FAQ

My digital headshot session is designed to create marketing tools that will capture attention from industry professionals and propel your career in a new direction. Whether it be headshots for acting, personal branding or any other medium, we'll make a plan to create images that impress. In doing so, I concentrate on using your own personal expression and creativity throughout the entire process. I become a director and guide you towards what will become a captivating portrait tailored specifically for you.

THE SESSION

In order to do this, I like to shoot a minimum of 2 different looks during a session. Shooting a range of looks in this way will allow you to have multiple shots available for different marketing purposes. I’ll get into clothing a little later, but basically I ask that you bring a variety of your favorite stuff. I don’t put a strict limit on the number of shots I take per look, and generally shoot each look until I feel we’ve got it covered. For headshots, I like to shoot in a horizontal format, but if you feel you need vertical shots or 3/4 shots during your session just let me know and I'd be happy to shoot them for you as well.

Part of my process is to edit the session with you as we go. You and I will inspect each shot one by one to determine its potential use. When we are done I’ve usually shot anywhere between 150 and 250 shots during my 1 1/2 hour session and you'll end up with somewhere between 8-10 final shots that you have approved as candidates for marketing yourself (and possibly a few fun ones in there that we just can't seem to delete!). By shooting and editing in this manner we can adjust the focus of the shots during the session to account for anything that you feel we may have missed up to that point. You'll know exactly what you will be working with when we are done because we have gone through the entire session together and approved each shot.

If you choose me as your photographer then you are agreeing that it's your responsibility to convey to me anything that you feel could be improved over the course of the shoot while we are shooting. I want nothing more than having you totally satisfied with the outcome and things are for the most part easy to adjust during the session. However, once the session is over then it's your responsibility to work with the images that we decided to keep. I'm a big deleter and want your shoot saturated with amazing shots, so I have no problem deleting shots in order to find the ones that are going to open doors for you.

I do feel that I have an incredible eye. I have no control of how others (agent, publicist ,friends ,etc.) will react to your session after you leave my studio. If for any reason, something causes you to doubt the marketability of any part of your session and you would like to add another look or two, I charge a $150 fee for another hour of shooting. Anything that you feel could be improved upon must be discussed during your session in order to avoid coming back for an additional hour. This offer is only available for 30 days from your original session and after that you are free to update at any time by doing a discounted returning client session. (see pricing section)

After you leave, the approved shots will be made available through email with a "sample" watermark. You will be able to give them to friends, family, agents, casting directors and anyone else who might help you choose which shots you decide to use.

YOUR CLOTHING

I ask that everyone bring at least 5 to 10 different options for clothing. For headshots, you’ll just need tops (unless you’d like some 3/4 shots). I like to decide what you will wear from a range of clothing. Rule #1: You have to love it! I don't want to shoot anything that you don't feel comfortable wearing. Never dress with the thought that you would book a certain role if you wore a particular outfit. If you don’t feel comfortable in it, you won’t shoot well while wearing it. Remember, be yourself because this is where you can get some of your own personal style into the shot.

People always ask me what colors are best and I really don't have an answer for that. It's better for me to get a visual of something, so I suggest bringing a wide variety of colors. I have actually been surprised in the past by my clients bringing a top that off the bat I don't think will work and it turns out to look great on camera. Don't be seasonal; everything from t-shirts, tank tops to sweaters and light jackets can work. I love textures and layers, but would generally stay away from crazy patterns.

If it's not with us we can't shoot it, so if you find yourself questioning whether or not something will work just bring it along. I also suggest having some fun with this. If you feel your wardrobe is missing something then go shopping and we'll keep the tags on it and you can return the items you don't want to keep after the shoot.

Hair/Make Up

Women

Makeup for the session is required for all women. Please keep it light. We ask that everyone come in with their hair ready as if they are going to an audition or have it the way you would like to present yourself. We want your hair in your pictures to match the way you will look in person. You are in charge here and your hair has to look like something that you can recreate for your auditions or work place. I've found that it is such a personal thing it's best that you feel like you in the pictures, so feel free to bring whatever styling products you need in order to handle creating your look. I also love producing range by changing the hair during the session by putting it up, etc.

Men

It's not required, but men can hire a makeup artist if you feel you need grooming on the shoot. Also, for the guys who grow decent scruff or feel you can market yourself in that direction, you can come in with a some growth and we'll shoot until we feel we've gotten it covered and then you can shave, so bring your razor, etc.

COST AND SCHEDULING

I've got a couple of pricing options, so check them all out. You can take a look at my session fee and returning client discounts below.

Standard HEADSHOT SESSION:

My digital headshot session rate is $299 plus tax for the shoot for SF clients (LA clients aren't responsible for sales tax payments due to CA tax law). There is a $150 deposit required to book a session, this is non-refundable and goes towards the $299 total. The session is ninety minutes of shooting once you’re in front of my camera. If you feel that you need more time you can add an hour of shooting for $150 just let us know when you book the session.

RETURNING CLIENTS:

Once you've shot with me the first time you become eligible to take advantage of my discount offer to returning clients. Should you decide to work with me ever again, you will never have to pay a high price for shots for the rest of your career. All returning clients can take advantage of my mini headshot session for $200.

This applies to anyone that has ever shot with me in the past including those who weren't aware that I had this package available at the time of their previous session. The session is 1 hour of shooting and is designed to revamp your shots any time you feel you need an update.

SCHEDULE & WAITING LIST:

I shoot up to three sessions per day Monday through Friday and we generally begin the sessions around 11am. I tweak the times depending upon the schedule each particular day, so I do ask people to be a bit flexible. Make sure you don't have anything else scheduled close to the end of your session in case I feel we need more time with you.

In order to get the session you prefer I suggest you book at least 3 weeks in advance. If you need to get in ASAP then just contact me about the schedule. I do try to accommodate everyone and you can always be put on our waiting list. As openings arise I contact people in the order they were placed on that list. If for any reason you need to change a scheduled session, I require 72 hours notice, otherwise you forfeit your deposit. For deal site customers you'll be charged a $75 rescheduling fee. However, if we are able to fill your slot with another client within the 72 hour period then we would credit your deposit towards your rescheduled session.

PAYMENTS

A non-refundable deposit of $150 is required to book a sessions. ( For Headshots only, half deposit for product shots) If it is not received at least one week prior to your scheduled session, the session will be granted to someone on my waiting list. I accept cash, checks, as well as Paypal. The remaining balance plus the sales tax is due the day of the session.

Why Is The Deposit Non-refundable?

Due to my busy schedule I want to ensure both you and I are ready and willing to create the best images possible. This way we both know your session is reserved and ready to go.