Professional ERAS headshots for medical students and residency applicants
ERAS Headshots in New Jersey
Your ERAS photo is one of the first visual impressions attached to your residency application. It should look professional, confident, and unmistakably like you.
Too stiff feels fake. Too casual misses the moment. And nobody relaxes on command in front of a camera.
You've earned the right to look ready. Your photo shouldn't be one more thing to feel unsure about.
ERAS Headshots in New Jersey
Professional ERAS headshots for medical students and residency applicants
Your ERAS photo is one of the first visual impressions attached to your residency application. It should look professional, confident, and unmistakably like you.
Too stiff feels fake. Too casual misses the moment. And nobody relaxes on command in front of a camera.
You've earned the right to look ready. Your photo shouldn't be one more thing to feel unsure about.
I've photographed professionals across New Jersey and the greater NYC area for more than 30 years. I know both sides of the camera, including the discomfort of being on the wrong end of it.
Every ERAS Headshot session is guided. You won't have to figure out posing, expression, or what to do with your hands. I'll walk you through all of it, in real time.
30+ Years of Experience · 695+ Five-Star Google Reviews · Direction Built for ERAS
Guided by 30+ Years of Experience
What Makes an ERAS Headshot Different From a Standard Professional Headshot?
An ERAS headshot isn't the same brief as a corporate portrait or a LinkedIn photo. It's built specifically for the residency-application context: polished enough to look professional, while still natural and recognizably you.
That's a different goal than a standard headshot session, and I approach it differently. Less about looking corporate, and more about looking like the person a program is about to meet.
ERAS APPLICATION-READINESS
Every session is built around what your application actually needs:
- Composition: framed correctly for how programs will see it
- Expression: a few natural variations, not one forced pose
- Wardrobe guidance: what reads as professional without competing with your face
- Glasses: lit correctly, glare-free, if you wear them day to day
- Image selection: you choose the final photo, with my input if you want it
- Natural retouching: polish, not reinvention; you should recognize yourself instantly
- Final delivery: sized and formatted for ERAS upload
A Simple, Guided Process
1. Book Your Session
Choose a time that fits your application timeline. Earlier is better, so you're not racing a deadline.
2. Get Guided Through Everything
Posing, expression, wardrobe, glasses: I'll walk you through each decision during the session.
3. Choose Your Favorite, Submit With Confidence
Compare your results and pick the image that looks the most like you at your best.
ERAS Headshots for Medical Students
Across Northern New Jersey
"I had such a great experience working with Alex! I came in to get a professional headshot photo for my residency application and Alex did a great job not only taking the photos, but making me feel welcome in his studio. I really love the way the pictures came out, thank you Alex!"
Jill Lynn
(Verified Google Review)
A Photo Ready for the Match
★★★★★
★★★★★
"I had the pleasure of working with Alex Kaplan Photography for my professional headshot during my medical residency onboarding process, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. Alex did an excellent job ensuring my headshot came out both beautiful and highly professional. During the session, he provided clear direction and paid close attention to details like posture and positioning, which made a big difference in the final result. He created a comfortable environment and guided me throughout the shoot with confidence and expertise. The photos were delivered in a timely manner, and the quality exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Alex Kaplan Photography for anyone in need of polished, professional headshots. I would absolutely work with him again."
Imade Perlman
(Verified Google Review)
★★★★★
"I went to Alex to get professional headshot photos for my residency application and he did a fantastic job. The setup was so clean and professional. He was a great photographer and knew exactly what he was doing. Was willing to accommodate with my busy schedule. 10/10 would recommend."
Alla Kravtsiv
(Verified Google Review)
ERAS HEADSHOT FAQs
Avoid leaving your photo until the final stages of your application prep. Scheduling earlier gives you time to complete your session, choose your favorite image, and receive the finished photo without last-minute pressure.
Should I smile in my ERAS headshot?
You can. A natural smile communicates confidence and approachability while still looking professional. I'll photograph a few expressions during your session so you can choose the one that represents you best.
What should I wear for an ERAS headshot?
Professional, simple clothing generally works best. Wear something you'd feel comfortable wearing to a residency interview. Avoid distracting patterns or oversized logos.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes. If glasses are part of your everyday look, they can be included. Proper lighting and positioning minimize distracting lens reflections.
What if I'm uncomfortable in front of the camera?
You're not alone. Most clients start there. I guide the entire session so you don't have to figure out posing or expressions on your own.
Do you retouch ERAS headshots?
Yes. Professional retouching polishes the finished portrait while keeping it natural and recognizably you.
What are the ERAS photo requirements?
ERAS accepts a JPG or PNG under 150 KB, sized at 375 x 525 pixels with your face centered in the frame. I deliver your final image already sized and compressed to meet those specs, so you can upload it as is. International graduates submit their photo through ECFMG, and fellowship applicants through ERAS Fellowships. I always confirm the current AAMC requirements before your final image is delivered.
Applying next cycle? Book in the spring rather than August. You’ll have your photo ready well before the application season gets busy.
Can I use a regular professional headshot for ERAS?
You can technically upload any headshot that meets the file requirements, but a photo built for the ERAS context (natural, approachable, and framed the way programs expect to see it) tends to serve the application better than a repurposed corporate or LinkedIn photo.
