YOUR SESSION AND YOU

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 session results will reflect that. As a model or an actor, you should take care of yourself and always look vibrant! Naturally, I like to provide clients with as much time as I feel necessary, so they get the best headshot or modeling session possible. (up to 2 hours for a headshot session and 4-5 hours modeling) However, please don't waste your shoot time by being late for your session or even worse, being unprepared. Models should brush up on posing technique in the days leading up to a shoot and have all wardrobe items ready to go! Actors should know how they want to market themselves in terms of character range. Being late or unprepared is unprofessional and will not be tolerated on paying jobs you will be hired for. Some agents will actually fine talent for showing up late on a shoot.

WHAT SHOULD I DO FOR THE CAMERA?

Most clients know what they need before booking an appointment with us. Nevertheless, if your session is for an ACTOR'S HEADSHOT, you should try different facial expressions that are natural for you during your headshot session. 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 still recommend you include a few poses with smiles so that you have a nice variety to choose from. If your headshot is for commercial acting purposes and expect to be doing mostly commercial work, remember, smiles sell. If you do less commercial work and more theatrical, a somewhat dramatic or serious expression may be more appropriate for your headshot depending on your character range. Whatever you choose to do, if you are an ACTOR, you should be relaxed and BE YOURSELF. I can't stress that enough. Your headshot should have a natural, genuine, spontaneous look and will work much better for you as a marketing tool if it does. If this is your first experience with a headshot session, you must understand, this is NOT the time to "act" or wear costumes, period pieces or hats; it is a time to be YOU. Your expression must be genuine above all.

MODELS should always be prepared to execute a full range of posing techniques that compliment wardrobe and body type! Modeling portfolios will include full lengths, half lengths as well as head and shoulder shots. While we are happy to guide you and direct you to some extent, we are photographers....not modeling instructors. It is your responsibility to do what is expected of you in your chosen career and that is of course, to model. The true art of modeling is all about looking like you're not posing....even though you are. The modeling portfolio is all about selling YOURSELF as a real person and an attractive person more so than selling what you are wearing. If you're in doubt, pick up a few fashion oriented magazines like Vogue, Elle or W and look at the poses used in the ads. You can also go to the various modeling websites such as Model Mayhem and OMP, look at what some of the pros there are doing and understand why they're doing it.

WHAT ABOUT WARDROBE IF I AM A MODEL?

MODELS should always prepare and coordinate wardrobe in advance of the session. Being prepared will give you more confidence when stepping in front of the camera and save time. Dressed up or dressed down, male or female, wear what works best for your body type! Full modeling portfolios should include five complete wardrobe ensembles, each one distinctly different from the other. Examples can be any 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! Most models like dressing up and already have a lot of wardrobe pieces to choose from. The absolute best five images from your shoot (one from each wardrobe category) will be used for your comp card. Try to use solid colors but nothing loud, no pastels, bright white or all black. There are always exceptions but warm, earth tones are a good place to start. Obviously, if your outfit is something worn by a biker, then black leather would be appropriate. Be sure what you wear fits you well but not too tight and have a good mix of color combinations and styles from one wardrobe ensemble to the next.

YOUR COMMERCIAL MODELING PORTFOLIO will include lots of waist-up and full length shots, so try to use up-to-date outfits that flatter your body type, skin tone, hair color and your range of character. Models should avoid trendy outfits that will become outdated very quickly; also avoid loud colors, bright floral prints, patterns and so forth in their portfolio. The whole purpose of the commercial portfolio is to sell YOU and your ability to look like an attractive, real person. The clothes are actually secondary. 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 strong 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. It is actually better to plan for B&W to insure proper contrast combinations with wardrobe. If you have any questions about wardrobe, please don't hesitate to ask questions prior to your shoot.

WHAT ABOUT WARDROBE IF I AM AN ACTOR?

For ACTOR'S HEADSHOTS, YOU SHOULD AVOID shirts with 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, warm earth tones or muted solid colors always tend to work better in headshots. While it may vary from client to client, we tend to recommend long sleeves instead of short sleeves for an actor's headshot. Since most headshots are tightly cropped, a small section of arm or a shoulder strap in one corner of your headshot as well as tan lines can be distracting and unappealing. Shirts with texture are a good thing; ribbed or knitted sweaters for example. If you're not sure, just ask us.

HOW IMPORTANT IS MAKE UP?

No matter who you are, you will want to look your best regarding clean, clear skin. Some may be able to achieve that without the use of makeup; the guys are usually able to get by without it. When it comes to the ladies however, even minimal 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. Oh, and don't forget to check your nails; whatever you choose to use, it should match with all of your wardrobe selections. When in doubt, natural is usually best.

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. If you wear an off the shoulders, low cut blouse or top, watch out for those tan lines; under lights, they may be more visible than you think! 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.

WHAT ABOUT HAIR?

