FAQs

FAQs2022-07-01T22:01:44+00:00

We all have questions – let me try to answer as many as I can

Can I buy the RAW Files?2022-07-01T22:12:18+00:00

Yes, RAW (Canon CR2 or CR3) files and the associated full copyright assignments are available for $1,000 per file.

To open/edit RAW files you will need a copy of Lightroom, Photoshop, Bridge, Capture One or a similar application and the necessary skills to edit and work on these files.

Do I get all of the images from my session?2024-02-22T22:08:16+00:00

Yes, with a caveat. During your session you will be sent an email with a link to view your images in real-time. This is the system you will use to cull and select the images you want to keep and to have edited.

We will often get rid of the following types of images before you get chance to see the culling gallery:

  • duplicates
  • ‘bad’ images, i.e. where:
    • your eyes are closed
    • you’re blinking
    • an unflattering expression
    • the image is blurry
    • under or over exposed and unrecoverable
Do you have a Headshot Referral Program?2024-02-22T22:05:58+00:00

Yes indeed.

If you refer someone before your session, you’ll be offered:

  • $75 off your session
  • or three (3) additional edits
  • or $50 off and one (1) edit

If you refer someone after, you’ll get the same options, however, the discount will apply to your next session.

Do you offer friend group discounts?2023-01-08T19:52:56+00:00

Yes, there are 2 options:

  1. Same day bookings: come with your friend on the same day and you’ll both get a 20% discount.
    We’ll run the sessions back to back so that while one of you is getting changed or in makeup, I’ll be photographing the other to maximize your time.
    If 3 people book on the same day, you’ll all receive a 25% discount.
  2. Different day bookings:
    The discount starts at 15% and goes up to 30%… each.
    2 people book within 30 days and you’ll get both get 15% off.
    Add 5% to the discount for each additional person paying their deposit within 30 days of the first person paying.
    If 5 people pay their deposits within 30 days of the first person, and quote their name, you’ll all get 30% off.

    1. 2 people – 15% off
    2. 3 people – 20% off
    3. 4 people – 25% off
    4. 5 people – 30% off

Please note: if the 2nd person does not book in either scenario, the 1st person will have to pay full price.

Do you offer school, conservatory, university discounts?2023-01-08T19:52:26+00:00

Yes. We travel all over the country, offering group headshot sessions for schools, events and conferences.

Since these are group sessions, we discount our standard rate by 30% for each student. We do, however, only offer a 45 min and 1-hour session with the option to upgrade to 2-hours closer to the day if spaces are still available on a first come first serve basis.

How does it work?
We will come to your site with a full studios worth of equipment to give your students the full experience. Once onsite we will photograph everyone over 1 to, say 5 days, it’s up to you how long and the number of students. We can effectively accommodate up to 8 in a single day with 2 breaks.

There are 2 options for covering our travel and accommodation costs:

  1. The organizers pay at cost
  2. The students pay at cost and it is split equally between the total number of students
Example edits that you can request2022-07-01T22:17:08+00:00

This is NOT an exhaustive list, if you’re unsure, just ask, almost anything is possible. Some options may be chargable.

  • Different colour grading
  • Enhance or lessen iris eye colour
  • Remove more stray hairs (outside hairline/head)
  • Remove more Criss-cross hairs (within hair)
  • Remove hairs across face or clothing
  • Lighten or darken hair
  • Remove pimples
  • Smooth background or remove something from the background
  • Smooth wrinkles in clothing – basic
  • Close a gap between 2 buttons
  • Clean or remove something from your clothing
  • Put back a mole or birthmark – the retoucher is seeing your face for the first time in a static image so might not be able to tell what is a pimple or temporary mark vs permanent
  • or, if you don’t like the edit at all, completely undo edits (no one has asked for this, but know that you can)

 

  • for an additional fee we can:
    • Convert a headshot (portrait orientation) to a landscape website style photo
      • a 3/4 or full-body photo is easier to convert than a tight crop
    • Smooth wrinkles in clothing – advanced or very wrinkled
    • Combine face from one photo with the body from another
How do I purchase more edits?2024-02-22T22:11:07+00:00

The easiest way is to email me stating the total number of images you wish to purchase. I will then pro-rata the difference between what you’ve bought and the total that would be owing.

