FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK

With all things considered, we have compiled some of the most Frequently Asked Questions regarding your Headshot session.  Please find out more by opening the Tabs Below.

No question should ever be too big or too small. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via the Need Help—WhatsApp application on the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

A. Coming from a professional perspective, Yes, you do.

We no longer need to attach an image to a CV but Casting Directors and HR do thorough research on individuals to determine that your background and skills are the right fit. LinkedIn for example, is one platform that people go to, to see your professional skills and experiences.

Today, we are searching more than ever before, and a total professional package is what employers are interested in. Your social media presence is also important, the more prolific you’re online with relevant images and articles the more you are seen as relevant and competitive.  Sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are the number one places to find your digital presence.

For professionally approved actors, Spotlight is the number one source to be cast from. You must complete at least one year in an industry-recognized acting school and have 4 professional roles or 4 lead roles over 4 sessions in an industry-recognized professional theatre company where you are taught as part of the workshop as a way in the door. Mandy is also a recognized casting website but it won’t get you seen by the big casting agencies unless you can get those people to see you perform on stage. Acting is all about connecting with the right people and if you have been blessed and have graduated from one of the top acting schools then you are more simply on your way to succeeding. But like all successful people, they have got there through commitment, dedication, reliability, and a lot of hard work and have also been outstanding in their roles.

Therefore, your headshot is important. It’s intrinsic. It’s one of your first steps of succession that needs to be updated at least every two years or if you have changed your appearance.

Remember, you must always look your best to stand out from the rest.

A. All photographers are unique and different, we bring with us our life experiences. A photographer who wants to succeed at the professional level can be at any stage in their career and different price points. You just have to contact them ask them questions and see how they respond. You can see the quality of their work on their up-to-date website. Go with the photographer who gives you a response that you deserve and is interested in you as a good client. Always check out the Photographer’s reviews as they are generally from sincere well-informed, genuine clients. My clients tend to return after an inquiry as I articulate the answer with as much care and responsibility as possible. If you don’t trust them or feel uncomfortable regarding their replies and feel they lack professionalism then they are not right for you. Google can be your guide but not all great photographers have a website, Instagram is the exception to the rule. I am only getting comfortable with Instagram now and will commence the likes and to-be-followed game. It is all about research and recommendations asking the photographer of your preference a few relevant questions and waiting for their response.

A. I do not compare myself with other photographers but I will give you an outstanding service that is not rushed and I will treat you with the utmost respect during our session.

The secret is to express yourself from your cultural references, whether that be music or the clothes you are wearing so that you feel comfortable and confident.

I have put myself out there and worked as a model, actor, and photographer. I have put myself through the grueling demands of rehearsals and appeared in a few plays, been on film sets, got on planes, and shot editorials abroad and in London for national and international magazines. So, I am different from other photographers because of my diverse experience. I have assisted and worked with some of the best photographers internationally so I will give you a similar high-quality experience.

I will calm your nerves and talk you through every stage just like any model, actor, or celebrity I have worked with in the past so that you get the Hollywood treatment. Where the whole session is about you and how you want to be respected and perceived. The difference is, that I will tell you when something is too much, odd, or not right, I may get you to change your outfit, hairstyle, or pose. I will pamper and fuss all over you within reason until we are both happy. I will work with you by tethering the images to the screen so that we can get to see you looking comfortable and striking; most of all, I want you to feel very pleased with your look before we are happy we have got the final shot.

A. When you have a busy schedule, are stressed, and have no time to rest, turn up to my studio and expect miracles to happen. They won’t! You need to be rested.

