ACTOR HEADSHOT FAQ
Hiring a photographer shouldn't be so complicated.
I know that you may have questions--everyone does! Here are some answers to the most asked questions.
Studio Backdrop Colors
Black and white backdrops are standard for actor headshots, but if you'd prefer something else here are your choices:
FAQ & A
ANY TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF MY HEADSHOT SESSION?
Here are some tips I've compiled: Tips for Great Actor Headshots
WHAT IS THE STANDARD TIMELINE FOR GETTING MY ONLINE PROOF GALLERY?
After your headshot session is complete I send you an email with a link to your proof gallery within 2 business days of the end of your session.
Here's a breakdown of what that means:
- Monday session -- Wednesday gallery
- Tuesday session -- Thursday gallery
- Wednesday session -- Friday gallery
- Thursday session -- Monday gallery
- Friday/Saturday/Sunday session -- Tuesday Gallery
Should you need your gallery more quickly I suggest purchasing the expedited gallery option for $50 to have your gallery within 24 hours of the end of your session.
WHAT IS AN ONLINE PROOF GALLERY? HOW MANY PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE IN MY GALLERY?
This is a private gallery of medium resolution photographs from your session. You will be the only person with access to the gallery. The number of photographs in your gallery depends on the package you have selected, and how many different looks we photographed during your session. Generally you will have between 40-80 from which to choose.
I'M HAVING TROUBLE DECIDING WHICH PHOTOGRAPH(S) I WANT RETOUCHED. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Crowdsource! Don't try to do it all yourself. Try to narrow it down to your favorite 10 (or fewer) and then seek out the opinion of others. You can share the link to the proof gallery and people can save their favorites. If you're really stuck remember that you can always ask for my opinion, too.
AFTER I'VE CHOSEN WHICH PHOTOGRAPH(S) I WANT RETOUCHED HOW LONG UNTIL I SEE THE RESULTS?
You will receive a retouched proof of your photo(s) within 5 business days. If you like what you see I will finalize your photos (adding your name, cropping to 8x10), and send you a link to a new gallery with your finished, printable photos.
Should your timeline require it I offer expedited retouching for $50--you'll get your retouched with 48 hours of notifying me of you choices.
I NEED PRINTS! WHO DO YOU RECOMMEND?
I highly recommend using a professional lab that specializes in printing headshots. Past clients have had success with both J&S Photo Services and Reproductions. J&S, based in Chicago, has a quick turnaround time and competitive pricing. Reproductions is based in New York, and has excellent quality with some great options, including headshots with a printable back (and anyone who's ever stapled a resume to the back of their headshot can tell you how nice this feature is).
There is also the option to purchase prints from me directly from your gallery of final photos.
Not as Frequently Asked Questions
But you still may be wondering...
Do you have any makeup tips? Should I get my makeup done professionally?
Make up should be clean and natural, and hair should be styled but not overly so.
Invest in a good translucent powder--it will help your skin look less shiny, keep pores looking smaller and help even out skin tones.
A headshot session is not the time to try something new. Avoid trying new products on your hair, face or body less than a week before the shoot.
Even if you don't normally wear lipstick photos tend to look better with it.
I can provide you with a referral to an experienced makeup artist upon request.
How many clothing options should I bring?
It depends on how many final photos you want.
Generally speaking you should bring twice as many options as final photos, but I have plenty of closet space available so if you want to bring more please do so.
A good rule on where to stop would be the amount of clothing you can comfortably carry from the car in one trip.
Once here we'll take a look and make a plan for the shoot.
Typically in a 1 hour session we're able to shoot 3 outfits (possibly 4 if you come dressed in your 1st outfit).
Where are you located?
I have a small studio in my home on the west side of Ann Arbor, about 1 mile west of Michigan Stadium.
I don't list the address publicly because it's also where I live, but I will provide the address upon booking.
By car / Uber / Lyft I'm about 10-15 minutes from UM Central Campus / downtown Ann Arbor and about 15-20 minutes from UM North Campus.
Since I'm so close to the Stadium please allow extra time on UM football Saturdays as traffic can be quite slow. (I'll let you know if you've booked for one of those days).