Professional ERAS© Headshots In Montgomery County, MD, and Washington D.C.
Stand out to program directors with a polished, confident headshot that meets all ERAS® requirements.
Why Your Residency Headshot Matters
• Your headshot is the first things program directors notice.
• It’s not only about the requirements — it’s about conveying confidence, professionalism, and approachability.
What You'll Get With Your Session
Photos that 100% meet ERAS® requirements (dimensions, background, file type)
1. Coaching on expression and posture so there's no guess work.
2. A stress-free, efficient session that respects your busy schedule
3. A digital file in the right format and a high-resolution digital file ready to upload
What Does It Cost?
ERAS Headshot session are $275 and include one image in the correct format for uploading. Additional images can be purchases if you wish.
Why Students Choose Armato Headshots
Convenient location in Montgomery County, near Rockville, and less than 30 minutes from DC & Virginia
Fast turnaround so you don’t miss deadlines
Experience photographing students, medical professionals, and executives — we know how to capture a confident image
What Is an ERAS® Headshot?
An ERAS® headshot is a professional portrait required as part of your residency application through the Electronic Residency Application Service. Medical student headshots submitted through ERAS give program directors their first visual impression of you before they read your personal statement, scores, or letters of recommendation.
Unlike a casual photo, medical residency headshots are expected to convey professionalism, competence, and genuine approachability. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the photo is most often used by programs to identify applicants at the interview stage, making it one of the most widely seen elements of your entire application.
ERAS® Photo Technical Requirements
Your ERAS® headshot must meet specific technical standards set by the AAMC. A knowledgeable ERAS headshot photographer will know these specifications and deliver your image in the correct format, ready to upload directly to your application.
Photo Specifications
• File type: Color JPEG or PNG.
• Dimensions: 2.5 × 3.5 inches at a minimum of 150 DPI.
• File size: 150 KB maximum.
• Background: White or light gray, as recommended by the AAMC.
• Framing: Head and shoulders centered in the frame, face clearly visible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Cropped vacation or group photos.
• Outdoor or environmental backgrounds.
• Wearing a white coat as your primary ERAS® photo submission.
• Heavy filters or obvious over-retouching.
• Busy patterns, logos, or low-cut tops that draw attention away from your face.
What to Wear for Your Residency Application Headshot
Residency application headshots should reflect the seriousness of the application process. Your attire makes an immediate statement about your professionalism. Dress for the position you are pursuing, not the one you currently hold.
For Men
• Dark-colored suit: charcoal, navy, or black.
• Solid-colored shirt with a tie; subtle patterns on the tie are acceptable.
• Avoid busy prints, logos, or distracting accessories.
For Women
• Dark blazer or suit jacket over a solid, conservative top.
• Avoid low-cut or heavily patterned tops.
• Keep jewelry minimal, avoid large or dangling pieces.
General Tips for All Applicants
• Wear glasses only if you use them daily.
• Avoid wearing your white coat for your primary ERAS® submission.
• Choose an outfit that contrasts clearly against a white or gray background.
• Schedule a haircut 5–7 days before your session, not the day before.
When to Book Your ERAS® Session
The ERAS application opens in early September, with most program deadlines falling in mid-September. Medical students should book their residency application photos no later than early August to allow time for delivery, any needed reshoots, and uploading before the application window opens.
Suggested Booking Timeline
• June to early July: Research photographers and book your session.
• Mid-July to early August: Session completed and images delivered.
• Mid-August: Review and upload your ERAS® headshot.
• Early September: Application opens and your headshot is ready.
Here are some helpful blog post with information on:
For more information on ERAS© Headshots and some tips for your session, read my ERAS Headshot Guide
In addition to ERAS headshots, I also photograph actors, real estate agents, lawyers, doctors and personal branding across Montgomery County and the greater Washington D.C. area.
What Professionals Are Saying About Us
Our clients' success stories speak for themselves. Read their experiences and discover why professionals choose us for high-quality headshots that elevate their personal and business brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. A natural, confident smile communicates warmth, approachability, and trustworthiness, which are the qualities that program directors look for when evaluating physician headshots. Your expression does not need to be a wide grin; a relaxed, genuine smile is ideal. An experienced photographer will use posing techniques to bring out a natural expression.
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Generally, no. Wearing a white coat is discouraged for primary ERAS® photo submissions. Business professional attire, such as a dark suit or blazer, is the standard for residency application headshots and presents you more effectively to program directors.
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While technically possible, it is strongly recommended that you work with a professional ERAS headshot photographer. Program directors review hundreds of residency application headshots each cycle, and a DIY photo, even one that meets the technical specs, can signal a lack of attention to detail. Professional lighting, posing guidance, and expert retouching make a measurable difference.
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Often, yes. Many residency programs display your headshot on their website, hospital rosters, and name badges during your first year or two of residency. This photo also serves a similar purpose to other professional headshots, such as a LinkedIn profile image, and is well worth the investment.
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Armato Headshots serves medical students from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, and Uniformed Services University, along with residency programs throughout the greater Washington, D.C. area. Conveniently located in Montgomery County, our studio is accessible from Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, all within a short drive.