Some frequently asked questions

I will endeavor to answer all of those niggling questions* through the FAQ section below, if there is anything else that you are unsure about, please get in touch through the contact page.

*sorry, I am not 100% sure on the meaning of life yet, please check back on that one…

HOW LONG IS A PHOTO SESSION?

There is nothing worse than feeling pressured during a photo session – I will only see 2-3 clients a day maximum, allowing ample time for both your shoot, 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 exactly what you want from your photos.

WHERE ARE THE PHOTOS TAKEN?

I have a studio in Westbourne Park, London. It’s a three minute walk from the tube station and very easy to find. The studio has endless possibilities, both natural light and studio lighting, and we have access locally to a wide and diverse range of locations outdoors to shoot, appropriate for different backgrounds and that I use to create a range of lighting effects depending on your look and requirements.

IS THERE PARKING AT YOUR STUDIO?

Yes there is, and it is free to park (we even have hay and water if you are coming by horse).

The studio address is

13a Barley Shotts Business Park, 242 Acklam road, London W10 5YG.

WHAT CLOTHES SHALL I BRING WITH ME?

I generally ask people to bring 6-7 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 crazy patterns as they can be distracting, but if you are unsure, bring a suitcase full of mixed necklines, textures and colours and we’ll try a few! Also, its good to bring a jacket or coat with you, or something with a collar, this often gets overlooked but can really work and it is another look to add to your portfolio.

Try reading my WHAT TO WEAR post for more tips and ideas

CAN I SHAVE DURING THE SESSION?

Yes, BUT… I would say that unless you have a thick stubble, or a very strong jaw-line, I would suggest you resist a close, wet shave as it can make your face look a bit shiny and swollen mid-shoot. Try using a pair of beard clippers on grade 0, to leave some shading and definition to the face. That said, if you wanted a really young looking headshot or something very clean cut, then we can wet shave (please don't cut yourself!)

SHOULD I DO MY MAKE UP AND HAIR BEFORE THE SHOOT?

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.

I LOVE DOGS, DO YOU HAVE ONE?

I do indeed, his names Baxter and he’s at the studio most days, if you don't like dogs, don't worry, he’s small and very chilled and wont bother you, have a look at a year in photos of Baxter’s life HERE.

If you're terrified of dogs let me know and I can arrange for him to be elsewhere during the shoot (he tends to take himself off to the pub for a drink or two)

HAVING HEADSHOTS DONE DOESN'T REQUIRE MUCH ENERGY, DOES IT?

“Hi Nic, I have a friends birthday the night before, will I look hung-over in the photos?” – Slap yourself, now. Inevitably, the answer is yes. 80% of what makes a great photo, and particularly headshots 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! Your spending a lot of money on headshots, be the best version of you that you can!

WHAT DO YOU SHOOT WITH?

I am shooting on top of the range Canon digital cameras. I take all my photos in Colour and convert to Black & White (if needed) so that you can have the choice at the end. It depends, but for example on an average headshot session I’ll take 150 – 200 pictures, which we review at the end of the shoot together on a large screen, then your photos will be available the same day online for viewing and selection online, so that you can chose ones that you want re-touched in your client area of the website.

SHALL I BRING PHOTOS FROM PREVIOUS SHOOTS?

Why not... Old photos 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 if you are a performer, so if you’re online, we’ll usually have done some research before you arrive. Also, any headshots you have seen that you like is a good reference for us at the beginning of the shoot

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SHOOT?

After we have reviewed and discussed the photos together in the studio, and we part ways with a longing look back over our shoulders and single tear of joy, I will then upload them the same day onto your own online gallery in your client area on my website, and you will receive a confirmation email when they are uploaded.

I have spent many years developing the most advanced client area of any headshot photographer in the UK (possibly the world...). Your client area will allow you to look through and favourite photos, compare them side by side and also re-arrange them, share with your agent and friends, and post directly to social media, all making it easier when it comes to selecting and ordering your retouches online.

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.

WHAT SORT OF RETOUCHING AND POST-PRODUCTION DO YOU DO?

With digital technology, retouching has never been easier. However, sorry, its still got to look like you... although we can make your nose smaller or refill in a receding hairline, it stops your photo from looking like you. You want it to be an honest representation. If you take a headshot to a casting that has , 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 FOR MY SHOOT?

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, I will 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. So if you need to re-schedule, do so through your client login with plenty of time to spare.

CAN I ORDER HARD COPIES OF PRINTS FROM YOU?

I don't offer a print service for your photos, but highly recommend 10x8prints.com for a great service and affordable prices.

IS IT TRUE OSTRICHES CAN RUN FASTER THAN HORSES?

Oh you inquisitive little thing, you. Yes, although they are not as comfy to ride.