David John Headshots
Headshot Photographer in Manchester & London
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ABOUT THE SHOOT
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Intro...
As an actor, entertainer or business professional you'll know that your headshot is often the first point of contact for casting directors, employers or associates. Essentially it's a marketing tool, so it's important to ensure you make the right impression. You want an image that truly captures you, not just aesthetically but emotionally too.
How can I prep?...
Think about what you want your headshots to say about you? What kind of roles or jobs are you currently being considered for, or want to be considered for? If you have an agent, do they have a brief of what they want from the shoot or how they want to market you? I also have a podcast and blog that I will send over to help, once youre booked in.
What should I wear?...
The indsutry is always evolving and headshots don't tend to be as formal as they once were. Essentially, you can wear whatever you want but I recommend bringing clothing that doesn't distract the attention away from you too much. In my opinion the main focus should be on you and the viewer should be drawn to your eyes to see what you're about.
For these reasons, I would personally avoid really loud patterns and big logos. I can remove logos so don't worry too much about that. The big ones are a little harder to remove though.
A grey coloured top seems to work well for most people. If you have something that is similar to your eye colour then bring that along too, it can help to make your eyes stand out more. Also, if you have brown eyes, grey or green usually works well.
Simple layering can also look good. Be aware of how low the neckline on your top is, especially if you're wearing it underneath a jacket. As it's only a head and shoulders image, it can sometimes look like you are wearing a jacket with nothing underneath if the neckline is very low.
If you're trying to portray a certain character, you can help to suggest that with what you're wearing. But, most of that will be shown by how you project yourself in the image. Clothing is just a hint to support that.
Most of all, make sure you bring an item that is typically you and is something you feel good in.
The sessions can include as many dress changes and breaks as required. 4 changes of outfit (full shoot) and 3 (Student & U18s) is usually more than enough though. If you bring more, that's fine, I can help you narrow them down.
I appreciate that clothes can get creased en route, so I have a rail for you to hang everything up. An iron and clothes steamer is also available.
Hair and make-up?...
What casting directors see on the images is probably what they expect you to look like when you enter a casting room. I recommend minimalistic make-up wherever possible, unless you want a specific shot that shows a contrast for a certain role.
If you use fake tan, try to keep it light as it can sometimes create uneven tones on the images. Don't worry about pimples or blemishes. I can easily sort that out in post-production.
Maybe bring face powder to combat any shine on the skin if you know you are prone to that. I have theatrical anti-shine powder if needed.
Bring a comb or brush to smooth flyaway hair. You can alter your hair and make-up to suit during the shoot. It's also a good idea to bring your own styling products, although I do have bobbles, clips and a hairdryer.
With regards to shaving and facial hair, this is totally up to you and the brief you have from your agent or employer. Some people always have stubble or a beard, others like the contrast and so will have a shave during the shoot, which is also fine.
When you arrive…
When you arrive, we'll have a chat over a tea or coffee. I'll explain how I work and we can discuss casting types, outfit ideas, and if you have an agent brief.
We can review what you want from the images, to ensure you get what you need from the shoot. This will help you feel more confident and at ease with me and the process.
There will also be time for me to answer any questions.
If you have a favourite playlist or type of music, let me know or bring it along and I'll connect it to the Bluetooth. 'Your' music can sometimes help to get you in the right frame of mind.
The shoot...
The shoot will be informal and relaxed. Sometimes people try too hard or feel nervous, which is totally understandable, but can also be counter productive.
People often express that they are anxious about the session as they have a belief that they dont take a good photograph. Headshots are totally different. It's just about letting the camera in, as opposed to acting a certain way like we do with most other photographs. Look at it, as me trying to capture the differnt aspects of your personality instead of you trying to do good shots.
I'll also talk you through it and together we'll create the right environment to achieve the best shots possible.
I will show the shots to you as we go along so you can assess and make any adjustments necessary.
An adult session typically lasts approximately 90 minutes but sometimes goes over. I allow a 2-hour window.
A student session lasts roughly 1 hour. If you have an agent, consult with them as to what shoot you require as you may need the longer adult session.
For 11 year and younger a session lasts around 30/40 mins. I advise a student session if you require a longer shoot.
I've not had headshots taken before...
No problem whatsoever. I work with loads of people who are having headshots done for the first time. I'll talk you through it and take extra care to make sure you are reassured and relaxed!
I don't like having my pictures taken...
The truth is, a lot of people don't enjoy having their pictures taken, so it's perfectly normal to feel that way. We can work with it though, instead of fighting against it and help to make you more at ease.
A lot of people are worried about getting their headshots taken and many don't like seeing themselves in photos, so you're not slone.
Remember that headshots are different to other photos. See 'The shoot' section above for more info on this
I have a spot/blemish, that’s just appeared…
Yep, your face just seems to know when you're having headshots done and decides to break-out. Don’t worry! I can easily sort that out in post-production. You won’t even know it's there.
Can I bring someone with me?...
Whatever works best for you. If you feel more comfortable having someone there with you, then that's fine. Just be aware that the actual studio we shoot in is quite small and may get quite cramped if you bring too many people with you.
After the shoot...
I normally take around 200 to 300 images (dependent on package) and I will remove ones where you are blinking etc before emailing a link for you to view on the same day. You can then create shortlists before selecting the images you want to proceed with. I’ll return these images to you within 5 working days (extra images are £10 each). I offer a 24-hour express service if you need them urgently. This costs an extra £20 per 4 images.
I can also help if you need advisng on what images to select.
When you’ve made your selections, I’ll send the shots to you in high resolution. They’ll be colour-corrected, cropped to the standard 10 x 8 and will have subtle re-touches where necessary. If you want any further alterations, just let me know and we can discuss further.
I keep all images on file for 3 months just in-case you want more. Make sure you download and save your final images for safe keeping.
How much?...
(Manchester) For adults, it's £170, with added outdoor shots an extra £10. The package includes a minimum of 300 images taken, with 4 of your choice to be retouched.
It's £130 for students/18 years old and under/65 years and over. You can add outdoor shots for an extra £10. This package includes a minimum of 200 images taken, with 3 of your choice to be edited.
For 11 years and under, it's £90 based on a studio session lasting roughly 40 minutes. This includes 3 edits. If you require a longer session, please select the student rate.
*New - If within 6 months of your original full shoot, you need further shots but don't necessarily need a full shoot, I now offer a top-up session. This includes up to 2/3 looks with 2 edits for £80. This is only for clients who have had a full shoot done with me within the previous 6 months.
Cancellation Policy...
£40 If 5 days notice isn’t given (£30 18's/students/65's and over) Cancellation within 24 hours of shoot is £80 (£60 18's, 65's and students)