Brett Chisholm Photography Houston Studio Blog

Headshot Questions for Publicity or Actor Headshots

(Updated Feb. 2010)

If you are thinking about headshots at Brett Chisholm Photography, here is some information that should answer your questions.  If there is anything that you do NOT find covered here, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us through e-mail or you can call the studio at 866-789-3686 and press extension 3 to be immediately forwarded to the Studio Director Pattie. (E-mail for scheduling : studio@brettchisholm.com).

Please note that the studio is open EVERY Monday from 10AM to 5PM for studio office hours. We are in the studio every Monday processing prints and doing client consultations, so feel free to drop by and see the studio and meet about your potential shoot. It usually takes the edge off to meet the photographer and see the studio beforehand so you can rest assured you will be getting the images you need. No appointments are necessary during this time, but please call ahead to (866) 789-3686 ext. 3 to make sure there will be time left to see you, as we can fill up occasionally. Changes to any particular studio hours will be posted in the STUDIO BLOG. Important studio announcements are highlighted in a column to the left on the blog.

Package 1

(Available on 4 days per month only. Contact studio for dates.)

Up to 1 hour of studio time for 3  Wardrobe changes

(1.5 hours with makeup)

Master Disc of Images with Printing Release

1 8x10 Final Image on disc - retouched w/ your name

$275.00 online rate

Ask about Agency Rate

Hair and Makeup:

1 Full Application w/ hair tweaks between looks

Men: 70.00

Women: 90.00

www.makeupbywendy.com

Package 2

(Available at any time)

2 Hours of studio time for unlimited wardrobe changes (2.5 hours studio time with makeup)

Master Disc of Images with Printing Release

3 8x10 Final Images on disc - retouched w/ your name

$450 online rate

Ask about Agency Rate

Hair and Makeup:

1 Full App. w/ hair and makeup changes between looks

Men: 85.00

Women: 120.00

www.makeupbywendy.com

(all sessions subject to sales tax.)

Package includes a disc available immediately at the time of shoot, proofs posted to the website if you elect. Printing referrals are given at the studio. Typical reproduction cost is 79.00 for 100 copies or 35.00 for 25 copies.

We usually do all shooting in color, but can shoot in black and white if you prefer. We do NOT suggest this. If you start in black and white, you are stuck. All color images will seamlessly convert to black and white when you want them to. This will keep your options open.

Fashion styling is available for your needs. We have a custom style closet at the studio with ample wardrobe options as well as an in-house wardrobe stylist who can pull custom wardrobe for you shoot. Contact the studio or stylist with questions. (http://www.elanstyles.com)

We shoot in the studio 7 days a week and all day, so there is usually opportunity to get you in within a week or 2. Rush appointments may require an additional fee. There is a 50% non-refundable deposit on photo shoots. We take a credit card number and nothing is charged unless you no-show the appointment. (A notice of more than 24 hours is required to keep your deposit.... I apologize if this seems harsh, but hopefully you understand.)

Please let me know how we can help you and what days are best for you, and we can confirm details. Once you book, please browse through the other client information sections on the blog. We look forward to working with you and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Thank you-

Brett Chisholm
Houston Headshot Photography

Headshot Procedures for Actor and Publicity Headshots

Read this ONCE YOU HAVE BOOKED YOUR SESSION with Brett Chisholm Photography.

Thank you for choosing Brett Chisholm Photography for your photography needs. I am confident you will leave the studio with the best images for your needs. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to call! (866) 789-3686 ext. 3 or click here to e-mail us.

Please arrive at the specified time for your photo shoot. If early, you may be asked to wait in your car, on the patio, or in the dressing room if the session before you is still proceeding and if it makes that client more comfortable. Otherwise, you are welcome to wait in the studio. If late, you will be pushing our entire schedule back for the day, and your session may have to be cut short.

ALL headshot sessions include a makeup artist, please arrive at the time you have been given, not earlier. Time for makeup application and hair styling is included in the schedule.  I use Wendy Martin from Page Parkes for hair and makeup. She uses airbrush makeup, and has an unbelievably natural method of application.

A quick word about the guarantee.... BOTH makeup and your photo shoot are guaranteed for your satisfaction. However, because of digital photography and the opportunities you have to preview ALL images before you leave, the guarantee does not extend past when you leave your session. You will have a chance, as stated, to see all of your pictures and preview your makeup as well. If you are not happy with what is being done, the time of your session is the time to let us know. We will always do EVERYTHING in our power to make certain you are being shown the way you hope to be. It is imperative to understand that a reshoot is ONLY provided after you leave the studio when there is a  technical malfunction on our end. You are responsible for booking your appointment with enough time for you to make sure you are looking your best. THIS INCLUDES MANICURES, PEDICURES, and HAVING YOUR ROOTS COLORED. These are not acceptable reasons for a reshoot. If you have any questions on how to prepare best for your photo shoot, please come by the studio for a consultation beforehand so we can guide you appropriately.

Regarding your headshots, it is the philosophy here that your headshot should be as natural as possible. Please bring clothes that make you feel comfortable. Bring a guest if that will make you feel comfortable, do NOT bring a guest if it will inhibit you on camera. (Parents, you may be asked to sit in another room during the session if your child will work better on camera that way....) Please also bring music! We want to make sure the environment is as comfortable as possible for you during the shoot so you leave with the absolute best results!

