WHERE WILL WE SHOOT?
We will shoot in my home studio at the bottom of my garden in Sidcup, London.
WHAT TIME OF DAY DO YOU SHOOT?
Sessions are available 9am to 6pm depending on availability. If you prefer to have a higher number of images taken with natural lighting I would suggest booking a morning or early afternoon slot especially in the winter months.
DO YOU ASK FOR A DEPOSIT?
Yes I do, this secures your session. I ask for a non-refundable deposit to be paid upon booking your session in order to secure your shoot. This can be paid simply online via my booking page. However, if you have a last minute audition or fall ill you can also rearrange your shoot date via my booking platform or contact me directly. Don't worry, you will not lose your deposit as long as I have been given at least 24 hours notice.
HOW DO I PICK MY FINAL IMAGES?
You will get access to your own private web gallery with 250+ images. You can favourite your images, share the whole gallery with your agent, order your final images and leave me any retouch notes you would like me to see (all in your image gallery). It’s that simple! You will have access to your gallery for 2 years and can order any number of additional images whenever you like.
DO YOU RETOUCH THE PHOTOS?
Yes I do! This is the second half of my photography process. I do try to keep portrait retouching minimal to ensure we capture an authentic headshot. I will edit the expected such as blemishes, acne, dark rings and eye-bags along with some changes to the exposure and colour tone settings. Should you wish to suggest any further retouching you would like to your images, you can add these to your retouch notes in your online gallery.
WHAT IS YOUR TURNAROUND TIME?
Once I have received your final image order via your private online gallery, I will complete and deliver your final digital images via the same online platform within seven to fifteen days. You will be notified by email when your order is completed and your images will be ready to download in both high and low res form, all from within your private web gallery. This keeps all your photographs in one place!
DO YOU DO SHARED SESSIONS?
I don’t as prefer to work one to one with clients. In order to capture a relaxed and authentic portrait I believe it’s important to develop a good relationship with you to ensure we get the best out of your photos. Sharing your time would mean sharing my quality of service with you and you deserve my full attention.
HOW AND WHEN DO I PAY THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?
The outstanding payment will be due before your session. I will email you a reminder of the session with your final invoice. Please ensure the online payment is made before the session. Please do not bring cash on the day.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
You need to wear clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in. Solid colours are fantastic as this means there will no distracting stripes, spots or extravagant patterns pulling the focus from your lovely face. Bring as many tops as you like, and jackets too! The more we have to choose from the better.
I GET VERY NERVOUS WHEN HAVING MY HEADSHOT TAKEN, DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE?
Firstly, don't be so hard on yourself. It's natural to be nervous. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry. I won't tell you not to be nervous, it's always nerve racking when meeting someone new and even more so when there is pressure to look your best. Trust me, I know, I've been there too. Rest assured, I will make it as relaxed as possible. I will spend time getting to know you, having a chat and suggest ideas along the way. Think of the shoot as a friendly catch up with many photos along the way. I want to get to know you so we can capture an authentic image of yourself. One that you can say "Yes, that's me, one hundred percent!"
CAN I SEE THE SHOTS AS WE GO ALONG?
I have a natural tendency to show you some images from the back of my camera as we go along. It can be very helpful. If you would prefer me not to as it may make you feel self conscious please let me know.
CAN I PAY IN INSTALLMENTS?
Ideally no. I hope that splitting the fee slightly with the deposit paid upfront and then a final payment prior to the session is helpful. However, if you are really struggling and need support simply get in touch and I will do my very best to help you.
I HAVE CURLY HAIR, CAN I STRAIGHTEN IT HALFWAY THROUGH THE SESSION? (OR VICE VERSA)
Of course. This is a great idea! The more variety you have the better.
HOW MUCH MAKEUP SHOULD I WEAR?
It's best to keep it as natural as possible. It’s great to wear what you would normally wear day to day. Please do not do any contouring, remember we want a portrait that captures your true likeness!
I HAVE A BEARD, CAN I SHAVE HALFWAY THROUGH THE SESSION?
