Frequently asked questions
These are the most popular of the Frequently Asked Questions we get from our clients.
We do not take passport photos. We specialize in professional headshots.
Close to the face. Sometimes they chop off a bit of the actor’s hairline, CD/Agent knows that its there. It is important that a headshot convey’s a feeling, the cropping of the headshot can help with this. Placing the eyes a bit higher in the photo can help to draw more attention to it, as the eyes are always drawn towards the upper portion of a picture first plus it gives them strength. Showing neck and shoulders will give the viewer an idea of what type of body you have. The clothing that you wear in a headshot will enforce your look along with your expression.
Yes, we work with small, medium, and large companies and travel to their offices to take individual headshots as well as group photos.
Crop above the chest, right above where the tie meets the jacket and make sure the whole face is in the picture. So do not chop off the hair. Keep the face in the top third of the image. If you crop tight, keep the face centered same goes for when you are standing on an angle. You can use a grid and align the eye line with the top line of the grid.
For individual headshots, right after the shoot we process the photos and our clients select their favorite photos via an online gallery the same day.
We do not provide wardrobe, However, we provide wardrobe consultation.
Although we offer to shoot one look, we recommend at least a two looks package. One look may be your commercial look where your make up is more light and natural. A second look may be your theatrical look where you will have a different wardrobe, hair and make up and we also vary the background to complement the lighting, adding a more dramatic look.
Yes, we work with the best makeup artists in the industry.
We do not print any headshots.
Everything is shot at Zen Studios L.A. We have the best camera and lighting equipment.
The weather is not a factor since we have full control of the light and for hot days, the AC allows us to have a comfortable temperature for shooting. Depending on the time of day, we shoot in the surrounding area of the studio as well, taking advantage of the natural light and backgrounds.
Yes headshot session is a very collaborative process.
We highly recommend using a professional make up artist since they focus on what looks good for on camera and photographs. By using one of our make up artist they will stay during the whole shoot doing touch ups and making small changes. Also the make up could be completely different from changing looks.
The average time is anywhere from 25min to 50min depending on the headshot package and how comfortable you are in front of the camera. Our goal is to get the best results regardless of time.
We require 48 hours notice to cancel an appointment and 24 hours to reschedule your headshot appointment.
Yes, we specialize in corporate events such as conferences, charity events, company dinners, and company holiday parties etc:
Please come well groomed to your shoot. Shave, wax, exfoliate, or get a haircut the day before. Make sure to bring casual and dressy items. We recommend that you vary you neckline using v necks, crew necks, button downs and collars. Stay away from tube tops and spaghetti strap tanks, as they are too revealing for Headshot photos. Also, vary your colors, but avoid overly bright tones and white, graphic tees, or large logos.
Your clothing should be stain and wrinkle free. Please bring plenty of clothing to choose from.
At Zen Studios we work with Digital Color House (www.digitalcolorhouse.net) and give you 15% off after shooting with us on printing your headshots.
Industry size for headshots is 8×10. Industry standard is Luster/Matte prints. The advantage of Luster prints is that they do not show fingerprints like glossy prints do, which is why agents and casting directors prefer that print.
Print your resume in black and white print on 8×10 and staple it to the back of your headshot. Industry standard is to attach resume to the headshots and not to print directly on the back of headshots (which is great so you can keep your resume up to date without having to reprint also the headshot; save some money)
To send your headshots to agencies get a 11×14 inch envelope, address it to the specific department you are submitting to. Staple your resume to the back of your headshot and write a short cover letter in which you explain what kind of representation you are looking for. Make sure you include if you were referred by someone, and your experience that might not reflect from your resume.
When you are looking for an agent or manager you will submit your headshot to their office. When going in for an audition make sure you bring your headshot with your resume attached to the back of it.
When you are looking for an agent or manager you will submit your headshot to their office. When going in for an audition make sure you bring your headshot with your resume attached to the back of it.
For actors it is their most important marketing tool. It is the first thing agents and Casting Directors see.
Professional headshots are recognized as more and more important as your LinkedIn profile is your online business card.
And with online dating, headshots for dating profile are now becoming a thing.
No, in the U.S., the industry standard is color.
They are matte, so they don’t show fingerprints.
Yes, the pictures are an actors single most important marketing tool. It is the fist thing a casting director and agent see.
The price depends on where you take them. In cities as L.A. and N.Y. you can expect the price to be higher. For a business headshot, you’ll generally pay somewhere between $100 and $250. For a modeling or acting shots prices will range between $200 to $400.
They are supposed to be cropped 8×10
That means that the stylist and Make Up artist are not included in the session and you will have to book those separate or do it yourself.
Some questions you could ask your photographer are:
What does the price include? Hair and make-up? Proof prints or CD? Final prints? Retouching?
How much time do I have for the session?
About how many shots will I have to choose from?
Do you use a studio or location? Can I choose?
Do you help with wardrobe?
Can you help me book a make-up artist?
What is your payment policy?
How many ‘looks’ are included in the session?
