The aim of your headshot is to get one strong  portrait which will be the image casting directors and directors will see over the next couple of years.

In advance of the shoot, have a look at portraits and headshots you like and have a think about your casting bracket. It might be a good idea to have a chat to your agent about what you both want in advance of our session. The shoots that tend to be the most fun are when an actor comes with a strong idea of what they want. Feel free to send a Pinterest board or a few images over to me in advance of the shoot.

CLOTHES

Bring two or three options - you know the colours and styles that suit you best. I find a session works best with no more than three changes.

HAIR AND MAKE­-UP

Some people are confident with hair and make­up but if you would like a make up artist for the shoot, I have relationships with a few local makeup artists, so let me know if you’d like to book one. I arrange those relatively last minute as it tends to be a small job for them. Their rates range from £60 ­- £200per shoot).

Make sure your skin is well moisturised and if you need to use any cover up, that it matches your skin tone. I can retouch out blemishes but it is easier and better if you do that preliminary cover up work first.

I have a hairdryer but bring along any hair products, curlers, straighteners, grips, slides or bobbles.

Men: Remember your shaving products if you’d like to shave halfway through.   

LENGTH OF SHOOT

A headshot session usually lasts around 3 hours, which gives us time to chat and get to know each other a bit first. I don’t put time limits on my shoots, but sometimes I have to pick up my daughter from nursery or we have to finish the shoot before the light falls.   

GETTING HERE   

The Holloway Lightbox is behind 170 Albert Road, E10 6PB. Nearest tubes are Leytonstone and Leyton (Central Line) and Leyton Midland (Overground). The studio entrance is on Jersey Road - there’s a bell on the gate. If there are problems on the way just give me a heads up on 07803051083.        

CANCELLATION POLICY

I try to be a flexible as possible as I understand the demands placed on actors, but I do ask for 48 hours notice to move a shoot ­otherwise you may lose your deposit. Please keep me in the loop if you are pencilled for a job. If you have an audition I may be able to move your shoot earlier or later in the day.­ I understand sometimes things come in last minute but please be sensitive to the fact that if you’re booked in, I’ve paid for childcare!

PAYMENT   

I accept cash, or bank transfer. I ask for £50 as a deposit to hold the date and once the date is booked it is yours, you don’t need me to send you a confirmation email, this document is confirmation. I do try and email everyone a reminder the day before their shoot, but please put it in your diary now.   

I ask that everyone pays on the day we shoot or before. It makes it easier to do my accounts.