headshot | noun
a photograph of a persons head or face and shoulders: casting directors sift through hundreds of headshots, looking for the person with the right look for a particular role.
a bullet of gunshot aimed at the head.
I tend to focus on the first one.
“Oh my god I HATE having my headshots taken”
“Oh my god I LOVE having my headshots taken”
I hear variations of the above all the time.
Headshots can be an odd experience. Staring into the lens of a camera for an extended period of time can feel very unnatural. As an actor myself I understand the process that goes into having your headshot taken. Whether you sit somewhere between discomfort or confidence is absolutely fine and its perfectly natural to feel the way you do. Everyone starts as a beginner at some point.
I aim to create a relaxed and comfortable environment in which we work. We start simply by getting to know each other and discussing if there's anything in particular that you and your agent are after from the session. I've always seen a good headshot as something that is a vibrant and honest reflection of the individual. My preference is for natural light, which I will occasionally compliment with a single light set up.
Sessions are run from my studio in Bermondsey. Exact address provided upon booking.
Following the session I will upload all of the images we shot together to an online gallery called PhotoWork Flow. This is a brilliant system used by many other UK headshot photographers that allows you and your agent to easily view the photos from your session and begin highlighting potential favourites.
Once I have received your final choices I will then hand-process them into both colour and B&W retouching where necessary. Retouches take 14 working days to be returned. An Express Edit option is available for an additional £20. Please notify me at point of booking if you wish to select this option.
If you are looking to get your headshots printed then the lovely gang at Visualeyes are an absolute joy. Based in Wandsworth they are incredibly helpful and anything you need even at short notice can be accommodated.
Preparation:
Preparation is key. The more prepared you can be the more we will get out of the session. Its great when I meet clients who know what they want. Of course for those who haven’t done a headshot session before they may not know where to start when it comes to prep. Rest assured, there is no right or wrong. However, to help yourself spend a little time in advance thinking about potential CASTING. When considering specifics such as choice of outfit, when/whether to shave, hairstyles etc our focus is always on the casting intention. We can always experiment with a look if you’re unsure about its suitability. Personally I love the collaborative nature of working with actors so if there remains an area of uncertainty then simply leave it up to the day of shooting for things to be worked out in person. As in a rehearsal room the best route to finding an answer is through play!
Here are some practical steps you can take to get the most out of our shoot:
I always think the best way to prepare for any headshot session is by getting plenty of sleep the night before and by drinking lots of water in the days leading up to your session. Drinking at least 8 glasses a day will help rid the body and skin of toxins. Many people often report that by increasing their water intake, their skin has a more radiant glow.
Try not to drink alcohol in the 24 hours before the session either as this can dry out your skin and leave bloodshot tired looking eyes.
Plan ahead with regards to the presentation of your hair. I would never recommend getting a haircut the day before a headshot session; allow at least one weeks growth beforehand so that you achieve a more natural styling. Practise anything you have in mind so that we’re not losing valuable shooting time.
Come with an open mind! A headshot session is a collaboration between actor and photographer and we work together to capture a strong sense of who you are in the photos.
Above all - don’t be nervous. Easier said than done. But there really is nothing to worry about. I have seen and heard it all regarding everyones personal relationship to having their photo taken.
What to Wear:
This is a big one. Bring a selection of tops that you would like to try out. Try to include a mixture of styles and textures. The more variety the better and the wider the range of looks we can capture! I don't recommend anything with stripes/patterns/writing/logos/branding etc that might distract from the main point of focus - which is you! Plain, solid, warm colours are always a good shout. A variety of necklines also provides us with a nice range of shots that will frame your face differently. Try to include at least one collar and one V-neck. Turtle/roll neck jumpers are nice to include and so are wide neck tops that might show off some collar bone. Avoid packing only black and white tops. If you have a coat with a strong collar it might be worth packing that - pea coats are a good example.
Have a scroll through my website to get a general idea of what really works. When selecting tops always bear in mind what role/character you might be considered for by wearing this.
If you're updating or expanding on a current crop of headshots what sort of new images might sell your casting at its best.
If you'd like to mix it up whilst we go I have facilities for shaving, applying make up, costume changes, hair adjustments, teeth whitening(!) and any other general transformations. Please provide all your own necessary cosmetic care and equipment.
If it's the first time ever you've done a headshot session - then do not worry! I've got you. We'll talk through absolutely everything beforehand and make sure you're totally at ease with what to expect. Everyone starts as a beginner at some point.
What to Expect:
Being an old industrial building my studio benefits from big windows and high ceilings giving us a soft, natural light to play with which is ideal for creating beautiful headshots. The session usually lasts approx 2-3hrs with a short chat to begin with. Sitting in front of a camera for any extended period of time can make you go a little mad and is totally unnatural so I tend to shoot with breaks in between, but ultimately we go until you're happy. I aim to get both indoor and outdoor shots, weather dependant - although living in the UK does make things a tad unpredictable - what fun!
Payment:
Payment is taken on the day of the session. The deposit will be deducted from the final balance.
If you would like to order extra images to be re-touched these are priced at £25 each. I keep all images from the session on file for up to six months. It is not possible to purchase the raw images.
For any other information head over to the FAQ page or drop me a message via the Contact Form.