PROCESS & PRICING
BEFORE THE SHOOT:
Think about your market and know your type. Have a clear idea of what you want from your photoshoot. Headshots usually fall into two categories: “Commercial” and “Theatrical”. I recommend you have both types of acting headshots available. Talk to your agent, manager or acting coach for specific ideas. If not, I know what to do to make sure you get the best headshots. I have clearly laid out the process to make preparing for the photoshoot as easy as possible and to let you know what to expect. Once you schedule a shoot, I offer a free wardrobe phone consultation to discuss in great detail your specific photo needs: your type, age range, wardrobe/colors, makeup/hair etc. I also included a clothing selection page to help you with wardrobe choices. I’ll guide you through every step and answer any questions. I have also included some beauty tips to consider for your shoot and for the future. FAVOR!
ABOUT THE SHOOT:
I shoot indoors at my home studio in Beverly Hills, CA in soft, diffused, natural light designed to make you stand out and your eyes pop.
ACTORS: Before the shoot begins, we spend time defining your “commercial” and “theatrical” shots; choosing the looks that represent you and the roles you are likely to get. Whether you are an aspiring actor or a working actor, you need: A commercial shot, (for television commercials, sitcoms) usually with a smile or friendly expression, with warmth, energy, and personality – And a theatrical shot, usually dramatic, a bit sexy, confident and captivating (for film, television, theatre). I do the makeup and hair, which takes about 1/2 hour for women and a few minutes for men. Make-up and hair are including in your session. You have the advantage of my years of experience as a professional make-up artist without having to pay extra for it.
BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL: Whether for casual business or corporate – for your business cards, Linkedin, website, etc, you want to choose the appropriate clothing that reflects the true essence of your personality and matches your branding/marketing needs.
MY APPROACH FOR THE BEST HEADSHOTS:
It involves capturing your most relaxed and open moment in every shot. Catching the sparkle in your eyes, your personality, confidence, getting good body language, and a great wardrobe. Your session is never rushed; I do not rapidly fire off. We shoot until we get the shot. I take a wide variety of expressions and angles to bring out the range of your personality. Combined with a little direction, I talk you through the entire process. As we go along, we review your shots on the camera LCD screen and on the computer monitor. We can make adjustments on the spot. You are able to relax, knowing we are getting the shots you want. Your photos should look like you while maintaining a professional standard. I aim to give you headshots that are an honest representation of you (at your best, of course), your personality, your age range and your type!
MAKEUP: PLEASE NOTE: Ever since Covid – FOR YOUR PROTECTION – BRING YOUR BASIC MAKEUP! Brushes, Mascara, Eyeliner, Lip color, etc. I will take it from there.
Optional: Feel free to come with makeup on – if you feel comfortable doing your own makeup. I will make sure your makeup is camera-ready. If not, no worries, I got you!
HAIR: Come with your hair styled as if you are going to work or to an audition and I will make it camera-ready.
AFTER THE SHOOT:
We go through your photos together on my computer, edit them down. You get the entire photoshoot with all the high-res (300dpi) jpeg images (minus the ones with your eyes closed, etc). You can view them on your computer. You can get free online proofs to share with your agents and friends to get their input. You can print headshots printed directly from the digital files. Once you make your final choices, you can get them retouched. My objective is to give you images that you can use directly from the photoshoot without the need for Photoshop, but there are many cases where you may need to touch up a little to give the photo an extra “POP”. I refer you to a very skilled retoucher who I highly recommend. I am happy to help you select the appropriate shots and walk you through the entire process. PLEASE BRING A FLASH DRIVE FOR YOUR PHOTOS – 2GB MINIMUM. If you don’t have a flash drive, I can send your photos to you via WeTransfer.
COST OF SHOOT:
$300.00 $350.00 (2 looks)
This package covers commercial and/or theatrical shots.
$350.00 $400.00 (3 looks)
This package covers commercial and/or theatrical shots.
$400.00 $450.00 (4 looks)
This package covers commercial and/or theatrical shots and/or going from straight to curly.
