PSU Headshot Sessions Info Page

Hello! I am SO looking forward to working with you all. Below is more information regarding your session and how to prepare. Please read through EVERYTHING. If you have any further questions, feel free to email me at jalengregoryphoto@gmail.com



Session Details

$350 (includes makeup)

45 minute indoor natural light session

2 looks

Online portfolio of your session with downloadable proofs

2 Hi-res edits with retouching

$35 for each additional retouched edit

***Session time can also be used for dancer portraits/movement portraits/honestly whatever type of portrait you want let's just get silly and play!!***

Location

Visual Arts Building Room 209

Pre-shoot Prep

The goal of this shoot is to generate a variety of shots that you can use to submit for any auditions you want to pursue. That being said, here are some tips to make sure we accomplish that goal and get those stunning shots that'll have those casting directors gasping for air!

I like to start sessions by asking the question, “Over the course of the next three years, what are the main types of characters that you see yourself playing and/or want to play?” In response, you can use examples of archetypes, characters from plays, TV shows, movies, actors or actresses you love, etc. to help us create a distinct “look,” which is a fancy way of saying “outfit + backdrop + hair/makeup.” That way, your shots will reflect a fuller range of characters for which you will be auditioning.

Some other tips and tricks to make sure you are Tyra approved and camera ready:

-Prep clothes the night before so that you don't have to worry about it the day of. The less on your checklist the better. 

-Get plenty of sleep the night before (shoot for 8+ hours).

-Drink plenty of water in the week prior to your headshot photoshoot, as this will help to keep your skin plump, smooth and clear.

-Phone a friend/family member you trust and ask them what colors you look best in. 

-Choose a haircut and hairstyle a week or two in advance, as freshly cut hair can look strange on camera. Don't experiment with any new hairstyles. 

-Moisturize your skin and lips. This will help reduce puffiness and help make the skin appear healthier and younger. 

Wardrobe

We will be doing 45 minute sessions with 2 looks to make sure we get all the variety you are looking for. I know this may seem like a short amount of time, but I will be able to send you 45+ color corrected images for that amount of time. PLEASE BRING MORE THAN TWO TOPS TO YOUR SESSION. I prefer your bring more outfits than we will be shooting with so that we make sure we are picking the best choices that will read well on camera. 

Speaking of choices, let's get into it! In terms of what to wear, solid colors with a little texture often read best on camera. Jewel tones and earth tones add a nice soft pop to photos, whereas anything that is too heavily saturated or neon does not read well. Patterned tops can also make a shot really stand out, but make sure to bring some solid-colored options as back-ups. If you are the type of person who doesn’t wear much color, don’t stress; neutral tones will read great as well.

In terms of necklines for male-identifying clients, crew necks, v necks, button ups, henleys, etc. work well, along with items that can be layered (i.e. jackets, sweaters, blazers, etc.). 

For female-identifying clients, favor cuts that you feel flatter your figure best. I think tank tops, shirts with interesting necklines, layering items, and former-fitting clothing produce the best images.

For non-binary/transgender identifying clients, everything is up for grabs. Go with what makes you feel most comfortable and confident. We can also chat about it if you feel stuck. 

Former-fitting clothing always reads best on camera for everyone, so if you feel you are in between sizes, definitely favor the smaller! If you have any questions regarding wardrobe, please reach out to me in advance.

Another little trick is that you can go to a store, buy a few options, and return them right after. That way, your clothes will look nice and new and you didn't have to break the bank! H & M has some really great options in their basics line, a lot are 2 for $10 and the colors are really rich. If you’re looking for suggestions, other great stores for headshot tops (from my experience) include GAP, Old Navy, Forever 21, Express, Target, and American Eagle.

Please make sure you iron your clothes. Please. You will regret it if you don't. 

Hair and Makeup 

I highly recommend EVERYONE wear some sort of makeup no matter your gender identity. Make-up helps with the overall quality of the photos, and because it's a headshot session your makeup doesn't have to be anything serious. Marlene Fernandez (senior MT) will be the MUA on site! Makeup is included in your session. You will need to arrive a hour before your scheduled session time to get your makeup done please! If you are in need of foundation/tinted moisturizer and concealer, Ulta has some amazing products. For foundations/tinted moisturizers, I recommend: Urban Decay Hydromanic Glowy Tinted Hydrator (this is my favorite and is perfect for headshots), NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, Colourpop Tinted Moisturizer, Maybelline BB Cream, and Wet n Wild (cheaper and still pretty good). For concealers, I recommend: NARS, Glossier, Colourpop, and Tarte Shape Tape (good for those with dryer skin). Look up each one and decide which is best for you! 

Proofs and Retouching 

Headshot proofs (images) will be sent to you no later than April 21, 2023 via an online gallery through my website. My digital site gallery software allows you to easily download your proofs, share your photos with friends, family, teachers, etc., and keep track of everyone’s favorite shots. 

Your proofs will be color processed and in high-resolution, so all shots will be ready-to-use (but not all will be retouched).

Included in each session is 1 retouched image, and additional retouched images may be purchased after the shoot for $35 each.

You will have 30 days after you receive your proofs to decide which image you want retouched. Once you have made a decision on which images you’d like retouched, I ask that you email your choices IN NUMERICAL ORDER. If you choose to pick more than the 1 retouched edit that are included in the package, I will send you a Venmo request for any additional retouches you are ordering. Turnaround time for retouching is typically 7-10 business days. Once completed, retouched images will be added to the top of your original gallery and I will resend the gallery link for easy access. 

I will keep your RAW image files for one year, so if you decide down the road that you would like additional images retouched, just email me and we will make it happen. 

When printing your headshots, I highly recommend using https://www.theactorsphotolab.com or http://quickcolorlabnyc.com for the highest quality prints. Note: if you print at Walmart or Walgreens your images will not print out in the quality that you want them. 

Sharing on Social Media 

When sharing on social media, please do not alter the proofs in any way. I do take the time to process and color correct your images in the best way possible. When they are changed with no regard, it is altering my work, and therefore no longer representative of my brand. Please hesitate before adding a filter or editing the proofs when you post.

Still feel like you have questions? Click here to get to my FAQs page. If you still have questions after that, don't hesitate to reach out. 

I am SO excited, and I hope you are too. We are going to create MAGIC!

Ready to book? Click here!

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