  • Choose a day that won’t conflict with an overloaded work schedule
  • Do not Party, Drink, take Recreational Drugs, or Snog someone with rough stubble the night before as you are self-sabotaging your shoot. Yes, these have all happened to me in the past
  • If you have had a complex cold sore or eczema outbreak you should wait till it has cleared up. I can fix a simple outbreak with no problem, but there will be an extra vanity fee for retouching. This has happened in the past and took some time to retouch
  • Do not cover blemishes such as pimples or cold sores with makeup. The makeup makes it more complex to retouch, letting it appear freely. I can zap them away with a simple click
  • Have plenty of time to go through and choose some clothing styles. Take selfies so you have a good understanding of the looks that you have
  • If you don’t have any decent, fresh-looking clothing try to lend some fresh styles from a friend first, then if that does work out go shopping
  • Practice your looks in the mirror, try making yourself look authentic, likable, sincere, trustworthy
  • For actors, practice these looks in the mirror – sophisticated, affluent,  sexy, innocent, vulnerable, tough, rugged,  trustworthy, pub, business, country, sporting, medical, mysterious (dark), (carefree) casual, and beach
  • For those of us who have short back and sides, clean up the hairs around the ears and back of the neck
  • If you have excess facial hair, male or female, see how you can eliminate those unwanted hairs. Don’t wax on the day of the shoot do it a couple of days before. Hairy nostrils and ears for men and women are better waxed unless you are an actor and they are part of your look
  • Beards are better trimmed by a barber
  • If you dye your hair and have regrowth or have a weave that looks tired it is better to visit your salon before the shoot
  • Wash your hair before you come to the studio. Oily hair is unmanageable. I have had to make some clients wash their hair after the hairstylist found it impossible to manage. Always have clear hair before a shoot
  • Sleep well the night before – Go to bed early. Into bed by 10 PM at the latest
  • Moisturize your face before you go to sleep and wash your skin and moisturize it before you come to the studio
  • Schedule yourself well. I can be available on Mondays if that is the best day for you I don’t mind but I use Mondays to schedule my marketing and social media posts
  • Music – If you have some music that brings out the best in you bring it along

If you follow my advice and are prepared, it will make you feel more confident before arriving for your session. Then on arrival, it’s up to me to calm your nerves, get to know you, and discuss the clothing that you have brought. During the shoot, I will talk you through all the techniques for posing in front of the lights and camera. The more you interact with me and take control of the session the more looks and final images you will have to choose from.

A. Yes, we do offer On-Location headshots but it is set at a higher rate. The reason is that I would require an assistant to help with the equipment. The rate doubles for half a day, it also depends on how many looks you require. On-location Corporate rates are subjected to a recce (sight visit so we can assess the situation and decide what we need to bring to deliver the service our clients have come to expect) and a fee based on how many employees require a headshot. Please note that headshots require a great deal of working space and not every office is conducive to headshot photography.

In our opinion, if our client’s office space is not sufficient in size, we would consider a studio space for comfort where we can offer a better-controlled environment and space for lighting techniques, close to your company’s headquarters or place of business.

A. Part of maintaining a brand is that we offer a controlled, comfortable, and welcoming environment, where we can maintain consistent results in our product. London is famously known for its unpredictable weather patterns and its associated limited lighting situations. This being said, we know how much Casting Directors like to see natural daylight light up the subjects and we will slowly add outdoor sessions for those who specifically request it. We are located 5 minutes by foot from Hyde Park and we have various mews arches nearby that we can shoot under. We will launch Headshots on-location sessions for Actors in 2020 if weather permits. Note – This is on a request-only basis and is not subject to or part of a Studio Headshot Proposal.

Nearly most of my work is shot inside my comfortable studio. I want to be able to give you a reliable, consistent shoot day or night, rain, hail, snow, or shine.

A. Retouching means that your selected photos are processed for correct color, tone, and contrast in Capture One while tether shooting, and then they are retouched in PHOTOSHOP (image editing software), by Michael or a member of his retouch team. Each photo is meticulously worked on. Every tiny detail is assessed; if it’s distracting, it’s removed. Temporary blemishes, strayed eyebrows, baby hairs, etc, are all dealt with so that the focus remains on your expression. All images are optimised for brightness, colour, and contrast so that each final photo of the client is a clean, natural, and well-rested version of themselves. For more info on retouching please go to the RETOUCHING PAGE

A. You can either pay for your session online on the booking page or if you require a custom proposal, an invoice will be sent to you after you have made a booking confirmation. On booking your session, a deposit of 50% is required at least five (5) working days before the shoot. (You will be invoiced at the time of your booking confirmation) This deposit goes towards the total cost of your session. Our preferred method of payment is via the Square payment system (instructions are included on invoices). The remaining balance is due on the day of the session. If you require/have requested a professional make-up artist, a separate invoice will be sent to you to be paid directly from the artist.

