FAQ/INFO

Frequently Asked Questions
MOST IMPORTANTLY
• Your headshot should look like you - exactly how you would show up for an audition.
• Your photo has to sell your looks and personality.
• What you see is what you get.
GENERAL TIPS
• Tell us your expectations and intentions. Let us know what kind of look you want.
• Drink lots of water and be well rested (so your eyes will not have dark circles).
• Your skin might not look it's best after drug/alcohol/salty foods use. Try to abstain from these for at least 24 hours before your shoot.
• Arrive on time. Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes early (we may have other clients scheduled before you).
• Please call if you are running late or arrive early.
PRACTICE
• Rehearse at home in front of a mirror. Practice poses and expressions (see below about characters).
• If you're having trouble with expressions, watch your face in the mirror while running lines from a favorite scene.
• Visualize different emotions while looking in the mirror. Watch how this changes your expression.
WHAT TO WEAR AND WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR SHOOT
• Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you look great.
• Don't overdress.
• Clothes should be neatly pressed and should look new or like new.
• Bring a variety of clothing that emphasizes different roles/characters (professional, blue-collar worker, intellectual, sexy, etc...).
• Avoid large logos or branding.
• A simple black shirt/blouse/dress is often a good option.
• Avoid white shirts unless you plan to wear it underneath something.
• Darker clothes attract less attention and put the attention on your face and eyes.
• Solid colors are great.
• Avoid busy patterns and large lines or stripes.
• No glitter, sparkles, rhinestones, sequins.
• Blue/green/turquoise clothing can help emphasize blue/green/hazel eyes.
• Avoid red as a dominant color.
• A suit or jacket are great for men wanting a more professional look.
• Pay attention to details. Layers, ties, belts etc.
• Different necklines will change the apparent shape of your face. Bring a variety different shirts/blouses to see what works best.
• Turtlenecks are almost always a bad idea.
• Don't worry about shoes too much unless you specifically want a full-length look.
• Don't only bring 3-4 same-style shirts in different colors. Bring a variety of styles.
• Bring a few extra oufits so we can choose what looks best on you at the shoot.
Remember: Select and wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Choose something that makes you look good.
JEWELRY
• Keep jewelry extremely simple - smaller is better.
• Avoid jewelry that would distract from your face or that looks dated.
• The picture is about your face, not your jewelry.
• Be prepared to remove facial piercings or multiple ear piercings if needed.
WHAT TO BRING
• Your previous headshots.
• Sample headshots to help communicate the look you want.
• Various changes of clothing (see above).
• A good attitude.
• Lip balm.
• Hair brush/comb.
• Makeup and hair products you prefer (especially if you have allergies).
HAIR AND MAKEUP TIPS
• Make-up should be clean and natural.
• Your makeup or hairstyle should be exactly what you would do for an audition.
• Wear a heavy layer of translucent powder - your face will appear flawless in photos. Shine disappears, pores seem smaller, skin looks even.
• Men may need base, concealer, and powder for the shoot. It is best to obtain your own so it is specially matched to your skin tone.
• Line lips before applying matte lipstick, then reline. Dip a cotton bud in powder and run along lip line to prevent color from bleeding.
• Avoid shimmers or products with lots of sparkle or shine.
• Avoid frosts or garish colors.
• Avoid getting a new hair cut just before the shoot (you may want to let it grow-in a bit or get used to styling a new cut).
• Do not try/use any new product on your hair, face or body the day before or few days before your shoot.
• Avoid over-styling. Keep it simple.
• If you are under 16-years old the only makeup you need is lip balm or lip gloss.
ARRIVE WITH:
• Hair styled and makeup already applied (if not using makeup artist).
• Already dressed in first outfit.
WHAT EXACTLY ARE 'LOOKS' ?
Looks are considered wardrobe changes. Along with the wardrobe, we will change the lighting and backgrounds as well. You may add or take away one piece such as glasses or a jacket to a look without having it count as a different look.
WHERE DO WE SHOOT/ WILL WEATHER EFFECT MY SESSION?
Everything is shot at my Studio in Mid-Town Manhattan. We have full control of the lights and backdrops . There is a makeup Mirror, makeup table & chair, clothing rack, restroom & changing room as well as snacks for clients. Weather will not change or cancel the shoot, so no need to worry about that! If you are booking the 2 Hour session that includes a streetside portrait and it is raining, snowing or too windy, we will have you come back for just the outside pics on a better day if needed.

IS A MAKEUP ARTIST REQUIRED?
Although using a professional makeup artist is not required, it is strongly recommended, especially for women. Even if you are skilled at doing your own makeup for daily use, doing makeup for on camera & photographs is different. I want you to focus on the acting and direction, not worrying about touch ups or hair in your face.
The makeup artist stays the entire shoot to touch up, make small changes, make sure the hair is in place, and keep you looking your best while shooting! We will talk to you about how you typically wear your hair & makeup so that we can make sure it is an accurate representation of you! The makeup should be fresh and natural looking making your features POP, not heavy and noticeable. You should look like the BEST version of yourself.
*If you prefer to use a MUA outside of my studio, you are welcome to do so, but you must come to the shoot camera ready. Your artist is welcome to come to your shoot for touch ups and small changes.
Because of time restraints, makeup should be applied and camera ready when starting either the Saturday or One hour session. The 3 hour session allows enough time for makeup to start when the session begins but will cut into your time. I always recommend coming to the studio camera ready.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY SHOOT?
Within 72 hours following the shoot, you will get an email with a link to your private online gallery. Your images are edited and posted to this gallery so that you can select your favorites for retouching. We retouch your final selections and will work with you on any specific requests. Again, it is always best to retouch images without making anyone look fake. We clean up the blemishes, can change backgrounds, background colors, do a little slimming of the face, neck and shoulders but do not recomend having us make you look either older or younger than you actually are in real life.
Your retouched images are either emailed to you or posted to a private gallery or folder. They will be sized 8x10 at 300dpi.
We do not release all of the images from your session as I only allow images that have been retouched by the studio out into the world to guarantee that my work is shown in the best possible light.
OK I AM READY TO BOOK... NOW WHAT?
Please use the booking page when you are ready to schedule your shoot. This will give you all the rates and available times I have for your session. A non-refundable deposit is required to book the session. If you need a session on a day I am fully booked or not open, email or call to discuss the possibility of squeezing you in or opening up the studio off hours. Most of the time, I can create a session time that will work for both of us.
DO YOU HAVE A CANCELLATION LIST?
Yes! Please write the studio so we have your info in case of a cancellation. There will always be a way to get your headshot done if you are in a rush.
LINKS
www.backstage.com Great resource for performers to find work.
www.sagaftra.org The world's largest labor union representing performers, broadcasters and recording artists.
www.tdf.org Tickets for shows. Performers get discounts for the performing arts.
www.actorsconnection.com Actors Equity Association-Representing actors and stage managers in the theatre.
www.esperstudio.com One of the most respected professional actor training studios in New York City.


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