Your Session is Booked!
Let's make sure you're set up for success. This page will offer guidance from planning to packing.
Lindsey's Guide to Photo Shoot Prep
STEP 01
First Things First
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Understand that your photo is your photo. You are interesting and awesome, and that's what we're trying to capture!
Now, let's talk about how to get specific about what you want your photos to say about you.
STEP 02
Research
It may sound obvious, but you know what is most helpful in getting the photos you want and need? Knowing what kind of photos you want and need!
Scroll below for some guidance.
Get Inspired!
Look at the headshots in playbills and scroll IMDb to see what is working for current working actors.
Image search people who inspire you.
Pay attention to wardrobe, hair, and makeup when you watch commercials, tv shows, plays, musicals, and movies—where do you see yourself?
Where are you excited to work?
Ask Questions
Who do you trust that knows your work? I can make recommendations for what works on camera, but I don't know your skillset (yet). Talk to your reps, coaches, and trusted industry pros about where they see you working.
Visual, Verbal, or Vibe?
We all learn differently. If you're a visual person and you find reference images that feel right, share them with me. Tell me what you like about what you see.
Verbal folks, what are five adjectives that describe you? What adjectives describe the characters you want to play? How can your headshots reflect those adjectives?
Ex. I want to be cast in Charlie Brown type roles. Charlie Brown is:
Youthful
Innocent
Optimistic
Shy
Resilient
Everyman
Middle Class
Not an actor? This works in the business world as well. What are some adjectives you would use to describe your strengths in the workplace? How would you market yourself? How would you like to be seen in the business world?
Once you find references that work for you, use them to help inform your decisions—hair, makeup, wardrobe (even final image selection!)
STEP 03
Styling
"But what do I wear???" Now that you have references in hand, scroll below for tips on wardrobe, hair, makeup, and skin prep.
Wardrobe
Remember the goal is to look like YOU.
You looking and feeling your best.
• What color really makes your eyes pop?
• What cut of clothing flatters your shape?
• What is the thing in your closet that makes you feel awesome?
Wardrobe Tips—
1. Textures and Layers look great on camera!
I love sweaters, jackets, and knit fabrics in portraits.
But actors be aware of fit! Casting directors need to be able to see your size and build.
2. Patterns, Graphics, and Logos can be distracting. If you love a pattern, keep it simple or muted, or layer it with a solid (like a denim jacket or a button up).
3. Accessorize! Jewelry can complete a look and make it feel more realistic.
4. When in doubt, keep it simple.
5. Bring 2-3 options for each look.
Skin
1. Beauty rest is real! Get a good night’s sleep the night before your shoot.
2. Avoid alcohol the day before your shoot, it can make your skin red and puffy.
3. Moisturize those lips! Bring lip balm with you, and be aware of products like Vaseline that are shiny (we only want your lips to look glossy if it's intentional).
4. Please be prepared with something to combat shine. Powder, Blotting Paper, Tissue, etc.
5. Don't stress the small stuff. Blemishes are easily vanquished in post.
Notes on makeup-
• Check your foundation still matches your skintone. The shade you bought in January may not work with your summer glow (and vice versa).
• Avoid sparkly / shimmery products that can be distracting
• Contouring can show up on camera as bruising. Try a blush instead!
• Bring your powder for shine and products for touchups.
Hair
• When planning your looks, consider the role hair can play. Hairstyles are often associated with class. Manicured styles are generally viewed as higher class than messy undone styles.
• Getting a haircut? Schedule it a week or two in advance. You’re rarely going to be fresh from the salon or barber on the day of an audition / interview, and we want you to look like you.
• If you've booked multiple looks, you're welcome to use the restroom to make any necessary adjustments.
• If applicable to your hair type, please bring a brush or comb and product to tame flyaways. (hairspray is great!)
Please be prepared with whatever tools you need (bobby pins, hair ties, curling/straightening irons, etc.)
Lindsey's Favorite Hack!
For me, the easiest way to plan looks is by considering these two factors:
- Perceived age (maturity).
- Class (Blue or White Collar).
