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"Oh No, my headshot looks exactly like everyone else’s !"

Who wants to spend money to have shots that look the same as everyone else's?

At an audition, would you wear the same top as everyone else? Or do the same monologue? So why have the same headshot?

 

Most headshot photographers in London keep taking essentially the same photograph day after day, year after year. By the time you submit your brand new headshot to agents, they’ve already seen that exact photograph over a thousand times.

 If a headshot doesn’t surprise people, it’s not effective, no matter how cool it looks. It’s very easy to take a cool photograph. What’s difficult is to take a different cool photograph day after day, year after year.

Making every single actor’s headshot stand out from the pile is my intention.

 

                                             Do you shoot inside or outside?

 

Both:-I shoot in a natural light studio and at several different locations for every shoot.  inside or outside, it is essential is to find the right background color and texture for you. I’m always on the lookout for interesting locations. I’ve shot in so many different locations and that keeps the images fresh.

 

                                        What do you do in poor weather?

I’ve spent 25 years shooting in all weathers. We will split the session between studio and several indoor and outdoor locations, or shoot completely inside if you’d prefer. 

Winter can be a great time for interesting shots often with a beautiful light that adds to the variety of the shoot.

 

                                                   What’s a shoot like?

 In order to have a great headshot, you need to be relaxed and you need to be having fun. I want you to be spontaneous and we will work together to bring out the very best in your style and look.

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                                                What makes a great headshot?

Dynamic actor headshots must have three main qualities:- They should accurately show what you look like on a great day; They should capture a unique and interesting aspect of your personality; And they should be engaging, creative and original photographs. With these three factors you are good to go.
 

Either outdoors or in a natural light studio we let natural light work its magic; -  You will look like a real person- this is extremely important to agents and casting directors especially in these times of artificial looking images . They usually request natural light photographs because they're tired of meeting actors who don't look nothing like their headshots. And when used properly, it is the most flattering light there is, 
 

Photographers who shoot in a studio with the same set-up for each client or use one specific location will take similar photographs every day, and your unique appeal will be lost in the pile. But using several locations for every shoot allows me to create a variety of compelling images that are utterly unique to you. Since my background is in photojournalism, magazine and wedding photography, I believe in a very natural, candid and spontaneous approach to headshots. 

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                                      Do I need professional headshots? 

Tempting as it may be, you probably shouldn’t use headshots taken by friends.

Most casting directors get hundreds of professional headshots submitted every day. Yours need to be even better, and that won’t happen unless your photographer can do it better. 

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  What's better, horizontal or vertical? Do you shoot 3/4 shots as well as close-ups?

Here's how the submission process works now:- your headshot is submitted online, and the casting director scans through hundreds of thumbnails, selectively enlarging the most interesting images. The photographer has to be aware of this process, because if your headshot doesn't look good as a thumbnail, they will rarely choose to enlarge it. Images that look good as thumbnails tend to be tight shots (from the shoulders up). Once a headshot is enlarged, horizontal tends to work a bit better because a computer screen is formatted horizontally. A vertical 3/4 shot is essential to have if your body type, physicality or hair length is important to your castability. Otherwise, keeping it relatively tight works best. That said, I'll probably shoot a lot of both anyway.

 

                                    What is the best time of day to shoot?

That depends on the day and the season; I always look for the best start time for each client. When we schedule a date to shoot, keep the entire day open if possible. I will call you the day before to set the time, once I’ve seen the weather report.

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                                       What’s better, bright sun or an overcast day?

They each have their advantages. Overcast light is very flattering and versatile, and sunny days are just plain fun. Oddly enough, my favorite light is foggy and misty, just before or after rain. The headshots on this website have been taken in every imaginable light and weather condition.

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                                               What’s your policy for rescheduling?

Please give me at least 72 hours notice if you need to reschedule; otherwise, you will be subject to loss of your deposit.

 

                                           Should I hire the makeup artist?

I strongly recommend make-up for everyone.  The only reason anyone has ever requested a reshoot is if they don't like their hair and makeup.

 

                                Do you review the photos during the shoot?

If you’d like to see the images, I’m happy to show you; I enjoy the collaborative process. That said, I usually don’t recommend reviewing images during a shoot. It tends to make people self-conscious. Generally the first thing people do when seeing a photo of themselves is to look for the quality they like the least, and obsess over it. That’s a natural and human reaction, but not the best thing for a productive photo session. It’s like watching a scene you’ve just performed, and then trying to do it again without being self-conscious. My process is geared to get you out of your head so you’ll be spontaneous and relaxed- stopping to look usually defeats the purpose. But if you feel you can see yourself objectively rather than emotionally, let’s get crazy. I’m sure you’ll love what you see.

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                                           Do I need a comp card?

The short answer is yes, everyone can benefit from a comp card. It helps you get an agent, book print work and make lots of money. Comp cards are not just for models.

 
 

                                                Where do you shoot?

Although I have photographed people all over London and have favourite locations, it is always fun to explore or use locations that the client has a special attachment to. Then the natural light studio adds an extra facet to the shoot.
 

                                                  Do I own the photos?

Absolutely. You paid for them. Many photographers won’t release hi resolution photos from your session without additional payment. I am not one of them.