Where will the shoot take place?
In Barlaston, Staffordshire ST12. I'll send you full details once you're booked in.
What if the weather is wet and/or windy?
As I use natural light, I am fairly weather dependant. After we've arranged the date and time for your session, I'll be in touch again nearer the time to confirm depending on how the weather forecast is looking and we can rearrange if needs be.
How should I prepare for the shoot?
Get a good night's sleep the night before and I'd strongly advise you to avoid alcohol. If you're planning a haircut or new hair colour, get this done at least a few days before the photoshoot just in case you're not completely happy with the new look. Ladies, if you have a fringe, please ensure it is either cut short enough or styled to the sides so that your hair is not in any way covering your eyes. The eyes are so important in headshots, we must be able to see them! For actors and musical theatre performers: it's also a good idea to discuss with your agent (if you have one) your casting type, and have a think about what sort of clothing options will help compliment this.
What should I bring?
As I work outdoors, if it's a cold day, do come prepared as you would for an outdoor film or TV shoot, i.e. layer up with thermals etc and wear a thick warm coat that you can take off when we're about to begin each batch of shots.
(+ for actors, etc): please bring a good selection of single-coloured tops/shirts, so avoid anything too patterned, no stripes or bold logos, also it's best to avoid bright, very light or neon colours. The exception to this is that you can get away with a white or light-coloured shirt or top if you'll be wearing a darker-coloured jacket over the top.
It's a good idea to bring at least one black top. Pastels & darker colours work well too, as do greys and muted colours, such as muted or dark greens or blues. A selection of jackets: leather, denim, smart etc can be useful and will give us more options. And ladies, don't limit yourself to tops, many dresses have lovely necklines that can look great in headshots.
What about make-up?
Less is more. Please come with your usual daytime make-up, not made up for the stage or a night out. Do bring powder and lipstick to retouch if needs be, muted lipstick colours such as pinks work better than bright red and matte lipstick is better than glossy in headshots. For many people, just a touch of coloured lip balm works really well.
How long does the session take?
As long as it takes until we're both happy we've got a good selection of shots for you to choose from. It also depends on which package you go for - please see the 'Rates' page for details about the different packages I offer.
What happens after the shoot?
I will email your contact sheet to you within 2 working days (PDF file with low-res images). After you have let me know which images you'd like me to retouch and prepare for your use (high quality images), I'll get those to you usually within 5 working days* of receiving your choices.
*I occasionally work away from home; if you take a while to make your choices, please be aware that turnaround time may be longer if I'm then away when you submit your requests.
If you have a deadline or for any reason need the images quicker than that, depending on my availability and workload, I can potentially negotiate, at a higher price, an express service. Let me know when you get in touch to book if you need the finished photos by a certain deadline, and I can let you know my fee for the express service.
(Actors): I'd advise you to pick the 3 (or more, depending on package) photos that represent you best, and try not to go for very similar looks, a variety of facial expressions and angles will give you/your agent more options when putting you up for work.
Can I ask someone else's opinion regarding which images to choose?
By all means ask your partner, agent or a friend for their opinion, but please do not put the original unedited contact sheet images online or on social media. This is standard procedure with most headshot photographers in order to maintain high standards.
How many repros of the finished edits can I get printed?
As many as you like. I don't provide a printing service, there are various companies available, I can recommend http://www.visualeyes.co.uk
Colour or Black & White?
These days, the standard for headshots in both the UK and the USA is colour. This is a complete turnaround from 15+ years ago when headshots were all black & white. I shoot in colour and usually in portrait rather than landscape orientation as it's the expected standard nowadays for Spotlight submissions and works well for LinkedIn and most social media platforms. However, if you would like any or all of your finished edits in B&W as well as colour, just let me know and I'll provide this at no extra cost.
Will you consider any other types of photography: rehearsal/production shots, kids/family portraits etc?
Possibly, depending on the project. Please get in touch with the details and I'll be happy to discuss.