In the build up
In the build-up to your session with me I HIGHLY recommend you drink plenty of water in the days leading up to and on the day of the session. We want your skin looking its absolute best, so plenty of water will help us get that healthy natural look. Don’t worry about spots, blemishes, etc, as they can be dealt with when editing the images.
The other thing I highly recommend is good sleep, and as a fellow insomniac I understand that’s not always easy! However, a good sleep the night before always helps you look and FEEL your best on the day, which is paramount to getting the absolute best shots we possibly can.
MAKEUP
When it comes to makeup, I usually prefer minimal to absolutely none. As said before, spot coverage is not necessary as that can be dealt with in editing. However, if you want to wear a light layer of foundation that is usually the most I would recommend.
If you’re going for a specific look that requires makeup, by all means bring makeup with you and we can play with styles and different looks! Most of the time, especially for actors, we want to catch the natural you, so at least one no/minimal makeup shot should be at the top of the list.
hair
If you have malleable hair, it’s really fun to play with hairstyles and you’d be amazed at how different you can look!
The number one thing to look out for with hair is to make sure it is tidy, as too many fly-aways can be a pain to edit and generally do not look good. Even if we’re going for a messy style, we don’t want lots of stray hairs drawing attention in the headshot.
If it is raining, please bring an umbrella! Wet hair is not what we want!
facial hair
This is completely up to you! There are toilet facilities at the studios location if you wish to get a variation of shots with facial hair, different beard styles and clean shaven. Just make sure to bring your shaver and cream/gel with you.
outfits
The age-old question for your headshot session… What should I bring?! In my experience there are a few basic looks you’ll want to have a range of:
Smart Outfits
Think doctor, detective, etc.
A Single Colour Top
Any colour you fancy, just a plain top, bring a variety.
Jumpers
Patterns are fun, and textures are a bonus, turtlenecks can be very fun.
Jackets
Leather, fluffy, corduroy, denim, bring interesting ones.
Shirts
From smart to casual, they can bring a different vibe to your headshot.
Glasses
If you wear them, bring them!
Jewellery
Some looks change depending on earrings/necklaces, septum rings in or out, etc.
When choosing what to bring, you obviously cannot bring your entire wardrobe! So, look out for:
Colours
Do they complement your skin tone?
Blue with blue eyes always pops
Bright colours can really make you stand out, but don’t let them overshadow you.
Textures
Textures look fantastic on camera, from woven jumpers, denim to corduroy.
Patterns
Subtle patterns, colour blocking and stripes can really add a uniqueness to your headshot.
Characterful Clothes!
Do you have a top that screams ‘doctor’?
Do you have a rough look?
Do you have an outfit that gives you a period drama vibe?
Now, there are things you should NOT bring to a headshot session, and whilst it may be your favourite outfit, the wrong one can ruin a headshot! Do not bring:
Logos & Brands
I can edit out smaller ones, but as a general rule, logos are a no-go!
Loud Patterns
Patterns can be fun, but ones that are too loud will detract from you, which we don't want.
Creased Clothes
Creases are a pain to edit, and usually don’t edit out well, so please bring ironed clothes.
SESSION BREAKDOWN
My headshots sessions take place at my brand new studio (NW10) and are very chill, we want good vibes only when getting your perfect shot. Of course, tap water will be available.
The first thing we do is choose the music. I find the best way to relax into a session is to choose your favourite music, be it chill vibes to heavy metal, whatever floats your boat, we’ll have it on for the duration of the session. If you want, we can even have a genre/album/artist per outfit for you to really get into character!
Next, we’ll go through outfits you’ve brought and choose our favourite ideas and combinations. There is a bathroom you can change in - and use - for privacy between looks.
Once we’re all ready, we’ll shoot! Usually, it takes a little time for people to relax into a headshot session, so I’ll most likely get you to re-wear your first outfit at the end to make sure we get the best shot. We’ll take a minimum of 200/300 photos.
Lastly but not least. PLEASE turn up 5 to 10 minutes early to your session! If there is someone booked in after you, we cannot go over your allotted time, and we want to get the absolute most out of the time you have booked.
Please Note: The studio unfortunately has no step-free access.
After the session
After our session I will aim to get you your gallery of all the shots taken that session within 72 hours, with blinking shots and focus issues removed.
You can then take as long as you want to go through these photos and narrow them down to the final few you want fully edited. Please do not share the photos anywhere other than privately with friends & agents to help the choosing process.
Once you've submitted your final selects to me, it will take me up to 10 days to fully edit and deliver the headshots. There is a 2 day express delivery for £35 if you wish to get your new headshots faster.
I will keep the full photoshoot for up to 6 months after the day of the shoot, and you can always ask for more shots to be edited within this timeframe at £30 per shot.
I also offer a top up session for £55 if you wish to top up your current headshots with a couple of new fresh ones! Details of the package can been seen here.