So our very good friends over at 10x8prints.com have just updated their website, and we love it, more importantly though, we love them.

One of the most draining and tedious things about being a performer is the ordering, printing and inevitably, sending out of 10×8 prints, not only can they cost a fortune, but you dont usually get to keep them. However, they are one of your most important marketing tools, and one that may be the difference between you getting the job, or not.

10x8prints.com have nailed it. They are affordable and offer a great service (I have been using them for a couple of years now) and because they are not based in London, they can keep their costs down and pass the savings onto you, heres how they match up for 100 10×8 prints (taken from their website, Prices shown are taken 20th February 2012 from their respective websites – and include VAT. Most include postage.)

They say..

“We’re based in a village near Aberdeen – we own our building so no rent – and thanks to the Scottish government, no rates. These two factors combined save us around £2,000 every month. That, coupled with the finest production software around means we can produce your prints quickly – and as time is money – that also adds to the low costs.

We’ve found that most clients receive their prints the day after they’re posted – and to help ensure they are all sent 1st class recorded – though if you are in a real hurry you can upgrade to Special Delivery – which will get the prints to you by 1pm the following day (just order by 2pm)”

So with distance not being an issue and the ease of ordering online, what are you waiting for?  Visit their website at 10x8prints.com for more info… and get you face out there!

If you dont know of Beatamaxx and his work, he creates some amazing live video mixing awesomeness around the world… mixing music and video that would blow your mind , you can check out his work at the link at the bottom.

Check out Beatamaxx’s website at beatamaxx.tv or facebook and see some of the video greatness he creates…

See our last shoot with Beatamaxx here

Below is a few tips to think about when finding a photographer that is suited to you, If you have any other queries or questions, please leave a comment, hope they help!

1 Check their portfolio

The first thing is a visual connection, the easiest thing as well because we can judge with our eyes. Does their work leap off the page and appeal to you? Bear in mind that a website may contain a photographers best work, but what about their everyday shoots… Are they posting on Facebook or twitter, do they have a blog? Try and see some other shots that aren’t neccesarily in the portfolio.

2 Less isn’t necessarily more

Just because someone is offering a photo shoot at low cost, doesn’t necessarily mean they are good quality. It’s not always about uber expensive equipment, but if you are inexperienced or just tinker in your spare time, it may not produce the best results and may end up wasting your time. You need to consider what you are paying for, a shoot may only last a couple of hours, but when you add up all the time spent emailing, uploading and editing, it soon racks up and you need to make sure your photographer is willing to work for that.

3 Are their any hidden costs?

It’s always worth checking what your shoot includes, are there any retouches included? How many? How much are extra? Will they be print res? Is VAT included? (not all photographers are VAT registered, ones that are means they are busy, but also means that 20% vat may be added to the costs.

4 Do they speak your language?

With the web being such a vital tool nowadays, you can get a real feel for a person in the way they write their website or speak on the phone, having a connection with your photographer is key when it comes to not only being relaxed, but capturing a spark, so follow your gut instinct, You need to feel comfortable and able to take direction from them with ease, if they dont sit right, find someone that does.

5 Have you got a recommendation?

With the world growing smaller by the day, the chances are that if you find a photographer that you like, someone you know will either have had photos with them or know about them, and this can be a vital tool to inform you about that person and the way they work. Recommendations are the best way to discover your photographer and their style, and potentially steer you away from any bad ones!

6 Are they local and accessible?

Of coarse it is worth travelling to get the photos that are right for you, but also you want to be as relaxed as possible on the day of your shoot, there is no use travelling for hours and hours, as this is not only tiring but you may feel rushed if there is transport issues. If you are going to travel a distance, leave plenty of time, try and stay local the night before and ensure your photographer will be relaxed and give you plenty of time if things go wrong, or if you should need to gather yourself, do makeup etc when you arrive

7 What is going to happen after your shoot?

Taking the photos is only part of the process, you need to be able to access your photos after the shoot and look through them easily and either choose retouches, or download them, or select favourites to help you narrow down the choices. Check with your photographer what their post-shoot process is, and how you will receive your shots.

8 Do you need plenty of time?

How much time will you need in the day? If you are nervous or unsure in front of the camera, or don’t like to feel rushed you may need plenty of time to relax and take direction, if you are used to photo shoots, time may not be an issue, you may want to be in and out as quick as possible. So check how your chosen photographer works and how long their shoots are.

9. Is the time right for new headshots?

Are you happy with the way you look now? Do you have a tan from holiday that may fade? Are you changing your hair? Are you planning on losing weight over the next few months? All of these things are important to ensuring that you look your best and that your photos arent made redundant within a couple of months. People will make judgements of you based on your photo, and therefore your headshot needs to represent you honestly, or you won’t get the job when you walk in looking different.

10. Are you prepared to use your new shots?

Your headshots is your no 1 marketing tool, and they are not something you can afford to have done every month, so do you know what you want to do once you have your photos? Think about the various places that you will need to be updating them; C.V? spotlight? agents website? Casting websites? Do you need to organise for hard copies to be printed? All of these things can be thought about before your shoot so you are ready to get going and watch the jobs come rolling in!

If you found this helpful,  try reading some of my other posts here.

We had Christina in for a portfolio shoot at the beginning of December, and she bought a great energy and style to the shoot.

Starting with a strong selection of movement shots, we also captured not only the more glamorous side of Christina, but also a really funky sense of style that came across great on Camera. She was relaxed and really fun to work with, and the photos look great, thanks Christina!

BAck at the beginning of last year had musician and actor Matthew who was currently in the cast of Chess and we had to do two trips to his car for all the fantastic bags of clothes he brought! We had quite a selection of styles to choose from and each one bought out a different side to his character, from geek chique, smart and suave and fun and casual. Thanks Matthew!

Having been so busy over the summer months, I am now trying to get the blog up-to-date and share what an exciting few moths its been, starting with a few headshots from back at the beginning of the summer, from left to right – Ruth Zielinski, Scott Hunt, Natalie Gardner, Sarah Accomando, Paul Hassall and Sydney Smyth

A fun day with a Genna, who initially came in for headshots back in October, but then rebooked in for a portfolio in June. We had such a great time shooting, helped by the fact that we already knew each other, and got some great images too!

It was great having Steven in the studio back in September, He bought a great energy and styling to the shoot, with a really diverse range of looks.

With such a strong look I think Steven has a great career ahead of him, and he’s a nice guy too! Thanks Steven…

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