$450.00 $500.00 (5 looks)
This package covers commercial and/or theatrical shots and/or going from straight to curly
$500.00 $550.00 (6 looks)
This package covers a wide variety of commercials and/ or theatrical shots and/or going from straight to curly. (If needed – straight to curly or vice versa may require two shoots – See “Split Session”.
$600.00 $650.00 (7 looks)
This package covers a wide variety of commercials and/or theatrical shots and/or going from straight to curly. (If needed – straight to curly or vice versa may require two shoots – See “Split Session”.
$50.00 for each additional look.
STRAIGHT TO CURLY: You have up to 20 minutes to transition from curly to straight or vice versa. If your hair takes longer, a separate shoot will be recommended. Another session fee will be required – at a discounted price of 25%. The session must be booked and shot within two weeks to get that discount.
SPLIT SESSION: When is a ‘split session’ essentially (two photo shoots). If you need a couple of looks in one hairstyle and a couple of looks in a totally different hairstyle that requires a separate day to achieve it, you will need to book two photo shoots. If you are shooting more than 5 looks and you have to go from straight to curly or vice versa (wigs and extensions do not apply).
A 25% discount will be applied for the second shoot if you book within two weeks and 15% discount within a month of the original photo shoot.
*QUICKIE SPECIAL:
$250.00 (1 look)
This package covers a basic commercial, theatrical, or business shot.
*TWOSOME SPECIAL:
$25 off each session when you book with a friend.
This package covers two full sessions – (2-3 looks only)
Does not include specials or kid’s rate.
KIDS:
15 years old and younger!
$250.00 (2 looks)
$300.00 (3 looks)
$350.00 (4 looks)
This package covers commercial and/or theatrical shots.
GROUP SHOT:
Two – Four people maximum in a shot for business or personal.
$350.00 (1 look)
$400.00 ( 2 looks)
A “LOOK” is an outfit change. I shoot 75-200 shots per look.
THE SHOOT INCLUDES:
- Entire photoshoot with hi-res JPEG images
- MAKE-UP AND HAIR/TOUCH-UPS
- Extensive wardrobe phone consultation
- On-line proofs (upon request)
- Post photo session assistance (upon request)
BOOKING A SHOOT:
EMAIL ME A FEW DATES THAT YOU CAN SHOOT AND I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHAT’S AVAILABLE. Include how many looks you would like. Email:Robin@RobinEmtage.com
PAYMENT POLICY:
$50.00 deposit is required upon booking. (A deposit is required for each person in a Twosome Special). The deposit is deducted from the total amount.
The balance is due the day of the shoot. Cash, check, Zelle, Venmo only. NO CREDIT CARD or PAYPAL.
A 48-hour notice is required for cancellation/rescheduling the session without forfeiting the deposit. A maximum of 2 reschedules without losing the deposit.
*Cash, Venmo and Zelle payment are required for you to leave the shoot with your headshots.
*Check – Your photos will be available to send via WeTransfer in two business days.
No refunds. We do it right the first time. But if a technical problem were to affect the shoot, I will re-shoot, at no charge. For any other reason, I charge a fee.
MAKE-UP/ HAIR:
WOMEN – Make-up & hair included: Come to the shoot with your hair styled as if you’re going to work or to an audition. I will make your hair camera-ready with touch-ups throughout the shoot. Come with a clean face. Your make-up will be done according to your specific needs with touch-ups and changes throughout the session. Feel free to bring your favorite make-up or hair product to the session. Wax or tweeze your eyebrows and facial hair, if needed.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are comfortable doing your makeup, arrive wearing makeup as if you are going to work or an audition. I will take it from there and make sure you are camera-ready! If you are not comfortable doing your own makeup, no problem I will take care of your makeup as usual.
Since Covid, I am recommending clients BRING THEIR OWN BASIC MAKEUP!
MEN – Make-up/grooming included: Shave the morning of the photoshoot unless you plan to shoot with facial hair and then shave for a different look. If you use products in your hair, feel free to bring them along.
HELPFUL TIPS:
Get a good night’s sleep.
Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, and salty foods the night before your shoot.
Have breakfast or something to eat so you’ll have energy throughout the shoot.
Avoid stressful things like running late and worrying about the shoot.
Feel free to bring your favorite music.
