How I approach a shoot - what I do that’s different

I have found the more relaxed actors are during a photo shoot, the more interesting the headshots, being open is the key to good actors photos.

I’ll talk with you about any previous headshots you may have with you, it’s good to know what you & your agent liked & works for you but also anything that should be avoided.

Although I may only be photographing your headshots, outfits are very important during an actors shoot and not only form a visual purpose, as you will feel very different in cowboy boots then trainers & ultimately these small expressions will come across in your photos. My suggestion is to bring more tops then you need, I will help you choose if you wish.

I will show you some examples of good actors headshots and how I achieved them, this direction from the start can make all the difference to your final photos.

I will photograph you both outdoors and in my studio and as mentioned I am a great fan of natural light. The fun & art of photography is painting with light & when used correctly helps create mood & range of style.

I like to achieve a variety of looks & intentions, therefore I use four or five tried and tested locations nearby, I’ll take you to at least two of them because of the variations in light & background, so at the end of the photo shoot you’ll have a variety of headshots.

When taking your photos I will show you the results immediately as we go through, you won’t be guessing what you look like you will know as we are shooting, in addition I will spend the time & effort to draw the best from you by getting you the actor to feel and think a variety of intentions while being relaxed.

In terms of facial composition its interesting how different people can look depending on the angle of view and light, I will find aesthetic and interesting angles for your facial structure.

During the shoot I will probably take the equivalent of five rolls of film and at the end of the photo shoot you will have a CD with about 60 to 70 good shots.

I will digitally retouch your photos to increase impact whilst keeping the integrity to look like you walking into a casting. Editing can eliminate spots, skin blemishes, stray hairs and much more, so don’t worry if you have any skin blemishes as editing your pictures is included.

Actor’s headshot sessions usually take between one & a half and two hours in some cases longer as I will work with you until we have the shots, but don’t worry the price stays the same.

Immediately after your shoot you will have a contact sheet on CD. It’s advisable your agent helps you choose your photos but if you don’t have one I am happy to guide you on choice. You will also get four 10x8” photographs printed by Visualeyes imaging services, who can also print your photographic reproductions to the highest quality at less than £1 per 10x8” photo.

I will also send your photos to Spotlight, same day if you wish and to your agent…oh and to you of course!

Booking Times
Sessions are between 10am & 6pm seven days a week

Actors Session Prices
Includes four images £180
Student Rate £145
Additional Images £12 each
For all other bookings please call for a quote

Well I hope you have enough information and are ready for your shoot.
Call me to book your session & you’ll soon have fresh effective photos breathing new life into your career.

Tel: 07986 679 498 - 020 7266 5398

Bullet of sessions

All sessions include studio & natural light photography

Two-hour sessions or more at no additional cost

View your photos during your shoot

Equivalent of five rolls of film taken

Digital retouching included

Four 10x8” high quality photographs included

Photos provided in digital format for emailing

Photos taken simultaneously in colour & B/W

Digital contact sheet supplied of all images

Advice on choosing final shots

Headshots sent directly to spotlight & your agent

Frequently asked questions

How often should an actor renew casting photos?
Anywhere from six months to two years.
But as a rule it’s best to get new fresh headshots as your look changes, i.e. grow a beard, gain or loose weight etc. Young actors naturally go through physical changes quicker than mature actors. I once came across an actress who hadn’t changed her headshot for fifteen years and only decided to have new headshots when a casting director was infuriated when she turned up for a casting looking a completely different older woman.

What should I wear for my photo shoot?
Solid colours with simple design are best, loud designs with contrast of patterns are distracting as they take attention away from you. It’s best to take a selection of clothes that are comfortable and make you feel something.

How many outfits should I bring?
Generally it's better to bring more than less, I will help you choose suitable clothing for each series of shots. You may not use them all but it's better to have the choice.

Should I wear make-up?
Actor's photos need to be natural, wear the same make-up to a shoot as you would to a casting, this way you will look like your photo & very important since the casting director is meeting you based on your look as well as talent. If you are going to wear make-up keep it light and simple and avoid wearing heavy foundation it tends to cake

Should I bring photos from prior shoots?
This is always useful if you do have previous photos since you can relate to me what you & your agent liked or didn't. Perhaps your previous headshot photos didn't say everything you wanted them to say and you would like to express this in the next photo shoot.

If you have any other questions I will be happy to help. Contact me