FAQ's
Where is the Studio?
The Archives in Tottenham Hale
(The Archives, Unit 10 High Cross Centre, Fountayne Rd, London N15 4BE)
(10 min walk from Tottenham Hale Station)
Feel free to call me if you're running behind or need any help finding the studio.
What can I expect the session to be like?
When you arrive we will sit down, have a cup of tea and chat for a bit so that we can get to know each other and I can fully understand what you want to achieve in our shoot. Next, we'll lay out your outfit choices and discuss the variation of looks. Then we'll put on your favourite playlist, do some relaxation exercises and jump into the shoot. I am happy to assist with any make up and hair if you need it, I will have a mirror and anti-shine powder on standby! I am really excited for us to work together, I will support you to feel at ease and confident so I can capture you in your best light.
Any styling tips for my session?
Although headshots are focused on your face and expression, clothes can make a massive difference for showing a casting range. Please bring lots of variation, please don't just bring one black T-Shirt! Think about the neckline, layering items, different textures and a range of colours. Please bring more clothes than you think is necessary, at the start of the shoot we will build outfits to define a series of contrasting looks.
Also if you are booked in for a headshot session we will only see your top half so feel free to wear your comfiest tracksuit bottoms. The more comfortable and relaxed you feel the better! - If you are booked in for a portrait session then please consider your outfit as a whole, from the top of your head to your toes... don't forget shoes!
What do I pack?
Black and white tops.
Colours! Think earth tones, blues, greens, browns, reds, olive, chocolate colours, as well as cooler colours such as light greys.
Bright colours also work for more commercial shots but please no neon, they can distract from your face and come across too garish.
Jackets - denim, your favourite leather jacket, overcoat, but nothing too bulky like a puffa.
Jumpers - bring a variation of jumpers, I've found that really loose jumpers can look a little slouchy. Think about the texture and colour.
Shirts - always good to bring a few shirts along!
Also it doesn't have to just be different tops, if you have a favourite dress with an interesting neckline, or a jumpsuit that makes you feel amazing then bring that! This is all about what do you feel great in? What makes you feel confident? What defines you as an artist through your clothing? Feel free to experiment, I love fashion and really enjoy seeing artists express themselves through it.
What to avoid?
Again please no neon!
Big logos/branding/glitter/large lines/stripes.
If you have long hair avoid strappy tops as your hair can hide the straps and it can look as though you are topless.
Stripes can be a little tricky, avoid close together stripes as these can blur the image. However patterns can work so don't feel limited to only brining block colours.
Can I shave half way through my shoot?
Yes! Just make sure you bring a razor and shaving foam and plenty of after shave lotion to avoid any redness... However, this isn't the end of the world as I can always cover a rash in photoshop. If you are planning on shaving please let me know at the start so I can factor this into the shoot schedule.
Should I wear make up? And can I touch up makeup when I am there?
Yes! Ideally come with light basic make up - or if you don’t ever wear any and wouldn’t wear it to a casting then just come like that. If you wear foundation please make sure it matches your skin exactly. You can always touch up your make up mid shoot, or slightly alter your make up look, but start lighter then you can always add more to work with a particular look.
Can I bring Hair Curlers / Straighteners?
Yes! Please bring whatever you may need, don't be embarrassed just grab a suitcase and bring it all. I have an area that you can plug hair tongs in, if you would like to curl / straighten your hair mid shoot please let me know at the start so I can schedule this in.
What do I do if I get a spot the day of my shoot?
Please do not worry or feel embarrassed we all get spots! Just leave it, I can retouch it in the edit and make it vanish in seconds. However I would avoid trying any new skin care products the night before incase you experience irritation.
Ok... Great... But I'm really nervous!?
First of all, I get it. I actually really don't like getting my photo taken it also makes me feel really nervous. But this is completely normal most people, if not all get nervous before having their photo taken. I understand that everyone has had different experiences getting their photos taken in the past, perhaps even though you are an artist you are a bit of an introvert... Its going to be ok, your nerves, the way you react to situations and your past experiences make you, you! And it's my job to make you as comfortable as possible, so you can show yourself authentically, in your most confident light. We all struggle with different situations and if it would help having a chat about it at the start then lets do that.
What happens after the shoot?
Shortly after the shoot you will receive a link to your private web gallery, with all useable photos from the shoot, these will be low res/ watermarked proofs. You will be able to make a 'favourites' folder to help narrow down your selection and there will be a shareable link so your agent can help with your decision process. Remember that these proofs are not your final images, they still need to be edited, tweaked and colour graded, so just focus on the look of the shots.
What do I do after I have chosen my shots?
Drop me an email with the photo numbers of the shots you have chosen. If you have decided on more images than are included in your package, it is an additional £15 per photo. As soon as I have received your selection I will set to work on your images. You will receive your final images via We-Transfer within 5-10 working days after you have emailed me your choices. The final images will be sent in both Colour and Black & White. All images will be cropped to industry standard (10x8 inch). The final images will receive basic retouching where necessary such as: colour, contrast enhancement, and subtle skin smoothing to make any blemishes less noticeable.