Professional Headshots
The Meruelo Family Center for Career Development (CCD) is pleased to offer free digital headshots for the Notre Dame community. This self-serve resource provides professional-quality headshots in less than 5 minutes.
No appointment is needed to use this service.
Who
This free service is a benefit for all Notre Dame undergraduate and graduate students.
Where
The headshot photo booth is conveniently located in the Meruelo Family Center for Career Development reception area on the north end of the 5th floor of Duncan Student Center (take a right when you exit the north elevators).
When
The booth is available anytime the 5th floor is open. During the academic year (while classes are in session), the 5th floor is typically open:
Monday through Thursday, 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
Fridays, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sundays, 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Use of this service is first-come, first-serve. A headshot session typically takes no more than 3-4 minutes. There is no need to make an advance appointment.
How it works
Visit the Booth: Go to the north reception desk on the 5th floor during CCD hours.
Adjust the Stool: Sit on the stool and adjust its height using the side lever. Keep the stool in place for optimal lighting. Set it to the lowest position to avoid cutting off your head in the photo.
Start the Session: Tap the screen to begin. You can also control it from your phone by scanning the QR code.
Enter Your Email: Type in your email address (use your @nd.edu or any other email).
Follow the Tips: The screen will show tips for taking the best picture.
Choose a Timer: Select a 3-second or 6-second timer (3 seconds is usually sufficient).
Take Your Photo: During the countdown, look up at the camera (not at the screen). You'll see a preview of your photo.
Capture More Photos: Repeat the process to take two more pictures, with the timer option each time.
Retake Option: After the last photo, you can choose one to retake (optional).
Exit: Press the "exit" button.
Upload: A progress bar will show your photo uploading to the Iris website.
Be Courteous: Leave the booth for others to use it. If there's no line, you can start over. You can edit your photos later on your computer.
Retrieve your photos
There is no need to wait around the booth. You will receive an email within 2-3 minutes after completing your session.
Click on the "Get Photos" button in your email, and you will be directed to a website to activate an account on the Iris website.
Use the same email address you used at the booth and create a password. Important: Iris does not integrate with Notre Dame's single sign-on. While you are welcome to use your netID@nd.edu email, do not use your netID password. Create a unique password you have not used for any other account.
Upon creating your password, you will be directed to log in to the Iris website.
Type in your email and password to view and download your headshots. The website will also allow you to edit and retouch your photos before downloading.
Retrieve your photos from the Iris website
Edit and retouch features
One of the best features Iris offers is the ability to easily edit your photos. Due to the quality of the camera used, the lighting, and the neutral backdrop, most sessions do not require much editing. Options for editing include:
Cropping / re-centering
Teeth whitening (this feature is only available on your laptop)
Blemish correction (this feature is only available on your laptop)
Lighting correction
Filters (tip: most students use the "Prime" filter to give the most professional look)
While you are welcome to edit your photo on your phone, the full suite of editing tools is only available on your laptop/desktop computer.
After editing, you are welcome to download your headshot to your device or share your photo to any email address.
Your photo will be saved on the Iris website for 365 days in case you need to revisit your Iris account to retrieve or edit your photos. You are welcome to keep your photos on the server for future reference or delete your photos at anytime; however, once you delete them, they cannot be retrieved.
Tips for taking a professional-quality headshot
The Iris technology makes taking a great headshot a piece of cake. If you can use Instagram, you can take a professional headshot! Here are some tips:
Business casual or business professional dress is recommended if you are using your headshot for LinkedIn or Handshake.
Consider removing your eyeglasses to avoid any unwanted glare.
Solid colors are best and mid-range to darker shades of clothing are recommended.
The background is a light gray color. Avoid wearing a white or light gray top (by itself) since it may blend into the background. A white shirt is fine if you are wearing a jacket, blazer, sweater, etc.
Repositioning your head and shoulders can make a big difference. Try a few different poses, like:
Sit up straight (no slouching!).
Turn your knees and shoulders 30-45 degrees.
Dip your shoulder (closest to the camera) and tilt your chin down.
Cross your arms at your chest or place your hands on your knees or lap.
Take at least one picture with your teeth showing and one with your mouth closed while smiling (don't worry about the color of your teeth - the Iris editing tool provides a convenient teeth whitening correction you can use!).
Project confidence and let your personality show!
If you don't like your headshots, that's OK! You are welcome to delete it from your account and return anytime for another round of free headshots.
About this service
The photo booth is provided by the Meruelo Family Center for Career Development as a courtesy to the Notre Dame community. This is not a party-style photo booth. Please be respectful and know that CCD staff have administrative access to all photos and will review them periodically to ensure appropriate use.
The photo booth was created by a veteran studio photographer to deliver clean, crisp images in a new, reimagined way. Iris has partnered with a number of career centers across the country to help college students build their professional online profiles to advance their careers. Iris booths are also used at professional conferences and by many top companies. To learn more about Iris and see sample pictures, visit their Instagram.
Questions about this service at ND can be directed to: headshot@nd.edu.