We offer reducing rates for 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 image packs, starting at $35 per image for full editing.

How do I select my favourites for editing?2022-07-01T22:12:00+00:00

We have 2 ways to do this:

1: Please use this option if you can easily narrow your selection down to number of edits you wish to have

  • I create you a proofing gallery, with say 150 images in 7 folders
  • You select your favourites from the proofing gallery
  • You submit your favourites back to me
    • If the number you submit matches the number you’ve paid for I’ll assume you want them edited
    • If the number exceeds the number you’ve paid for I’ll contact you – as you may be using option 2 below

2: Please use this option if you have 10+ favourites and can’t narrow your selection

  • I create you a proofing gallery, with say 150 images in 7 folders
  • You select your favourites from the proofing gallery
  • You submit your favourites back to me (you MUST email or text me so I know to create the second gallery)
  • I create you a second proofing gallery just your favourites
  • You select your images for editing
  • You submit your favourites back to me for editing

You can also use option 2 and ask us for advice on the best ones.

How many lighting setups can I have during my session?2022-07-01T22:18:59+00:00

In 1 hour I can comfortably create 2-4 full lighting setups, however, I’ve found that 2 or 3 is the optimum number with multiple outfit changes per lighting setup.

If, however, you wanted the same lighting setup for all images, we can create slight variations, heavy or lighter shadows, or perhaps even gels in our longer 3 hour+ sessions.

Please note, and this is really important, we will never rush to try and get 4 lighting changes, if this happens organically then that’s great but it should not be assumed that it will definitely happen.

How many outfits can I wear during my session?2022-07-01T22:08:20+00:00

We suggest that in 1 hour we can comfortably photograph 2-3 full outfit changes with lighting changes.

If, however, you wanted the same lighting setup for all images, which has been requested, then 5, 6 or even 7 could be possible.

Please note, and this is really important, we will never rush to photography 6 outfits just because you brought 6 outfits, they will be prioritized, we will always have time for 3.

Is there a discount for returning customers?2023-01-08T19:28:44+00:00

Yes, we love it when our clients return to us for more headshots. We feel so honoured that you’re trusting us again, as such, we offer a 20% discount off any package for life.

What are “Proofs”?2022-07-01T22:12:12+00:00

Photo proofs are lightly edited or only colour corrected images uploaded to a gallery. They are not the final creative product and may require further editing. Photo proofs simply provide you a good sense of what the images look like before final retouching.

Proofs are typically uploaded and delivered to the client within a week of the session. Once you choose your favorite images from the proofs, I will finish colour grading and my retoucher will edit them. Retouching is where the true magic happens!

What are Branding shots?2023-01-08T19:22:18+00:00

Portrait or Branding looks are anything that isn’t a traditional headshot. This could be non-headshot portraits, dance, editorial, modeling, fitness, workout, etc.

Anything that helps you market yourself for your website, instagram, facebook, IMDB or Actors Access.

Maybe it’s that outfit you’ve always wanted to be photographed, or you with balloons or glitter.

We have a 2,000lb rated hard point your lyra, or our cream silks and a competition standard pole. Downstairs there is a pool table and a full gym that we can shoot in to get some fitness / workout shots.

What are Neutral, Contrasting and Cohesive images?2024-02-22T22:08:47+00:00

On your questionnaire you will have seen the question asking about style of image you want. This relates to the relationship between you and the background colours.

 

Neutral
Black, grey, biege, brown background with any outfit

neutral pinterest examples

 

Contrasting

Yellow Top with a Blue background
Red Top with a Green background

contrasting pinterest examples

 

Cohesive

Yellow Top with a Yellow background
Red Top with a Red background

cohesive pinterest examples

What colour backgrounds do you have?2022-07-01T22:31:56+00:00

Savage offer 54 different colours of paper backgrounds. On any given day we have 20-30 available.

Should you need a specific colour, given 48 hours notice we can get almost any colour in for $90 per roll.

