ERAS Medical Residency Student Headshots
Your ERAS headshot is one of the few parts of your residency application you have complete control over. It's also the first visual impression a program director has of you before they read a single word of your application. Nina Pomeroy has been photographing medical students and healthcare professionals for 26 years from her private studio in downtown Pleasanton. Sessions are efficient, the environment is professional and every image is delivered to meet ERAS technical requirements.
ERAS Headshot Technical Requirements
ERAS has specific technical requirements for application photos. Here's what your image needs to meet:
Dimensions: 2.5" x 3.5" portrait orientation
Resolution: 150 DPI minimum
File size: 100KB maximum
Format: JPEG
Background: White or neutral, no busy or colored backgrounds
Framing: Head and shoulders clearly visible
Quality: Sharp, well-lit and in focus, no selfies or phone photos
Every image delivered from this session is sized, formatted and retouched to meet these specifications. You upload directly from the gallery, no additional editing required.
What to Wear for Your ERAS Headshot
Your ERAS headshot may follow you through your residency application and into your career as an attending physician. Choose something professional that also feels like you.
A classic blazer, sport coat or professional blouse photographs well
Solid colors work best, avoid busy patterns or large logos
Choose colors that complement your skin tone
Wear what you'd wear to a professional interview
Avoid clothing that dates quickly, classic and clean is always the right call
A detailed wardrobe prep guide is sent with every booking confirmation.
Why a Professional Photographer Matters for ERAS
Phone cameras have improved significantly, but what a professional photographer brings to an ERAS session goes beyond the equipment. Expertise in lighting, angles and direction produces images that look polished, confident and natural not stiff or flat.
Nina works specifically with medical students and residency applicants to produce headshots that meet technical requirements and present you well. Sessions include coaching on expression and posture throughout so the results look like you at your most confident, not like someone trying to take a good photo.
What to Expect
Before Your Session You'll receive a detailed prep guide covering wardrobe, grooming and what to bring. The guide also includes specific notes on ERAS formatting requirements so you arrive prepared.
During Your Session Sessions typically run 30 to 60 minutes. Direction is provided throughout you don't need to know how to pose. The goal is a natural, professional expression that represents you well to residency programs.
After Your Session Your fully retouched images are delivered through a private online gallery, formatted to ERAS specifications. Rush delivery is available if you have an application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ERAS photo requirements? ERAS requires a 2.5" x 3.5" portrait image at 150 DPI, with a maximum file size of 100KB in JPEG format. The background should be white or neutral and your head and shoulders should be clearly visible.
Can you format the image to ERAS specifications? Yes. Every delivered image is formatted to meet ERAS technical requirements. You upload directly from the gallery.
How long does a session take? Most ERAS sessions run 30 to 60 minutes. This allows time for a wardrobe change and multiple expression options.
When will I receive my photos? Your retouched images are delivered through a private online gallery, typically within a few business days. Rush delivery is available for application deadlines.
Where is the studio? The studio is at 4725 1st Street in downtown Pleasanton. It's centrally located in the Tri-Valley with easy parking in three lots surrounding the building.
Do I need to wear a white coat? That's a personal choice. Some applicants prefer a professional blazer or business attire. Others prefer a white coat. Either works. Choose what feels most representative of where you are in your career.
What if I'm applying to multiple specialties? If you need different looks for different specialties, bringing an additional outfit option allows for variety in your gallery.
