Headshot FAQ
Do you recommend a consultation?
Definitely! Consultations are always free of charge so you really have nothing to lose. The relationship between a photographer and their subject is of the utmost importance.
You should feel comfortable with the person you are working with and admire their work. A consultation is the perfect way to figure this out.
You look your best when you are comfortable and having a good time. That's why I approach headshots first and foremost as a conversation. Give me a call or shoot me an email and we'll set up a time to talk.
What can I expect in our free consultation?
Well, at your convenience we'll schedule a complimentary consultation at my home studio to talk about you and your work. Bring along your previous headshot (if you have one) so we can talk about what you liked about it and what you'd like to improve upon. Headshots should be personal, I want to capture you as an individual and make you stand out to a casting director. We'll work together to get you there. We'll discuss any concerns you have about the process, I want you to feel completely ready and looking foward to our headshot session. If you are ready to schedule your photo shoot we can do so at this time.
How do I secure a date for my shoot?
I require a $75 deposit to secure the date. I accept credit cards through an online system as well as cash or money orders. Unfortunately I do not accept personal checks at this time. Deposits are non-refundable but can be transferred to another date and time if requested more than 72 hours in advance of the shoot.
What should I expect on the day of the shoot?
On the day of the shoot make sure to arrive on time and with your hair and make-up ready to go for your first look. We'll look through the clothing selections you've brought with you and I'll make recommendations about what might look best on film-- the final decision is solely up to you. You'll have a private room to change between looks and to adjust hair and make-up. I like to play music while shooting, it helps to keep you feeling energized throughout the shoot-- feel free to bring along your favorite CD's or I-pod. We'll start out with some test shots, figuring out the angles that work best for you. Depending on your package we'll get through two to four looks. I don't like to set a limit to the number of shots we'll take, the time is yours and I'll keep shooting the whole time.
What types of clothing should I bring?
Bring a selection of tops with varying necklines and one or two choices for pants/skirts. Avoid clothing that is completely white or has excessive patterns, unless worn under a solid colored piece of clothing. Avoid clothing that is baggy or unflattering. The most important thing in selecting pieces is how you feel in them, you should be comfortable during your shoot and feel great about how you look. It'll show in your pictures! Stay true to your style and the look you want to portray.
And if there is something that fits your style perfectly that you are unsure about for the photo shoot, bring it along and we'll take a look. Who knows, it might just be perfect. It's always better to bring along too many options than too few.
What about make-up?
I know some headshot photographers recommend or require you to have a make-up artist or stylist, but I just don't think its necessary. You should look like the person the auditioners will see on the day of the audition. And any blemishes, redness or discoloration that shows will be fixed in post production by the photoshop expert I have on staff. If you'd still like to hire a professional make-up artist please let me know and I can recommend a few.
For women: Make-up should look natural, your daily routine is fine. Bring along essentials for touch-ups in between looks. You should look like you in your photos, no one else. It's better to let us retouch blemishes in photoshop than to apply make-up that looks too heavy. Make sure to leave yourself with options for your hair, you may want to put it up, let it down or tossle it for different looks.
For men: Make-up isn't necessary, any blemishes will be retouched later.
Anything else I should bring with me?
Feel free to bring CD's or your I-pod and we'll play the music that makes you feel your best. A friend is welcome to attend.
What happens after the shoot is over?
Within 48 hours after the shoot I'll send you a link to a private online gallery with your images from the shoot. Feel free to share the gallery with industry friends or your agent, these people can be invaluable in helping you decide which to reproduce. I'll make suggestions but the decision about which to retouch is ultimately yours. My professional photoshop expert will retouch your final selection and I'll deliver the high resolution images to you on CD or DVD.
Where should I get my headshots reproduced?
You can take the images to the reproduction company of your choice. For a local option I recommend J&S Photo Service:
www.jsphotoservice.com or call (312) 751-8899.