PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL FOR CURRENT HEADSHOT RATES.
Note: This page is for independent actors and models, musicians, artists, etc. For celebrity portrait, beauty, lifestyle, and music, publicity, or if you are an advertising, editorial, or other type of company client, please visit www.marccartwright.com.
Acceptable forms of payment are CASH, MONEY ORDER or PAYPAL
We DO NOT accept CHECKS at this time.
There is a $100 deposit required to schedule an appointment which will be applied to your session. You may cancel prior to 48 hours before your appointment to receive a full refund of your deposit. After 48 hours, the deposit is non-refundable, but can be applied to a session for up to three months from the original payment.
The balance and a signed model release is required upon completion of the photo session on the day of the photo session.
FAQ
How many people do you shoot in a day?
One or two people per day. I like to give clients as much time as they need, each session usually takes between 3 and 4 hours.
Do you shoot in natural light or in the studio?
I shoot headshots in a natural light studio.
Do you shoot digitally or with film?
Digital. I have both but with everything being digital these days, I find it easier for the client if I shoot digitally.
What is your availability?
It depends on the week. It is best to call or e-mail about a week or two in advance to request a day.
How may I properly prepare for a headshot session with Marc Cartwright Photography?
The entertainment business is just that... a business. In my experience as a working actor and also being on the production side of things, I have noticed that the key difference between the working actor and the non-working actor has been how seriously the individual treats themselves as a business.
A crucial step in any successful business is marketing. That is, how you are presenting yourself to potential clients when they may only have a few seconds to consider what you are offering. To the actor, the head shot is a key marketing tool.
As artists, we have been given the gift of doing something that we love and that many only dream of. My goal is for us to create shots that will get you noticed and have a lot of fun while doing it.
To make the most of our session, I have listed a few things to help you feel prepared, comfortable and at ease for your shoot.
HOW ARE YOU MARKETING YOURSELF?
Contact your agency to find out exactly what they want from your pictures. Where do you see yourself in the industry? Theatrical, Commercial, Fashion? Think about the various types of shows and roles out there and pinpoint where you might fit in. The easier you make it for casting, the more likely you'll be called in. If you don't have an agent, you might want to ask your acting coach or some other industry professional. The point is that you want to have a clear and realistic idea of what you will be called in for. This will also allow you to plan your wardrobe accordingly.
PLAN WARDROBE ACCORDINGLY.
Now that you have a clear idea of how you are marketing yourself, make sure that what you are wearing is backing that up. You can never bring too many clothes to a shoot. If you are having a hard time choosing, I can give you some ideas beforehand and then help you coordinate the day of the shoot.
Stay away from clothes that are too bright, flashy or that may distract from you as the subject. Black, Earth Tones or Subtle Primary Colors work. The key point in a photograph should be the eyes... not the great ruffled neon Gucci sweater you found. (Hey! You never know... I'm not judging people's fashion sense.) No Ruffles, Logos or distracting patterns that take the attention away from you. No white clothing. It doesn't usually photograph very well in head shots. Choose colors that are good for your skin tone. If you have a unique eye color, bring something that will draw attention to them.
Have your clothes ironed and without lint. If you don't iron, then send your clothes to the dry cleaners. Come with your clothes ready to shoot... Please do not come with your clothes crumpled up in a plastic bag.
GROOMING.
I do offer hair and make-up artists. If you choose not to have a make-up or hair person, please show up ready to shoot. We can make any small adjustments while you are here.
If you think you need a haircut, you will be more comfortable if you get one. Be certain to watch the hair stylist as they are cutting, so that they don't cut too much off or do something that you will end up hating in your pictures.
Photoshop will take care of any minor blemishes. So don't worry about that random pimple that appears the morning before your shoot. It is not your friend. It is just jealous that you are getting your headshots taken and wants to rain on your parade. We'll get rid of it and no one will know it existed. It will be our little secret.
Drink lots of water in the days leading up to your shoot. Not only will you feel better, but it also makes you look better.
Don't go out the night before your photoshoot. If you know that you MUST have a feast of fermented Hops on the weekends, book during the week. If you can't book during the week, stay home and drink water. It won't kill you. The same people will be around next weekend.
COMFORT IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA.
I understand that posing in front of a still camera is very different than being in front of a movie or television camera. The simple fact that in moving film you are told never to look into the camera, while with stills you are told to connect with the lens, is an example of how the transition can be challenging. People don't always feel comfortable posing. If this is you... Than I have some tips:
It is best if you don't look too posed in front of the camera. Look through magazines like Vanity Fair or your favorite magazine and see which pictures look too posed and which ones look natural. Notice the connection that you feel in the eyes (or if you don't feel one.). You can practice some of the poses but not so much that you become cemented in them. You just really want to get a sense of what works and what doesn't work. I even like people to bring in shots that they like. The more natural you look in your head shot, the more a Casting Director will want to call you in.
Being that a successful shot is all about the eyes AND being that the eyes are the windows to the soul, think of things that make you feel inviting. One of these would not be your ex who you just saw with a new person. You don't want the casting director to feel as if you are throwing daggers at them through your eyes. (Unless you are going for that tortured angry look.) It all reads in the lens. Taking care of your "well being" is essential.
It is just a camera. The most important connection is between you and the photographer. Don't be afraid to ask questions, make suggestions, request a meeting before the shoot, etc.. Each person is unique that I work with. The more I know about what you are looking for in your head shot, the more I can deliver.
Please call 323.878.2603 to book a session or ask any further questions that may not be answered here. I look forward to working with you.
MARC CARTWRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
info@marccartwright.com
323.878.2603