A. Cancellations are required 72 hours before the booking date for a full refund of your deposit. Cancellation requests less than 72 hours before the scheduled booking will forfeit their deposit. We must have this policy as our studio holds your date and time just for you. And if you have booked one of our stylists for hair and makeup, it is a loss of business for the stylist as well.

Deposits that exceed more than £250.00 will be billed at £250.00.

BEFORE THE SHOOT

A. YES, we can. We have designed some informative brochures that will help guide you when you select the most appropriate garments from your wardrobe. You will receive these self-help guides once you have booked a session. I can help you regarding styling via Video call and/or in person to help you plan and coordinate your wardrobe options for your photo session. This is highly recommended for all clients booking a session.

A. First of all, you need to ask yourself how many looks you want. Then, from this equation, you need to ask yourself what types of looks that you need. Bring at least 3 outfits for each look. Why, because sometimes when a client does not bring enough it becomes problematic. If you would like my input, I am happy to let you know a couple of days before the shoot. Take photos on your smartphone and send them to me. I will be very honest with you. If you don’t have anything appropriate in your closet, go shopping! Tip – Leave the tags on, we’ll shoot around them. You can return the clothes after your session.

If you booked a one-outfit headshot session please be aware that this means that you’ll only be able to be photographed in the one look.

A. Wear clothing that will give you confidence.

  •  Wear something that fits you well. No oversized or very loose clothing as you will look regrettably heavy.
  • If you don’t have anything relatively new, go shopping. Leave the tags on it if you want. We can work around it and you can return it later. Asked the store what their return policy is or look it up on the internet, you don’t want to be stuck with store credit.
  • Make sure that it’s well-ironed and clean of pet hairs.
  • Stay with monotone colours, then add primary colours blues, greens, burgundy, or a colour that expresses your personality.
  • No loud prints, or logos on them as they’re too distracting.
  • Earth tones are good as well.
  • Short sleeves or sleeveless shirts can be problematic. If you’ve got the right arms and firm skin then go for it. If you don’t feel comfortable bearing your arms then sleeves are the best option.
  • I recommend my corporate clients dress as they would for an office meeting. If it’s business casual, then a button-down shirt or polo shirt is just fine.
  • If you are creative then give me your creative look even if it’s just a plain white T-shirt and jeans.
  • For Actors keep things simple. Solid colour T-shirts can be great.
  • Layering can make a more stylish look, e.g. Men – open shirts on a T-shirt or tank tops are splendid, Women – See-through garments or a top over tops with straps.
  • Interesting necklines are great as well.
  • Ladies, if you feel better in heels, wear your favorite heels. They won’t be in the shot, but their presence will be made known in your smile.

A. Jewellery should be kept to a minimum and should not dominate the photo. Studs, pearls, and small ring-like accessories for earrings are plenty. If you are going for a more conventional look such as a pearl necklace then keep it in context with the period or style you wish to wear. If it is too much I will let you know and we can take a few test shots to determine whether the accessories are over bearing.

A. For women, we highly recommend investing in professional hair and makeup services. Makeup and hair for photography are different than your average everyday look, and a professional can help you look (and feel) your absolute best before stepping in front of the camera, resulting in the most professional and polished final images. We don’t recommend makeup for men. If you require a hair stylist we can organise a hairstylist for you at an extra cost. For men with extremely oily skin that needs special attention, we highly recommend investing in a hair and makeup stylist.

This service generally can take up to 1 hour. We have a special brochure with information about how best to prep your hair and skin before your appointment.

A. Generally, men do not look good wearing makeup. A natural look is generally regarded as masculine. However, we all can get a little shiny under the lights so we have translucent powder or special blotting paper to help remove the shine. Occasionally, some men do go completely red during a shoot, whether that be blushing or through over heating in heavy garments but redness can be reduced during the retouching phase. If you require a makeup artist then we will fulfill your request, with pleasure.

