HEADSHOTS
SESSION &
PRICING GUIDE
WHAT TO WEAR, HOW MUCH AND EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AN OVERVIEW OF WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
WELCOME
INTRODUCTION
WHO WE ARE
ABOUT US
PORTFOLIO
EXAMPLES OF OUR WORK
WHAT TO WEAR
PICK YOUR PORTRAIT SESSION
STYLES
BACKGROUND & LIGHTING
OUR PRICING
INFORMATION ABOUT PRICING
FAQ’S
COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED
“STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD AND LOOK YOUR BEST”
A headshot is a portrait that realistically demonstrates a person’s appearance for branding of their business. It can be used by corporations to give the company a voice, and is also used by actors and models to give a true representation of their appearance.
THEY ARE BRILLIANT!!!
WHAT I’D HOPED FOR... BUT SO MUCH MORE, FANTASTIC JOB, THANK YOU SO MUCH ~ IAN HUGHES (ACTOR)
A headshot is a modern portrait where the focus is on the person. The term is usu- ally applied to a professional pro le image on social media, the ‘about us page’ on a corporate website and for promotional pictures of actors, models, etc.
Headshots are also part of everyday social media and almost every online platform features a pro le picture. This pro le picture, whether on dating sites, social media or in the “about us” section on company websites is the rst time many potential clients or companies representatives will see you, so rst impression is vital. It can be the difference in whether somebody chooses to connect with you or not.
WHO WE ARE
ABOUT US
“IMAGES CUSTOM MADE FOR YOUR BUSINESS.”
Imelda is a highly experienced portrait photographer, and holds a fellow-
ship with several photographic organisations. With her expertise, you will have a headshot that will show you in your best light as you represent your company or business.
OUR PORTFOLIO
SOME EXAMPLES OF OUR WORK
“Simplistic and beautiful photography”
Paying a professional rather than using a phone photo will make your business stand out and look professional, so you can attract the clients you want.
A professional photographer will know how to position you, where to place you in relation to the background and they know how to relax you to capture natural and spontaneous expressions.
You want to be captured in the best light, at the best angle and in a way that shows your personality or business ethos and this is what the professional photographer will do.
WHAT TO WEAR
PICK YOUR PORTRAIT SESSION
“YOUR IMAGE IS CRUCIAL TO YOUR BUSINESS.”
• Talk to your photographer about the purpose of the session beforehand, so they can advise you on what to wear to create the right types of photos.
• For headshots, you don’t need to think about skirts, trousers and shoes, as they are not visible in the images, but these need considered for full length shots.
• Some photographers allow time for clothing and style changes during an individual session and I suggest you bring along a few changes of clothing.
These are some general “rules” you may wish to follow, but you might want to break one of these rules in certain situations and maybe try something a but more unusual in addition to the typical headshot style for your industry.
• Choose classic clothes.
• The most important clothing item is the shirt or blouse, as this is what is
visible in a headshot. I always suggest bringing several shirts from which to
choose, and a variety of styles.
• Select clothes that are both comfortable and attractive.
• Choose something that makes you appear con dent.
• Trendy clothing can date quickly and can also look unprofessional.
• Make sure your clothes are clean and ironed.
• Ensure the clothes t properly. If you have an old favourite that you haven’t
worn for a while, try it on at home to make sure it still ts as expected.
• Avoid wrinkled or bulky clothing, and avoid wearing jumpers as these add
bulk.
• Avoid patterns as they detract from the face and eyes ( oral print, checks,
polka dots, stripes, or any other type of pattern that is distracting and too
“busy”.)
• Darker and mid tones work best, as the emphasis will be on your face, not
your clothing.
• Always avoid colours that are too similar to your skin tone or you will look
washed out.
• Colours which contrast to your skin work well. If you have a medium or
dark skin tone, then avoid the earthy tones that are very similar to the col-
our of your skin.
• Colours which match your eyes will bring out your eyes (.e.g. blue or grey
shirt with blue eyes, earthy tones with brown or green eyes).
• A personal branding shoot and some model portfolio shoots will include
headshots, as well as full length shots to show what you and your brand are
all about.
• Choose shoes for comfort if you are on location and will be walking around.
If necessary, bring a pair for style and a comfortable pair you can slip on while walking between locations.
Speci c Clothing for Certain Industries
Think about the industry in which you work when making your clothing choices for your shoot. A corporate headshot will have a very different look and feel to a modelling headshot, so bear that in mind.
Look through headshots of people in similar industries to get ideas and inspira- tion.
Business/Corporate Headshots
For a corporate headshot, of ce appropriate clothing should be worn. Many com- panies have dress codes, which may be conservative, so think about the type of clothes you wear to the of ce each day, when making your choice.
Long sleeves work better, as not only do they look more professional, but they are also less distracting in photos.
Ladies:
• Wear modest clothing that is not too revealing. A classy, corporate style shows that you are serious about your career. E.g. a plain blouse or shirt with a collar, with a smart pair of trousers or a skirt with a complimentary or matching jack- et.
• Choose simple jewellery to go with your out t as an accent rather than being overpowering.
Gentlemen:
• A smart shirt with a collar and possible a suit jacket looks smart and profession- al.
• Think about how smart you want to be, wearing a tie is often appropriate in a corporate environment.
• If you of ce has a slightly more casual dress code, you could consider a smart, but not bulky jumper over your shirt.
Actor Headshots
• Think about what you would wear to an audition. In general, it is better to ap- pear as a regular person, not as a character.
• I don’t advise wearing a costume, unless your headshot is speci cally for an event or occasion where the costume is appropriate.
• I suggest a few different out ts to create a few looks from which to choose.
• You can wear clothes similar to a corporate headshot, but it is not necessary.
• Think about the sort of roles you want to play, and they types of clothing that
will suit those sort of parts.
• Aim for long sleeves, as short sleeves make the arms a distraction.
Ladies
• Avoid low cut tops.
Gentleman
• Solid colour shirts or non-bulky textured jumpers work well. • Think about when you want a shirt with a collar or not.
Model Headshots
• For a model headshot, your face, not your clothing is important.
• Many agencies will want full length, as well as headshots, so bear that in mind.
• Make sure your clothes t correctly and show your shape and size in a realistic
way.
• Layers work well to get a variety of look with minimal out t changes.
Ladies:
• If you are going to be modelling skin/beauty products, considered having some photos without or with minimal make up to show a natural look.
• Although not acceptable in general headshots, you may wish to show your shoulders and neckline, by also wearing something with spaghetti straps.
Gentlemen:
• Don’t choose clothing that makes you look too corporate.
• Generally speaking you should go for a more casual look by leaving a top button
undone and not wearing a tie.
• Plain well tted round neck t-shirts can also look good.
STUDIO STYLES
BACKGROUND & LIGHTING
A headshot needs to create the right message for you and your brand.
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2
4
3
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2
Different orientations:
- Portrait
- Landscape
Different styles.
- Studio
- Environmental/Location Headshot
In the studio, there is a choice of background colours and styles, so if you have a preference, chat to your photographer about the options.
Typical styles are shown below, but please enquire if you have another style in mind.
Dark Background. 3 Classic portrait lighting.
Soft and Classic Lighting 4 Neutral background
Preparing for your Shoot:
Light Background Light from the Front
Lighter Background Brighter Image.
- iron your clothes
- consider using eye-drops so your eyes are bright and clear - don’t wear coloured contacts
- moisturise your skin, so it is not dry and flaky
Ladies:
- gently exfoliate the day before including your lips and moisturise
- Remove any stray hairs from your eyebrows, top lip and chin.
