Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Headshots are not just for actors and models. They’re for anyone in the professional world.
Whether you have a casting account or a LinkedIn one, a talent agency or a dating profile, you’ll need pictures to represent yourself. And nothing gets as close and personal than a good headshot.
Yes of course! While I specialize in dealing with actors, I also have an extensive background in corporate and employee photoshoots.
The perk of having worked with actors, allows for a deeper and more personal approach to capturing each one’s persona. And with many of them being first timers, it gave me the ability to create a comfortable environment that generates confidence.
Package deals are available, e-mail me for more details..
I also do full body shots, both in my studio and outdoors. They do require a slightly different process. So if you’re looking for a headshot & full body package, please let me know in advance, so I can schedule your time accordingly.
Congratulations for coming this far!!
If you decide to work with me, then the hard part of finding a photographer is over and now the fun begins.
First thing, you’ll need to schedule an appointment, I’m usually booked two weeks in advance, but rushed services are available if needed.
Phone or e-mail consultations are available to talk things prior to your shoot.
You’ll fill a quick questionnaire to help me identify the types of roles you’re seeking and your overall experience. If you don’t have any experience being in front of camera, then worry not. I have worked with many first-timers and will guide you through the process and the different poses to try.
Headshots are self-exploration process, enjoy the journey as you may surprise yourself!
Make sure you read the section on what you can and should not wear. And feel free to familiarize yourself with your process below.
On your appointment day, make sure you’ve eaten prior. Often people think they should abstain from food to look their best and end up very light-headed. Headshots sessions, although relaxed and engaging, can be a lot of work and an empty stomach is not a good idea.
I hear this question a lot, and I’ve thought and realized, we ask ourselves that question every day.
It makes sense. It’s really a question of how will I face my day. Do I want to be casual, do I want to be tactful or should I be looking more fierce? Is it morning and you’re heading to work, or is it nighttime and you’re going out?
Picking an outfit for headshots is the same process you already know how to do. The only difference is, how do the characters I want to portray face their day.
Are you looking to portray lawyers? Teachers? Law-enforcement officers? Chefs? Parents? Girl/Guy next door? Best friend? Love interests?
If you don’t know yet, that’s completely fine. This is part of your process of exploring what characters you can play. And this becomes clearer with experience and can change with age.
Whichever style you choose, one thing is certain, bring many color options. And I will help you choose what suits your skin tone best with lighting and background/environment.
If you’re still looking for a short list bring:
- Simple patterns or solid colored tops: T-shirts, shirts, dresses.
- Different layers to add and remove – such as jackets, vests, scarves, and neck-wear.
- Eye glasses – preferably anti-glare.
- Whatever pants to make you feel comfortable.
As it is a headshot, you do not need anything in particular from the waist down. Last time I did my headshots, I was wearing a fancy button-down shirt, suit jacket, gym shorts and sneakers. If it helps, you’re always welcome to wear whatever your character might need.
This seems to be an overlooked question, and the short answer is, don’t wear anything that will compete with your face.
A headshot resembles a canvas for casting directors to match with the appropriate character. Then it becomes a balancing act of showing your personality and without being too specific.
If you’re looking for a list of no-no’s:
- No clothes with intricate or tight patterns.
- No neon colors.
- No jarring jewelry or big rings.
- No glamour make-up.
- And unless your skin tone is fairly dark, avoid wearing pure white tops/shirts.
After booking your tentative appointment, I will send you a questionnaire to better understand your headshot needs. Upon completion, I will confirm your appointment and let you know how long it will take.
You’ll have an option to schedule a phone or e-mail consultation before to your appointment. This is your time to ask anything or confirm any specifics/requirements you might need.
On the day of the shoot, make sure you eat prior to your appointment and come well rested. If you choose to bring your own hair and make-up artist or any special guest, please let me know ahead of time.
The first portion of the headshot session is more of an introductory. We get to meet and chat for the first time. This is vital for photoshoot, so give ample time for your session. Afterwards we will do some body and facial stretches, to help your muscles relax and release any jitters from the day.
Shortly after narrowing your outfit selection, we will begin with some quick test shots. And we are good to roll!
The session itself is usually very mellow with a lot of explorative, fun goofy moments. You’re encouraged to do some research, and come ready with some poses to try. If you’re not into Pinterest, then Google Images is your friend!
After our shoot, within 2-3 days, I will send you a collection of images. These will be lightly edited and not touched-up. From those you will narrow down the final selection to the ones you’d like me to polish for you, as per your pricing package.
You’ll then receive an email link with the final edits for your approval. Any further edits on the selected pictures are free. Future touch-ups on different shots are also available for up to a year.
Congratulations!
If this is the first time together, then prepare to be there for up to 3 hours.
I generally tend to shoot until we are both satisfied with the pictures. And while quality shots can be seen in the first 10 minutes, there is always more to be had.
After the first time, it can take anywhere between an hour and half to two hours per session.
Different looks generally translate to different outfits, or restyling hair & make-up. Not be confused with different poses or different characters. Although you get different characters with different outfits, you can also have different characters with very similar outfits.
So for my purposes, I like to refer to different looks as outfit changes.
Depending on how long we’ve been shooting, and however many ‘different looks’ you’ve requested, you’ll have a lightly edited collection of 50-75 pictures. These high-resolution files are yours to keep. And most people will want at least 3-5 polished or touched-up shots for audition submissions.
No, you can add or remove jackets, scarves, light make-up changes, and other outfit pieces as needed throughout the shoot.
You have the three options with HMU. You can use a hair & make-up artist of your choosing and bring them along. Two, you can request for me to bring one of my recommendations. Or three, if you feel inclined to do so and confident in covering your own needs, then you may do it yourself. The last option although economically sound, does add a level of complexity to your shoot. So it’s always recommended to have another set of eyes keeping with your needs.
Please follow this link to the pricing page. This may change from time to time, so keep an eye out for any specials that may appear.
After receiving your selection for final edits, please allow up to two weeks for delivery. If you’re pressed on time, you may request for pictures to be delivered as soon as they’re edited instead of in bulk.
I am able to shoot either indoors in my studio or outdoors.
Whether it’s a stormy night or scorching mid-day heat, you can always shoot indoors. So for flexibility with scheduling and a more controlled lighting environment, my personal preference is a studio shoot.
If you are more inclined towards one over the other, let me know ahead of time and we can plan accordingly.
Yes of course.
One thing you can always count on, an abundance of 8×10 high quality paper and a professional-grade printer. So if you have an audition the next day and looking for a rushed shoot. I will make sure it gets done!