FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I bring a friend to watch?
Most likely yes, but ask your photographer.
As long as your friend is respectful of your need to concentrate on the camera, and is willing to assist you rather than distract you, it really shouldn't be a problem.
But be prepared that it might actually be more awkward than you think
having a friend watching you during your shoot. Even worse is the
chatty friend, who just can't help turning into the back seat driver,
dispensing amateur advice and comments throughout the session. Though
well-meaning, he/she will fast become a nuisance both to you and the
photographer so this is not the company you'd want on set.
How many wardrobe changes do I need?
It depends on how many "headshot characters" you want to create, and if you want to do theatrical or commercial shots - or both. Each wardrobe look will take no more than 20 minutes to shoot, give or take.
It is sometimes smart to try to squeeze in as many different looks as possible in the same sitting, not only to save money but to get all your headshot needs out of the way. However you will probably start losing your energy after a while, and at that point it will be hard to bring out that "wow" factor in your eyes. How long it takes before you start fading, only you know. Sometimes it's just better to keep the session short but sweet, and start afresh another day.
How many rolls of film will we shoot?
None. Welcome to the wonderful world of digital photography. We don't put a strict limit on the number of shots we take, in fact we will shoot each look until we feel we've gotten it covered. Once you are done we've usually shot anywhere between 300 and 800 shots during a regular session. Bottom line: you will get more than enough images to choose between - far more than back in the days of film.
I can't decide if I want color or black & white pictures
We will shoot color, and you can decide later. Since we're doing digital pictures, you retain all options. That said, you will most likely go for color shots, which is the industry standard these days.
I have no time to iron any clothes and my hair is a mess. Can we still shoot and you can just fix everything in Photoshop later?
Nope. Headshot retouching is about removing small, temporary skin
imperfections and not a substitute for proper preparations. It's your
responsibility to pull yourself together for your photo session. Headshots
are pricey. A serious actor makes a serious effort to get the most bang
for his/her buck, because he/she knows that a great picture is worth
its weight in gold.
Your headshot is often the only thing that will get you past the first round of the filtering process with agents, managers, and casting directors. By following the industry guidelines and getting a high quality and accurate looking headshot, on 8×10 photographic paper, you are essentially telling the casting director and/or agent that you are a professional. Your headshot will show them exactly who you are.
So even if you are just starting out, make your headshot a good one.