Your Welcome Pack

Headshots

Thank you for booking a headshot session with Film Free Photography. This page gives you exclusive access to information that will help you prepare for your session and, hopefully, answer any questions you may still have.

Pre-Session Consultation

If we haven't done so already, before you arrive for your session we will have a short chat so that we can discuss the details. This can be done as a face-to-face chat, phone conversation or over texts/emails if that is easier. We will cover the sort of looks you want captured, decide what backdrops you would like and outline whether you need just headshots or some full-length poses as well.

Before Your Session

Everyone wants to look their best in photos but don’t leave your preparations to the last minute.

If you are planning on having a hair cut/colour, do it a week or so before your session. Allow time for new cut to be lived with for a few days and a new colour to be washed a couple of times.

The same goes for skin, a few extra moisturiser or lip balm applications may be a good idea in the days before your session.

Finally, make sure everything you bring is clean and ironed.

What To Wear (Performers)

Above anything else, it is important that you wear something comfortable, something that you like and feel confident wearing. The aim of your headshots is to make an instant connection with an agent and casting director.

Casting agent guidelines suggest plain, dark dull coloured tops. Avoid busy patterns, fussy necklines and don't wear anything that shows too much flesh (bare shoulders or arms will draw attention away from the face) and, unless you are a dancer, avoid crop tops. Finally, no prominent logos or branding.

This said it is also important that your personality is allowed to shine through. If you have a more alternative style then hint at it in your choice of outfit. Whatever you choose it is YOU that the agent will be looking at so don’t let your clothes draw attention away from you.

During the session we will aim to take a range of shots; some plain shots and some targeted to particular roles. Ones that will get you an audition and the ones that will appear in the programme.

Before your session think about the types of roles you are hoping to get, or are most likely to be cast in, and plan your outfits accordingly. Make sure your choices are age appropriate and align with your brand.

Finally, remember that this is a headshot not a fashion shoot. The purpose is to get you the job.

What To Wear (Business)

If you usually wear a uniform, and this is what you want to wear in the photos, then it’s easy. Just make sure that the clothes are clean and ironed.

No uniform, then it is important that you wear something that you like and feel confident wearing. The aim of the headshots is to present you as a professional. Think classic business outfits. Plain, dull coloured tops make everyone look their best in photographs. Avoid fussy necklines and anything too revealing and restrict the bright colours and busy patterns to the accessories.

Business headshots are shot against a plain white backdrop. Bear this in mind when planning your outfit. A white shirt against a white backdrop will cause you to disappear, but a jacket over the top is fine.

What To Bring

A one hour session will allow time for 3 - 4 wardrobe changes. Bring a selection of clothes you can layer and it's always better to have too many choices than not enough. If you are just having headshots then these only need to be a variety of tops however if you are having some full-length shots as well, then you will need to consider your lower half as well as shoes. If you are unsure what would work best you can always discuss it with us beforehand or bring a wider selection of options on the day.

If you are booked in for a top-up there will only be time for 1 outfit, 2 if you want to do with and without jacket or similar.

Male or female it is a good idea to bring a few grooming items with you; a brush or comb, face powder and a lip salve. If you plan to make minor changes your hair, make up or facial hair during the session then you will need to bring the relevant items for that as well.

Keeping Your Agent Happy

If you are looking to find an acting/modelling agent or you have just signed with a new one; they will require a set of polaroids for your portfolio. Polariods are a set of no nonsense images:

A clear straight-on headshot with a neutral expression
A clear straight-on headshot with a natural smile, teeth showing.
A head and shoulders profile shot.
A full-length shot that shows off your shape.

For these shots the agent will be looking for form-fitting clothes in plain, dark colours (a plain t-shirt or vest top with leggings, shorts or slim fit jeans, with simple shoes or bare feet work best), hair styled away from your face and minimal make-up. These shots are usually taken against a solid white or grey backdrop to create a simple and clean silhouette. We can discuss what you intend to wear before your session so we can prepare an appropriate backdrop.

Studio Location

Our welcoming and friendly studio is located at 167 Hildaville Drive, Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

What 3 Words - venues.finishing.across

Car - the studio is easily accessed from the A13 and A127 and there is ample, free parking in the street.

Train - the studio is a 15 - 30 minute walk from Chalkwell (C2C) and Prittlewell (Greater Anglia) main line train stations. Both have taxi ranks if you'd rather catch a ride.

Bus - there are regular bus services that run along both the London Road (A13) and Fairfax Drive, just a couple of minutes walk from the studio. Check local services for times.

Your Session Time

Arrive at the arranged time, there is no need to arrive any earlier than planned. If you are coming to our studio, we won’t go straight into the photography. You will have time to relax and get ready before stepping in front of the camera.

Unless the client is a minor we wouldn't recommend bringing anyone else with you. Other people in the studio can be distracting and make you feel self-conscious. We particularly discourage bringing children with you to your session; the studio space is quite small and contains a lot of potentially dangerous equipment. If you want to bring someone with you please discuss it with me beforehand.

For each outfit you choose, we will create a backdrop and lighting combination that works best. The aim from each set-up is to create a unique look.

Payment

A 50% deposit will have been taken at the time of booking, if you have not paid this yet please do it asap as no booking is 100% confirmed until the deposit has been received.

On the day, if you have an outstanding balance to pay this needs to be done before you leave the studio. We accept contactless payments via card or mobile phone, bank transfers as well as cash (although we do not keep any cash on the premises for change so it needs to exact amount only).

Any images, not included in your package, cost £15 each. This money needs to be paid before the images are handed over.

What Happens Next

Within 3 Days Of Your Session

All the proofs from the shoot will be uploaded to a private online gallery. The link and password will be emailed to you along with instructions on how to select your favourites. These proofs will be unedited, straight out of the camera. Any cropping, retouching and general tidying up will only be done on the images you choose.

Time To Choose

Take as long as you need. If you are an actor it is advisable to get your agent to help you choose your images, you can even share the link if you prefer.

Editing & Delivery

Once you have favourited your selections you will need to let me know so I can start the editing process. Your package will include a set number of digital images (depending on the package) but you are welcome to choose as many as you want. Any extras will be charged individually. As soon as the images are finished, and any outstanding balance has been paid, they will be made available to download from the online gallery.

If you require your images to be changed to a specific size, for an agency application or uploading to a website, let me know as soon as possible so these can be included in your downloads.

6 Weeks From Your Session

Galleries remain online for 6 weeks from the date of the session. Please make sure that you have selected all the photos you want, and you’ve downloaded all your purchased images, before the gallery expires.

Extra FAQs

Can I get my photos printed?

Your private online gallery will give you the option to purchase 8 x 10" prints from my printing partner, Loxley Colour, they are professional, competitively priced and deliver orders quickly. If you would prefer you can simply download the images and arrange for your own printing. All digital downloads will be in colour unless specifically requested.

Can I have the unedited RAW photos?

Unfortunately not. The quality of the photographs I deliver to my clients is extremely important to me; they represent my brand as much as they represent you. With this in mind I can not allow images into the public domain which I have not approved.

Can I share my images on my social media?

You are welcome to publish the retouched, purchased images but you are not permitted to share any proof or unpurchased images online. It is not necessary but please consider tagging me in your posts:

FB @filmfreephotography

IG @filmfreephotography_uk