FAQ'S FOR ACTORS AND PERFORMERS

HEADSHOTS & PORTRAITS

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE STANDARD & DELUXE HEADSHOT PACKAGES?

Whichever package you choose, the shoot itself is exactly the same. No pressure—if you’re unsure, you can decide on the day.

Standard Package

You’ll get a private web gallery of everything we shot and uploaded within two working days. From there, you pick your favourite images for retouching. Once you send me your selections, I’ll work my magic, and you’ll receive your final high-res, retouched images within 14 working days.

Deluxe Package

This is for those who like a bit more hands-on curation, plus a full edit service (also a 10-working-day turnaround). This means I go through every shot, narrow them down to the best ones, and then create a shortlist and a final selection of my absolute favourites. Everything is then neatly organized into folders (edits, finals, shortlist, selects, and everything else) and uploaded to your private web gallery.

If you'd rather skip the edit service, you can still opt for the deluxe package—your gallery will go live the next working day, and you can choose all your fav images yourself.

Need more images?

If you start with the standard package and later realise you want more, no problem—you can add extra retouched images at £30 per image.

Are you in a rush?

I offer express turnaround for either retouching OR the initial deluxe edit (availability permitting) for £75. If you think you’ll need this, let me know when booking.

Still not sure? Just drop me a message—I’m happy to help!

WHAT IS THE STANDARD PLUS EDIT PACKAGE?

Think of this as the best of both worlds—it’s my Standard package with a sprinkle of Deluxe magic.

You get 4 retouched images in total, plus my full professional edit (normally included in the Deluxe package). This is perfect if you struggle to be objective when choosing your best shots—because, let’s face it, picking between 500+ photos can feel like choosing a favourite child.

Here’s how it works: I go through every image, narrow them down, and create a refined selection of the strongest shots. Before sending the final edit, I’ll fully retouch one of my top picks, so you have something to use immediately—plus, it gives you a reference for how the others will look. You’ll then select your remaining three images yourself, just like in the Standard package, but with my expert guidance.

Turnaround for the edit is 10 working days—then you’re all set!

Got questions? Let me know! 😊

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK?

I’m usually booked up around 3–6 weeks ahead, so if you’ve got a deadline looming, don’t leave it to the last minute! I take bookings up to three months in advance (but no further—my schedule’s unpredictable, and I haven’t quite mastered time travel).

Need a last-minute session? There’s a waiting list for cancellations, so drop me a message, and I’ll see if I can squeeze you in.

For pilot season – September is hands down the best time to book. The light is dreamy, the weather is still playing nice, and you won’t be battling against December’s miserable gloom.

For drama students – Plan ahead! Easter holidays are ideal because drama schools aren’t always keen on letting you sneak off for a headshot session. I don’t take student bookings after July 31st, as submission deadlines tend to be in August, and you’ll need to allow 14 working days for retouching. My availability vanishes quickly, so if term-time isn’t an option, I’d suggest getting in touch around mid-January to grab a slot over Easter or summer half-term.

Got questions? Need a time machine? Get in touch!

HOW I WORK

First things first—if you’re nervous about being in front of the camera, you’re in good company. Most of my clients have spent years perfecting the art of not being photographed. My job? To make the whole experience feel less like an ordeal and more like a surprisingly enjoyable session (yes, really).

I shoot primarily in my studio, using a mix of natural light, strobes, and continuous lighting—whatever makes you look your absolute best. If the weather’s playing nice, I love taking headshots outdoors because, well, natural light is nature’s own beauty filter.

There’s no stopwatch here. I take my time, getting to know you and figuring out the best way to capture you, not just a version of you that’s trying too hard to look “camera-ready.” We’ll chat, we’ll laugh, and there may even be coffee breaks. The goal? To create portraits that feel effortless, authentic, and—dare I say it—fun.

I typically shoot between 600-800 frames per session, and the best shots are almost always the ones where you’ve forgotten the camera’s even there. The moment before you compose yourself? That’s often the magic shot. I love images with a bit of energy, a touch of unpredictability, and just the right amount of attitude.

Got questions? Special requests? A personal vendetta against your left side? Drop me a line—I’m happy to help!

WHERE ARE YOU BASED AND DO YOU TRAVEL?

*I'm based in central Ipswich, but will travel most of the time - sometimes to London and further afield - I love to travel! I am available for international commissions.

*Mileage and expenses will added to travel costs.

HOW MUCH DOES ADDITIONAL RETOUCHING COST?

Need extra images retouched beyond what you've already ordered?

No problem! Please add additional retouching charge of £30 per image.

WHAT’S YOUR TURNAROUND TIME?

STANDARD Package – Your full gallery will be uploaded within one working day of the session (Monday–Friday).

DELUXE Package – The full gallery edit and my top 2 retouched images usually take 14 working days. If my queue is light, it may be faster; if I’m swamped (April–August is peak season), it might take a little longer. Prefer to skip the edit service and pick your own 6 images? No problem—your gallery will go live the next working day instead.

RETOUCHING TURNAROUND – Standard retouching takes 14 working days (Monday–Friday) from when you send me your final selections. I do travel for work, so if I have any upcoming away dates within three months of your session, I’ll let you know in advance. Also, if you take more than 6 weeks to choose your final images, newer bookings with urgent requests will take priority—so don’t wait too long!

I NEED THE FINAL IMAGES URGENTLY—CAN YOU DO EXPRESS TURNAROUND?

