What is a headshot?
A clear and accurate representation of you - and yep, its generally just your head and shoulders. (No jazz hands!)
What’s a GOOD headshot?
Ah well, that’s a different question altogether.
Where performers are concerned, it's harsh but you simply will not get called to audition, have your showreel seen (or even have your spotlight link clicked!) if your headshot is weak. A great headshot is the key to the door being opened.
Considering casting directors are looking at 100's of headshots at a time, yours must have instant impact. And that impact comes from within: how you are feeling and the overall emotion you convey. Your headshot should captivate the viewer.
I was an actor for over 10 years (film/TV) and I’ve since been told that I now think like a casting director. I see stories, roles and characters as I am shooting. Sometimes just a tiny adjustment to the shot or expression will clarify the intention and can suggest something that will spark a thought process to the viewer (i.e. casting director.) We want them to mentally superimpose your image onto the physical brief they are currently casting for and shortlist you. And if you’re very lucky, sometimes your headshot will get you called in when you actually don’t look anything like the brief. That means they loved whatever it is you are ‘portraying’ so much they didn’t care. Something about you captivated them enough to risk it. Now that’s a good headshot.
What can I expect in the session as I am soooooo nervous! (Note the number of o’s to represent that is said a LOT.)
In an ideal world, a poor ‘headshot phobic’ would arrive at a session, be given an intravenous drip to knock them out, then wake up a bit later with some fab headshots without actually having to experience it. So - we cant do that. But we can make sure you have enough fun so you don't feel the pain.
I experienced some mediocre and a couple of damn right bad headshot sessions when I was acting, sitting on a chair in one position, with no direction and being told to “relax!”, so I was determined to do it better. I direct a LOT. And I relax you. It won’t happen on its own. When you are relaxed and confident you will be at your most attractive and I will capture that.
But just because you now feel a bit reassured, remember you may still be terrified on the day and that is totally normal. We will have a cuppa and a giggle, play music to dance to and trust me, after half an hour you will be rocking it. Everyone always does.
I hate having my photo taken.
Funny isn’t it - we choose to be performers but hate having photos taken? That’s because you are not performing. You are being you. But you suggesting the role you would like to get. But being super subtle. No pressure then. THAT’S why it’s tricky. But it’s also very possible. And when done properly will book you jobs. Which is, after all, the name of the game.
Can I show you my previous headshots?
Yes of course. I will always ask to look at your previous ones to see what you liked or didn’t like. Also good to get your agents requirements and discuss your casting types and career path etc. so we can create shots to help catapult you to fame and fortune! We will constantly review the images and our progress as we go along and make necessary changes if necessary.
What happens after the shoot?
You go home and celebrate how fabulous you can be and I edit your images down into 2 galleries. One gallery has all usable images. The other gallery is quality edited with suggestions for shots I personally fall in love with and think will book you jobs. So, from that you will probably be able to answer the next FAQ…
Do you send me all images from the shoot and can I have a CD of all images?
The short answer: God no.
The full answer: Unlike some photographers, I never let you see all images taken - it’s a pointless exercise. Apart from you having to sift through many hundreds of shots, a large number of which will have one eye closed or have a less than flattering expression, you have to trust that I will only give you shots that you can actually use. This is what enables me to ensure that clients only choose fabulous shots that will reflect positively on both of us. I hope this is the reason you chose to work with me!
Remember - when it comes to photographs, quality is far more important that volume. It is totally unnecessary for you to see all images. It’s actually more damaging because not only does it depress you to see so many shots of winky eyes/strange expressions, you get tired and desperate thinking “ooh these 3 shots are almost identical – which one should I pick…?” And then end up choosing the wrong ones. I do this bit for you, as I am very experienced in seeing “killer shots” out of a mass of images.
I want the whole experience of you working with me to be full of confidence about the way you are portrayed, from the shoot through to viewing etc. and this process is the most successful. Further, I do not release any images that have not been edited. However, I do send you all useable shots with your final order - but these will have a watermark across the middle of the image as they not for use. They are intended purely as reference, as they will be unedited.
What is the 'FAVES' gallery?
I remember how hard it was to choose final images when I was acting and choosing shots of myself so to make that process easier for you I only send you images you can actually use. Then I put together a small gallery of what I feel are some of the best ( will book you a job ) shots. We will also edit a sample shot so you can see what you will look like edited ( the secret of good editing is not to look like you've done anything really ).
This process is very popular with clients and agents alike as it drastically reduces 'culling' time. We then go through an in-depth process of choosing the best shots. Then at the end you know you have chosen the best of the best.
How do I book a session?
By the on-line booking system click here to book online or if you don't see a slot that works for you just email me apwildingphotography@gmail.com as I sometimes have last minute availability.
How far in advance are you booked?
About 2-3 months but get in touch anyway as I sometimes have cancellations or last minute availability. I will always try to fit you in if I can.
How much do you charge?
Here’s a link to pricing
How do I pay?
