Here you can find some information on how to prepare for the photo session and what to expect from the whole experience. Click on the topics above to view text.

YOUR HAIR:

You don’t need a hair stylist if you know how to coif your hair in the style that you want. Clean hair and as little hair product is preferable to achieve a nice look.

Be sure your hair-style is not so distracting as it could steal focus from your face. Don’t experiment the day of the shoot. It’s better to have cut and styled your hair well in advance so you can own it the day of the shoot.

If you want various complicated hairstyles to match different looks, I recommend a hair stylist to achieve best results. Be aware that this will cut into your time, however.

AFTER THE PHOTO SESSION:

You will get to see all your photos on my computer screen right after the photo session. We will evaluate if we got all the necessary shots, and we will point out our favorites already.

You will get all the original photos on a CD or DVD in full resolution. I suggest that you email the best choices to your agent, manager, or friends to help decide what looks best.

Once you have made your final choices you will send me the photo reference numbers. I will retouch the agreed upon number of photos, removing blemishes, stray hair, and other imperfections if necessary.

I will send you the retouched master photos. They will be ready to print.

SHOOTING DIGITAL:

The advantage of shooting digital is that you can see the results immediately. Because we can view shots as we go, it’s easy to experiment with angles, clothing, and lighting—all the elements that make a great headshot.

Retouching is done directly on the original digital file that will be used by the photo lab of your choice for future reproductions. So no matter how many reproductions you want, each one is printed directly from the original file, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality.

Digital headshots can also save you money. When you leave the photo session you’ll have in your hand a CD containing the digital shots we’ve taken. You won’t be buying negatives or worrying about tracking down the photographer in the future if you happen to need more.

TYPES OF HEADSHOTS:

Headshots fall into two categories: “Commercial” and “Theatrical”.

In the commercial shot, you will usually smile because it is important to communicate enthusiasm and positive energy.

The Theatrical shot is used primarily for film, television or theater. In this kind of shot you can appear more dramatic, focused, and intense. You get to show attitude.

Both types of headshots are necessary tools for the serious actor.

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If you bring your own stylist be sure to give them the address well in advance so they can get the directions and arrive on time.

Have a light meal before coming to the photo shoot so you don’t feel hungry or cranky. Remember to drink plenty of water.

You can bring your own music if you feel it will help you relax.

YOUR CLOTHING:

Choose your clothing carefully so it matches the looks that you are going for. It should fit you well, be clean and not wrinkled. Solid colors are usually better than busy patterns, prints and stripes. Unless you don’t mind shooting your headshots every six months, avoid using fad clothing styles, or risk being out of date very soon.

It’s better to bring different colors and neck lines as it’s better too have too many choices than not enough. Eventually we will choose the best and most flattering look.

Avoid wearing jewelry as it distracts from your face.

Generally speaking it’s better to have colors darker than your skin tone. If you are going for the bronzed outdoorsy look, then a lighter color is OK. In any case, don’t just bring solid black or solid white as your only choices.

Bring different types of pants in case we see more body in the shots.

YOUR FACE:

First of all, try to be as rested as possible. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or overindulging with rich food before the day of the shoot. Drink plenty of water as this will hydrate your skin and improve its texture.

Check yourself in the mirror and look for any area that needs grooming. If you are using a make-up artist it’s preferable to arrive with a clean face and with your hair styled as close as possible to the way you want it.

Women’s make-up can take up to an hour to apply, so calculate this into the schedule. I recommend women have a stylist on location to help with hair and make-up, but it’s not mandatory. An extra pair of eyes is of great help though, especially if they want to change looks.

If you are good with your own styling, then do it yourself. Start at home but expect to apply the final touches at the studio, so you can fine-tune it with the location lighting condition. Keep it natural. Don’t go heavy with the eye-liner, lipstick etc…

Men usually don’t need more than 15 minutes. I always have powder in the studio which is often the only thing needed for men to elliminate excess shine.

Don’t stress if you see blemishes on your face. I will remove them digitally as I retouch with photoshop.