TIPS FOR A GREAT SESSION

During our consult call or Zoom, we'll define your goals for the shoot.  What do you and your agent have in mind? Where you are in your career, your background, how often you are auditioning, what types of roles you are auditioning for and booking?  It's a great idea to talk to your reps about what they’d like to see from your photos and what would help them pitch you more effectively and let me know. I want to help you reach your professional goals.  No agent? No problem! I’m more than happy to help you refine your "hit" and plan your shoot accordingly.

Prepare in advance: After we chat, take some time leading up to the session choosing your wardrobe.  Make sure your clothes are in good condition, clean and pressed. We can touch up with our steamer but ultimately let’s spend time shooting, not steaming your shirt! Stick to solids and textures rather than busy patterns. We’ll be shooting quite tight for headshots so focus on shirts, jackets, t-shirts and sweaters. Make sure to choose colors you love and clothes that make you feel good. Please bring plenty of clothing - always better to have a wealth of options!

If you need to touch up your hair color or get a trim- now’s the time! Try and avoid getting your hair done the day before- if something needs to be adjusted, you’ll want time to fix it. Also, fresh colour and men’s cuts need a couple days to look less “sharp”.
Unless you’re an avid user of self tanner, and it’s how you always present yourself, now is not the time to try it. 

Seriously. I’ve seen it go horribly wrong.

Hydrate. Sounds simple but makes a huge difference. In the days leading up to your session, take care of yourself; get some fresh air, plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Avoid “recreational” substances the night prior. (That includes alcohol.)

Be on time for your session. Make sure you give yourself time to find parking and get up to the studio without rushing. If you have a lot of clothing, I can meet you in the loading bay to help unload before you find parking. Being early allows you time for each part of your day to happen at a relaxed pace. Stress, panic and photoshoots don’t mix. If you’re early, the area has tons of great cafes where you can grab a beverage or a snack to keep you going. Being late reduces the amount of time we have to work together as I may have another client coming in after.

PROFESSIONAL HAIR & MAKEUP
We have excellent Hair & Makeup Artists available for you at additional cost. I highly recommend using them for the best outcome - especially women. Photography requires a different technique than daily use or audition makeup and the artist can really help your best features stand out so you look your absolute BEST. This allows you to relax and focus on being in front of the camera.

***Please come with your hair dry and styled as you would for an audition. Hair will be lightly styled but if you’re curly and want it straight, please come with it straight. (And vice versa.)

If you are super confident and comfortable doing your own hair and makeup, please come camera ready with your touch up bag and styling tools. Keep your makeup light and natural. Excess makeup is harder to fix than makeup that is lightly applied. We can always add more as needed. Please be aware we won’t be able to accomodate reshoots if you’re unhappy and did your own HMU.

BEARDS
If you’d like to get shots with both versions of your facial hair, please come with your beard groomed as you would for auditions. Once we’re happy with those shots, you’re welcome to shave and then makeup will be retouched.