Everything you need to know about booking a headshot session
FAQ
01. Where are you based?
I work from my home studio just outside Havant, in Hampshire, approximately 15 minutes from both Chichester and Portsmouth. Once you are booked in I will provide specific address details the day before your session. If travelling by car, you are welcome to park either in my driveway if there is space, or on the road just outside. If travelling by train, Bedhampton station is a 10 minute walk away, and Havant station a 20 minute walk away (or a quick cab ride).
02. WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY HEADSHOT SESSION?
Bring a selection of clothing with you. I LOVE colour, anything that makes your eyes pop or resonates with you is good. I find earthy colours work the best. If you're after some more neutral shots I'd suggest off white/cream/charcoal/brown rather that black and white as they can look quite stark in photos. Texture and layering is always good. Think about what character types you could play, or would want to play, and consider how you could hint at them in a photo. For example, if edgy, dangerous characters are your thing maybe bring a leather jacket with you. If you are often cast as 'mum' bring something relaxed and down to earth. If you find you are often cast in authoritative roles perhaps something more formal would work. If you have booked on the premium of full portfolio sessions we will have a chance to do some creative portraits in addition to headshots. I always suggest getting at least one full body shot – they can be useful to drop into self tapes, so think about what to wear on your bottom half as well! If in doubt bring it and we can always decide whether to use it on not on the day. Other things to bring include hair bands (if your hair is long it's always worth getting some shots with your hair tied back) and any hair styling products you might need, and a brush. Bring any makeup you'd like to use and an electric shaver if you plan to shave. I have a bluetooth speaker so feel free to bring a playlist with you to help you to relax.
03. how long will it take to receive my photos?
You will receive a link to your gallery within 48 hours of your shoot. Once you have chosen your shots and emailed me your order, allow up to two weeks for your final shots to be delivered. Usually you will receive your final shots a lot quicker than this, but I like to give myself a decent window as my work load is variable and my kids can occaisionally throw me a curve ball! If you are in a rush for your headshots and my schedule will allow, I can do a 24 hour turnaround for an additional £40.
04. do i own my headshots?
The copyright to an image remains with the photographer unless it is specifically signed over by the photographer in writing. But you absolutley have the right to use your headshot online and in print for promotional purposes. When you book a shoot I will send through a contract to sign which goes into more detail.
05. can i change my look during the shoot?
Absolutely! I am all about creating a unique and diverse portfolio of images for you to showcase yourself. Not just a bunch of images where you look exactly the same but in different tops! Lighting, backdrops, posing and expression all give good variety. In addition, those with facial hair are welcome to bring an electric razor to shave midway through the shoot. If you have long hair it's worth getting some shots of you with your hair tied back, or feel free to bring straightners/a hair cuuler to mix up your look, althouth please be mindful that an elaborate restyle will eat into our shooting time. Some clients like to end the session with a more glam, made up look. It's much easier to start off with a natural makeup look and build it, rather than to start glam and remove makeup.
06. I'm nervous about having my photo taken
I know it can be dauting, I've been there myself. I promise my sessions aren't scary at all. The best headshots come with collaboration, so come prepared to have fun! My sessions are very relaxed with plenty of chatting. You'll have a chance to review the shots as we go along. Have a think about your casting type and the sort of work you're looking for before the session, get a good nights sleep the night before, drink plenty of water the day before and on the day of your shoot and plan your journey in advance so you aren't panicking and rushing. Then when you get here you can just relax and let me guide you throught the shoot.
07. HOW DO HEADSHOT SESSIONS WORK?
Once you are all booked in (click here to view sessions) I will send you a questionnaire and my terms and conditions. The questionnaire isn't essential but I will help me to get a sense of you are a performer before we meet. On the day of your session, please arrive promptly so we can make the most of your session time. We'll start with a drink and a chat and discuss what it is you are after exactly from your session. Your photoshoot must be unique and tailored to your needs. We will go through any clothing you have brought and I will make a plan of what we will shoot. We'll work through however many changes we have time for within your session. I will take a LOT of photos and whittle them down to a selection of your best shots for you to choose from, taking out any shots that arent usable (for example shots with your eyes closed) Within 48 hours I will send you a link to your gallery. These shots are low res and watermarked and are purely for you to review and order your final headshots from. The gallery is easy to use and allows you to favourite any shots you like, so you can compile a short list. Once you have chosen how many and which shots you would like I will then beautifully and subtly edit the photos so that they show you in the best possible light before sending you a link to download your finished photos. Editing can take up to two weeks but is often a lot quicker.
08. DO YOU OFFER MAKE UP?
I can put you in touch with an excellent makeup artist who you can book and pay directly, or you are welcome to bring your own MUA to the shoot.
09. how much does it cost?
This depends on which package your select (click here for headshot packages), all headshot sessions require a non-reundable deposit of £30 in order to secure your session. This £30 will then be deducted from the balance of your shoot, and the remainder will be payable shortly before or on the day of your photoshoot. Your headshot package will include a number of edited headshots, should you wish to buy any additional shots they are £25 each, or a bundle of 3 for £70, or a bundle of 5 for £100. Photos will be delivered once all outsanding invoices are paid.
10. do you do corporate headshots?
Yes! I can absolutely do sharp, professional corporate headshots. My basic corporate package is ideal if you are after that killer headshot for your linkd in profile or company website. If you are after headshots for your team, please contact me for a quote. I can bring a portable studio to your place of work.
11. are you accessible?
Whilst I aim to be as inclusive as I possibly can be, I'm afraid my home studio is not suitable for wheel chair users. However, if you are a wheelchair user and after some headshots do contact me for a quote as I may be able to come to you for a session.
12. why do my photos need editing?
Editing is necessary to make your images stand out for all the right reasons. An unedited headshot is like a meal without any seasoning! Your headshots should look natural and like you, on your very best day. Anything that looks overly processed or filtered is very offputting to casting directors. My process involves removing any temporary flaws such as blemishes and stray hairs, ensuring your skin tone is just right and that the image, and in particular your eyes really pop.
13. what if i need to reschedule?
No problem, I understand that things come up. If you need to reschedule, I ask that you give me as much notice as possible. We can move your booking to another date. I allow for one reschedule, if you need to reschedule a second time then a new deposit will need to be paid. If you need to cancel or reschedule within 24 hours of a shoot, or fail to show up on the day then your deposit will be forfeited as will be unable to fill your slot.
14. do you do other types of photography?
I mostly stay within the performing arts but do also sometimes photograph events and do branding shoots. Feel free to get in touch if there's a project you'd like to discuss.
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