FAQ
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How long are headshot and portfolio sessions?
There is nothing worse than feeling pressured during a photo session - I see two clients a day, allowing ample time for both headshots and portfolios, and before even one frame is taken, we sit and have an informal chat over a cup of tea and some biscuits, allowing us to get to know each other and for me to get to know where we think your casting lies.
What should I bring with me for headshots?
I generally ask people to bring 4-5 different tops that show them off well, if you have worn a top and people have commented on it suiting you, its a good sign, try and steer away from patterns as they can be distracting, but if you are unsure, bring a suitcase full and we'll try a few! Also, its good to bring a good coat with you, with a nice collar, this often gets overlooked but it is another look to add to your portfolio.
Can I shave midway through our headshot session?
Yes, BUT… I would say that unless you have a thick dark stubble, or a very strong jaw-line, i would resist a close, wet shave as it can make your face look shiny and abnormal. Try using a pair of beard clippers on grade 0, to leave some shading and definition to the face.
Should I wash and style my hair and do my make-up?
Hair plays such a huge part in your appearance, it is important to get it right. Try and resist having greasy or flat hair. With hair products, keep it as natural as you can, the same with make-up. If in doubt, resist adding any until we have met and discussed the session. There is plenty of time to play with that on the day. A make up artist can be booked in advance at extra cost for portfolio shoots, please enquire if this is something that interests you.
Having photos done doesn't require energy does it?
"I have a friends birthday the night before, will I look hung-over in the photos?" - Inevetably, the answer is yes. 80% of what makes a headshot stand out is energy and this is usually portrayed through the eyes. If you are knackered and hungover, it will show and you won't be feeling your best so get some rest!
Where are the photos taken?
The photos session is based at my large studio in Westbourne Park, London. It is a three minute walk from the tube station and very easy to find. We have access locally to various areas appropriate for different backgrounds and that I use for a range of lighting effects depending on your look, casting and requirements.
What do you take them on?
I use digital instead of film as it lends itself so much better to post-production and touching up. I take all my photos in Colour and Black & White so that you can have the choice at the end. It depends but on average, I take 150 - 200 pictures per session, which we review throughout the shoot together on a large screen, and from those taken, around 80 - 100 will be available the same day online for viewing and selection, so that you can chose ones that you want re-touched.
Shall I bring old headshots?
Yes. Old headshots can be very useful to get a full idea of how you look and which parts you like and don't like about them. We have full access to spotlight so if you're online, we'll usually have done some research before you arrive.
Is it true you have a puppet named Barry?
Yes I do, doesn't everyone? You could kind of say he is my studio mascot. If you come for a session, chances are you will be asked to partake in my Ballery (Barry Gallery) which I am composing, consisting of various people posing (clean of course, he is only young after all!). So please don't be afraid, its perfectly normal!
What happens after the session?
After we have reviewed and discussed the photos together, I will then upload them the same day onto your own online gallery in your client area, and you will receive a confirmation email when they are uploaded. When you go through your gallery, I advise that you have a good hard look at them all, show them to friends & family, people that aren't afraid to tell
you the truth. If you are on facebook, it is always a good channel to get peoples opinions if you are unsure.
Once you have chosen the ones you like, let me know and I will touch up any blemishes, loose hairs, colour balance and crop them, before uploading them for you high res in your client area, ready for download, and for you to blast out to everyone and get that crucial casting you want.
What sort of post production or editing on your photos do you do?
With digital technology, retouching has never been easier! However, although we can make your nose smaller or refill in a receding hairline, it stops your photo from looking like you. If you take it to a casting, the director will not hire you as your picture tells a lie. So we take away anything that is temporary such as loose hairs and blemishes and enhance your skin and features to make you look the best that you can be naturally.
Why do I have to pay a deposit?
Your deposit is needed to hold your session in the diary, it is refundable should you cancel your session outside of 48hours, but if for any reason you can't make your session or have to reschedule within that 48hour period, we have to take that deposit to cover studio time and costs incurred, often it is very difficult to fill a session at short notice, and can require lots of emailing and phoning around to find a suitable replacement.