Practicing your expressions in front of a mirror can be helpful.
If you prefer a certain angle of your face or something you don’t like, let me know.
Don’t wear contact lenses if your eyes get red or irritated wearing them.
If something is bothering you that can affect your expression, tell me about it.
You want to put your best face forward so it’s important to relax and have fun!
See Beauty Tips below
RETOUCHING:
I do not provide retouching: I refer you to a very skilled retoucher that I have worked with for over 10 years. He charges $20 per image for basic retouching. Color digital images look their best with a little retouching and color tweaking. Retouching is done just enough to make you “pop”: brighten the eyes, remove blemishes, stray hairs etc.
REPRODUCTIONS:
Send your retouched images to a printing house. If you chose not to get your images retouched, your headshot copies are made directly from the images. You are also able to upload your JPEG images directly onto your LA Casting account or send them to your agents or manager for review.
BEAUTY 101 – Tips to enhance your glow before a photo shoot:
Here are some tips to consider if you don’t already have a beauty regimen. The following suggestions will help you for this shoot and in the future.
CLEANSE: Cleanser removes dirt and should be used to remove makeup at night. Going to bed with makeup, clogs the pores and promote dull looking skin. A gel cleanser or facial soap for oily skin and a creamy cleanser for dry skin. Use twice daily, morning and night.
EXFOLIATE: Exfoliation is a process of removing dry, dead skin from the face, allowing the moisturizer to penetrate to its full extent. This gives the skin a glow and helps the makeup go on smoother. For dry skin or sensitive skin, choose a gentle exfoliate for your skin type. Use 2-4 times before the shoot. An exfoliate can either be a facial scrub, a facial mask or microdermabrasion. A home-made exfoliator can be made by mixing a little baking soda with your cleanser. Make a paste and gently rub on your face and rinse.
MOISTURIZE: Use a hydrating moisturizer with sunscreen during the day and (dry skin type) a moisturizer without sunscreen at night. Even if you have oily skin, you still need to use a moisturizer with sunscreen. Choose one for your skin type. Use lip balm for dry lips every day before your shoot if you have chronic dry lips.
Beauty products can be found at any health food stores, beauty supply store, drug store or department store. I am partial to skin care containing Antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Pycnogenol and Green Tea. Products typically found at Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppe or Keihls. For breakout skin use products with Tea Tree Oil. It is a natural antiseptic, natural antibacterial for the skin.
Pay extra attention to your skin a week prior to the photo shoot.
Avoid getting sunburn or too tan prior to the shoot.
Drink lots of water, carry it with you everywhere you go.
Drink Green Tea. It’s great for the skin. Drink it instead of coffee before the shoot.
Avoid greasy, junk food, they can cause skin breakouts.
Eat Flax Seed, Salmon, dark green leafy veggies.
Take a good multivitamin with antioxidants and Omega 3 oil/Fish Oil Supplement.
Do not make any drastic changes to your hair prior to the shoot.
It’s okay to get a trim or refresh the color prior to the shoot.
If your hair looks better when it’s slightly dirty, don’t wash it the morning of the shoot.
Get rid of facial hair and wax or tweeze eyebrows.
If you wake up with puffiness under the eyes, place ice, frozen food, cold soda cans over them for 10-15 minutes.
Green Tea bags help with puffiness and dark circles. Place used Green Tea bags in the refrigerator until cold.
Sliced cucumber placed over the eyes works as well.
Put your moisturizer in the refrigerator, as the coldness will also help reduce puffiness.
Bring your own mascara, favorite lipstick or gloss, your regular styling products to the session if you have them.
Do your best with your skin and leave the rest to me and the retoucher. It’s amazing what can be done with a little make-up, proper lighting, and a little retouching afterward. What’s most important is that you approach your session with confidence in yourself, and in me, your photographer. A positive attitude will work wonders in achieving the desired results. I’ll help you to be comfortable in front of the camera, relaxed and enjoy the moment. Your inner being and personality are sure to shine through! Your session should be painless, relaxed and most of all fun. My goal is always to give you my best!
Feel free to call or email me with any questions. I look forward to working with you!
Thanks!
Robin Emtage Bunch