HEADSHOTS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT ARE YOUR RATES?
Please INQUIRE.

DEPOSIT & PAYMENT?
Credit Card payments via PAYPAL are now accepted for an additional $20 fee (PAYPAL gets that fee, not me.) Local checks accepted payable to Kirsten Lara Getchell. Cash is also accepted and appreciated!

$150 DEPOSIT is required to confirm your shoot date. Remaining balance is due at the time of your shoot, unless paying by local check, please send full shoot amount in advance.

Please mail checks to my MAILING address:

Kirsten Lara Getchell Photography
11271 Ventura Blvd. #401
Studio City, CA 91604

Cancellations/schedule changes must be made at least 3 business days prior to shoot. Rescheduling short of 3 business days incurs the loss of full deposit, but if able to fill your slot, will be applied to your rescheduled shoot date.

DO YOU SHOOT DIGITAL or FILM?
BOTH! Though DIGITAL more often than not these days, since color came to town.

The quality of digital is finally up to par and provides many options and advantages, especially for actors. You’re able to view your shots during your shoot and view online proofs usually within 48 hours. You may prefer hard copies of your proofs or proof prints, which you can order online or at the lab, where you also do all your retouching and printing. Any color digital image can be transposed to black-and-white or sepia tone with a few clicks of a mouse.

For you film purists out there, I still love to shoot b/w film, if you know a b/w image is the finished product you are after. (Though any color digital image may be transposed to b/w, the quality of true b/w film is unsurpassed.)

For those who want to shoot a COMBO of digital and b/w film, I’m pleased to offer that option too.

WHAT ABOUT WARDROBE?
People are attracted to the life in your eyes, not your clothes. Be mindful not to wear things that will distract them, but do bring clothes you love to wear, that reveal your personality and style. Avoid clothes that are busy and focus on colors, textures, necklines and accessories that flatter your skin tone and eyes. Black and white clothing both look good in color too. If you are unsure about something, bring it and we’ll decide together.

WHAT ABOUT MAKE-UP AND HAIR?
WOMEN: Many women I photograph do their own hair and make-up, and I keep a watchful eye on both while we shoot. If you prefer, visit a make-up artist and/or hairstylist prior to the shoot (which will cost you less), or hire a make-up artist to come to the studio. Whatever makes you most comfortable. If you choose to bring someone, keep in mind that I may ask that person to step aside once we actually start shooting, as you are more apt to "pose" someone else is watching you. I want you to connect with me and be real.

MEN: Guys don’t usually need much if any make-up, but for color I suggest you visit a make-up counter and invest in a light powder base suited for your skin tone and bring it to the shoot. I can help you apply it. If you have a blemish, or are dark under the eyes, I have make-up to remedy those problems, but having your personal base color will help. If you need to do a five o’clock shadow/goatee/beard roll, then shave mid-shoot, bring what you need to do so. I’ll keep an eye on your hair and work with it when needed.

SHOULD I WEAR MY GLASSES?
If you wear them at audition and/or book lots of parts in your glasses, yes, bring them. Make sure you have non-reflective lenses, or better yet, pop the lenses out or buy some frames without lenses in them so we don’t have to fight the glare.

MAY I BRING MUSIC?
Absolutely. Music naturally evokes different moods from you during the shoot. Feel free to bring your favorite compact discs, but know I’ve got an eclectic selection of music on hand myself.

WHAT DOES "NATURAL LIGHT" MEAN?
Natural light means ambient, reflected light, which has an even, forgiving, luminescent quality that enhances the eyes. The setting feels less contrived than formal flash studio photography, and creates a more desirable look for headshots.

WHAT ABOUT RETOUCHING?
Retouching of images may be done by one of the lab’s experts or by an independent retoucher I’ve referred for years. Both charge about a $35 fee for basic retouching.

I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS INFORMATION HELPFUL. IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, WOULD LIKE MEET, OR SIMPLY BOOK A SHOOT, JUST CONTACT ME.

CHEERS!
KIRSTEN