What is a typical session like?

Exactly how the session works will depend on which option you've chosen, but generally I like to work in an organic way, reviewing photos throughout and trying to give you as much variety as possible. You definitely aren't going to have 200 shots with the same lighting and very marginally different expressions....

A typical session lasts from 1-3 hours in the spacious, well-lit studio in my airy Victorian flat. That might sound a long time, but I don't believe in rushing people and I've found over the years that taking just a little longer can mean you get vastly
better shots.

And I never book more than two actors day, so you'll never be shoved out for the next client.

I work indoors and outdoors, so during a session we might pop into the garden or into a nearby park to get some shots that give you extra variety. For this reason, winter sessions tend to start in the mid-morning, while in summer we'll aim to start in the morning or afternoon so as to miss the sun being right, glaringly overhead.

Here's a rough timetable of how a session might pan out:

10am, Arrive:

We'll have a coffee/tea/herbal tea and a chat to get to know each other, but also to help me understand what you want from the session. Maybe you'll have examples of photos from previous sessions to show me. Maybe you'll have very specific ideas about the sorts of photos you need and maybe you won't. Either way, I'll offer you my insights, expertise and perspective. We'll also discuss your casting types, the sorts of roles you've had and the sort of work you want to get in the future.

This all helps set our priorities for the session; not that there isn't the space and time to make organic discoveries of course.

10.30am, Studio:

We'll take a look at the different clothing options you've brought then start shooting. I'll take a few photos to get the lighting set up right and suited to you, which will also help to make you feel relaxed in front of camera. Then we'll start in earnest.

I tend not to shoot staged or posed shots. Instead, I prefer to talk and take photos, perhaps pausing or asking you to hold a look or to refine a set up when it emerges. The beauty of digital is that I can take as many shots as we need, then filter them down.

11am, Clothing Change and Photo Review:

After getting a variety of shots in one outfit, we'll look over them briefly and make sure you're happy with the sort of look we're getting. Then you'll have the chance to change outfit, shave, change your hairstyle or simply check that all is still looking good. There's a mirror in the studio, but you'll also have access to a bathroom and all the privacy you need.

11.15am, More Photos:

We'll carry on shooting, and I'll use a mixture of studio and natural light to create the right blend to suit your complexion, facial structure and priorities for the session. There's the time and space for as many clothing changes as you want.

11.45, Outdoors:

Depending on what you want, we may move outdoors to get a few alternative-looking shots (natural light does very different things to skin and eyes than studio lighting). Or if the outdoor look is important to you, we might spend longer outside, working in several different street and park locations.

12.15, Coffee, Review, More Photos:

If we need a time out - I know I do sometimes - then its always fine to take a moment for another drink and to review the photos. If there's a look you'd like but we haven't quite achieved, I'd always prefer that you say. For the sake of a few extra minutes we can get exactly what you want.

1pm, Finish.

Self explanatory...

Within 24 hours, Online Contact Sheet:

I'll send you a link to an online album containing the filtered photos from your shoot. I'll have deleted all the eyes-closed, laughing (there are always a lot of those) photos, so each one in the album would be able to be made into a perfect headshot. It's simply up to you and your agent to choose the killer shot. If you do want my advice, I'm happy to make suggestions as well.

One working week of you making your choices:

Within one working week of you making your choices and giving me any specific instructions for photoshopping, I will supply you with files of your final shots. These will be in two formats: a resolution for any professional print purpose and a resolution for internet use.

Et voilà: headshot perfection and hopefully many auditions to follow from your new shots.

Now all you have to do is get the job...