I get it. The idea of standing in front of a camera while someone points lights at your face and tells you to "look natural" sounds about as relaxing as a dentist appointment. Most people who book a headshot session are at least a bit nervous, even the actors who perform in front of hundreds of people for a living.

So here is what actually happens during a headshot session at my studio, step by step. No surprises, no mystery.

Before You Arrive

Before the session, you can message me about what you need the headshots for, the kind of roles you are going for, and any ideas or concerns you have. If you are not sure about wardrobe, send me photos of your clothing options and I will help you choose.

This is also where I learn a bit about you as a person, which genuinely helps during the session. If I know you are a comedian who is nervous about looking too serious, or a method actor who wants something raw and intense, I can plan accordingly.

Arriving at the Studio

My studio is in Herne Hill, South East London. It is a seven-minute walk from Herne Hill station. When you arrive, we will chat for a few minutes and go over what we are aiming for.

This bit is important. Starting a session by immediately pointing a camera at someone is a terrible idea. You need a few minutes to settle in, get comfortable with the space, and remember that you are talking to a normal person, not some intimidating fashion photographer.

The Warm-Up

We start shooting fairly quickly, but the first few frames are warm-up territory. I am not expecting perfection straight away and neither should you. The early shots help you get used to the lights, the camera, and the experience of being directed.

During this phase, I am watching how you move, how you respond to direction, and what your natural tendencies are. Some people are very still and need encouragement to move. Others are all over the place and need help finding a focused, grounded position. Both are completely normal.

The Direction

This is the bit that makes the biggest difference, and it is why choosing the right photographer matters. I do not just press the shutter and hope for the best. I actively direct throughout the entire session.

What does that mean in practice? I will ask you to adjust your posture, tilt your head slightly, change your eye line. I will give you thought prompts to get genuine expression: "Think about someone you have not seen in ages walking through that door" or "Imagine you just heard the funniest thing but you are trying not to laugh." The prompts change depending on what we need.

The goal is to get past the "I am posing for a photo" face and into something real. Your eyes need to have thought behind them. It is often called "interior life" and it is the single biggest difference between a headshot that works and one that does not.

Changing Looks

Depending on the package, we will do multiple looks during the session. That means different outfits, different expressions, maybe different backdrops.

Switching looks gives you variety in your final images. Your primary headshot might be clean and neutral. A secondary shot might have more edge, more warmth, or a completely different energy. Having that range is valuable for submissions.

How Long Does It Take?

Actor sessions run from one hour to four, depending on the package. One hour is enough for a focused session with a few changes of top. Two hours gives you more breathing room to experiment, try different things, and find your flow without rushing.

If it is your first time, the longer session is worth considering. Not because you need the extra time technically, but because having that buffer takes the pressure off. You are not watching the clock, and that relaxed feeling shows in the images.

After the Session

After we shoot, I go through the images and put together a private gallery of the best shots, usually within 24 hours. You pick your favourites and I retouch those: temporary blemishes removed, darkness under the eyes lightly reduced, and a careful colour grade. Nothing heavy-handed, and there is more on how I edit on my retouch page.

The edited images are delivered within 7 to 10 working days, or within 48 hours if you add express editing. You receive high-resolution files ready for Spotlight, agents, websites, and social media.

The Part Nobody Expects

Most people enjoy it. Genuinely. I hear this constantly: "That was actually fun" or "I was dreading it and now I want to do it again." A good headshot session should feel collaborative, not clinical. We are working together to create something, and when it clicks, it is a really satisfying experience.

If you are nervous, that is completely fine. It is my job to get you comfortable. And if you are someone who loves being in front of a camera? Even better. We will have a great time.

Ready to book your session? Check out my actor headshot packages and pick the one that suits you. Or if you want a chat first to talk through what you need, get in touch. I promise I am very normal.