Faq

For additional questions, please e-mail me. You may find the contact form under the "about" sub-pages in the menu above.

Who are your headshot clients?

Most of my clients find me through their friends. My headshot clients are aspiring and working actors pursuing stage, tv, film, and commercials. Many of my clients have formerly worked with some of the most well-known and expensive headshot photographers in New York, having mixed reviews and, often, disappointing experiences. They choose me because they've seen their friends' headshots and are impressed by how much it captures their honest personality while being an attractive headshot.

Do you shoot indoor or outdoor? Which is better?

I shoot both indoor and outdoor. My clients who book a full session leave with shots in approximately 4-6 indoor & outdoor locations (backgrounds) that include solid backdrops, apartment interior, brick city street, brick walls, and/or urban city locations. As far as which is better for headshots, the answer is both and neither. I tend to use the comparison of script writing to tell you which I believe suits which type of headshot best.

For example, in stage plays, the dialogue is extremely heavy. It is an actor-driven media. Therefore, I believe the greatest focus should remain on the actor for stage headshots. In stage, the budgets tend to be minimal and the actor is highly responsible for creating the reality. Solid backdrops and minimal backgrounds are best for these headshots. The same holds true for commercial shots, though for a different reason. In commercials, companies choose inviting, welcoming, and trustworthy actors to be spokespeople for their products. Therefore, again, the focus should be entirely on you. A warm smile is also a staple of commercial shots. Finally, for TV and, especially, film, when you analyze a screenplay you will notice that most of what happens in a movie is visual, not verbal. It is a visual media. Therefore, showing an actor in an environment, as part of a greater world is ideal in the headshots you choose.

Should I use a hair & makeup artist?

I cannot tell you, definitively, yes. But, I do highly recommend hair & makeup artists for headshots.

I am very specific with the instructions to my artists and that is to keep the work looking beautiful but natural and honest. Many of my clients are hesitant to use hair & makeup artists because of bad experiences at top headshot studios. I've had clients insist on doing their hair & makeup and they look sensational. I've had clients do their own and the results were less than stellar, making more time for me in the retouching process and unable to really remedy the situation.

A client who chooses to do his or her own hair & makeup have the benefit of doing what they do on an everyday basis. Therefore, more than likely, your shots will look like you. On the other hand, my hair & makeup artists are very talented and professional. They are trained and experienced to turn out solid work time and again. This is their trade and I believe that they are often more skilled at it than the average person. I also encourage creating work for creative professionals. The choice is entirely yours and I hope I've given you some insight to make an informed decision.

Where are you located? How do I get to you?

My home studio is located conveniently off the MTA Subway Lines. I am a short walk from the R Train at 77th Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Travel times vary depending upon your distance. Coming from Manhattan and Astoria, the subway ride is a great time to work on blogging, learning monologues and songs, or reading. I never enjoyed riding the subway as much as when I was reading the Harry Potter books! I was in heaven.

Do you meet with clients in Manhattan?

YES! I schedule coachings and tutoring at various coffee shops and establishments in Manhattan if it works for me and my clients. On my busiest days, it's hard to do this as it's not always a guarantee to find space at an establishment. I also have scheduled some abbreviated headshot shoots in Manhattan. Having said that, most of the work I do, including headshots and voice lessons is primarily done from my home space. Clients wishing to schedule their purchases in Manhattan, if approved and it can be scheduled, will be expected to pay for any studio time that might be required for the service.

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How much do Hair & Makeup Artists Cost?

Clients wishing to use a Hair & Makeup Artist should expect to pay $200 for Women and $150 for Men. Generally-speaking, the talent I use will stay for the duration of a full session for touch-ups and feedback as needed or is helpful. Payment will be due on the day of the shoot. Please note that photographers and hair & makeup artists earn their living from your business and cancellations and postponements impact the livelihood of individuals in these professions. Check my terms for important information about rescheduling fees (which includes cancellations and postponements).

You shoot from your home studio, do you have pets?

'Yes' to dogs and fish. 'No' to cats, ferrets, birds, tigers, or llamas. At my current home, there is a dog. She is kept locked away during shoots and the areas where we work (including the room that houses my office and the studio room) are off-limits to the dog even apart from scheduled shoots. I do my best to keep these areas free from dog hair and dander. If you have allergies, please be aware of this ahead of time and plan accordingly and bring whatever medicine or inhalers or anything you may need in an emergency.