Headshots are typically more of a representational image of a person, intended to convey their look, personality and character. A headshot would normally be a head and shoulders composition with the focus on the eyes and the subject looking directly into the lens. Backgrounds and lighting are kept reasonably clean and simple so as not to distract from the subject.

Portraits can be less formal and more personal, and perhaps more artistic and expressive. They can be used to tell a story about the subject, and can include a variety of poses and settings. Portraits can be head and shoulders, full body, or anywhere in between. The subject can be showing any kind of emotion, and they may not even be looking at the camera. Portraits can use dramatic lighting and props to create a mood or tell a story. 

However, whilst the technical parameters of a headshot maybe more prescriptive, it is important to understand that creativity, range and expression are what set a great headshot apart from mere ordinary ones. For actors and models, headshots are the foundation of their portfolio. Headshots that convey your range and character will maximise your potential to casting directors. It is important to regularly update your headshots to ensure that they accurately represent the current “you”.

I’m based at Penda Studios in South East London. Conveniently located just a 2 minute walk from Queens Road Peckham Station (so close, in fact, that the studio is an arch directly below the station platform!). We have parking for 2 cars outside the studio, also free parking on nearby streets. Please go to the Contact page for full address, directions and details.

Plan ahead, lay out some looks, seek advise if your unsure. Bring a wide range of options and more items than you would expect to wear.

Be comfortable in what you wear and bring along some of your favourites, as those items of clothing will instantly create your look and tell us more about your personal story.

Think about layering options too. Items such as jackets, jumpers, scarves, wraps and cardigans can be used to build up the styling or add some texture.

You can play it safe with black, neutral or pastel tones. Deep, rich colours are a good choice and may suggest qualities such as strength, reliability or maturity. Be careful with bold colours that can be distracting, however they can also lift a shot and make a strong statement in the right context. You will almost certainly know which colours you favour and work best with your eye/skin/hair type. However, try to avoid just one colour for everything, a little variety will certainly help to differentiate your looks.

As a guide it’s best to avoid busy patterns, logos and picture motifs as they can be distracting. That being said, if you have a favourite something that is out of the ordinary, bring it along as it could just be your wild card pick!

Necklines are often overlooked but they can make all the difference in headshots where the composition is often isolated to the head and shoulders. Roll, turtle, crew, round, V neck, buttoned up or maybe plunging. Again, have a think about what works for you and bring a few options.

Please iron and carefully fold your clothing so as to prevent creasing. We have a steamer at the studio for smoothing out small wrinkles and fold marks but it all takes up valuable headshot time.

A good headshot is about authenticity and character. As such, we want to see the best version of who you are. My advise is to keep makeup subtle and natural, with your hair tidy but representative of how you may wear it for castings. We can shoot a variety of looks through your session, starting simple and progressing the makeup if desirable, also styling the hair as we go. It is important for you to try out different looks ahead of your session so that you come prepared, knowing what works for you, therefore allowing more time in front of the camera and less time in front of the mirror.

Photoshop will take care of your blemishes so no need for you to cake on the heavy concealer. Also, no fake tan, oily bases or moisturisers.

Gentlemen, you are welcome to shave during the session if you wish to achieve a wider range of looks. An electric razor would be best, to avoid the chance of cuts, nicks or rashes.

If booking a longer session for portfolio work you may wish to consider booking a makeup artist for your shoot. I would be happy to discuss your needs and make recommendations.

Rest, nutrition and hydration. The basics of life also apply to achieving a great headshot. Try to get a few good nights sleep, keep sipping the water and avoid oily or greasy food in he run up to your session. All of this will to give your skin the best chance to look fabulous.

All of your final selected images are edited for colour and contrast balancing.

In addition, stray hairs, temporary skin blemishes such as spots and pimples, cuts, dry skin, redness or blotchy skin will be retouched. I may reduce wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes, much as a makeup artist would.

Generally, permanent facial features won’t be retouched unless I’m specifically instructed to do so. Be aware that casting directors expect to see the best representation of you, not a deep fake version of Brad, Denzel or Scarlett.

Editing and retouching are subjective, creative decisions taken by a photographer. I’m always happy to discuss these details with you and listen to any requests you may have.

Your headshot session will include a number of fully edited images, depending on the package you have booked. Additonal edited images are availble at £30 per image. To maintain quality, I do not release unedited images.

It’s really not unusual to feel a little apprehensive about the the idea of getting your new headshot taken. As a photographer I’m all too familiar with the phrase “I hate having my picture taken” (I’m convinced that the memories of our school portrait sessions are to blame for this. I promise that our time together won’t be like that!).

Try to embrace the project and prepare yourself in advance. Planning your looks and styling in the comfort of your own home and in front of the mirror can add to your confidence on the day.

I approach a headshot session as a chance for a chat and for us to get to know each other, punctuated by a few clicks of the camera shutter every now and then. It’s a collaboration between us with the shared goal of creating a unique set of images that we can both be proud of.

We won’t be in a rush. We will have time to review your images as we go, giving you the chance to see what’s working, as well as to make any changes in styling or direction. Progressing through the session like this will help you trust in the process and push on with more confidence.

We will edit the images down to only the best ones that really work for you. Knowing this can help you step out of your comfort zone, relax into the experience and open up to your audience.

At the time of booking you will be asked for a £50 non refundable deposit to secure your session. An invoice will be issued for the full amount due, detailing both the deposit and balancing payment.

Full payment of the remaining balance is to be made at least 2 working days before your session.

Payment can be made by BACS transfer or credit card. Bank account details for payment will be included on your invoice.

Please give at least 48 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your session so that you don’t lose your deposit. I will always try to accommodate your request to reschedule a session within a reasonable time when necessary.

Yes, I ‘m happy to offer a special student rate for anyone studying drama, music or dance on a full time degree or equivalent. Please see the Prices page for more details.

Proof images will be uploaded to a secure online gallery , usually within 2 working days from your session. You will then be sent login details for you to view the proofs.

Once you notify me of your selected images they will be edited and retouched then sent to you via WeTransfer , usually within 14 days.

You are welcome to bring along a friend or family member if you feel that they will be supportive. We have a comfortable lounge area where they can wait during the headshot session session itself.

Although I love kids and dogs, they can be distracting during a shoot and I would prefer that our attention is on the photography, not what Junior or Fido are getting up to. Please consider this before booking.

T&Cs HERE