Chris Speers Photography

HEADSHOTS

Worth a second look

Contact

Chris Speers Photography

Phone: 403.613.6180

Making the appointment

When contacting Chris Speers Photography, an appointment will be promptly set up according to both client's and photographer's schedules. Weekends may also be arranged if necessary.

Once an appointment has been set and a few general questions addressed, we will discuss the details of the shoot, how you want to market yourself, as well as guidance for hair, makeup, and clothing. Being prepared makes the shoot go smoother. The entire session usually lasts 5-6 hours, including post-production.

The Shoot

Before we begin our photo session we take a few minutes to talk. We discuss what you want out of your photo session, maybe where you are in your career, etc... and more importantly to be comfortable and relax a bit. The studio is warm and comfortable, with music, a fridge, and coffee if you need.

If you want to appear fresh and energetic, go to bed early the night before.

The shoot will start in the studio and end with exterior shots using natural light. As we begin to work together I will snap a few shots casually and then show you the digital preview of what we are getting, then take in your feedback and make adjustments until we start getting shots that work. Shooting is generally a few hours with wardrobe, hair and lighting changes.

Editing is done in my office on a color corrected 24" monitor. The editing process can take as long as the shoot. Generally we will have 200+ frames to choose from and our goal is to narrow that down to 6 or 8 of the absolute best images ("keepers") from which your headshot will produced. All of the "keeper" images will be yours to use as you wish or for a specific audition i.e. a serious or menacing look for a specific roll you are auditioning for.

Make up

Make up is acceptable, if it is used only to accent features such as your eyes, you don't want to look made up for headshots. It is preferable that you come to your appointment with a freshly washed face and apply any make up and powder right before the shoot. A headshot is representing you as you really are, and will allow a casting director to better place you in a roll.

Wardrobe

Solid colors always work best. The clothing should be simple comfortable and never take away from you. Usually vibrant, middle tone true colors... 'real' colors work best for headshots. Dark colors and long sleeve work for dramatic headshots. Textures can work but no patterns. In other words, do not wear stripes or any other patterns. SOLIDS work the best. You do not want the Casting Director's eye to go to your clothing before, or instead of you. Remember clients are looking for an actor not a shirt.

If you are a character actor you should think of the type of character that you are looking to portray. Sinister characters should wear dark long sleeved shirts, leather jackets, dark suit with a dark shirt, etc... Casual characters wear middle tones. No costumes! The wardrobe should help the mood not create the character... you do that with your features & expression.

Note: If you are a blonde please make sure that your root area is done. If you come in with dark roots and want them lightened it is difficult and time consuming. Many photographers and retouch artists charge a fortune to lighten roots. It is almost impossible to lighten them and have it look realistically natural. You will have to take the photo as it is done.

Men - Shave right before appointment. Unless you want to go for a scruff look in which case you should bring your own razor and shaving cream to shave part of the way through the session. If you sport a beard you should come with it and be prepared to shave to show both looks. No ear rings for men unless it is for a character shot.

Women - Remove any unwanted facial hair from chin, eyebrows or upper lip that you do not want the camera to see. Earrings should be simple and small for women.

Pricing

Package 1:

Primary Headshot with photo retouch, headshot layout and 25 prints $350.00

Package 2:

Primary Headshot with photo retouch, headshot layout and 50 prints $375.00

Package 3:

Primary Headshot and alt. Headshot with photo retouch, headshot layout and 25 prints of each $450.00

Package 4:

Primary Headshot and alt. Headshot with photo retouch, headshot layout and 50 prints of each $500.00

Package 5: Need a quick Headshot for a specific roll

Retouch and Headshot layout of existing image on file, including 4 prints $50.00
Note: images taken by Chris Speers Photography only

Hair and makeup (optional) $ 75.00

I will provide you with:

printed contact sheet(s)

printed headshot layout from selected retouched image(s)

DVD with a high res "tiff" files suitable for printing, and a low res "jpg" files suitable for email and web applications.

Note: Image retouching is included in the fee, additional retouches and layout are $35.00 per image

Printing: Headshots are printed on very high quality Fuji paper at 8" x 10". I offer black & white or color prints either in a pearl or glossy finish. Delivery is usually 2-3 business days.

Payment: Cheque or cash only, I am not able to accept credit cards at this time

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