The Headshot Process
How Does a Headshot Session With Martin Bentsen Work?
I like to make sure your session is as simple and fun as possible for you. Basically, you come in, we shoot, and you leave with the full resolution images on a disk. But this short little article should help to explain the details of the session more fully so you know exactly how it is all going to work out.
To start out, I usually recommend you read my article on "What to Wear - Actors" (or "What to Wear - Business Professionals") so you know what kind of looks and clothing to bring in.
Second, in regards to makeup, it's really up to you. Makeup can really make a headshot stand out, but if it's not in your budget, you always have the option of photoshopping later on. A makeup artist can sometimes do things that photoshop cannot, such as sculpting the face for the best angles, while photoshop can remove blemishes that makeup just can't fix. If it is in your budget, I definitely recommend it, as it is an investment in your long-term marketing tool. You should always look your best in your headshots.
The process of the actual shoot is something like this:
I hope to work with you!
Martin Bentsen
To start out, I usually recommend you read my article on "What to Wear - Actors" (or "What to Wear - Business Professionals") so you know what kind of looks and clothing to bring in.
Second, in regards to makeup, it's really up to you. Makeup can really make a headshot stand out, but if it's not in your budget, you always have the option of photoshopping later on. A makeup artist can sometimes do things that photoshop cannot, such as sculpting the face for the best angles, while photoshop can remove blemishes that makeup just can't fix. If it is in your budget, I definitely recommend it, as it is an investment in your long-term marketing tool. You should always look your best in your headshots.
The process of the actual shoot is something like this:
- You come in, we introduce ourselves and we talk a little about what looks you are planning to get, and what you plan to use the headshots for (for instance, are you an actor, a business professional, an author, or posting your image on a dating website, etc.). While we talk, the makeup artist will be getting you ready.
- Shortly after, we begin shooting, making sure you're you in the best poses and have the best expressions possible. For actors, you need a range of looks, so we try to vary it up a bit more. For business professionals, the session goes by much quicker because there aren't too many different options. The key is to get you to look natural and confident in your shot, so your headshot looks the best it can.
- You change up your looks throughout the shoot so that we have some time with each one and we are able to capture the best expressions with each outfit. Remember: towards the beginning of the session you usually need to get loosened up, so we typically stay on the first outfit a bit longer than the rest.
- At the end of the shoot, we go through the images and delete the unusable ones, and then, after your approval, I burn you a CD with all the full quality images so you can go home and select the ones you'd like for retouching. Each session I offer has a certain number of retouched photos included, and if you want more, there is a small additional charge. You can find those rates on the retouches page.
- When you have selected the images you want retouched, you will email me the exact numbers, such as DSC_6649. Then I can match those numbers to the shots on my computer, and I will do the photoshopping. I will email you back the touched up images in proofing quality within two-three business days, and you will have final approval.
- If you need anything changed, you can let me know and I'll fix it. Once everything looks good, I will send you the full-quality touched-up JPEG image files via email so you don't have to come all the way back to my studio again. If you do actually need me to burn them onto a CD, I can do that instead. Sometimes people need their image photoashopped right away. If this is you, just ask. It's usually no problem unless I'm in a rush to go somewhere or I have another session right after.
- You can burn those files to a disk or put them onto a USB thumb drive and take them to Reproductions NYC to get them printed professionally in 8x10 format, and you will print out your resume, cut it to the same size as the headshot prints, and staple it to the back of them. You want them back to back, so if you flip the headshot over, you see the resume, stapled at all four corners. Be sure you don't attach your resume to all your prints right at the beginning because over the course of the time you use the headshots, you'll be adding to and changing your resume.
- And that's it! You're ready to go out into the world with some new, excellent headshots!
I hope to work with you!
Martin Bentsen
