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Your Headshot day should feel relaxed, joyful, and completely yours.

I’m Alex Kaplan, a Headshot Photographer and videographer based in New Milford, NJ, serving Northern.

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ERAS Headshots Near Hackensack: Look Confident. Get Noticed.

July 6, 2025

ERAS Headshots Near Hackensack: Look Confident. Get Noticed.

If you’re applying for medical residency through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service), your photo isn’t just a formality—it’s part of your first impression. Program directors often see your headshot before they read your personal statement. A clean, confident image can set the tone and help you stand out.

ERAS is the centralized online application system used by medical students and graduates to apply for residency programs across the U.S. Through ERAS, you’ll submit documents like your personal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts—and one professional headshot, which becomes part of your official applicant profile.

I’m based in New Milford, just minutes from Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, and I work with medical students from Teaneck, Nutley, Clifton, and New Brunswick who want to look professional and approachable—without looking stiff.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about your ERAS headshot for the 2025 cycle.




✅ 2025 ERAS Headshot Requirements

ERAS has strict formatting rules. Your photo must:

  • Be 2.5 x 3.5 inches
  • Have at least 150 dpi resolution
  • Be a color JPEG under 150 KB
  • Show head and shoulders, full face visible
  • Use a plain, white or light gray background
  • Be taken within the last 6 months
  • No white coats, no props, no distractions

📌 Tip: A well-lit professional photo will instantly stand out in a sea of low-quality DIY shots.



👔 What to Wear: ERAS Headshot Outfit Guide

👨 For Men:

  • Navy or charcoal suit
  • White or light blue dress shirt
  • Solid, professional tie
  • Clean shave or neatly trimmed facial hair

👩 For Women:

  • Dark blazer or suit jacket
  • Blouse in soft/neutral color (avoid bright white)
  • Natural hair (down or cleanly pulled back)
  • Minimal jewelry and makeup

🎯 Think of how you’d dress for a residency interview—that’s the energy you want your headshot to give off.



📸 Professional vs DIY ERAS Headshots

FeatureDIY HeadshotPro Headshot
Consistent Lighting
ERAS-Compliant Format
Posing Guidance
Retouching Included
Stress-Free Experience

You can take your own ERAS photo… but most DIY images look dim, awkwardly cropped, or noncompliant. A professional headshot makes sure you look like the best version of yourself—and it shows that you’re taking your application seriously.



📍 Why Hackensack Is a Prime Location for ERAS Headshots

Hackensack is home to:

  • Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (Nutley & Clifton campuses)
  • Hackensack University Medical Center
  • Close proximity to Teaneck, New Milford, Paramus, and Fort Lee

Whether you live in student housing or commute from Bergen County, I’m just a few minutes away—with flexible session times and fast delivery.



🧠 Pro Photography Tips for Your ERAS Headshot

  • Use even lighting — no harsh shadows or blown-out highlights
  • Smile slightly — a soft, confident expression beats a forced grin
  • Keep your posture upright and relaxed
  • Wear solid colors — avoid bold prints or textured fabrics
  • Don’t over-edit — mild retouching is fine (blemishes, shine), but keep it natural

🗓️ When Should You Schedule Your ERAS Headshot?

The ERAS application opens in June, and most students submit by mid-September.

Best time to book: July–August
Turnaround: My clients receive final ERAS-compliant headshots in 24–48 hours
Bonus: I’ll also send you versions for LinkedIn, your school directory, and future job applications



📸 What’s Included in My ERAS Headshot Session

  • Guided session in New Milford (5 minutes from Hackensack)
  • Professional lighting and white/gray studio backdrop
  • Outfit and pose coaching
  • ERAS-compliant editing and file sizing
  • Multiple image options to choose from
  • Final delivery in ERAS + LinkedIn formats

🎓 Trusted by med students at Hackensack Meridian, Rutgers, and Cooper Medical School.



💬 Student Reviews

“Alex made me feel comfortable right away. I hate taking pictures, but the results were amazing. My residency application felt more complete because of it.”
— Sarah J., Nutley

“Everything was formatted and ready to upload to ERAS. I didn’t have to worry about anything technical. Highly recommend.”
— Dan K., Teaneck



✅ TL;DR — ERAS Headshot Checklist

  • ✅ White or light gray background
  • ✅ 2.5 x 3.5 inches at 150 dpi
  • ✅ JPEG under 150 KB
  • ✅ Business attire (no white coat)
  • ✅ Taken within the past 6 months
  • ✅ Look confident, approachable, and natural


📍 Book Your ERAS Headshot Near Hackensack Today

I’ve helped hundreds of students from Hackensack Meridian and other NJ schools look their best for residency.

Sessions are simple, fast, and stress-free — so you can focus on the rest of your application.

👉 Schedule your ERAS photo now:
📍 https://alexkaplanphoto.com/njheadshots/
📞 Call or text: 917-992-9097
📍 Studio: New Milford, NJ (minutes from Hackensack & Teaneck)

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