Absolutely! I just ask that you would let me know in advance. Also be as careful as possible when shaving we don't want any cuts or rashes in your images. If you have sensitive skin it may be better to book an additional Top Up session for another day.
CAN I REQUEST AN AFTERNOON SESSION WITH YOU?
You can indeed, you can book whichever available time slot you would like via my booking system. You can also contact me directly and we can discuss a time that best suits you and your travel.
DO YOU EVER HAVE TO RESCHEDULE MY BOOKING?
I have not had to as of yet, but never say never, sometimes unforeseen circumstances can arise. If this does happen I will do my very best to rearrange your session to a date that is very close to your original booking.
IF I CANCEL MY BOOKING DO I GET MY DEPOSIT BACK?
No, the deposits are non refundable as I would have blocked out the session for you meaning that nobody else could book that time with me.
CAN I ORDER EXTRA RETOUCHED HEADSHOTS FROM YOU, AS WELL AS THE ONES INCLUDED IN THE EXISTING PACKAGES?
Of course! There is an additional charge for retouches, £15 per additional image. You can order these directly via your private web gallery up to 2 years after your photoshoot.
CAN I KEEP ALL THE UNEDITED DIGITAL IMAGES TAKEN DURING THE SESSION?
No, I do not offer the untouched digital images. Consider this only half of my work. The first stage is capturing the image. The second half is the post production of your final images.
CAN I BRING A FRIEND, FAMILY MEMBER OR SPECTATOR TO THE SESSION?
Ideally it is better to come alone. It is great working one to one as we can chat as we go along without any other distractions. I promise I'm not scary and will keep the shoot as relaxed as possible. You may also feel more self conscious if you are having your shots taken with someone else watching.
DO YOU HAVE SESSIONS AVAILABLE ON THE WEEKEND?
Like you I too enjoy weekends with my family, a cheeky takeaway and and a few bubbles but I do offer regular weekend shoots. These do get snapped up quickly so if you can book on weekdays that would be best.
IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO GET MY HAIR CUT BEFORE THE SESSION?
I wouldn’t! I think we always need a little bit of time to get used to the our new do or to feel like ourself again after a new cut don't you think? Remember, you want to feel and look like the real you before your session.
I WEAR GLASSES, SHOULD I WEAR THEM FOR THE SESSION?
I will always take your headshot without glasses, as agents and casting directors want to see your face. We can also take some shots with you in glasses so you can have one for your portfolio.
I HAVE HAD THE BIGGEST BREAKOUT OF SPOTS JUST BEFORE MY SESSION, SHOUID I USE CONCEALER AND LOTS OF MAKEUP?
Don't worry at all! This is where the magic of post production happens. I can get rid of any spot. Trust me, I can get rid of absolutely anything during my editing so do not worry at all. If it makes you feel a little more confident to add some concealer on your spots that's fine, just not too much.
CAN I BRING SOME HEADSHOTS I LIKE AND THE KIND OF LOOK I AM AFTER?
Of course you can, you can also email this to me ahead of your booking. Although I cannot create an exact copy of the image it is useful to see the style you are after.
I LOVE THE TRADITIONAL BLACK AND WHITE HEADSHOTS, DO I NEED TO HAVE THE COLOUR HEADSHOTS?
Back in my acting days a black and white headshot was all you needed. Nowadays, it is essential to have colour headshots. Agents, casting directors, directors all want to gather as much information about you as possible before inviting you to an audition. They want to see the colour of your eyes, the shade of your skin and the colour of your lovely locks too. Let's give the powers that be all the information they need in order to get you that next acting role!
SHOULD I DRESS AS A CHARACTER OR BRING ANY ACTING COSTUMES FOR THE SHOOT?
No, we can leave that to when you're performing. Remember your headshot needs to be a powerful, engaging and authentic image that captures your true likeness. An image that grabs the attention of agents and casting directors but doesn't give them a shock when they meet you in person. They want to know that who they see in the picture is who there are going to see walking through the audition room door!