A. Men who have not had a haircut for more than a week then I highly recommend that you see your barber or hair stylist for a trim. For men who have not had their hair cut for a month or more and it is in the middle of summer then I recommend that you have your hair cut a least a week in advance of your headshot session as you will have a tan line that will be difficult to retouch. Also, if you have experienced a barber that you have not used before and they have destroyed your look. It is another reason why you should book your session a couple of weeks in advance so that you have time to grow it out and get it fixed.

A. It depends on whether you want or need a 5 o’clock shadow or not. For actors, as part of your Actors Branding Session, it is better to come unshaven with at least a week’s growth and we can do a couple of looks with it and then shave it off for the next couple. Please bring your shaver or razor.  Generally, the men who opt for the larger branding sessions will shoot a couple with a complete beard and the others clean-shaven. If you shave daily then please come completely shaven. Please pay attention to all the small hairs that you would generally miss, especially under the nose and around the neck regions.

BEFORE THE SHOOT

A. YES, we can. We have designed some informative brochures that will help guide you when you select the most appropriate garments from your wardrobe. You will receive these self-help guides once you have booked a session. I can help you regarding styling via Video call and/or in person to help you plan and coordinate your wardrobe options for your photo session. This is highly recommended for all clients booking a session.

A. First of all, you need to ask yourself how many looks you want. Then, from this equation, you need to ask yourself what types of looks that you need. Bring at least 3 outfits for each look. Why, because sometimes when a client does not bring enough it becomes problematic. If you would like my input, I am happy to let you know a couple of days before the shoot. Take photos on your smartphone and send them to me. I will be very honest with you. If you don’t have anything appropriate in your closet, go shopping! Tip – Leave the tags on, we’ll shoot around them. You can return the clothes after your session.

If you booked a one-outfit headshot session please be aware that this means that you’ll only be able to be photographed in the one look.

A. Wear clothing that will give you confidence.

  •  Wear something that fits you well. No oversized or very loose clothing as you will look regrettably heavy.
  • If you don’t have anything relatively new, go shopping. Leave the tags on it if you want. We can work around it and you can return it later. Asked the store what their return policy is or look it up on the internet, you don’t want to be stuck with store credit.
  • Make sure that it’s well-ironed and clean of pet hairs.
  • Stay with monotone colours, then add primary colours blues, greens, burgundy, or a colour that expresses your personality.
  • No loud prints, or logos on them as they’re too distracting.
  • Earth tones are good as well.
  • Short sleeves or sleeveless shirts can be problematic. If you’ve got the right arms and firm skin then go for it. If you don’t feel comfortable bearing your arms then sleeves are the best option.
  • I recommend my corporate clients dress as they would for an office meeting. If it’s business casual, then a button-down shirt or polo shirt is just fine.
  • If you are creative then give me your creative look even if it’s just a plain white T-shirt and jeans.
  • For Actors keep things simple. Solid colour T-shirts can be great.
  • Layering can make a more stylish look, e.g. Men – open shirts on a T-shirt or tank tops are splendid, Women – See-through garments or a top over tops with straps.
  • Interesting necklines are great as well.
  • Ladies, if you feel better in heels, wear your favorite heels. They won’t be in the shot, but their presence will be made known in your smile.

A. Jewellery should be kept to a minimum and should not dominate the photo. Studs, pearls, and small ring-like accessories for earrings are plenty. If you are going for a more conventional look such as a pearl necklace then keep it in context with the period or style you wish to wear. If it is too much I will let you know and we can take a few test shots to determine whether the accessories are over bearing.

A. For women, we highly recommend investing in professional hair and makeup services. Makeup and hair for photography are different than your average everyday look, and a professional can help you look (and feel) your absolute best before stepping in front of the camera, resulting in the most professional and polished final images. We don’t recommend makeup for men. If you require a hair stylist we can organise a hairstylist for you at an extra cost. For men with extremely oily skin that needs special attention, we highly recommend investing in a hair and makeup stylist.

