Recording Your StudioTalk Interview

We’re excited to feature you in our StudioTalk series, where we turn the virtual lens onto our talented HSM headshot photographers from around the world. To ensure a smooth and high-quality interview, we’ll be recording through Riverside, an online platform that captures professional-grade video and audio while generating a transcript for our written feature.

The main interview will be conducted on a computer, and for the final question, we’ll ask you to switch to your mobile phone to record a vertical video—perfect for social media reels. The last question will be: "Why Headshots Matter?"
This question can either lean towards the benefits of our HSM organization or headshots specifically.

To help you feel prepared, we’ve put together a few simple guidelines to ensure everything runs smoothly.

How to Prepare for Your StudioTalk Interview

1. Choose Your Spot
Find a quiet location with good lighting to help you look and sound your best on camera. Natural light or a soft, diffused light source works well.

2. Test Your Equipment Early
Double-check your microphone, camera, and internet connection before the session to avoid last-minute issues.

3. Use Google Chrome
Riverside works exclusively with Google Chrome. If you don’t have it, download it for Mac or PC.

4. The Riverside Chat Link
We’ll email you the link to your Riverside chat. Please use the link and follow the directions.

5. Keep Riverside FM Open
Since Riverside is a web-based app, keep your computer on and Google Chrome open after recording. The platform will automatically upload your audio and video files. With a good internet connection, this process only takes a few minutes.

6. Position Your Camera
Set your camera at eye level for a professional look. If using a laptop, prop it up on a stable surface or a stack of books for better framing.

7. Mute Notifications
Silence notifications on your computer and phone to avoid interruptions during the recording.

8. Microphone (Optional)
An external microphone can improve sound quality, but it’s not required. Your built-in microphone should work fine.

9. Headphones (Optional but Helpful)
Headphones help reduce feedback. If your speakers cause an echo during the soundcheck, we may ask you to use them.

10. Join on Time
Plan to join the Riverside studio 5–10 minutes early for a quick soundcheck and any troubleshooting if needed.

11. Select a Clean or Contextual Background
Your background helps set the tone for your interview. Choose a simple, uncluttered space for a clean look, or opt for a contextual background that reflects your work—such as your studio, a photography setup, or a thoughtfully arranged office space. Avoid distractions and ensure the focus stays on you.

12. The Final Question – Recording Your Vertical Video | "Why do headshots matter?"
For the final part of your interview, we’ll ask you to switch to your mobile phone to answer our last question. We’ll walk you through that process while we have you on the initial interview aspect of the video call.

This short, vertical video will allow us to create a social media-friendly reel to highlight your insights and personality, which will of course be credited and link to each photographer.

We’re Always Here to Help!
If you have any questions before the interview, feel free to reach out. And please know we’ll make sure you feel comfortable before we start recording. We’re looking forward to featuring you in StudioTalk!

For reference, here’s a link to how our StudioTalk inviews look and feel as a written feature: studio-talk as well as an example of the social media reel: