• Do you shoot in natural light or studio light?
• Do you shoot outdoors?
• Should my headshots be black+white or color?
• What kind of headshot do I need?
• Do I need to have body shots ?
• What about makeup and hair?
• What should I wear?
• What about music?
• Can I bring someone else to the session with me?
• How do I prepare for a session?
• What if I want to wear glasses in my headshot?
• Why is there no need to arrrive early for my session?
• What about retouching and a photo lab/printer for multiple copies?

Do you shoot in natural light or studio light?
My studio features large windows with views of the New York City skyline. I shoot with a unique combination of natural window light and "no flash" studio fill lights. The natural window light is pure and beautiful and my "no flash" studio fill lights eliminate the continual jarring blasts of light popping in your face...creating an environment that will make you feel comfortable and relaxed..   back to top>>

Do you shoot outdoors?
Shooting outdoors SOUNDS wonderful but there is never a guarantee that it won't be too cold, too hot, too windy, raining or snowing! And it's always nice to have a bathroom and dressing room when you need it! The natural window light of my studio brings outdoor lighting INDOORS.    back to top>>

Should my headshots be black+white or color?
New York has finally caught up with Los Angeles as almost every actor in New York is now using color headshots.  I have not had one actor request a black + white headshot in over three years.  I think it is safe to say that the headshot standard in New York is now color!   back to top>>

What kind of headshot do I need?
Are you interested in commercials, film, television and theatre? Think about your qualities... your "type" and the roles you are best suited for. It is extremely helpful for casting people if your headshot suggests the types of roles you can play. Headshots usually fall into two categories: "commercial" and "legit". In the first kind of headshot used for commercials... your smile or friendly expression is important because you want to communicate enthusiasm and warmth. The legit shot is used primarily for film, television and theatre. In this kind of headshot, you can appear more dramatic, more sexy, more intense and show more attitude. It is generally a good idea to have both types of headshots available. If you are unsure, then just be yourself and leave the rest to me. I'll know what to do to make sure you get the shots you need. Whether you've been in the business for years or just starting out, I will work with you to get the headshots you need.   back to top>>

Do I need to have body shots?
It is only a good idea to use body shots if you are trying to establish something. If you are a woman with a great figure or a guy with an athletic build... it might be helpful to let casting people see that in your headshot. Another reason to have a body shot is if you are trying to suggest your type or "types" with the use of clothing. Often an outfit can further suggest the types of roles that you are right for. Otherwise... what is interesting about a shirt, jacket or sweater? And keep in mind if you are a little overweight, a body shot might do more harm than good. You should be realistic and give this some honest consideration.    back to top>>

What about makeup and hair?
FOR WOMEN
For most women... "everyday" makeup and "going out" makeup is usually not the same as makeup for "headshots". Whether you are going for the popular "clean and natural" look or a more "dramatic" look, it should always be "non shiny," smooth and professional looking. If you are unsure you can apply your makeup to have a "professional look"... I strongly recommend having it done professionally. It makes no sense to spend hundreds of dollars for high quality headshots and not have your makeup and hair look as good as it can. I work with the very best makeup and hair people, and would be happy to book one of them for you. They can easily keep you looking clean and natural or give you a more dramatic look. Makeup and hair usually takes about one hour. The stylist will stay for a total of three hours to keep an eye on you so you can concentrate on getting great shots (additional fee past three hours). Arrive for your session wearing no makeup, and your hair as close as possible to the way you want it to look for your headshots. Your hair will be camera ready fine-tuned before we begin, and maintained during the course of the session.

FOR MEN
Full makeup for men is not necessary and is not natural looking. At no extra charge...I apply cover-up for blemishes and lightening under the eyes... then some powder to cut down on shine. If you use products in your hair, please bring the along.   back to top>>

What should I wear?
• Most often you want to choose SOLIDS and keep your clothing SIMPLE. Patterns and stripes can also be wonderful if they are not too busy and distracting. Remember... your EYES should be the focus of your headshot.

• The FIT of your clothing is very important. Bulky oversized clothing will add nothing to your headshot. Choose clothing that is FLATTERING and fits you well. For body shots bring flattering pants as well.

• When COMBINING CLOTHES it is a good idea to create CONTRAST. For example: with a dark colored jacket wear a LIGHTER toned or different colored top underneath. With a light colored jacket wear a DARKER toned or different colored top underneath.

• When wearing TOPS ALONE that are not to be combined, it is important to create CONTRAST to your skin tone. Therefore... try to avoid colors that closely match your SKIN TONE. This will make your face "pop" and add more dimension to your headshot.

• When CHOOSING COLORS it is always a good idea to bring clothing that will COMPLIMENT your skin tone, hair color and eye color. Headshots are often most effective when you wear clothing that will ENHANCE your particular eye color. For example: BLUE EYES... bring blues and greys. GREEN EYES... bring greens and earth tones. BROWN EYES... bring browns, earth tones and deeper tones. Bright PINK, RED, ORANGE, GREEN and YELLOW often look great in headshots. But if they are as bright as a "neon sign" ... they will overpower your headshot. Remember... a color that is too loud or bright will take focus away from your eyes. PLEASE NOTE... if you have BLUE EYES and you choose to wear a green top... it will appear to most people that your eyes are green. If you have GREEN EYES and you choose to wear a blue top... it will appear to most people that your eyes are blue. If you want your eye color to look accurate...bring an appropriate blue or green top that will help represent your eye color accurately.

• BLACK CLOTHING photographs well on almost everyone (especially those with blonde hair).

• WHITE CLOTHING photographs well on some people (especially those with darker skin). Depending upon your skin tone and hair color, it is possible that wearing white may "wash you out". Don't hesitate to bring something white... just be sure it is not your ONLY clothing option.

• TEXTURED CLOTHING photographs very nicely... knits, ribbed tops, lace, velours, tweeds, leather, suedes, corduroys, etc.

• WOMEN should generally bring a variety of necklines (mostly open neck)... straps, tank tops, v-necks, sleeveless... button downs and non bulky turtlenecks are also fine.

• Necklines to AVOID are... boat necks... cowl necks... bulky turtle necks. These kinds of tops do not photograph well for a headshot.

• MEN should generally bring clothes for a more layered look which will add more dimension to your headshot (t-shirt, collared shirt, sweaters, jackets, etc.). If you would like to wear a tie... bring some choices.

• RULES can be broken! If you have clothes you like that make you feel attractive... bring them along. And of course... bring clothing that is ironed. Please don't bring your entire wardrobe... but if you are unsure, bring more not less!   back to top>>

What about music?
Most people feel relaxed listening to music they like. Music can also give you energy... put you in a great mood and trigger your imagination. I encourage you to bring your favorite CDs or you can choose from the selection I keep in the studio. You can also bring your iPod and dock it onto my sound system.   back to top>>

Can I bring someone else to the session with me?
Yes, this is not a problem for me and sometimes it can be great fun. BUT, often the presence of extra people can change the dynamic of the photo session. Having a third or fourth person staring at you can sometimes make the shoot more of a show with more people for the actor to think about pleasing. Give this some honest thought... either way is just fine with me.   back to top>>

How do I prepare for a session?
• It is very important that you bring the right clothing to your session.

• Getting your hair the way you want it is also extremely important. Get your hair cut so it looks the way you want for your headshots. Some men and women like their hair to look freshly cut... some prefer their haircut to "wear in" a little, and some women prefer to come to the shoot directly from their personal hair salon.

• Women should arrive wearing no makeup and your hair as close as possible to the way you want it to look for your headshots.

• Try to be well rested... you should also try to avoid alcohol and excess salt for at least a couple of days before your session.

• And don't stress... my headshot sessions have been known to be fun! I'll do everything possible to make you feel comfortable.   back to top>>

What if I want to wear glasses in my headshot?
If you want to wear glasses in your headshot, it is important to have the lenses temporarily removed to avoid glare. You can have this done at most eyeglass stores at little or no cost, and sometimes you can even do it yourself.   back to top>>

Why is there no need to arrrive early for my session?
There is no need to arrive early for your session as I always allow time for my clients to "settle in" and relax before the session begins. It is also very likely I'll still be with another client, and I will want to continue giving them my full uninterrupted attention.   back to top>>

What about retouching and a photo lab/printer for multiple copies?
Almost all good color headshots have been retouched to some degree. When you have retouching done, it should be kept natural looking. You don't want to create a whole new face. You also don't want to "skip" retouching your headshot to save a few bucks or because you think you are being "untrue". A skilled retoucher will keep you looking like the real person you are... on your best day. Getting your multiple copies made is the last step in the process but it is extremely important that you do it RIGHT! After spending all this money on your session don't get your multiple copies done at the cheapest lab you can find. I can recommend the best headshot photo lab in New York. After your session I would be happy to give you more information on where to go for top quality retouching and multiple copies.   back to top>>