Actor and Model Headshot FAQs - Dallas-Fort Worth

The studio is in Carrollton, near old town, and I serve the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex into north Texas with on-location headshot services. 

The goals are different. A corporate headshot says "I'm professional and trustworthy." An actor headshot says "here's exactly who I am and what I can bring to a role." Actor headshots are less polished and more personal. The expression, energy, and personality in the frame matter far more than a crisp suit and a neutral background.

A theatrical headshot is used for film, TV, and stage submissions. It tends to have more depth and personality, showing character and emotional range. A commercial headshot is used for advertising, print work, and commercial castings. It skews warmer and more approachable, the kind of face that sells a product or makes someone feel at ease. Most working actors need both, and many sessions include looks for each.

Yes. Children's actor headshots follow the same principles: natural, authentic, and true to who they are. Sessions for younger clients are paced accordingly and I'll keep things relaxed and low-pressure so the real personality comes through. A parent or guardian is always welcome in the studio.

The general industry rule is every one to two years, or any time there's a significant change in your appearance: a new haircut, weight change, or aging out of a particular type. If your current headshots aren't getting you calls, that's also a good sign it's time for new ones regardless of when they were taken.

Start with a conversation. A lot of people come to me before they've signed with anyone or taken a class, and that's completely fine. I can help you understand what you need for where you are right now, without overselling you on images you're not ready to use yet. Reach out through the contact form and we'll talk it through.

Solid colors photograph best. Avoid busy patterns, logos, and anything that competes with your face. For theatrical looks, wear something that fits your character type. For commercial looks, think approachable and relatable. Layering options give you more variety within a single session. I'll send you a prep guide before your session with specific wardrobe guidance.

For most sessions, two to four outfits is a good range to bring with you. Each outfit change creates a distinct look and gives you more options for different submission types. If you're doing a model portfolio session, we'll discuss during the styling call, but plan for more, since variety is the whole point.

I've written a blog on this, you can check it out here: 

It is only required for the Model Portfolio sessions, but of course it's always your choice to procure hair and makeup (HMU) services for your session. For actor headshots, the goal is to look like yourself, just a polished version. Heavy makeup or a dramatic hair change can make your headshot look like someone else, which defeats the purpose. That said, professional HMU can make a real difference in how your skin reads on camera. I'm happy to recommend local HMU artists I've worked with if you'd like to bring someone in.

Digitals are simple, clean images that agencies use to see what you actually look like without styling. Think of them as the no-frills baseline: straight-on face, profile, three-quarter, and full body. If you're submitting to agencies or going out on open calls, yes, you need them. They're separate from your polished headshots and serve a very specific purpose.

A comp card is a single printed card (or digital equivalent) that shows several images of you at once, usually including a close-up, full body, and one or two additional looks. It's what you hand to clients and agencies for quick reference. A portfolio is a more in-depth collection that shows your range across multiple shoots and styles. New models typically need a comp card first, and build toward a full portfolio over time.

If you're just starting out or submitting to agencies for the first time, a Digitals Package session is the right place to begin. If you already have representation and need to show more range for client bookings, a portfolio session makes more sense. Not sure which applies to you? Reach out and we'll figure it out together before you book anything.

Industry standard for actor headshots is a simple, non-distracting background that keeps the focus on your face. I offer a range of neutral options. For commercial looks, slightly warmer backgrounds can work well. I'll help you choose based on your coloring, the type of look you're going for, and current industry expectations in the markets you're submitting to.

Standard retouching includes blemish removal, skin smoothing, stray hair removal, and teeth whitening. What I don't do is change the way you fundamentally look. Your headshot needs to look like you on your best day, not a version of you that surprises a casting director when you walk in.

That depends on the package you choose. Sessions range from 20 minutes for a model's digital package, to 30 minutes for a standard headshot session, to two hours for portfolio package with multiple looks. 

I photograph tethered to a computer so you will see your images as the session progresses and select your favorites before you leave, this allows us to adjust in real time for a great final result.  

Finished, retouched images are delivered within two to three business days depending on your package. Rush same-day delivery is available for an additional fee if you have a submission deadline.

A professionally created raw image is just the start of my service. Each image that is delivered is examined and retouched by hand to make a good image great. As a matter of policy, I only provide the very best images to my clients and therefore do not release unretouched images. 

Your digital image files will be delivered via electronic download (a link will be provided). 

Yes, I have both liability and indemnification insurance and can provide a certificate upon request. 

In accordance with state and local laws, 8.25% sales tax will be calculated on the total amount due for your headshot fee and any additional image files purchased. 

You can either reach out via the website, or call me directly to schedule at (972) 236-7899.