ACTING / COMMERCIAL HEADSHOT INFO

ACTING and COMMERCIAL HEADSHOT SESSIONS can vary, typically focusing on the head and shoulders, though half-body and/or three-quarter imagery is useful as well. I do always recommend that if you are working with an agency to discuss your options with them up front to assure we are aligning with their expectations from your shoot.

Our ONE LOOK SESSION includes up to one hour shoot time (post makeup), and one hi-resolution, optimized and retouched file included. Our TWO LOOK SESSION allows for up to an hour and a half shoot time (post makeup) to accommodate traversing any reasonable distance between views, with two hi-resolution, optimized and retouched files included. Additional optimized and retouched image files are available at an additional cost. If additional looks are added the allotted shoot time increases as well. All sessions include a pre-shoot consultation. To accommodate selection purposes, low-res image files from your shoot will be made available online within a few days for an easy, no-hassle review.

Retouched images are adjusted for color, contrast, and brightness to bring forth your best features while removing blemishes and other distractions. Retouching is applied subtly to enhance your appearance and youthfulness with intention to maintain your natural look. Who the casting agent sees in your photo is who should show up to the casting.

Retouching may include:
-Teeth whitening
-Eye brightening
-Basic Face and Body Blemish removal
-Skin and neck softening as needed
-Removal of tags
-Wardrobe enhancements

There isn’t a limit to the number of images I take per look, ensuring that we shoot until I know we’ve captured the perfect images for your session! I will concentrate on a varied selection of head shots, adding in an assortment of half-body, and three-quarter views per look as well. It’s recommended that you bring extra outfits to your selected session for review, ideally thrice as many as we plan to shoot. I feel it also important that clothing selections should align with your personality and target roles. With the latter in mind, be sure to discuss any specific use of your photos with me during your consultation. For a more versatile headshot suggested clothing could range from simple jeans and a t-shirt, to a more ‘fashionably casual’ style that doesn’t overpower, such as jewel tone pop solids, or neutral/earth tones. If you have something in mind, and are in doubt, bring it up in our consultation. It’s also best to avoid logos, busy patterns, and overly trendy looks. Just remember, this is not a ‘fashion shoot’; it’s all about you. Your clothing is important, but it’s only listed in the credits as a supporting role.

When it comes to posing, there’s no need to overthink it. Our end-game is for you to exude energy and charisma promoting authenticity, and being relaxed is your best asset. My approach is to focus on your natural pose and build off of it. It’s best to warm up simple and straight-forward, concentrating on letting your charisma, smile and personality shine! Then we move on towards being more creative if it fits your needs. And you need not worry, as I will guide you through various poses and expressions that I feel compliment you best on camera if necessary. If you have favorite images from a previous shoot, or a couple of printed samples of something you found and like, bring them along for a review.

Do you really need a make-up artist or hair stylist?

Professional makeup and hair styling can make a significant difference within the final results of your shoot. My experience dictates that if you want professional results, then professional application is necessary. Though actors may have sufficient skills to apply their own makeup, a professional stylist can still make a difference for success, especially in regards to retouching during post-production. The type or blend of makeup, and how it’s applied can influence results as well. An extra set of eyes to catch those stray hairs, makeup runs, and minor garment issues is a benefit as well. If you are looking for varied looks or hair styles, then I would definitely recommend utilizing professional hair and makeup. For men with shorter hair, a hair stylist isn’t always necessary, but that doesn’t minimize the benefit of working with a make up artist to help achieve optimum results.

Make Up and Hair Styling can be made available for an additional fee. We can discuss the options during your phone consultation and session booking.