CONTACT INFO:
Phone: 310-497-3128 (James)
Email: getlitphotos@gmail.com

PREPARE FOR THE SHOOT:

Have a clear idea of what you want from your photo shoot. Think about your market and know your type. I would recommend that you have at least one good "Commercial" and one "Theatrical" headshot idea, but we will discuss ideas for both prior to the shoot. For bands/musicians, we will discuss the overall look you are going for, and location ideas that compliment the image you wish to portray.

ABOUT THE SHOOT:

We will shoot at, or around my home studio using either studio stobes with a colorful backdrop for commercial looks, or outdoors with a portable strobe, providing soft, diffused light that won't cause you to squint.

My aim is to capture, for each of your looks: A commercial shot, (for television commercials, sitcoms) usually with a smile or friendly expression, with warmth, energy and personality; and a theatrical shot, usually dramatic, a bit sexy, and confident (for film, television).

We want to capture your most relaxed and open moment in every shot. We'll go through a series of "characters", where I'll have you think about personalities types ranging from dangerous and sexy, to warm and friendly. I'll focus on capturing the sparkle in your eyes, your personality, confidence, and getting good body language. All complimented by the right wardrobe. For commercial shots, I will want to capture the perfect smile and expression; starting with a relaxed friendly expression, building into a full smile. Your session is never rushed. We shoot until we get the shot. As we go along, we review your shots on the camera LCD screen. We can make adjustments on the spot. I aim to give you headshots that are an honest representation of you and your personality, your age range, and your type!

AFTER THE SHOOT:

You leave the shoot with a DVD of high resolution digital images of your session. Once you make your final choices, if some retouching is needed, I can refer you to skilled retouchers or, if you prefer, I can provide such services at a rate of $20 per photo. (Most places will charge around $35/hr)

MAKE-UP / HAIR:

A hair and make-up artist can be present for an additional fee. This is paid directly to them by cash or check on the day of the shoot. I tend to work with artists who charge in the $80-$140 range.

In general, this is what you should keep in mind for the shoot:

FOR WOMEN: Come to the shoot with your hair styled as desired. The hair/make-up artist will ensure that you are camera ready with touch ups and alterations throughout the shoot. Feel free to bring your favorite make-up or hair product to the session if you desire. Wax or tweeze your eyebrows and facial hair, if needed.

FOR MEN: Shave the morning of the photo shoot, unless, you plan to shoot with facial hair and then shave for a different look. If so, remember to bring your shaving kit with you. If you use product in your hair, feel free to also bring them along.

If you decide that you'd prefer to handle your own make-up and hair, I will be sure to help keep and eye on things as we go be certain to let you know if a little touch up is need. When on location, I also carry a small mirror and powder with my kit.

CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS:

In general, bring a variety of clothing options, but please NO BUSY PRINTS OR LOGOS! They are either too distracting or tend to "strobe" on camera. Bring clothes that are appropriate for your age range and type. Get wardrobe ideas from the characters on film and TV that you would be likely to play. Choose colors that compliment your skin tone and eye color. Generally, blue eyes look best in blues, gray and pink. Green eyes look best in greens, browns, oranges and earth tones. Hazel eyes look best in greens, browns, oranges and earth tones. Brown eyes, look good in any color. Avoid colors that are the same shade as your skin tone.

AVOID TOO MUCH BRIGHT RED (it overpowers the face).
Your clothes should be clean and in good condition and they should fit well. Women, bring undergarments appropriate to different colors and necklines. If you have an open neckline, with a v-neck or otherwise, you should also have a small, non-distracting necklace.

COMMERCIAL LOOKS (WOMEN): Casual sporty looks, hoodies, tank tops, sweater sets, denim shirt or jacket, t-shirts, cap sleeve tops, textured sweaters. Colors that "pop" (bright, bold colors) are great for commercials. Layering is great.

COMMERCIAL LOOKS (MEN): Casual sporty looks, denim shirt or jacket, flannel shirts, t-shirts, hoodies, work shirt, polo shirt, sweat shirt, textured sweaters. Colors that "pop" (bright, bold colors) are great for commercials. Layering is great.
Commercial looks to consider: Young mom and young dad, parent, grandparent, the young student, preppy girl/guy, hip girl/guy, tough guy, tomboy, the professional (CEO, middle management), the blue collar worker (construction worker, security guard) the office worker, the athlete.

