FAQs

DO YOU DO SHOOT INDOOR OR OUTDOOR?

Mainly indoor in my studio, still using natural light. Headshots are taken on the porch of the studio so technically that’s the same as being outside under a bridge, so do not be put off by the ‘studio’ word.

WHERE IS THE SHOOT? 

At my home studio in Walton-on-Trent just passed Lichfield, close to the motorway & 15/20 minutes from Lichfield City train station and Burton on Trent train station, which has a direct links to Birmingham & London. Full location information is given out upon booking.

WILL YOU TRAVEL TO ME TO DO THE SHOOT?

No - sorry. I can't rely on other locations to give me what I need.

HOW LONG WILL THE SHOOT TAKE? 

The headshot session on average will last 1 hour 15 minutes. The headshot & portrait session normally 1-2 hours. Remember you are investing in these shoots as a whole, including the finished images. Therefore if the shoot finishes a little under the allocated time, it just means I am satisfied we have everything we need, & you have not been cut short. However this is more likely the case for the portrait session, or if you arrive with two tops….

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR HEADSHOTS & PORTRAITS?

Headshots are the standard casting photograph you need to put yourself forward for auditions, in front of agents, for Spotlight etc. They are essential for an actor. I use mainly natural light for headshots. Portraits aren’t essential, but perfect if you are looking to build a portfolio of images. They can be more cinematic & you can be more characterful in them which is actually great to have alongside your headshot. They don’t have to be anything in particular & you can be a lot more playful in portraits. They can also be used for your Spotlight, IMDB, modelling career, your parents mantlepiece, the gram or just for a new profile picture! I use both natural & artificial light for portraits so we can capture different moods.

I ONLY WANT PORTRAIT PHOTOS NOT HEADSHOT PHOTOS, DO I STILL HAVE TO BOOK THE TOP PACKAGE?

No. If you just want some portraits rather than both, you can book the standard headshot package but specify you want portraits. Please note this will only be portraits & recommended more so if you are a model, singer, or an actor who already has headshots.

IS ONE & A BIT HOURS REALLY LONG ENOUGH TO GET A GOOD RANGE OF HEADSHOTS?

In short - yes. I have been photographing headshots for nearly five years & I can assure you, you do not need to spend hours upon hours, as it ends in you being drained & me taking the same photo over & over again. I am confident in my ability to capture a range of images for you in this time. As I am a wedding photographer it means I am used to working under extreme pressure, which I think naturally makes me work efficiently in all shoots. Obviously the portrait session will be longer cause we do a large range of backdrops, set ups & looks.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD HEADSHOT?

I think ultimately it needs to be a picture that looks like YOU & the eyes always need to be engaged. We will briefly chat about what your casting is & it's sometimes a good thing for you to think about when you are being photographed, but I will never force you into characters as I want the image to be natural. Unless you have something very specific you would like to achieve! The industry is constantly changing & everyone has different styles, tastes & agents may like one photographer but not another. There is never a definite right answer, you just need to keep your headshot up to date & choose a photographer that's right for you.

ERM. I’M NOT AN ACTOR. BUT I NEED SOME PRO PHOTOS. WILL YOU STILL PHOTOGRAPH ME?

Absolutely! I have photographed, actors, singers, models, dancers, doctors, voice specialists, business professionals, & people who just want a nice photo! There’s no rules with me.

HOW DO I PAY YOU?

Please bring cash to pay me on the day OR pay me via bank transfer a day or so before the session. This saves the awkwardness of me chasing you up afterwards!

YOU'RE CHEAP COMPARED TO OTHER HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHERS, WHAT'S THE CATCH?

Although I started my photography career as a headshot photographer, my main business is now with Weddings therefore I just want my headshot sessions to be easy & relaxed, & as it doesn't take up too much of my time I don't need to charge 'a lot'. I charge enough for what I do & having being in your shoes in the past, I know how much of a huge investment it can be.

WHAT DO I DO WITH MY FACE? 