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 with you to the shoot. GUYS should not shave within minutes of going to the session and watch out for excess use of hair spiking gels; they tend to be too reflective. Haircuts should be done about a week before your session. Male or female, you are responsible for your own hair care and personal hygiene. We offer minor touchups but please, don't ask us to give you a digital hair cut or trim the hair on your neck line. If you want special touch up work done we offer photoshop work by the hour. Excessive touch ups are not recommended for actor's headshots...period. You should look like you do when you go to an audition.

SHOULD I DO MY OWN MAKE UP?

Sure you can and it may look great. However, if If you are a model and developing a complete, commercial portfolio of shots for a new composite, you may want to consider the services of a professional makeup artist and hair stylist. They know what you need and will not only make you look your best, you will feel great too. 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. *

YOUR GENERAL APPEARANCE

You may want to avoid drinking alcohol and cut back on salt intake for a few days before your session; it will make a difference in your overall appearance. Both alcohol and salt will make your face puffy. Drinking too much alcohol will also zap your energy level and make you perspire a lot. 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.

SHOULD I WEAR FANCY JEWELRY?

No, avoid jewelry altogether. Remember, a headshot session and a modeling session are two different things; so unless the session is for modeling and specifically for a jewelry and apparel portfolio, you may want to avoid wearing jewelry; it's a distraction. Most agencies would recommend not wearing jewelry at all in your commercial modeling portfolio. It's even more important not to wear jewelry in your headshot. With headshots however, there are always exceptions. Some actor's for example, may have multiple piercings in the ears, nose, lip or eyebrow which they consider part of the look they want to market. Otherwise, the attention should be on your face in a headshot, not your jewelry! 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. Again, it is recommended that all the attention and focus is on your face, so avoid wearing jewelry. If you are sitting for a personal portrait, where what you like.

WHAT IF I'VE NEVER ACTED OR MODELED BEFORE?

The fact is, you don't have to be beautiful or extremely experienced to work in films and television. Casting people are often looking for the unique, character oriented types as well as extras for many roles. Nevertheless, like any other profession, we suggest you learn everything you can about your chosen profession before jumping in head first and hoping to be successful on looks alone. While formal training has many positive benefits, you should continue your education by doing independent research and reading as much as you can about the business. Just because the idea of being an actor or model appeals to you, that doesn't mean you're going to be an overnight success. Like any other profession, it requires a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication. Knowledge will always help you to be more professional no matter what career path you choose in life; modeling and acting are no exception. In many ways, these professions require more tenacity and perseverance than many other professions. Are YOU prepared with the knowledge you need in order to do and outstanding job AND compete with others who want the same job? Do you have the required tools? (The actor's primary marketing tool is the Headshot and the model's is the Comp Card.) Do you know the difference? The answers to these questions and many more are directly related to how successful you choose to be. Knowledge and experience will always win out over luck. Prepare yourself for success.

WILL YOU FIND WORK FOR ME?

The answer to that question is NO. There may be photographers out there who will "promise" work or offer to provide you with representation, we do not. We are professional photographers. If you want representation, you should sign with a reputable talent agent. Talent agents will be the ones to get the majority of calls for auditions of all kinds. We do however, try to help models and actors to achieve their goals by using our expertise as photographers, thereby providing them with the tools and materials necessary to find work. However, we do not provide representation of any kind nor do we guarantee you will find work as an actor or model. We provide you with the necessary tools to pursue your career, you provide the commitment.

CAN I BRING FRIENDS OR RELATIVES TO MY PHOTO SESSION?

Models and actors who are under the age of 18 are REQUIRED to have a parent or legal guardian available to sign paperwork and attend the session.

In all other cases, it is definitely not recommended; it is guaranteed to interfere with the level of focus you have on your session and also considered somewhat unprofessional. Remember, your session, including make up, will last up to five hours for a modeling session. Headshot sessions may last up to two hours. Friends, relatives and children can be a major distraction and make you self-conscious; even if they're in the next room! Your session results may reflect that; especially if your friend begins to direct the shoot from behind the camera. If your friend comes with you to make sure you are in a professional environment, we certainly understand; but please ask them to go out for lunch or a cup of coffee until you're done. We are professional photographers and you have nothing to be concerned with regarding your safety. If your companion stays throughout your shoot to help you with wardrobe changes or apply your makeup, that's different....but please ask them not to otherwise interfere with or endeavor to direct the actual shoot. Remember, your friend and family will not be allowed to accompany you to a professional production of any kind and hang out on the set unless you are a minor or if your companion is also working on the shoot. Otherwise, it's not going to happen. The same guideline applies to pets. We do not allow you to you to bring pets of any kind to your session.....yes, that has actually happened.

WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL MY SESSION?

If you have to cancel your session for any reason, you will lose your paid deposit. It means we lost a scheduled production day which was reserved for YOU. Your deposit may be applied to a rescheduled date if you are seriously ill but a rescheduling fee will charged.