What should I wear for my headshot?

Choose professional attire that is clean, wrinkle-free, and fits well. Solid colors or simple patterns work best. Avoid busy prints, logos, and overly revealing clothing. Because many ties have tight patterns that can moiré on camera, bring a few options to select from on the day.

Should I get professional hair and makeup done for my headshot?

That is entirely up to you. If you opt for professional hair and makeup, keep it natural and consistent with your everyday style — avoid extreme styles or bright colors. Light makeup and a clean, face-framing hairstyle always works well. Doing your own is perfectly fine too.

What if I am not comfortable in front of the camera?

Very common — and very fixable. I will put you at ease and guide you through the entire process. I shoot tethered to a computer so you will see your images as the session progresses, which lets us adjust in real time and gives you confidence that we are on the right track.

How long does a headshot session take?

The Standard Headshot session is 30 minutes. The Essential Headshot Package is 60 minutes, and the Select Headshot Package is 120 minutes. Package details and pricing are available at pennywhistlephotography.com/headshots.

Where can my headshots be taken?

Headshots can be taken in the studio in Carrollton, or on location at your office, conference room, lobby, or outdoors. We will discuss what works best for your goals during the booking process.

When will I see my headshot photos?

I shoot tethered to a computer, so you see your images as the session progresses and select your favorites for retouching before you leave. This allows real-time adjustments for a great final result.

How many headshot photos will I receive?

The Standard Headshot package includes 2 retouched images. The Essential Package includes 5, and the Select Package includes 10. Additional images may be purchased at an added cost.

Will my headshots be retouched?

Yes — every delivered image is fully retouched. Standard retouching includes open/closed eyes, eyeglass glare removal, stray hair, blemish removal, skin smoothing, teeth whitening, and background cleanup. Enhanced services such as braces removal, clothing wrinkle removal, and hair root touchup are available for an additional cost.

How will I receive my headshot files?

Digital image files are delivered via electronic download link.

Can I use my headshots for LinkedIn, my website, and marketing materials?

Yes — headshots are specifically designed to promote you and your professional presence across all platforms.

What area of Texas do you serve for headshots?

I serve the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and into north Texas with studio and on-location headshot services.

How do I book a headshot session?

Visit the Contact page at pennywhistlephotography.com/contact-me or call directly at (972) 236-7899.

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

What area of Texas do you serve?

I serve the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex into north Texas with on-location headshot services.

What kind of impression do I want to make?

Confident, approachable, friendly, creative, etc.? This will help guide your clothing choices and the expression that I coax from you to deliver on the overall feel of the headshot.

Can I use the photos for my website, LinkedIn and marketing materials?

Yes! Headshots are meant to be used to promote yourself and your business.

Opt for professional attire that is clean, wrinkle-free, and fits well. Choose solid colors or simple patterns. Avoid busy prints, logos, and overly revealing clothing. If you'd like more detailed information, you can look here.

Should I get my hair and makeup done?

It's up to you! If you feel more comfortable with professional hair and makeup (HMU), go for it. Even if you opt for professional HMU, keep it natural and professional. Avoid extreme styles or bright colors; you don't want to look different than your everyday style. If unsure, consider light makeup and a hairstyle that frames your face. If you prefer to do your own, that's perfectly fine too.

What if I'm not comfortable in front of the camera?

Don't worry! I will put you at ease and guide you through the entire process. I want to capture your natural personality and energy and will show you the back of the camera / computer screen so you can be assured that we're on the right track.

How long will the session take?

The Standard Headshot Session is 30-minutes in length, Essential Headshot Package is an hour and the Select Package is 2 hours.

Do I need to bring anything?

Consider bringing a couple of outfit options, especially if you're unsure what to wear. Because many ties have tight patterns that can moiré on camera, it's a good idea to bring a variety for us to select from.

Where will we take the pictures?

Your headshot can be taken in the studio, or on location such as your office, a conference room, or the lobby of your office building.

If I want outdoor pictures, what time of day is best?

If you want an outdoor headshot, early morning and early evening provide the best light for outdoor photography, but if the day is overcast, or the location is well shaded, then any time of the day will do. In the Texas summer, my favorite time of day is early morning to beat the heat. In the cooler months, late afternoon is a great alternative. Photographs taken mid-day, without shade on bright, sunny days will not return good results.

What if it rains on the day of my outdoor session?

You can relax, we’ll just reschedule your session! I leave openings in my calendar to accommodate rain days, so we'll get you rebooked as soon as possible.

Will my headshots be retouched?

Yes! Your headshot images will be fully retouched. Standard retouching includes open / closed eyes, eyeglass glare removal, stray hair removal, blemish removal, skin smoothing, teeth whitening, distraction / small object removal from background and overall enhancements. Enhanced retouching services such as braces removal, clothing wrinkle removal, hair color root touch up and more are available for an additional cost

Can I get unretouched pictures?

