What next?
I’d love to see your Spotlight link/website and/or any other materials you have as an actor. It really helps me to get to know you as an actor. Feel free to send me a few words about what you’d like to achieve from the session, what you feel is missing from your current headshots or how you’ve changed your look and how you’d like to be protrayed. I want to get to know you as much as possible before our shoot.
Your wardrobe choices are the most important part of your prepration. I’d like you to bring around 4-6 tops, so we have some options. At the bare minimum please bring with you:
- A top that matches your eye colour
- A top that contrasts your eye colour
- A neutral top – grey/black/white depending on your skin tone/eye-colour (see below)
- A jacket/suit/other top that suggests a particular casting
Colour Theory
Generally, you want to avoid colours that match your skin tone, as they will make you look a little washed out. Instead choose colours that contrast your skin tone! For cooler skin tones, go for bolder colours and avoid pure white. For warmer skin tones, pastels, whites and blacks look lovely.
Choosing the right top can really make your eyes “pop”. Have a look at the colour wheel and choose tops that match and contrast your eye colour (for contrast, look to the opposite side of the colour wheel). For instance, purples look great for green eyes, reds look great for brown eyes, and (believe it or not) orange looks great for blue eyes.
How do you want to be seen by casting? What roles do you usually go up for? Is there a casting bracket you feel you fit into nicely? Wearing something that subtly suggests a particular casting bracket canreally help you get in the door for certain parts.
Do you get cast in period dramas?
Bring a top with a little lace for women or a peacoat for men.
Do you suit gritty urban dramas?
Bring a hoodie.
Do you want to be seen for more professional roles (lawyers/detective/corporate)?
Wear a suit and tie, or a smart sports jacket.
Do you want to be seen for bright modern comedies?
Bring a denim jacket.
Do you want to be seen for action?
Bring a leather jacket.
We want to see your collarbones and neck. A deeper neckline gives you shape and can make you look a little bit taller. Avoid turtlenecks or anything too baggy.
If you are stuck, have a look at headshots of actors you love or have a similar look/quality to you, or ask me!
Buy some new clothes, keep the tags and return them after your session!
A light foundation and concealer, especially under the eyes is really helpful. Eyeliner, mascara makes the eyes pop but nothing too heavy. Eye shadow is not necessary, we want to see you at your “everyday” best – the way you might go to an audition. If you are wearing lipstick, go for subtle rather than bold. And if you are prone to chapped lips bring some chapstick with you, it can make the world of difference. And please don’t worry about any blemishes, they can be easily photoshopped in the retouching process!
Unless your jewellery is part of your branding as an actor, the rule of thumb is to wear none.
The Shoot
I really recommend doing everything possible to get a good night’s rest before your headshot session. Going out for a drink the night before or staying up late will definitely affect your energy during the shoot. Being tired, or stressed can really affect the energy of the shoot.
Once you arrive we will have a cup of tea (or coffee) and a chat about what you’d like to achieve from our session. If you or your agent have any specific requests for the shoot, please let me know in advance so I can best prepare.
I accept cash, cheque, bank transfer or paypal. *Please note if you choose Paypal there is a small fee.
*** IMPORTANT *** If you have booked a Drama School Campus shoot, please note that we will not be shooting at my studio, but on campus.
My studio is located a short walk from Catford Bridge station, which is a 15-20 minute train from London Bridge, Waterloo, or Charing Cross. Alternatively, you can take the DLR to Lewisham and bus from there. London train from London Bridge or 20 minutes from Waterloo.
If you are running late for the shoot please let me know as soon as possible.
Failure to cancel at least 24 hours ahead of your scheduled appointment will result in a cancellation fee.
If you have any questions before the shoot, don’t hesitate to e-mail or call.
Thanks and see you on the day!
Aslam