Contact Information
- Email: info@petern.ca
- Phone: 289-242-3838 (text messages welcomed)
- Instagram: @peternphoto (DMs welcomed)
- Location: I shoot out of a condo used exclusively as a studio. It has beautiful natural light all day with floor to ceiling windows. The address is 2212 Lakeshore Blvd West, Unit 3008. Toronto – Humber Bay area. Buzzer 7269 (Google Maps)
Pricing
- An actor headshot session is $299 and generally lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours. You can change outfits/looks as many times as you like. For returning clients that need an update, sessions are $199 for 1 hour. You get a downloadable gallery of all the photos taken and 5 professionally retouched photos with a quick turnaround.
- A hair and make up artist is not provided but you are free to bring your own person
- Balance is due before the session begins. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, credit card or e-transfer to info@petern.ca
- Feel free to bring a friend, family member, or anyone who can cheer you on
Preparation Tips
- I recommend watching this video (and giving her a follow!) for tips on getting the best out of a session – How To Be You In Your Actor Headshots. We share the same approach and many of the same philosophies
- Drink lots of water, eat healthy, and sleep as much as you can in the run up to your shoot date.
- Sunburns and harsh tans are to be avoided and best rescheduled.
- Rehearse your expressions and smile in front of a mirror at home or by taking selfies.
- Bring lip balm, a brush/comb, and make up for touch ups.
- Make up should be clean and natural. You want to look as you would going into the audition room, and not for a night out. Casting directors won’t be happy to be see a different person. Photoshop is our friend so we can easily take care of blemishes, dark circles under the eyes, etc.
- Don’t get a new haircut right before the shoot. Let it grow out a bit. Don’t try new products on the day of the shoot either.
- You can bring your previous head shots so we can see what to improve upon and sample / reference head shots to communicate what you like. Picking out a couple of my photos can help inform me of the style and setup you have in mind. But of course we will not be limited to just that.
- Reflect on your casting types. Think about the roles you’ve got, that you haven’t got, and the ones that you would like to get. It’s not to restrict or tie down your options, but to shape it.
What To Wear
- Keep it Simple and Classic: Opt for timeless and classic clothing choices that won’t distract from your face or overshadow your personality. Don’t wear anything too fashiony or styled. Solid colors generally work best, as they are less likely to clash with backgrounds or take attention away from your face.
- Avoid Busy Patterns and Logos: Avoid wearing clothing with busy patterns, bold stripes, or large logos, as they can be visually distracting and may not translate well in headshots. The focus should be on your face, so keep the clothing relatively simple and neutral.
- Consider Different Necklines: Experiment with different necklines to find the ones that flatter your face and frame the best. V-neck, scoop neck, or crew neck shirts can work well, depending on your individual features.
- Layering and Textures: Layering can add depth and dimension to your headshots. Consider wearing a jacket, blazer, or cardigan over a shirt to provide variety and versatility in your looks. Textures like knits or subtle patterns can also add visual interest without being overpowering.
- Bring a Range of Outfits: It’s a good idea to bring several outfit options. Consider bringing outfits that represent different casting types or characters you typically portray, showcasing your versatility as an actor.
- Accessories and Jewelry: Keep accessories minimal and understated. Simple jewelry or accessories that don’t draw attention away from your face can be acceptable. However, it’s generally best to keep the focus on your expression and features rather than the accessories you’re wearing.
- Steam and Iron: There is a steamer, iron, lint roller and clothing rack at the studio if needed but time can be saved if the clothes are looking perfect beforehand. A garment bag or dry cleaner bag will keep them in the best condition.
- Pants: Don’t need them! Well, please wear some but they won’t be seen in the photos.
After The Shoot
- You will be sent a downloadable gallery of the photos taken at the shoot within a couple of days. They won’t have a watermark.
- You get to make a selection of your top 5 favorite photos to be retouched. Additional photos can be edited at an extra cost of $20 per photo at that time or any later date. The ones you don’t select are for you to keep and use as you wish.
- Photos will be provided in both web resolution and high resolution for printing.