Session guide
Preparing for
Your Session.
A great headshot isn't just taken. It's built, between my lighting and direction and your preparation and energy.
I handle the technical side. Your job is to arrive rested, organized and ready to connect with the camera. Follow this guide and we spend our time shooting great looks, not fixing wardrobe.
Haven't scheduled your prep call?
Booked for Actor Headshots or Personal Branding? We'll go over your goals, wardrobe and what to expect together beforehand.
01
Wardrobe
Fit, color, layers
Don't bring clothes you kind of like. Bring the pieces that make you feel unstoppable when you put them on.
The golden rule
Ask two questions. Does it fit the character type or image you want to present? Do you like it in the mirror? If both answers are yes, bring it.
How much to bring
About 3 options for every look in your session. Shooting two looks? Bring around 6 pieces and we'll pick the strongest together.
Solid over pattern
Heavy patterns distract from your eyes. Rich, solid colors like navy, charcoal, forest green, deep burgundy and black always win.
Variety is key
Bring a mix of necklines: crew neck, V neck, button down, blazer. It makes your gallery usable across every platform.
Accessories
Keep jewelry to a minimum and leave the watch at home. The exception is a branding shoot, where a watch or a piece you always wear can be part of your story. If you wear glasses day to day, bring them and we'll shoot some looks with them and some without.
Reference looks
Have a headshot, portrait or look you admire? Send it ahead of time or bring it. It gives me a clear direction instead of guessing at your taste.
Steam and prep
We have a steamer at the studio and steam everything together before we start. Just hang your pieces properly for the trip.
02
Grooming
and Skin
Your best everyday self
Retouching removes temporary distractions, not permanent features. I want you to look like you on your best day.
Hair
Arrive with your hair styled the way you love it. Bring your products and brush for tweaks. If you need a cut or color, do it 3 to 5 days before so it settles.
Skin
Hydrate well for the 24 hours before your session. Skip any new or intense facial treatment the day before. It often leads to redness.
Makeup
If you wear makeup, keep it clean and natural, your daytime best. It's easier to add more later than to take it off.
Hair and makeup artist
Optional. Actors, today the trend is to look like you on audition day, so I usually recommend doing your own. Hire an artist only if you're unsure what to do or don't want to think about it on shoot day. You can bring your own artist or I can recommend people I trust. A studio fee applies.
The 5 o'clock shadow
Want both looks? Come with the scruff. You can shave mid session at the studio.
03
Logistics
and Mindset
Low stress, better images
Rushing kills creativity. My studio workflow is built to be efficient, so all you need to do is arrive ready to have fun and jump in.
The night before
Get sleep. Alcohol and salty foods show up in your face the next day as puffiness, so skip them.
Arrival
Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to exhale, hang up your clothes and settle in.
Studio location
Most sessions are in Midtown Manhattan, around 38th Street and 8th Avenue. Your exact address and arrival details are in your booking confirmation. Ask me for parking recommendations.
Balance due
Your remaining balance is due 7 days before your session, so the day itself is all about the shoot.
Need to reschedule?
Reach out as soon as you know. Full details are in the Studio Terms.
After your session
Corporate: your gallery within 48 hours, with same day or next day turnaround on request. Actor: your full gallery within 5 business days, then you pick your selects and retouched images follow within 5 business days. Branding: your gallery within 3 to 5 business days.
Trust the process
You don't need to know how to model. Just listen and collaborate. I'll handle the rest.
By session type
Corporate
Check your company's dress code and brand colors. On a team shoot, coordinate so everyone sits in the same range.
Actor
Bring looks for the types you actually submit for. You should look exactly like the person who walks into the audition. What books actors → 2026 actor trends →
Branding
Bring one or two objects that tell your story and a list of where the photos will live. What to bring →
The night before
Pack List
About 3 options per look, on hangers
One or two layering pieces
The right shoes if we shoot full length
Undergarments for each outfit
Hair products and a brush
Lip balm and blotting papers
Lint roller
Glasses, if you wear them daily
Reference photos on your phone
Your booking confirmation
See you soon
See You in
the Studio.
Prepare well, pack the night before and show up ready to work. I'll handle the rest.
Schedule Your Prep Call Studio Terms
Sean