What edits are available with the editing fee?2022-07-01T22:16:57+00:00

When purchasing an image for editing the following options are included in the price:

  • Removal of facial shine
  • Stray hairs
  • Skin blemishes
  • Braces removal
  • Whitening of teeth and eyes
  • Glass glare removal
  • Extend solid background (includes gradients)
  • Solid background replacement

The following cost extra:

  • Head swap (between photos)
  • Open / close eyes ( swap eyes between photos)
  • Change colour of item
  • Complex background replacement (i.e. not a solid single colour)
  • Add / remove people
  • Remove buildings, cars, etc.
  • Lens flare
  • Hot spots
  • Take off 10 years, 20 lbs, etc.
What is an Outfit?2023-01-08T19:04:23+00:00

This might seem like a simple question, however, because we don’t restrict the number of outfits you can wear, even during a mini session*, and if you’re layering we can create a huge number of outfits from only 6 or 8 items, so it’s worth clarifying.

If you brought: (and I’m purposefully selecting clothing items that can be layered in this example)

  • 2 x shirts
  • 2 x sweaters
  • 2 x jackets

There are 18 combinations, so, potentially 18 outfits:

  • 2 shots with just the shirt
  • 4 shots with the shirts and sweaters
  • 4 shots with the shirts and jackets
  • 8 shots with the shirts, sweaters and jackets

If you also brought 2 scarves, that number becomes a whopping 50 outfit combinations:

  • 2 shots with just the shirt
  • 4 shots with the shirts and scarves
  • 4 shots with the shirts and sweaters
  • 4 shots with the shirts and jackets
  • 8 shots with shirts, sweaters and scarves
  • 8 shots with shirts, scarves and jackets
  • 8 shots with the shirts, sweaters and jackets
  • 16 shots with the shirts, sweaters, scarves and jackets

* the number of outfits we have time for is based on keeping the session relaxed, the hair and makeup you have on and the time it takes you to comfortably get changed without rushing

What is edited by default?2022-07-01T22:17:03+00:00

After you select 1 or more images for editing, these are the notes my retoucher uses:

  • SETS OF IMAGES – (i.e. set = same outfit AND same background)
    • Even skin and background tones across all images in the set
  • SKIN (face and body)
    • Add very slight saturation
    • Light natural skin smoothing – retain pores, wrinkles, texture & contrast – NO plastic or doll skin
    • Even out skin tones
    • Reduce glare
    • Remove all blemishes (leave birthmarks and permanent skin marks, ask if unsure)
    • Remove / lessen bags under eyes
  • EYES / TEETH / LIPS
    • Enhance eyes (iris – colour, brightness, texture)
    • Whiten eyes only slightly – NO glowing whites of the eyes
    • Whiten teeth slightly – NO Hollywood pure white, natural, i.e. less yellow
    • Enhance lip colour, slightly (match to the overall image)
  • HAIR
    • Remove stray hairs outside the head
      • Maintain sharpness between hair and background – NO blurring to remove stray hairs
      • Clean hairs within hairline, criss-cross hairs
      • Remove stray hairs on face and skin
  • PREGNANT WOMEN
    • Remove blemishes to the body, arms and legs as per face above
    • Remove tiny hairs on belly / tummy to create smooth skin
    • Do NOT remove the vertical stomach line
  • BACKGROUNDS
    • WHITE : Make white backgrounds brighter
    • SOLID or TEXTURED BACKGROUNDS: Make brighter and more vibrant
      • make them even across all images with same background colour
What is meant be a New York or East Coast Headshot?2022-07-01T22:39:40+00:00

NYC Headshots

  • Tone: Headshots photographed in NYC are often darker and more serious
  • Range: The vast majority of agents in NYC that I work with tend to request a “general theatrical” and then a “general commercial” headshot
  • Intention: In NYC agents look for headshots that make their clients stand out and get noticed by casting directors
  • Market: In general NYC & LA industry professionals looking at your headshots are used to different standards and styles of photograph
What is meant by a Neutral, Contrasting or Cohesive image style?2022-07-01T22:42:46+00:00

This refers to the relationship between what you are wearing and the background / set.

