Virginia State University Headshot Photography Value Statement & Proposal
Overview
FD Finch Photography proposes a professional headshot photography program for Virginia State University’s Junior and Graduating Senior classes. This initiative is designed to support student career readiness, elevate the university’s professional brand, and provide long-term value through high-quality, consistent visual assets.
Professional headshots are essential tools in today’s workforce. They play a critical role in internships, graduate school applications, LinkedIn profiles, resumes, and employer engagement. This program ensures VSU students are equipped with industry-standard imagery that reflects confidence, professionalism, and readiness for post-graduate success.
FD Finch Photography Advantage
FD Finch Photography specializes in creating headshots that are purpose-driven and tailored for professional, academic, and corporate use.
-Proven track record with Virginia State University leadership, faculty, and staff
-Specialized expertise in professional and corporate headshot photography
-Efficient, high-volume workflow designed for large student cohorts
-On-site studio setup to maximize participation and minimize disruption
-Professional posing and expression coaching to enhance confidence and approachability
Established Partnership with Virginia State University
FD Finch Photography is an established and trusted photography partner of Virginia State University. Our work already includes professional headshots for faculty and staff within the School of Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science, as well as photography services provided to the Virginia State University President and members of the VSU Board.
This existing partnership demonstrates our understanding of VSU’s brand standards, leadership expectations, and institutional professionalism, ensuring seamless execution and consistent quality across student, faculty, and executive-level imagery.
Virginia State University Photography Projects
Budget Proposal
Rate: $120 per Student
-The following budget model is scalable and based on final participation numbers.
Per-Student Cost Includes:
-Professional on-site headshot session
-Posing and expression coaching
-Consistent studio lighting and background
-Professional retouching and color correction
-Two posed high-resolution digital images delivery suitable for print and digital use
Value to Virginia State University
1. Student Career Readiness & Success
Providing professional headshots removes a common barrier students face when entering the job market. Each student receives a polished, modern headshot that enhances their personal brand and strengthens their competitive positioning with employers and graduate programs.
2. Institutional Branding & Consistency
FD Finch Photography delivers consistent lighting, composition, and styling across all sessions—aligning student imagery with the same professional standards used for VSU faculty, staff, and leadership. These images can be leveraged across:
-Career Services platforms
-Alumni relations
-Marketing and recruitment materials
-University publications and digital assets
3. Equity & Access
By offering headshots as a university-supported initiative, VSU ensures all students—regardless of financial background—have equal access to professional-quality imagery that supports career advancement.
Return On Investment
Tangible ROI
-One-time photography investment generates multi-year, reusable assets
-Consistent imagery reduces future departmental photography expenses
-Scalable process allows high student participation at a controlled cost
Student Outcomes ROI
-Increased student confidence and professional presentation
-Improved internship, employment, and graduate school competitiveness
-Stronger LinkedIn and resume profiles representing VSU excellence
Institutional ROI
-Elevated perception of VSU among employers, alumni, and partners
-Stronger recruitment and marketing materials featuring polished student imagery
-Reinforces VSU’s commitment to career readiness and student success
-12 month Archiving on all delivered headshots
-Fully licensed use of all headshots delivered
Reputational ROI
-As students share professional headshots online, VSU benefits from increased brand
-Visibility and positive association with professionalism, leadership, and preparedness
Production Timeline Expectations
Pre-Production
- Consultation to define goals, audience, and image usage
- Confirmation of shoot date, time, and location
- Wardrobe, grooming, and styling guidance
- Shot list and visual direction finalized
- Equipment, lighting, and backdrop preparation completed
Production Day(s)
- Professional setup of lighting and camera equipment
- Warm, welcoming environment to help subjects feel confident
- Guided posing, posture, and expression coaching
- Real-time lighting and composition adjustments
- Efficient session flow while maintaining quality and consistency
Post Production
- Image selection and quality review
- Professional editing including color correction and exposure balancing
- Natural retouching to enhance appearance while preserving authenticity
- Final image optimization for digital use
- Secure digital delivery of high-resolution images within the agreed timeline