Zero awkward mall backdrops here – just clean, modern, confidence-boosting photos that make recruiters stop scrolling.
Do you offer group or team headshots for companies in Barrie, Orillia, or Collingwood?
Yup, and I make it stupidly easy. I come to your office (or we do them in-studio) with portable lighting and shoot the whole team. Consistent look across everyone, individual retouching, and volume pricing that starts at $149/person for 10+ people. Real estate teams, law firms, and clinics book me every week.
Can you do headshots on location at my office in Barrie or the GTA?
100%. I bring the full studio setup – backdrop, pro lights, the works – and turn your boardroom or lobby into a headshot factory. No travel fees inside Simcoe County, flat rate for GTA runs. Perfect for busy execs who don’t want to leave the office.
What file formats and sizes do you deliver for headshots and product photos?
You get everything: high-res JPEG + PNG (web + print), perfect 400x400px & 1080x1080px crops for LinkedIn/Instagram. Product shoots also include web-optimized files under 500KB and Amazon-compliant white background versions. One google drive, zero headaches.
Do you photograph food, restaurants, or menus in Barrie and Muskoka?
Hell yes – food is my secret obsession. I make your dishes look so tasty people book tables before they finish scrolling. Flat lays, chef action shots, cocktail drips, interior ambiance – I do it all for restaurants from Barrie to Port Carling. Ask about my restaurant launch packages.
Are you available for branding photography sessions in Collingwood, Blue Mountain area?
All the time. I’m up in Blue Mountain every week shooting for hotels, spas, real estate, and ski brands. Sunrise at the peak or golden hour on the village cobblestones? Let’s go. Same killer rates, way better than Toronto photographers charging you mileage.
Do you offer rush or same-day headshot editing for urgent job applications or conferences?
You need it today? You got it today. Rush fee is only $99 and I’ll have your finals in your inbox within 4–6 hours (often faster). I’ve saved executives the night before interviews more times than I can count.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy for photography sessions in Barrie?
Life happens – reschedule anytime up to 48 hours before with zero fee. Inside 48 hours I charge 50% to hold your slot, but I’ll always apply it as credit toward your next session. Rain dates for outdoor shoots are always free.
Do you have gift certificates or headshot packages perfect for graduation or new job gifts?
Yup – digital gift cards in any denomination, beautifully branded, delivered instantly or printed fancy if you want. Moms, spouses, and bosses buy these like crazy for grads, promotions, or “you finally need a real headshot” interventions.