Headshot FAQs
Send me an email and we can move forward with booking. I'm also happy to answer any questions you have. I'm here to help!
Pandemic discount and donation
I will donate 10% of the proceeds to a charity of your choice.
You will also receive a discount of $100 making the session fee inc all High Resolution images $625 vs $725.
Please read the following tips completely!
Your 2 hour session includes:
• 300+ High Resolution images
• A $50 REBATE for every person you refer to me who books any type of session - Kids Pics, etc
Collaboration
You and I will spend about the first 1/2 hour talking about the details of the session (ie., defining a “commercial” and “legit” shot, deciding which clothes work best for you…) We’ll also meet Mr. Hair Mirror and Mrs. Face Mirror to address your concerns. Oh, what a joy!
Approach
Nobody comes in here saying “I just can’t wait to get my Headshots done!” So here are a few things that will make things go easier and will make the session a lot of fun!
I have an assistant who will help with our session. She's goofy and fun to be around!
You’re in my comfortable, warm living room looking through 3 floor-to-ceiling windows looking over the Hudson River. Instead of a cold, steely studio, we're on the 49th floor and have a beautiful view of the expansive sky.
Also, from being on both sides of the camera, I’ve learned that the best sessions don’t have to take too long! Again, since we’re not using flash (where by definition sessions can take in excess of 3 hours, or even a grueling full day), 2 hours is all we need! If any more than 2 hours is spent, your eyes get tired, pooped out and will lack pizazz!
And it’s good if you’re nervous – we can use it!
One of the reasons I’m working so hard is because all my business comes from recommendations by agents, casting directors, managers… and clients like you! (Thank You!) What’s good about that is it’s proof that my work is working out there, and that I get direct-up-to-date feedback on what works best! Three of the most V.I.P. things that they like in my shots are : 1) You look like yourself! An obvious, but a usually overlooked point. 2) There’s life, movement and a kind of 3-dimensionality in your shots, almost as if they were taken from an actual movie, and 3) Your EYES, EYES, EYES! They’re full of warmth, aliveness and light! You then become expressive, communicative and approachable! That is exactly what you want in a headshot!!
Clothes
To ensure that your eyes stay the most important part of your picture, clothes should direct the attention to your face. Solid colored things work best! Bright white doesn’t, black does! Textures are wonderful – sweaters, jackets, V-necks etc. Bring stuff you normally wear – 6 or 7 items. Once you get here, we’ll lay them out, go over them together and choose 3-4 looks. If you have a doubt about it, bring it! It’s much easier for me to decide once it’s in front of me. White stuff is fine underneath jackets or shirts. Showing arms as in sleeveless or short sleeved shirts is a bit too busy! Remember to keep it simple!
“What if it’s not sunny?”
Since I have so much ambient light from the sky and from the water coming through these huge 18ft windows, we always have GREAT light! — YIPPEE!!!
Hair and Makeup
The rule of thumb here is whatever you see in the mirror is exactly what you’re going to get! Men & Women: come to the session with hair and makeup already done, as if you’re going to a barbeque and there’s someone there you want to impress, or to a “casual” commercial call – natural! Bring makeup and hair stuff and we can add to it as we go along as needed. Men: wear no makeup. We’ll put stuff on you here if you need it.
Retouching
Because of the way I photograph, most people choose not to retouch. However, it is totally up to you! I can recommend some pro retouchers but the way I photograph is very forgiving and hence, more economical should you choose not to retouch!
Deposits
To schedule a session time, a deposit of $200 is needed to hold your spot. Zelle or Venmo is preferred . If you have to postpone, you must contact me by 8:00 a.m. 2 business days before your session date! (Saturday and Sunday ain’t business days.) For example, if your session is scheduled on Wednesday, call me on Monday by 8:00 a.m. to cancel or else, ouch, you lose your deposit. Sorry, no exceptions!
Although I am happy to give you recommendations, you are responsible for your choice of makeup artists. The makeup is to be applied outside of the studio (i.e. @ the makeup artists studio, your apartment…)
This is a good headshot guide. In other words, if you see other photographers, make sure they answer every question I’ve answered for you here.
By scheduling a headshot session, you are agreeing to all the terms of this info page.