Your headshot is one of the most important tools in your marketing toolbox. Especially in NYC, a professional, attention-grabbing headshot lets the industry know that you take your career seriously, and are investing time and energy to get the very best. You and your career are worth it.

GOT QUESTIONS? Check these out:

I hate having my picture taken…

Here’s the truth - no one knows what’s in your head when we’re shooting. You can show up nervous or uncomfortable… But… we’ll chat, laugh, listen to music and I promise you’ll relax. I’ll be taking photos while we’re getting to know each other, and I’ll be guiding you through different ‘looks’, and eventually I guarantee you’ll have fun.

What about makeup/hair?

It’s important to look the way you appear on a self-tape, or walk into a casting office. I am a fan of less-is-more, particularly since so much can be done in post in terms of removing blemishes, etc. That said - I can put you in contact with a hair and makeup person, and she’ll make you look your absolute best depending on your needs.

What happens after the shoot?

Between one and two days after your session, you’ll be sent an email link to a gallery of your photos (high-resolution jpegs). You can download the entire session or just your favorites. Using the gallery, you can compare photos side-by-side, send the entire gallery to friends, or send just your favorites. The selection process can actually be fun.

What about printing?

You can go to a professional printer to format, add your name, and print multiple copies. Some inexpensive online printers include Headshots2Go and PrintHeadshots.

OR - if you don’t need many hard copies, I will send you a formatted copy with a thin frame around your photo and your name below. You can print single 8x10 hard copies at your local CVS, Walgreens, Shutterfly, etc. Here’s my headshot formatted:

What should I wear?

We’ll talk about all of this before our shoot and I’ll help you make choices. In the meantime…In general, every actor needs a basic theatrical all-purpose shot that reflects you at your absolute best.

You’ll also need shots that reflect the look of characters in your wheelhouse. Think about moving from low-class, blue-collar, rough or casual, up to a high-class, suit and tie, professional look.

Think about the ‘types’ you may play. Pro tip: Google search images of your type (nosy neighbor, young lawyer, mom, dad, etc.) and see what you come up with!

ALSO - I will be adjusting lights, backgrounds, and general ‘feel’ of the photo to make sure the entire photo reflects the ‘look’ you’re going for.

What about retouching?

I prefer to keep retouching to a minimum and avoiding that overly smoothed, artificial-skin look. A friend called it the ‘People Magaine Look’. The headshot should look like you at your best. Since the camera picks up WAY more than our eyes do in life - I may soften or eliminate wrinkles and blemishes, as well as change background colors, sharpen eyes, brighten shadows, etc. We will work together until you’ve got exactly what you want.

 

More questions?

I’m a firm believer in talking - phone, zoom, or in person - before our session. We’ll make sure we’re ‘on the same page’ so we can relax and enjoy the shoot!