What’s a headshot?
In a headshot we’re looking to capture the ideal version of the current you.
This may sound weird, but, a headshot isn’t exactly about “looking pretty” it’s about looking like you on your best day. We’re still going to hide that tooth that you’re self conscious of, and retouch your skin to look its absolute best; we’re just not going to make anything look misleading.
How is this different than a portrait?
In a portrait we’re creating a stylized look. More of a character than the “blank slate” that a headshot should be.
An important thing to remember: Portraits are all about body and lines. Headshots are all about the eyes and smile. Eyes convey intensity, your mouth conveys approachability.
Process / What to expect
During your session we’ll do some posing and I’ll give you direction. We’ll then take a break and review the photos we just took, make some notes for adjustments in your posing and lighting, and then shoot some more.
I’ll be shooting with my camera tethered to a computer so that we can review the images in real time on a larger screen.
Cost
Refer to my rates page for the most up-to-date info.
If you have an agent talk to them about your outfit and hair styling choices. You are a team and represent each other.
Styling
I’d recommend clothing that represents a base version of the characters you want to act.
Outfits
Unlike most photographers, I don’t charge by “looks” but changing outfits takes time, so factor that in to your goals for the session. As a rule of thumb: 2-3 looks in 1 hour is comfortable, 4 looks can get tight on time.
Colors
Pick what you feel you look best in. I would recommend against patterns though, houndstooth, I’m looking at you, buddy.
Hair
If you have long hair and want to do photos with it both up & down, we should start with it down. Ideally it should be done how you would wear it for an audition.
Haircuts should be done at least several days before a shoot (I know my hair goes a little crazy just after it’s cut). And if you color your hair it should be done at least 7 days beforehand.
Ladies Makeup
I know, if you’re in theater, you may do your own makeup for stage every day, but this is a bit different. Stage vs headshot (or stills) vs film… they’re all different and some require heavier or lighter applications of makeup. I recommend letting another pro do what they’re best at for this. Let me know and I can help arrange one for your session.
Don’t try any new skin regimens before your session. Stick with what you know works for you.
Guy’s Makeup
I generally advise guys to not wear makeup unless thats your thing regularly.
Facial Hair
We’ve all got those stray hairs. Remember to clean them up the day before your session.
If you occasionally do stubble, or a light beard and want to do photos like that & also clean shaven: have a game plan. Bring your shaving kit and let me know what I’ll need provide.
On the note of stubble: make sure that when you grow it out that you’re starting from a consistent clean shave, or even it up with a beard trimmer beforehand.
And if you have a beard: DO NOT use oil on it before the shoot. Bring it with you and we can apply it as needed, but it can make your beard way to shiny in headshot photos.
Dude, I’m nervous in front of the camera
I totally get that. You’re an actor, you’re used to conveying emotion via motion, and voice. I’ll help you along this new journey. The main thing to remember is: it’s all about the eyes.
Here are some things that we’re gonna channel during your session: imagine your ideal role, the pinnacle of your career. What’s that look like? How does that make you feel? Who’s more excited: you to be working with Robert Denero or him to be working with you?
Film, now, is free, so we’re gonna shoot a whole lot of frames. The idea is to be ruthless in culling this down to the best few images. We’re looking for 3ish images that best represent you.
Most importantly, have fun, and you be you. I’ll give you directions, and manage the camera and lights.
After the Shoot
How will I get to see my images?
You’ll receive an email with a link to a secure gallery. You can invited people to share this gallery, you can favorite images and you can hide images from view. You can see what your partner, friends, or family have favorited and help narrow down which photos you want to keep.
How will you deliver my images?
They’ll be set to downloadable in that same gallery that you previewed them in. This is great because only the people you specifically want to invite will be able to see your images.
When will I get to see my images?
Usually within 3-5 days unless we’ve agreed on a different timeline. Because these are only “proofs” and not ready for you to take home I can get them displayed faster than that usually but I don’t want to over-promise.
When will I get my final edited images?
I will deliver “Fully Edited” images within 14 days of your selection submission. Usually faster than that, but again, I don’t over promise.