A non-refundable deposit is paid on line via Paypal or credit card at the booking stage. The remaining balance is paid by bank transfer a week before the shoot. You will receive a full receipt with the final images.
Do you do student discounts?
No because I have designed my packages with all budgets in mind.
Colour or black and white?
Colour. Colour. Colour. Is that enough of a hint? Very modern and very handy to save poor casting directors having to read what colour hair and eyes you have (seriously they haven’t got time). However, it is possible that you could be asked for a black and white version, so I always give a set of black and whites (no charge) e.g. if you are in a show and they are printing a programme they will ask for black and whites as cheaper to print - yes, that's why black and whites were used for so many years as we had to print them!
Is a make up artist/hair stylist included?
No - hair and make up is always a separate fee (around £150 depending on how long you require them to stay etc.), paid directly to the make-up artist and is only available on 3hr sessions ( if you want one for the 2hr session it is necessary to book an extra hour studio time. It isn't possible to book this service for a 1hr session ).
To be honest, the best headshots are about getting a relaxed and natural look with minimal make up and very subtle hair styling anyway so a stylist isn’t really necessary. I have assisted and/or styled nearly all the headshots on my website so I am quite 'hands on' with hair and make up and this always seems to work well.
What about clothes, hair and make up?
I will send you a comprehensive list of clothes suggestions and advice on hair and make up. But briefly, bring a lot of options and keep hair and make up simple.
Where do we shoot?
In my darling studio, a couple of minutes walk from Brixton tube.
Natural light or flash?
I like to shoot both. Depends on my ‘vision’ for you and what we’ve discussed with regards to the type of shots you want to get e.g. commercial/friendly or moody/atmospheric and many variations in between etc.
Can I shoot outside because I love trees!
(Yes, I have been asked this…). Regarding location shoots, I don't shoot outdoors unless it’s for a fashion, PR type job or there's a specific reason to so. Headshots really need a controlled environment so you are totally relaxed and not stressed about hair blowing all over the place, rain/wind/too much sun/issues of where to change/people staring etc.
However, I do love natural light and half my headshots are shot indoors etc. with natural light. So not quite sure if you just want natural light or you want trees in the background! (Which you won't actually see anyway, as the shot will be focused on your face.) If you have seen my shots on my website you may think they were shot outside when they were actually indoors with natural light flooding in. When agents/casting directors request "natural" don't interpret this as they want nature, trees or an outside image. They just don't want it to look fake/overworked or have an old fashioned stilted studio light look.
Can I shave halfway through?
Yes but please book a standard session for this. We have to allow time not just for shaving but also for any redness to go down. Ideally use an electric razor and please make sure it is fully charged.
What if I get a spot?
Leave it and give it lots of love. We can zap it off when retouching.
How should I prepare for the session?
If possible, lead a virtuous life and be kind to animals and small children. If that fails, cut back on any unheathly food and drink, get a few early nights, and drink lots of water.
Can I cut or colour my hair just before the shoot?
You can but you may not like it or may just not feel yourself for a few days, so ideally do it at least a week before so you can get used to it.
How long will I have to wait to get the galleries?
Maximum 2 weeks but usually quicker. This is because I don't just send you the file of all shots - I quality check them and sort out a 'Faves' gallery to assist you. Once you have chosen your final selection it will take the same time to receive them. This is because I would now send them out to my retouching team.
How much retouching will you do?
Minimal. Retouching is only to sort out any temporary issues not to change you in any way. Put it this way, the final images will have some extra punch but will look just like you but you on a good day. You wont look fake or air brushed and a casting director shouldn’t be able to notice any changes. They should just say when “hey great headshot!” when they meet you.
I want extra shots is that possible?
Of course! Prices start from £35 each (depending on how many you buy and how quickly you order. I discount for promptness!).
I need the galleries/and or the final images very fast - is that possible?
Yes of course - just let me know on the day of the session if you need the galleries quickly and we do a fast 2 working day turnaround for a fee of £50. If you want the final images turnaround quickly its the same fee again.
Do you provide prints?
No. I recommend Visualeyes.
Do you do joint sessions?
No, because I like to concentrate entirely on the client I am working with and don’t want to jeopardize the quality.
How often should I get my headshots replaced?
Ideally every 18 mths - 2 yrs. Of course if you change your hair etc you may need to come again a little sooner. Children will need to come every year as they change so quickly.
Who has the copyright to the images?
The photographer. You are granted a licence to use them for personal use - so Spotlight, IMDb, yours and your agents website etc. So if they are needed for any other use e.g.media/film posters/magazine interviews etc you would need to get in touch with me to check/issue a licence etc.
Do you do any other type of photography?
Yes, I shoot all types of portraits and editorial for both adults and kids. Email me to discuss apwildingphotography@gmail.com
Had a "More than a Headshot" session and honestly what a bloody gem this woman is. A great listener and able to interpret my vague aims into a beautiful and clear vision. Made the whole thing so much fun and so easy and SO ENCOURAGING. Beautiful soul.
Esme Bronwen-Smith, Classical Singer