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What actually happens during an actor headshot session, step by step

Not knowing what to expect is the biggest source of nerves before an actor headshot session. In practice it runs in a fixed order, start to finish.

The session starts with a few minutes to settle in and talk through what you’re hoping to get, even if that’s already been discussed beforehand, and from there direction stays constant throughout so there’s no standing around wondering what to do next. Once the shoot wraps, a proofing gallery follows within a couple of days. A first look, before anything is retouched.

Final delivery follows once retouching is complete, with the timeline agreed clearly at the point of booking rather than left open-ended.

See also: Why a cheap actor headshot session often costs more in the end.

For everything this post didn’t cover, including current pricing, the Actor Headshots page has the full picture, or reach out directly and ask.

FAQs

Straight answers below.

How fast can I get images before a deadline?
Rush turnaround is available for an audition or application deadline. Flag it at booking and it gets prioritised.

How many looks can we get in one session?
Most actor sessions cover three to four distinct looks: a clean commercial look, something more characterful, and anything specific an agent has asked for.

Further reading

A few more posts worth reading.

The steps

Broken into steps below.

  1. Settle in and talk through the brief. The first few minutes, even if it's already been discussed beforehand.
  2. Be directed throughout the shoot. Constant, gentle direction means there's no standing around wondering what to do.
  3. Review the proofing gallery. A first look within a couple of days, before anything is retouched.
  4. Receive final delivery. On the timeline agreed at booking, not left open-ended.

Like the way this looks?

The photographs read even better in person. Book a shoot in London.

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