THEATRICAL LOOKS (WOMEN): Upscale casual, sexy sweaters, scoop necks, spaghetti strap, tank tops, cap sleeve tops and v-necks are wonderful. Keep your neckline open.

THEATRICAL LOOKS (MEN): Upscale casual, dress shirts, layering is great, a t-shirt, collar shirt and a light fall jacket, for example. Crew neck, textured sweaters, v-neck and button down shirts, turtle neck.
Theatrical looks to consider: Bad boy/bad girl, sexy soap opera, the love interest, the best friend, the ingenue/innocent girl, young student, the hero, the detective, military, the professional(Lawyer, doctor, CEO, middle management, artistic).

BUSINESS LOOKS (MEN): Suits, jackets, dress shirts, ties.

BUSINESS LOOKS (WOMEN): Jacket, shirt, tank top/shell. Suits should fit well.
Bring a large number of clothing options to allow yourself maximum choices. Layering is great!
Keep jewelry simple. A pair of stud earrings is all you need, if any. Except for "hip, trendy" looks.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Get a good night’s sleep. 
Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs and salty foods the night before your shoot.
Have breakfast or something to eat so you'll have energy through out the shoot. If you prefer a certain angle of your face or something you don't like, let me know. 
Don't wear contact lenses if your eyes get red or irritated wearing them.

BASIC BEAUTY TIPS:


Here are some tips to consider if you don't already have a beauty regimen. The following suggestions will help you for this shoot and in the future.

CLEANSE: Cleanser removes dirt and should be used to remove makeup at night. Going to bed with makeup, clogs the pores and promotes dull looking skin. A gel cleanser or facial soap for oily skin and a creamy cleanser for dry skin. Use twice daily, morning and night.

EXFOLIATE: Exfoliation is a process of removing dry, dead skin from the face, allowing the moisturizer to penetrate to its full extent. This gives the skin a glow and helps the makeup go on smoother. For dry skin or sensitive skin, choose a gentle exfoliate for your skin type. Use 2-4 times before the shoot. An exfoliate can either be a facial scrub, a facial mask or micro-dermabrasion. A home-made exfloliator can be made by mixing a little baking soda with your cleanser. Make a paste and gently rub on your face and rinse. NOTE: Do not use micro-dermabrasion the day before or the morning of your shoot. Your skin will appear red and irritated. We've all seen those celebrity red carpet mishaps!

MOISTURIZE: Use a hydrating moisturizer with sunscreen during the day and a moisturizer without sunscreen at night. Even if you have oily skin, you still need to use a moisturizer with sunscreen. Choose one for your skin type. Use lip balm for dry lips every day before your shoot if you have chronic dry lips.
Try skin care products containing Antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Pycnogenol and Green Tea. Products typically found at Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppe or Keihls. For breakout skin use products with Tea Tree Oil. It is a natural antiseptic, natural antibacterial for the skin.
Pay extra attention to your skin a week prior to the photo shoot. 
Avoid getting sunburn or too tan prior to the shoot.
Drink lots of water.
Drink Green Tea. It’s great for the skin. Drink it instead of coffee before the shoot. 
Avoid greasy, junk food, they can cause skin breakouts. 
Eat Flax Seed, Salmon, dark green leafy veggies.
Take a good multivitamin with antioxidants and Omega 3 oil/Fish Oil Supplement.

It's okay to get a trim or refresh your hair color prior to the shoot. 
If you hair looks better when it’s slightly dirty, don’t wash it the morning of the shoot.
Get rid of facial hair and wax or tweeze eyebrows.
If you wake up with puffiness under the eyes, place ice, frozen food, cold soda cans over them for 10-15 minutes. 
Green Tea bags help with puffiness and dark circles. Place used Green Tea bags in the refrigerator until cold. 
Sliced cucumber placed over the eyes works as well. 
Put your moisturizer in the refrigerator, as the coldness will also help reduce puffiness. 
Bring your own mascara, favorite lipstick or gloss, your regular styling products to the session if you have them.

1 Look (About 1 hour) $100
3 Looks (2-2.5 hours) $200

Bands (2 or more people) $350 flat day rate.
Events $350

All digital files on disk. Full resolution.

Call James to schedule a shoot.

 

 getlitphotos@gmail.com

 310 497-3128