Yes! If you need your retouched images yesterday, I offer an express service:

£75 for 1 working day (Monday–Friday) turnaround of up to 6 retouched images (must be pre-arranged when booking & subject to availability).

For Deluxe Package clients – Your initial edit (including my top 2 retouched images) can be expedited for a pre-booked delivery date, so you have something ready to use immediately while you take your time choosing the rest.

⚠️ Important: The £75 fee applies to either up to 6 retouched images or my Deluxe edit service (which includes the 2 fast-tracked retouches). If you need both the full Deluxe edit and an express turnaround on your final selections, two express fees apply (£75 x 2).

HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I RECEIVE?

No matter which package you choose, you’ll get a full downloadable web gallery of everything we shoot—yes, all of it!

STANDARD – Includes 4 retouched images of your choice, supplied in high resolution.

DELUXE – Includes 6 retouched images in high resolution. Typically, I retouch 2 of my top picks straight away so you have something to use immediately, and you choose the remaining 4. Or, if you prefer, you can pick all 6 yourself.

Plenty to work with, and no tough choices left behind! 😊

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

Once you book, I’ll send over a handy info sheet with all the details on what to bring and how to prep. But here’s the gist:

Don’t be hungover. Seriously. I can work wonders with lighting, but I can’t Photoshop out regret.

Sleep well. If possible, start now. Like, a week ago.

• Hydrate. Your skin will thank you. So will your future headshots.
• Eat well & take vitamins. No crash diets—looking tired is not a good look.
• Exercise (optional but helpful). Yoga works wonders. So does a long bath the night before.
• Avoid sunburns & fake tan. Burnt or orange? Neither is a great look on camera.
• Hair should be clean & styled. No wild hair experiments on the day—if you’re getting it cut or colored, do it at least a week beforehand (so if it goes wrong, you have time to fix it!).

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

[TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED] I get it—auditions, life, and the occasional flu bug happen. But since I don’t take deposits and always have people on standby, I just ask for as much notice as possible.

Less than 48 hours' notice? £75 cancellation fee.

Less than 24 hours' notice? 50% of the shoot fee (£195).

If you feel even slightly unwell or think you might have a last-minute schedule clash, let me know ASAP. I’ll try to shuffle things around if I can. I don’t love charging cancellation fees, but I do need to keep things fair.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A GOOD HAIRDRESSER OR COLOURIST?

Yes! I have a list of professional MUAs and hairstylists that come highly recommended—just ask. DO YOU RECOMMEND A MAKEUP ARTIST?

Headshots should look like you. Not an AI-generated, overly-contoured version of you. So, unless you're a drag artist or need something highly stylized, professional makeup isn't necessary.

That said, you’re welcome to bring a makeup artist on the day—just let me know in advance and allow an extra hour for touch-ups.

DO YOU DO SPLIT OR SHARED SESSIONS?

For creative portfolio shoots, yes—because that’s a full-day booking.

For headshots, absolutely not. Each client gets my full attention, and I don’t split my focus.

DO YOU RETOUCH?

Yes—but tastefully.

Blemishes? Gone.

Under-eye shadows? Reduced (but not erased—you’re human!).

Exposure & tone? Tweaked to perfection.

What I won’t do: Make you look like a porcelain doll. Headshots should be realistic—casting directors want to see you, not an overly airbrushed version of you.

CAN WE TAKE FULL-BODY OR EDITORIAL-STYLE SHOTS?

If I shoot a little wider, that’s just me getting creative. But if you need full-body shots or editorial-style images, this needs to be requested at the time of booking. These fall under Creative Portfolio Shoots (which are full-day bookings). Get in touch for a quote!

WHAT MAKEUP DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR HEADSHOTS?

Think natural, fresh, and glowy—like a skincare ad.

Skin:

Cleanse, tone, moisturize. Hydrating is key!

Avoid heavy powder—it settles into pores and is a pain to retouch.

Base:

Light coverage: Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder

More coverage: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra

Primer: Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin (expensive but amazing)

Glow:

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter or Beauty Light Wand (for that dewy look).

Eyes:

Keep it soft and natural—think subtle golds or pinks.

Mascara? Yes, but only on top lashes.

Eyeliner? Keep it light—no heavy lower-lash lines.

💡 Pro tip: If makeup isn’t your thing, book a tutorial at a John Lewis beauty counter (Charlotte Tilbury is always a good bet). You can even book a makeup session the morning of the shoot—just tell them to keep it natural.

WILL I GET TO SEE IMAGES DURING THE SHOOT?

Absolutely! We’ll take breaks to review images and tweak things as needed. I don’t stop shooting until we’ve nailed it.

WHAT IF MY AGENT DOESN’T LIKE THE IMAGES?

Very rare, but if it happens—don’t panic. If your agent isn’t happy, I offer a complimentary reshoot (as long as I haven’t started retouching yet).

Heads up: Session fees are non-refundable, unless we reschedule due to bad weather.

WHAT ARE THE IMAGE LICENSE TERMS?

Your headshots are licensed for standard personal & industry use, meaning:

✔ Spotlight, IMDb, Agent websites, Social media, Theatre programmes, Personal websites.

✔ Trade publications like Deadline, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Backstage, Screen Daily, and The Stage—as long as I’m credited.

For anything beyond standard headshot use (press, editorials, merchandise, advertising, billboards, etc.), additional licensing applies.

💡 If you have a publicist running a campaign with your images, please ensure they check the copyright terms first.