1) Arrive at your session on time and well rested. If your mind is on something else that you have to do the same day, or physically tired from not getting enough sleep the night before, your headshot or portrait may reflect that. I like to provide you with as much time as I feel necessary, so you get the best headshot or portrait possible. (often up to two hours for a regular session) However, don't waste your shoot time by being unprepared. Brush up on your posing technique and have your wardrobe ready to go.

    2) Try different facial expressions and poses during your shoot. In fact, don't be afraid to experiment. If you prefer a more dramatic expression, don't feel that you are obligated to smile; you don't have to. Serious expressions work extremely well with many people, both men and women. Even if you're not fond of smiling though, we recommend you include some poses with smiles so that you have a nice variety to choose from. If your headshot is for commercial acting purposes, remember, smiles sell. If you do less commercial work and more theatrical, a somewhat dramatic expression may be more appropriate depending on your character range. Whatever you choose to do, if you are relaxed and being yourself, your portrait will have a natural, spontaneous look. Your expression must be genuine above all. If you are an experienced model or actor, you may already know what you want for your portfolio or headshot. If not, we can help you get the look you want. Once again, this is your session. PLEASE, don't hesitate to talk to your photographer about anything you may want to try....including stylistic lighting setups you may have seen in a magazine or elsewhere. We will always do our absolute best to accommodate your requests.

    3) Make-up can be a very important part of your headshot session, modeling portfolio or portrait. Some actors and models may have character features, freckles for example, that they do not want to hide and prefer a more natural look as part of their marketing strategy. However, if you have an oily complexion or tend to perspire easily, you may want to consider wearing something light to reduce the possibility of flash highlights on your forehead, nose and cheeks. The key is to keep it natural looking. If you wear makeup, always bring it with you to the shoot in case you need to "freshen-up" during the session. Actors may want to stay within the range of makeup you would normally wear to an audition. Remember, when you are selected from a stack of headshots and called in for an audition, the casting director expects to see the same person. In most cases, the casting director already has you in mind for a specific character. They usually don't have time to "rethink" what other role you may be good for if you don't look like your headshot. Your headshot should be an accurate reflection of who you are. If your portrait is for personal use, you can wear as much or as little makeup as you like. If you're doing a high end fashion or glamour portfolio, have fun and be as creative as you want.

    4) If you do wear makeup, having a good, well-balanced, natural toned foundation and powder will help smooth out any skin imperfections. It should be evenly blended from the face to include the neck; this will prevent any variations in skin color or tone between the face, neck and chest area. With all close-up portraits, (like headshots) both men and women may want to check for any unwanted facial hair a day or so prior to the session. In most cases, you should wear what you would normally wear when going to an audition or on any given day.

    5) Different hairstyles can make a tremendous difference in your appearance. Most models know that sometimes the smallest change can project an entirely different look or mood. If you want to try different looks, be sure to bring a hairbrush and styling sprays/gels with you to the shoot. *

    6) If you are a model and developing a full portfolio of shots for a new composite, you may want to consider the services of a professional makeup artist and hair stylist. Depending on the look or image style you want to project, it can make a BIG difference. Remember, your portfolio is an investment in your career. Having a professional makeup artist for your shoot is worth it. *

    7) If you intend to use several different outfits for your modeling session, prepare and coordinate your wardrobe in advance of the session if possible. Being prepared will give you more confidence when stepping in front of the camera and save time. If you are in doubt, bring several blouses or shirts with you and we will suggest what will work best for you. Dressed up or dressed down, male or female, use your favorites and choose what you look best in! Full model portfolios should include at least five of the following; up-to-date casual, urban wear, cocktail dress, long sleeves and short sleeves, sports wear, swim wear, lingerie, business wear etc...or whatever compliments your body type the best! For ACTOR'S HEADSHOTS, YOU SHOULD AVOID stripes, plaids, paisley, polka dots, tie dye, brand logos, loud colors, bright white and wild patterns of any kind; they are distracting and will take attention away from your face. Darker, muted solid colors always tend to work better in headshots...there are always exceptions however, depending on your look and the style of lighting used. We also recommend long sleeves or sleeveless instead of short sleeves for an actor's headshot. Since most headshots are tightly cropped, a small section of arm in one corner of your headshot can be distracting! If you're not sure, just ask us. Modeling portfolios on the other hand, will include lots of waist-up and full length shots, so try to use fashionable, up-to-date outfits whenever possible that flatter your body type, skin tone, hair color and your range of character; feel free to include fun accessories or props. If you intend to have part of your shoot processed as B&W and are in doubt about what shade of gray your wardrobe colors will convert to, refer to the color and grayscale wheels to the left for a general idea. Remember, exceptional B&W shots are all about variation in contrast and texture. This is what makes B&W "pop" off the page. If your wardrobe, skin type and hair color produce too many of the same shades of gray, it will result in a flat and unattractive B&W image. If you have any questions about wardrobe, please don't hesitate to ask questions prior to your shoot.

    8) If you can, avoid drinking alcohol for a few days before your session; it will make a difference in your overall appearance, you'll have more energy and you will perspire less. Speaking of perspiration, avoid doing anything strenuous immediately before you arrive at your session that will make you continue to perspire into your session. Perspiration on the skin is very reflective and can diminish an otherwise perfect shot. We try to keep the studio area as cool as possible but it's always a good idea to bring your make up with you just in case you do begin to perspire.

    9) Remember, a headshot session and a modeling session are two different things; so unless the session is for a fashion and apparel portfolio, you may want to avoid wearing excessively large, dangling jewelry; it's a distraction. All the attention should be on your face in a headshot! Also, as you strike poses and move during your session, so will your jewelry; large dangling earrings may get twisted the wrong way and some necklaces may work themselves into an irregular or awkward position. In addition, long, dangling earrings will cast a shadow on your neck depending on the angle of the shot and light. However, if this kind of jewelry is important for your "look", not to worry, we will make it work for you. Otherwise, with headshots in particular, it is recommended that all the attention and focus should be on your face.

    10) Can I bring a friend? Sure you can; as long as it doesn't interfere with the level of focus you have on your session. Your session is about you and only you. Friends can be a major distraction and make you self-conscious; even if they're in the next room! Your session results may reflect that. If your friend comes with you to make sure you are in a professional environment, we understand; but please ask them not to interfere with your work by distracting you or the photographer in any way. Have them go out for a cup of coffee until you're done. If your friend plans on getting a headshot or portfolio update too, that's wonderful! HOWEVER, we strongly recommend the second person be scheduled for another day.