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.

When will I see my photos?

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

How many pictures will I get?

The Standard Headshot Session includes the selection of two (2) images for retouching and delivery, the Essential Package includes five (5) images and the Select Package includes ten (10). Additional images may be selected with the fee of 75 each.

How will I receive my pictures?

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.

Are taxes included in the price?

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.

How do I book a headshot with you?

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

What Actors Should Always Have in Their Bag for Auditions and Photo Shoots

Models need a rolling bag full of options. Actors need something different entirely.

Your job walking into an audition or a shoot is to look exactly like the person in your headshot, feel comfortable in your own skin, and have nothing distracting you from the work. The last thing you want is a wardrobe malfunction, a makeup emergency, or a visible coffee stain pulling your focus right before you walk into the room.

Your kit does not need to be large. It needs to be right.

Photo by stefano stacchini on Unsplash

The Core Rule for Actors

Everything in your bag should serve one purpose: helping you show up as the most polished, relaxed version of yourself. You are not there to become someone else. You are there to be you, clearly and confidently. Keep that in mind as you build your kit.

Wardrobe

Bring two to three options that fit your type and are appropriate for the role or the brief. If you are auditioning for a corporate drama, bring something that reads professional. If it is a commercial for a family brand, lean approachable and relatable. When in doubt, solid colors photograph and read on camera far better than busy patterns.

Always pack:

A lint roller
Safety pins in multiple sizes
Double-sided fashion tape
A Tide-to-Go pen
A travel-size wrinkle release spray

These take up almost no space and have saved more auditions than any acting class.

Shoes

Bring at least two pairs: one that is comfortable for waiting (auditions involve a lot of sitting in hallways) and one that works for the look you are going for. If the role calls for heels, wear them in beforehand so you are not wincing when you walk into the room. Bring heel grips if you are prone to blisters.

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Makeup

Here is where actors and models part ways significantly. Your audition or shoot makeup should look like your everyday face, just cleaned up. Casting directors and photographers alike want to see you, not a version of you that disappears when the cameras stop rolling.

Pack what you use daily, nothing more dramatic, and bring enough for touch-ups:

Your foundation or tinted moisturizer and concealer
Setting powder and blotting papers
A neutral lip color and clear gloss
Mascara
A small brush or sponge
Makeup remover wipes and cotton swabs for cleanup
Eye drops (waiting rooms and studio lights are drying)

Men: a light concealer for under-eye circles or blemishes is worth having. A small amount of mattifying powder keeps shine off under lights.

Hair

Come with your hair done and bring what you need to maintain it. That means whatever products you use daily, plus:

Bobby pins in your hair color
Hair ties or elastics
Travel-size hairspray
A small brush or comb

If your hair is something casting directors notice (a distinctive curl pattern, a great color, a strong style), protect it. That is part of your look.

Skincare

Hot lights, recycled air, and nerves are not great for your skin. A few small additions to your kit go a long way:

Facial mist for a quick refresh between sessions
Lip balm (remove before you go on camera)
Lightweight hand lotion (apply well before your session so it absorbs fully)
A pain reliever
Mints or gum, removed before you walk in

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

The Professional Essentials

This is where a lot of actors fall short, and it is the easiest category to get right.

Always have:

Printed or digital copies of your headshot and resume
Your comp card if you have one
A phone charger and portable battery
Water and a snack (auditions run late, shoots run long, and you will not perform your best hungry)
A small notebook or your phone notes with the address, call time, and contact name for the session

Show up knowing where you are going, when you need to be there, and who to ask for. It sounds basic because it is, and it makes a noticeable impression.

What to Leave at Home

Heavy or unusual fragrance. Strong scents in a small waiting room are distracting and not always welcome on set. Keep it subtle or skip it.

Anything that makes noise. Jangling jewelry, squeaky shoes, anything that pulls attention away from you when you are in the room.

A look that does not match your headshot. If you have significantly changed your hair color, length, or overall appearance since your last headshot, prioritize updating your images before your next submission cycle. Walking in looking like a different person is a problem no audition kit can fix.

The Bottom Line

An actor's kit is not about options, it is about confidence. When you know you look like yourself, your clothes are secure, your hair is right, and you have everything you need for whatever comes up, you can put all of your attention where it belongs: on the work.

Build your kit once, keep it stocked, and bring it everywhere. The audition you are most prepared for is usually the one you book.

Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Master of Photography, Photographic Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer, holding the M.Photog., Cr.Photog., and CPP degrees from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), designations held by fewer than 2,000 photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry and professionalism.

Penny Whistle specializes in both on-location and studio photography providing pet, family, and high school senior portraits as well as headshots and commercial photography services in her studio located in historic downtown Carrollton as well as on location in Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake, Flower Mound and surrounding communities in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas.

Learn more about actor headshot sessions

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