- any extreme treatments should be at least a few days your shoot to give your skin
chance to calm down
Gentlemen:
- Shave as close to the shoot as possible and use shooting aftershave lotion to help with any irritation
ON THE DAY
INFORMATION ON WHAT TO EXPECT
INDIVIDUAL HEADSHOTS what to bring along
Things you may wish to bring with you in addition to changes in out ts:
• hair brush and any product you want to use to hold it (consider having your hair done the day of the shoot)
• don’t overdo your make up, a natural look works best
• bring make up with you for touch ups
• lip balm and moisturiser
• lint roller to remove any uff from your clothes
The SH0OT
• relax
• have fun
• follow the photographers directions
• don’t force a smile
• be yourself
OUR PRICING
INFORMATION ABOUT PRICING
INDIVIDUAL HEADSHOTS
STANDARD
This includes the session, basic retouching and 5 digital images to download.
Student £199
Special rates when you show your Student ID
Basic Retouching and 5 digital images to download
personal branding studio session £270
Headshots and full length shots.
Includes basic retouching and 5 digital images to download
personal branding location session
Prices as per the studio session, but travel time and costs may be added. Please contact us with your requirements for accurate costs.
£250
4-9 PEOPLE
£95/person
group headshot sessions
EACH PERSON WILL GET A PERSONALIZED SESSION AND 1 FULLY RETOUCHED, HIGH RESOLUTION HEADSHOT.
10-20 PEOPLE £75/person
EACH PERSON WILL GET A PERSONALIZED SESSION AND 1 FULLY RETOUCHED, HIGH RESOLUTION HEADSHOT.
20+ CONTACT US
GROUPS OF 20 OR MORE MAY QUALIFY FOR A SPECIAL GROUP RATE, PLEASE CONTACT US SO WE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH CUSTOM QUOTE.
post production
Blemish removal or full retouching?
• simple retouching is included in the price to make sure you look your best
I usually only remove non permanent marks and blemishes, and do a light retouch, so please let me know if you would like full retouching to remove moles, freckles, scars, etc. (I don’t recommend full retouching for models or actor headshots, as casting directors want to see you as you are)
Extra editing and full retouching is available for an additional fee and will effect the delivery time of your nished photos, due to the extra time re-
quired
ONE IMAGE 3 IMAGES
10 IMAGES 10+ IMAGES
CUSTOM RETOUCHING
£20
£50 £150 CONTACT US
Refer a friend:
If they tell us your name on booking, you will get an additional fully edited image from your session to download free of charge.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED
THIS SECTION GIVES YOU BRIEF ANSWERS TO MANY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS, THE SUBJECTS ARE COVERED IN FURTHER DETAIL ELSEWHERE,
WHERE DOES THE SHOOT TAKE PLACE?
I am happy to have the shoot in my studio, near Leeds Castle in Kent or at a location of your choice. Areas I cover include Kent, East Sussex, Essex and London.
WHAT DO I WEAR FOR MY SESSION?
There is extensive information about what to wear in this magazine.
I generally suggest modest, classic clothing similar to your usual of ce attire.
WHAT ABOUT HAIR AND MAKEUP?
Natural make is best, so nothing too heavy. Have your hair done if you want to look your best and bring any hair products and a hair brush to your session.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY IMAGES?
Images for individual sessions are normally available within 7 days.
Larger groups may take longer depending on the number of people being photo- graphed.
HOW MUCH RETOUCHING DO YOU DO?
Basic retouching is included, which in- cludes removal of any non-permanent marks.
Should you require more extensive re- touching, this is available for a small addi- tional fee.
It’s my first time, what kind of acting
headshots do I need?
Casting agents will often want to see what you look like naturally without much make up or retouching, so I suggest these to go along with other images in which you are wearing more make up, etc.
Agents also like a variety of images including full length body shots and mid shots from a few different angles..
THANK YOU.
STAY CONNECTED
WE WANT YOU AND EVERYONE YOU WORK WITH TO LOOK FORWARD TO “PICTURE DAY” AND, ONCE YOU WORK WITH US, YOU WILL.
PHOTOGRAPHYBYIMELDA
@IMELDABELL
PHOTOGRAPHYBYIMELDA
WWW.PHOTOGRAPHYBYIMELDA.CO.UK [email protected] 07769 538100