This service generally can take up to 1 hour. We have a special brochure with information about how best to prep your hair and skin before your appointment.

A. Generally, men do not look good wearing makeup. A natural look is generally regarded as masculine. However, we all can get a little shiny under the lights so we have translucent powder or special blotting paper to help remove the shine. Occasionally, some men do go completely red during a shoot, whether that be blushing or through over heating in heavy garments but redness can be reduced during the retouching phase. If you require a makeup artist then we will fulfill your request, with pleasure.

A. Men who have not had a haircut for more than a week then I highly recommend that you see your barber or hair stylist for a trim. For men who have not had their hair cut for a month or more and it is in the middle of summer then I recommend that you have your hair cut a least a week in advance of your headshot session as you will have a tan line that will be difficult to retouch. Also, if you have experienced a barber that you have not used before and they have destroyed your look. It is another reason why you should book your session a couple of weeks in advance so that you have time to grow it out and get it fixed.

A. It depends on whether you want or need a 5 o’clock shadow or not. For actors, as part of your Actors Branding Session, it is better to come unshaven with at least a week’s growth and we can do a couple of looks with it and then shave it off for the next couple. Please bring your shaver or razor.  Generally, the men who opt for the larger branding sessions will shoot a couple with a complete beard and the others clean-shaven. If you shave daily then please come completely shaven. Please pay attention to all the small hairs that you would generally miss, especially under the nose and around the neck regions.

AFTER THE SHOOT

A. At the end of your photo session, we will quickly teach you the basics of how to use the online photo proofing gallery. Shortly after the shoot, you will receive an email with a link to your personalised secure gallery, along with your username and password. The online photo proofing gallery cannot be seen by anyone without your direct permission (send your login credentials to friends and family for advice in picking your images). Depending on your chosen package, you can ‘order’ 1 or multiple photographs. We recommend that you write comments or notes on the photos as you like them, in case you need further assistance in your selection. Once you have selected your specified number of images, our retoucher will go ahead and start the process of colour balancing and retouching.

A. No. You only get the finalized retouched images that are included in your package. If your package includes two retouched digital files then you will be getting only those two images along with various crops of those images. You’ll receive both high and low-resolution versions of your final retouched digital files for both web and print use, but you will not get to keep all the other unselected images from your shoot. You may purchase additional images for an additional price per digital retouched file.  Why? As a professional photographer, I never give clients all the RAW shots from a session. The final look of the images is a huge part of my brand. By releasing raw files there is always the chance that they will get posted as is, or edited in a manner that I would not. That kind of inconsistency can be damaging to my brand and can cost me future business. Only the retouched photos that you select are delivered to you in high resolution for printing etc. Also, my clients pay me to cull down to the very best of the shots from the session. You only need the BEST shots. And you need them to look their best for sure!

A. Yes! All headshot work is satisfaction guaranteed. Because all clients see their headshots before leaving the studio, a client is rarely unhappy with their headshot. But if you are unhappy with your headshots in any way, please talk to Michael about a possible reshoot or re­working of the retouched file. If you do not like your photos because you do not like your hair, makeup, or clothing, that is not the photographer’s fault, but please do still talk to Michael so a resolution can be determined.

A. Retouching can take up to 7 business days. The final images will be delivered in an email download link. Be sure to save all files in a safe place. The download link expires in 7 days.If you require a rushed 24hr retouch job, a Rush Delivery fee will applied  –  approx £50/image. (The rush fee depends on the discretion of the retoucher).

A. The photos will be uploaded to the online proofing gallery and are of low quality. They are NOT to be downloaded and used for any purpose. Once you have selected your specified amount of images, our professional retoucher will enhance the overall image to ensure the best possible finish. Orders requiring a turnaround time of less than 7 working days will incur a rush fee of up to £50 per image. Once all payments are finalised, you will receive an email with a Dropbox link to where you will find all of your final images (both high resolution for printing and lower resolution for internet and email use), allowing you unlimited downloads for up to 1 month (after this time the link will expire).

A. Definitely, Yes. If you decide later that you would like to choose more photos then an additional charge per image will be added to the final total.