F.A.Q.

Where abouts are you based?

Camden and Highgate, North London. Full details on receipt of booking.

How long is a shoot?

This varies immensly. I leave at least two hours per session – if I run over, I move my next shoot later. Some clients are totally happy with what we’ve got after an hour or sometimes I have interesting ideas and if we both have time, we’ll play around for up to 4 hours (there will of course be coffee and cigarette breaks as needed). I will work as long as it takes to get the perfect shot - and I don't stop shooting until I'm sure you're happy with your photos.

What days & times do you work?

I shoot Monday to Saturday (although I don’t really like working Mondays…) Sessions times vary depending on the season and light – but normally I do a morning session that starts 10am or 11am, and an afternoon session that starts 1pm or 3pm. Email me and I’ll send you a list of my available sessions.

How many photos do you take? And can you shoot in a mix of colour and b/w?

I shoot on digital, so there is no limit. In an average headshots session, I probably take around 400 shots - in a variety of different styles. I shoot until both of us are satisfied with what we’ve got. And until I’ve exhausted all the possible different ways I could photograph you. And yes, I always shoot in a mix of b/w and colour unless asked otherwise.

How should I prepare?

When you book - I’ll email you an info sheet with instructions about what to bring etc, but general preparation: Don't be hung over. Get a good nights sleep (for a week, if possible). Drink lots of water. Eat healthily – don’t diet for headshots, it’ll just make you tired and irritable. Exercise tends to make your skin look good – I recommend yoga particularly! Have a relaxing bath the night before. Try not to sunbathe or over-tan, it doesn't look that hot in black and white. Likewise, if you’re naturally fair – please don’t use fake tan. It looks bad. Hair should be clean and eyebrows appropriately well groomed (never underestimate the power of good eyebrows in a headshot!). Please don’t do anything crazy with your hair on the day of the shoot.

What happens after the shoot?

Depending on which package you go for (basic, premiere or creative: see my rates & services page), I provide a disc containing all the shots we’ve taken, in full high resolution, printable format, plus however many retouched shots you wanted. You can then upload your shots straight to spotlight or order prints via image photographic: http://www.imagephotographic.com/

What’s your turnaround time?

For the basic option (depending on whether we're working from my studio or on location) you get all the photos on the same day, or they go in the post the following day. You can then upload them straight to spotlight. Additional retouching takes 2-5 days. For the premiere & creative options, my turnaround is normally 14 days.

Do you offer discounts?

Yes, to students and certain agencies who forward lots of clients my way.

Suppose my agent doesn’t like them?

This rarely happens, but if for any reason you or your agent is not satisfied with the final shots – you’re welcome to come back for a complimentary reshoot. Totally fine.

Why digital instead of film?

The advantage of using digital means that we have that freedom to experiment a little, and aren't limited by the expense of film. It also means that we can review the photos as we go. This eliminates the chance of one tiny, unchecked thing spoiling all the shots (a hairstyle that you hate, bad makeup, weird lip tension etc) - and allows me to make sure that we're working on the right tracks to get what you're after.

Do you retouch?

Yes. But I don’t make you look plastic. Blemishes get removed and eye-bags airbrushed/reduced if necessary. I also fiddle with the exposure and tone of the shots (darker, lighter etc).

How many repros can I get?

As many as you want. I don’t do prints myself - but I provide a disc containing everything we’ve shot – all in full high resolution printable format. (nb: this is different from the way that most other photographers work - If we take 300 shots, you can have 300 different shots printed.) For prints, I refer you to Image Photographic: http://www.imagephotographic.com/

Do you do split or shared sessions?

No. I find that the amount of time and energy I give to each client is necessary to get the best results. Splitting this is impossible, and would compromise the quality of work that I do for each individual client.

I'm completely broke, but I desperately need publicity stills - is there any way we could work out some sort of skills exchange?

Possibly. I’m always interested in working with creative people.

I’m a producer with no budget and I desperately need someone to take some production stills for a show … would you be interested?

Possibly. Email me with the details of your project. I’m also happy to shoot in exchange for tickets to festivals - specifically latitude festival or secret garden party... :)

Do you do any other sorts of photography – Weddings, gigs, exhibitions etc?

Yes. But only by special arrangement. Email me to discuss...

Are there any makeup products that you particularly recommend? And also what makeup should I wear for the shoot?

Yes. Benefit ‘high beam’ is great for illuminating cheek bones and brow bones. Mac ‘strobe cream’ is a lovely moisturiser for glowing skin – or the body shop’s ‘vitamin e illuminating moisturiser’ is fantastic. They also do some great anti-aging eye-creams (and may give you free testers if you ask nicely). Pure aloe vera oil is also lovely to use around tired eyes and tea tree oil on a cotton wool pad is good for getting rid of blemishes – both available from health shops. And personally – I recommend Lacome’s ‘teint idole ultra’ as a very smooth, light foundation. Kerastase’s ‘Oleo-Relax’ hair serum is also fantastic for smoothing down frizzy or static hair. But don't worry too much about makeup or blemishes - I can retouch these very easily.

Ladies: For the actual shoot, come with minimal makeup on - if you need it; foundation, concealer, a little eyeliner and mascara - up to you (try to avoid putting too much on the lower lashes). Also, bring with you a slightly dark or stronger red lipstick/gloss. Come how you would come for an audition, only a little more understated but sexy - accent your best features.

Can I come with straight hair / no make-up / a beard and curl / straighten my hair / apply make-up / shave my stubble half way through?

Yes. Unless we're shooting on location - in which case I will of course let you know in advance.