Don't worry about it. I am never ever going to tell you to "be sexy", "be angry", "be sad", as for me it doesn't work so I won't try and make you do it. Instead I will subtly tell you what to do in-between us just having a normal conversation. As long as you are relaxed, engaged & looking at the camera it will be fine & your 'face' will naturally start to work!

HOW MANY RETOUCHED IMAGES DO I GET? 

Six for the headshot session, one of them chosen by me. Twelve for the headshot & portrait session, two of them chosen by me. All headshots will be in both colour and black & white. Portraits will be edited however I feel best suits the mood, however if you have a specific preference please let me know when you give me your choices.

WHAT IF I WANT MORE IMAGES? 

Any additional retouched images are £10 each. 

WHAT DO I WEAR?

Bring a variety of tops in different styles, colours & neck lines. Try & be your most 'stylish' & 'contemporary' self, layering is great for this, rather than five of the same t-shirt in different colours. Really think about what suits you, what will sell you, what you feel good in! Try & stay away from busy patterns & the dreaded huge logos, but subtle texture is great, like lace for example, & maybe a couple of sequins - I love sequins. From experience people think they need very plain boring clothes, but this is not the case, bring your best, your favourites! Even your most expensive! You paid more for that top for a reason! Girls - also from experience, baggy t-shirts never look great & can give a false representation of your body shape. If you are also having portraits you can be a bit more adventurous with your outfit choices so do bring a wide range, & I think it’s great to show a more ‘dressy’ you, so girls you could bring your favourite dress, guys a suit! Look at famous actors portraits on Pinterest for inspiration! Remember more of your head will be in some of them so don’t forget the bottom half!

WHAT ABOUT HAIR & MAKEUP?

Ladies, try to have your hair how you usually do everyday, or how you would at an audition, so at it's most natural. Then bring a hair band, clips, whatever you normally use so you can tie it up for some images. Makeup - at it's most natural, but I would say a base of face makeup is essential. No heavy black eyeliner or clumpy mascara. Bring your makeup bag & a different coloured lipstick so we can add if needs be. Gents, have your hair as you do everyday. You can bring hair gel or whatever you use in your hair if you want to change it half way.

DO YOU EDIT OUT BLEMISHES?

Yes. But I won't change how you look, or make you look like an alien. I retouch the images subtly so they still look natural. If you have any specific retouching requirements - please let me know before I begin editing your photos.

WHEN WILL I SEE MY IMAGES? 

An edited image & an online gallery link to your unedited files will be sent to you the same evening, following morning if it’s been a busy day! Then once you have made your final choices I aim to deliver them to you within one week of the shoot, please expect longer if it’s a weekend.

HOW LONG DO YOU GIVE ME TO DECIDE ON MY CHOICES? 

As long as you need - but don't forget about them! My hard-drive space won't last forever! 

WILL YOU HELP ME CHOOSE, I'M FINDING IT TOO DIFFICULT? 

Yes of course! I always think you need a second eye. Whether this is me, your agent, a fellow actor or family member.

CAN I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME TO THE SHOOT?

Unfortunately, unless you are under 18 years of age, advisably no. This is for your best interests as from experience having someone you know watching you be photographed can become distracting for both you & myself, & this is counterproductive for your shoot.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL?

Please let me know 48 hours before the session. I understand the life of an actor can be very spontaneous, but I too am trying to run a business & get enquiries for ‘asap’ sessions everyday. So there’s nothing more frustrating than a cancellation email the night before saying you haven’t had your hair done in time, therefore if you cancel after the 48 hour period I will have to charge 20% of your chosen package. If you have a problem on the day, please phone me as soon as possible.

I’M REALLY NERVOUS…HOW CAN I PREPARE?

Trust me when I say, most people hate having their photo taken, so do not think you are alone if feeling anxious. I see it everyday. But I promise you have nothing to worry about. I have been in your shoes & know how awkward it could be, so I strive to make it the total opposite! Treat it as an acting exercise & see the camera as your audience or acting partner rather than ‘a camera’. If you really want to be an actor you must have little tricks to get you into the zone. I will guide you all the way, but the more open you are to working with me the more successful the shoot will be overall. Also - get a good nights sleep the night before!