Actor Headshots FAQ

On Choosing a Photographer: 

You have choices...There are so many photographers offering headshots, so why choose me? I know actors.  I used to be one.  I know how important a good headshot is for helping you get in that audition door.  I know how to make you look your best and how to capture that thing that's special about you.  I don't take the same picture over and over.  You are unique.  Your headshot should be too!  If you've looked at my portfolio and see something you connect with, call me.  We'll chat for a while about your goals.  I want you to walk away from our session feeling like we had fun and nailed it!

What does my session include?

- Phone Consultation - a Get to Know you Session - We'll talk about your goals and how to prepare for your session.

- 2-3 hour Photo Session with multiple looks (and locations if you want outdoor photos)

- Edited selection of 50+ photos are uploaded within a week to a private gallery that you can download and share with trusted friends for feedback.  

- Retouching on 2 of your favorite images

Headshot Rates:

- NY Studio Headshot Session - $725 

- Norwalk Studio Headshot Session - $625  -  **Book a session with me in Norwalk, CT for this discounted session.  It's a one hour ride on Metro North.  Call me for more information.

- Comp Card Session $950  --  a 6-hour shoot.  Requires  a deposit of $200.  The comp card session is an extended session that includes your headshot plus 3-5 additional looks (I will retouch up to 5 images as part of your session).  You will have 100+ photos to choose from.  Comp cards are a great tool for actors that show agents and casting directors your versatility and help define your casting possibilities. 

Discounts

- Book with a friend (Same day back-to-back sessions) - $50 discount for each of you!

- $100 discount for students enrolled in high school, college and full-time acting programs.

- $200 discount for children 13 and younger 

Hair and makeup:

Makeup is strongly suggested for women and optional for men.  Your makeup artist will stay for the entire shoot with multiple looks and must be paid in cash on the day of the shoot.  Contact me for more information. **While we're following Covid guidelines, we are not offering the services of a stylist.  Come to your session with your hair and makeup done. 

Retouching

I will retouch up to two images as part of your session.  Each additional retouched image is $50.  My retouching style is minimal and individualized.  I don't use automated software with a blanket setting for every shot.  You should still look like yourself when all is said and done.  Once you've selected your two top images, I will make those files available to you in one week as high resolution files that you can take to a lab for printing.  I highly recommend the lab at Reproductions. (www.reproductions.com)

What clothes should I bring?

Your clothes should fit well and make you feel confident.  Open necklines are usually the most flattering for women (think spaghetti strap tops, scoop or v-necks.  Saturated, darker colors  usually work the best.  Try to avoid pale colors that are close to your skin tone.  Choose colors that bring out your eyes.  Generally, keep the shirts darker than your skin tone.  That being said, white can be amazing!  Keep it simple.  Shirts with distracting patterns or logos will take attention away from your eyes.  Keeping these guidelines in mind, if you know you look great in something that's "breaking the rules", bring it!  Bring 8-10 tops, to choose from.   For men, layers can be great!  Bring a blazer and collar shirt if that's a marketable look for you. A plain t-shirt and well-fitted jacket is also a good choice.   Wear comfortable shoes.  If it's cold and we're shooting outside, bring a coat and gloves. Bring your favorite music and we can play it while you're getting ready and during the shoot if we're shooting inside.  Arrive with your hair styled the way you would for an audition and the makeup artist will help you with maintenance.  (If you're planning to get your hair cut, allow for a week of settling into the haircut before the shoot.)  Come with a clean, lightly moisturized face (no makeup at all).  Make sure to get some rest the night before... and stay hydrated!

What do we do if it's cold, pouring rain or snowing?

I love shooting outdoors using natural light.  Outdoor locations add a unique environmental element to your headshot.  Snow can be a bonus!  In the fall, we might want to find some amazing color even if it's cold.  If the weather simply isn't cooperating we can shoot in the studio using a combination of studio lights and natural window light.  If you also love the idea of getting outdoor shots and don't want to brave the weather, we can reschedule.  We'll watch the weather forecast and reschedule no later than three weekdays before your shoot date. 

How many photos to you shoot?

I take a lot of pictures... usually around 600.  However, I will narrow down the photos for you before adding them to your private gallery.  When I was an actress on the other end of the camera, I always found it overwhelming to look through hundreds of proofs.  I will get rid of the images that simply aren't contenders and include only the best shots in your gallery.

I have a big Audition!  Can I reschedule my session after booking?

While a deposit of $150 is required to hold your shoot date, you can reschedule once if you give three working days advance notice.  For example, if your shoot is on Monday you must cancel by Wednesday of the previous week.

When is payment due?

Your deposit is due when you set up your shoot date. The remaining balance is due at the time of the session. I accept cash, PayPal, checks, and credit cards.  The makeup artist must be paid in cash. A $50 dollar fee applies for cancelled checks.

Where are you located?

I have locations in NYC and Norwalk, CT.  Contact me for more specifics.