Tailored clothes, premium fabrics, muted professional color schemes, manicured hairstyles, fine jewelry, nice watches—we attribute all of these things to wealth and power but we may also assume a level maturity and sophistication.
Denim, flannel, hoodies, T-shirts (things that feel thrown on), polyester, garish colors or patterns, unshaved faces, ungroomed hair— we attribute these to working class people with less time and resources to spend on appearance, but maybe also an adolescent that can't be caught caring because it isn't cool.
We associate bright colors and fun accessories with light hearted joy and youth.
Dark colors carry a weight and suggested seriousness.
Of course, in real life all of this is contradicted all the time! But in visual storytelling we're working with the viewer's perception, so it is important we are clear and intentional.
STEP 04
Mind Games
"What do I do with my hands? Should I smile or not smile? Where should I be looking?" Let's get you out of your head!
Tell Me A Story
You want anyone looking at your headshot to connect with you. We create connections through stories. The easiest way to create a story? Tell a story!
Now that you've done your research and made your styling decisions, each of your looks will have a different story to tell. Make this literal!
- Use your favorite quotes.
- What's in your audition book right now? Monologues, sides, songs—use them!
- What are you working on in class?
- Write down a few phrases for each look. Say them out loud. Say them to the camera. Say them to your audience.
This not only will get you out of your self-conscious mind and make your photo shoot more fun, but it will add so much richness and specificity to your final product. Example: how much more fun and interesting if behind your smiling eyes we don't see the question of "ahhhhh what do I do with my hands?" but we see the clear intention of Joey from Friends asking "How you doin?" Huge difference!
Get In The Groove
Make a playlist of songs! Music is such a simple and effective way to set mood. Choose songs that fit your looks or just songs that you love and can groove too.
I have a bluetooth speaker that you can connect your own music, or choose an artist/album/playlist from the Apple Music Library.
When in doubt. Keep it simple.
There's a lot of info here. Take what you find helpful, leave what you don't.
Or just skip to the packing list below!
FAQ
What are proofs?
After our photoshoot, you will receive a link to an online gallery of your photo "proofs". These are smaller image files for you to view and select your favorites to be retouched. I find it helps to think of them from the days of film- proofs are like viewing your negatives to select your favorites for printing. Only in today's digital world, printing is optional (though encouraged)!
Proof galleries may be purchased for personal and social use.
What is a retouched image?
Retouched images have been light and color corrected, and cropped to necessary aspect ratios. Blemishes will be removed, skin tone balanced, eyes and teeth respectfully brightened, and distractions (stray hairs, rogue fuzz, glasses glare, etc.) will be removed. You will receive high resolution downloadable files of these images.
Note: If you request creative photoshop, there will be a charge for additional time.
Does jacket on and off count as two "Looks"?
Not for my sessions. I love layers on camera! So please bring a jacket to throw on over a look for no additional charge.
Who does my hair and makeup?
The most common reason agents ask their clients to reshoot their headshots is too much makeup. It is important that you look like yourself! I am a big believer in doing your own hair and makeup, as you will most likely be doing it yourself on the day of your auditions and interviews. Let's capture YOU, you on your best day in your best light!
If you would like your makeup done professionally, please schedule your appointment leaving plenty of time to make it to our scheduled shoot. Don't forget to bring powder to control shine and any products you may need for touchups.
What should I bring?
Once our session is booked you will receive access to my prep guide. This will include a little homework, tips and tricks for looking and feeling your best, and a suggested packing list to help us get the most out of our time together.
Cancellation Policy
Sessions booked Monday–Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM:
Acknowledging that many clients are actors and job opportunities often arise with short notice, I do not require a deposit for sessions booked within standard business hours. In the event that you need to reschedule, please provide me as much notice as possible.
In the event that I need to reschedule, I will provide the same courtesy by giving you as much notice as possible.
Evening and Weekend Sessions:
Requests made less than 72 hours before the session will forfeit the deposit. A new deposit is required to rebook.
Same-day cancellations or no-shows forfeit all fees paid.
What methods of payment are accepted?
You will receive your invoice by email and it will include options for credit card, Zelle, or cash payments. Payments are always due at the time of our session.