Neutral
Black, grey, biege, brown background with any outfit

neutral pinterest examples

Contrasting

Yellow Top with a Blue background
Red Top with a Green background

contrasting pinterest examples

Cohesive

Yellow Top with a Yellow background
Red Top with a Red background

cohesive pinterest examples

What is meant by an LA or West Coast Headshot?2022-07-01T22:40:27+00:00

LA Headshots

  • Tone: L.A. the land of natural light, headshots are going to be lit as such and have a warmer tone
  • Range: The L.A. market is much more specific, and agents and managers are constantly requesting that their clients get a variety of theatrical looks to satisfy their various casting breakdowns
  • Intention: LA where it visually personifies a role, to let casting and representation know how a given actor is most castable
  • Market: In general NYC & LA industry professionals looking at your headshots are used to different standards and styles of photograph
What is our editing process?2022-07-01T22:17:24+00:00

At the end of your session – all of your images are backed up to 3 locations (the good, the silly and the closed eyes)

We will:

  1. Cull your images
    • (cull means to remove)
    • Removing ‘bad’ images – closed eyes, blurry
    • Keeping – silly & fun ones – if that is what you want
  2. Crop your images
    • (crop means to remove unwanted areas from the image)
  3. Colour Grade all of the selects
    • (Grading means to improve the overall appearance of the image)
  4. Upload your images to a ‘proofing’ gallery
    • (Proofing is a process that allows you to select your favourite images for editing)
    • There are 3 types of proofing galleries, ALL galleries allow favourites to be selected and submitted
      1. Proof only – no download available
      2. Proof + Download – these images are for personal use only
      3. Download – you have purchased the full rights to all images

Once you send your favourite images back to us for editing, we will:

  1. Remove the crop & send the full resolution file to our retoucher
    • Removing the crop allows for different crops after retouching
  2. In-house quality control – send back if needed
    • Mistakes happen, and it’s usually something very minor like stray hairs that were missed
  3. Upload to our Sign-off system (called “Design Proofs”)
    • You will be sent the UNCROPPED version for sign off, I can reupload the cropped version if requested
    • Within this system, you can EITHER
      1. Sign-off on all images OR
      2. Request additional edits
    • If you request an edit we will repeat steps 1-3
  4. Once you have signed off, we will upload the full resolution JPG @ 5,120px, 300dpi, 100% quality to another ‘proofing’ download gallery on their own, often in various different crops
    • please ask if you’d like a different crop
    • please ask if you’d like a full-resolution TIFF
      • (only available for edited images and full gallery purchases)
Will you crop all of my images for me?2024-02-22T23:09:28+00:00

No, I’m unable to provide cropping for all images from a headshot photo session at no extra cost. Here’s why:

As a professional photographer, I’m committed to delivering high-quality images that capture your best moments. During a typical 30-minute mini session, I might take between 150 to 350 images. While this ensures a variety of shots to choose from, cropping each image individually requires significant additional time. To put it in perspective, even a quick crop of 10-30 seconds per image adds up to an extra 25 to 60 minutes of work.

In reality, most clients find that they prefer to use only about 20-30 of these images. This selection often comes down to avoiding duplicates, closed eyes, or expressions that aren’t quite perfect. Given these factors, it’s more efficient and economical to focus on the images you love the most.

Understanding that some images might need a bit of tweaking, I offer a cropping service at an affordable rate of $2 per image. This allows you to select the specific shots you want to be cropped without requiring a full edit. You might be surprised at how many images from the session you’ll find useful and want to keep!

This approach ensures that I can maintain the quality of my work and dedicate the right amount of attention to each image, while also providing a flexible and cost-effective option for you to customize your selection. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated, and I’m here to ensure you get the best results from your session!

 

All of that said, if you want up to 5 images cropped that do not need editing, I’ll very happily do those for you if you ask that the time you submit your edit selections because, I’ll be in your session exporting your images to send over to you and to send to my editor. If you ask at a latest date, I will have to charge you because, I’ll have to pull your session from my archive.

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