Question 1

Where are headshot sessions held?

Accepted Answer

There are really three answers to this:

1 - For Trent, part of the fun and artistry of a headshot session is finding great light, so he usually shoots headshot sessions outdoors.  He works hard to find locations that provide enough versatility to get fantastic images while also meeting your needs.

2 - Studio sessions are also available.  Trent has a small home studio in the Arcadia neighborhood of Baltimore, MD, so most individual headshot sessions can happen there.  He can also arrange for studio space in other cities on an as-needed basis.  Studio rental fees may apply when space is rented.

3 - Your office or other location is also a possibility, especially if you have a group of people who need headshots.  If that's the case, let's talk and figure out the best option for you.  Equipment fees may apply.

Question 2

May I bring someone with me to the shoot?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, yes.  I actually require chaperones for children under the age of 18, and I'm open to you bringing someone with you to the shoot if you're over the age of 18.  The main thing is that your chaperone must not interfere with the shoot.

Friends and chaperones who come to the shoot should be prepared to either hang out off to the side, or should be engaged in the session. It can be fun to have a second eye to look out for wardrobe malfunctions, fly-away hairs, and things like that. Some people also find it helpful to have a trusted friend with them to give helpful feedback throughout the shoot.

Please let us know if you plan to bring someone with you, and limit them to one friend or up to two parents.

Question 3

Who will be at my session?

Accepted Answer

Trent will definitely be there to take the photos.  In some cases, our photo assistant, Tobi, will also be there to help out.

If you're shooting at the home studio, you may also have the opportunity to meet Troy, our co-owner, and our greeter, Otis.

Question 4

What should I wear for my headshot session?

Accepted Answer

In general, we recommend solid tops that complement your skin tone, eyes, and hair.  But we'll give you a whole preparation guide once you schedule your headshot session.  It will contain a lot more tips and tricks.

Question 5

Should I wear makeup for the headshot session?

Accepted Answer

It depends.  If you do wear makeup, Trent recommends very minimal makeup that evens out your skin tone.  A natural lip is also fine.  Please avoid eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, unnatural lip colors, and other beauty makeup.

Actors, please don't try to cover things you see as flaws, such as scars, freckles, or things like that.  You never know what a casting director is looking for, so that "flaw" may actually be the thing that gets you an audition.

We'll cover makeup in a lot more detail in the preparation guide you'll receive after you book your session.

Question 6

What should I do with my hair?

Accepted Answer

In general, your hair should look like it normally does on a typical day. Basically, how it might look when you go to an audition or a meeting.

If you are lucky enough to have hair that is versatile, you may want to think about wearing it in different ways when you change looks during a Pro Session or a Portfolio Builder.  If so, we'll game plan the hair changes before we start shooting to make things efficient.

If you plan to get a haircut, please get it at least 4-5 days before your shoot.  Never get one the day of the shoot or the day before.  Don't tempt fate.

Question 7

How and when do I get the actual images?

Accepted Answer

After your session ends, you can expect to receive your proofs within one week.  We then ask that you make your selection(s) for retouching within one week.

After you make your selections, please allow up to three weeks for your images to be delivered.  We strive to retouch them much more quickly, but some weeks are busier than others.

All images are delivered electronically.  If you are interested, we can have the images printed for you for an additional fee.

You may use the proofs and the retouched images for your personal professional purposes.

Question 8

What does it mean to retouch an image?

Accepted Answer

We usually do a few things when retouching an image.  First, we make sure the overall image looks good in terms of exposure, white balance, and so on.  Then we go in and really take a look at you and your features.  We'll remove temporary blemishes such as pimples, cuts, scrapes, and other things like that.  Stray hairs will be removed, as will other distracting bits in the image.  Depending on other factors, we may whiten your teeth, highlight your eyes, and a few other things.  Basically, retouching is done to make you look your best while being true to how you look in real life.

We don't remove permanent features, no matter how much you dislike them.  It may be possible to minimize them, but it would be dishonest to remove them altogether.  Remember, you should look like yourself in your headshot.

Question 9

When do I pay for my session?

Accepted Answer

We require a $200 deposit before you may book your session. The remainder of your session fee is due the day of your shoot.  Your images will be delivered only after full payment is received.

Question 10

When do you shoot headshots and have consultations?

Accepted Answer

Trent tends to shoots headshots on Thursday evening, Friday afternoon and evening, and all day on Saturday.  Other times are available as his schedule allows.

Consultations are usually held on Monday and Tuesday evenings, but other times are available as our schedule allows.

FAQ