WHAT KIND OF HEADSHOTS DO I NEED?

Do you work, or want to work, in film, television, or theater? Do you work for a company that has asked you to submit your picture for a website or annual report? Have you thought about using a photo to promote yourself in your profession? Whatever your photo needs, the main thing to consider is what you want to project to the world.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A GOOD PHOTO SESSION?

Generally, solid colors work better than complicated patterns. Remember, your eyes should be focus of your headshot, not your clothes. Combine dark and light colors, and remember to avoid colors that closely match your skin tone so that your clothing contrasts with your complexion. Women should bring a variety of necklines with matching bras. Don’t wear anything too bulky, as that can be a distraction in the photo. Men should bring a layered look, like a suit with a good shirt and tie, for professional-looking headshots. For more informal headshots, baggy clothes do not photograph well, so if you wear a tee-shirt, make sure it is form-fitting and flatters you.

Feel free to bring in your old headshots or photos of other people as examples of what you like.

Women, please arrive wearing no makeup and your hair as close as possible to the way you want it to look for your headshots. Our stylist will do your makeup and manage your hair.

There is no need to arrive early, because we allow time for consultation, getting makeup done, and a full photo session.

For clients under 17 years of age, we require accompaniment by a parent or guardian at all times.

WHAT IS A PHOTO SESSION LIKE FOR ACTOR HEADSHOTS?

Before we start making images, we will talk about how your headshots will help you achieve your career goals and your brand. Then we can go over your clothing choices and we can work out the most flattering look for you. (All clients must bring their own clothes.) From there, our hair and makeup artist will discuss your likes and dislikes in makeup and hairstyles and will start preparing you for the camera.

All our sessions are a collaboration among you, the stylist, and me. We will take some test shots for preview and make any necessary adjustments immediately so that you feel your best in the photos.

In the studio we mostly use soft lights. The goal is to illuminate your eyes and the contours of your face.

For each look (clothes change) I capture a wide range of poses and expressions, so that you are able to use multiple pictures of yourself for different marketing purposes. After we shoot each look, which may include several dozen images, we will go over the photos together. By shooting and editing, we will work together to cover anything that we may have missed so you’ll know exactly what you’ve got when you leave the studio.

We will coach and guide you through the entire process, helping you to get the most out of your photo session.

RETOUCHING AND PRINTING

Any retouched images will be delivered electronically. I will grant you a print release that allows you to use the photos with any media. To read more about retouching technique that I use, go here.

Retouching means that we keep you looking at your best, but not intensely airbrushed. We tend to remove facial lines and blemishes, delete stray hairs, reduce eye veins or redness, and whiten teeth. More complex retouching work is subject to additional charges.

POST SESSION

Within 2 to 3 days after the photo session, I will upload the proofs, usually about 75 to 100 photos, into a Dropbox folder for you to preview. You will have 30 days to select your final shots for retouching.

For business headshots, I will upload the unretouched photos within 2 to 3 days after the photo session.

For same-day service, there is a small rush fee.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A SESSION?

Please schedule as far in advance as possible by calling 818-579-4668 or by email.

I recommend that we have a phone consultation before your appointment, to go over any questions you might have and to ensure that you feel comfortable with your upcoming shoot.

If for any reason you need to change your appointment, I require a 48-hour notice. Otherwise, the deposit can be forfeited. However, if we are able to fill your slot with another client, then we can credit your deposit toward a rescheduled session.