Please feel free to bring clothes that you feel flatter you and make you look your best. The more choices we have, the better. We may not shoot everything that you bring. In general, solid colors work best. Generally, you want to stay away from very heavy patterns, as these can be very distracting. Textures usually look great, and stripes can be fine in moderation. Just make sure you bring some alternate choices if you feel it could be an overwhelming piece of clothing. It is usually important to stray away from neutral colors when taking color headshots. They lack the necessary appeal to make your picture 'pop'. VERY IMPORTANT: You must speak with your agent before coming to your photo shoot about the clothing you need to bring. Do NOT bring only dark colors. Do NOT bring only 3 selections. If this is the case, you will not be allowed to shoot, and will have to pay a rescheduling fee. This is for your OWN protection, as your agent will require a complete reshoot after the fact if you do not have the appropriate wardrobe.

Make sure to bring a few staples. Some suggestions are a white and black t-shirt and/or tank top(s) to go underneath bright colors, and on occasion, used alone. Bring PLENTY of options for layering! A couple pairs of jeans, and if appropriate for what you are doing, a suit. Shoes are not of the utmost importance, unless we are shooting outdoors. Other than that, we may never shoot a complete full body shot showing the feet if it is not needed. Do not be afraid of bringing too much!!!! The more choices, the better your shoot will be.

Please also bring with you any previous shots you have of yourself. (Headshots, portfolios, or even snapshots if you are inexperienced.) This will allow us to go over together what you liked and did not like in the past, and what works and doesn't work for you, so we can immediately work towards getting you some great images.

You will be given contact sheets at the time of your session. You can discuss any retouching needs you may have with me at the time of your session. Retouching can often be a lengthy process, so a nominal fee does apply. Options can be discussed with you at the studio.

As stated, you will be given contact sheets at the time of your session which you will take back to your agent (if applicable) to assist you in choosing your final shot. The proofs will also be posted online on our website after the shoot with a password where you can look at them larger and in color and black and white. You will also be given a CD of your photos.  This is an invaluable resource for the working actor and it is highly suggested by most agents that you keep your shots on file. I do keep the shots on my archived databases for as long as possible barring any unforeseen disasters, as well. 

Feel free to bring any music you may want to listen to during your shoot. Anything you can do to make sure you feel comfortable and above all, natural, is very important!

The studio is located just inside loop 610 off of I-10 and TC Jester. Studio directions are posted here on the blog, as well as on the website.

Once again, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. See you soon!

Studio Directions

The studio is located at 1304 Malone St. (Houston TX, 77007). For a link to a map of the studio, please click here.

Directions from Around Town are Included Below:

Coming from the NORTH Side of town
- Take I-45 South to Downtown.
- As you approach downtown, prepare to take a RIGHT exit for I-10 WEST.
- Take I-10 to TC JESTER. Take a LEFT onto TC JESTER.
- Take TC Jester to WASHINGTON AVE. Take a RIGHT on WASHINGTON AVE.
- Take a RIGHT on MALONE ST. (The first street past El Tiempo Restaurant)
- Continue to 1304 MALONE ST. (On the right side of the street, just past SCHULER)
- Park in the front, or if needed, you may park on the side off of SCHULER ST.)

Coming from the NORTHEAST side of town
- Take 59 South to I-10 WEST.
- Take I-10 to TC JESTER. Take a LEFT onto TC JESTER.
- Take TC Jester to WASHINGTON AVE. Take a RIGHT on WASHINGTON AVE.
- Take a RIGHT on MALONE ST. (The first street past El Tiempo Restaurant)
- Continue to 1304 MALONE ST. (On the right side of the street, just past SCHULER)
- Park in the front, or if needed, you may park on the side off of SCHULER ST.)

Coming from the NORTHWEST side of town
- Take 290 East to 610 South
- Take 610 To I-10 EAST.
- Take the TC JESTER exit. (This is the Second exit past Loop 610)
- Take a RIGHT on TC JESTER
- Take TC Jester to WASHINGTON AVE. Take a RIGHT on WASHINGTON AVE.
- Take a RIGHT on MALONE ST. (The first street past El Tiempo Restaurant)
- Continue to 1304 MALONE ST. (On the right side of the street, just past SCHULER)
- Park in the front, or if needed, you may park on the side off of SCHULER ST.)

Coming from the SOUTHWEST side of town:
-Take 59 North to 610 North
-Take 610 to I-10 East (Towards Downtown)
- Take the TC JESTER exit. (This is the Second exit past Loop 610)
- Take a RIGHT on TC JESTER
- Take TC Jester to WASHINGTON AVE. Take a RIGHT on WASHINGTON AVE.
- Take a RIGHT on MALONE ST. (The first street past El Tiempo Restaurant)
- Continue to 1304 MALONE ST. (On the right side of the street, just past SCHULER)
- Park in the front, or if needed, you may park on the side off of SCHULER ST.)

Coming from the SOUTH side of town
- Take I-45 North to Downtown.
- As you pass downtown, take the exit for I-10 WEST.
- Take I-10 to TC JESTER. Take a LEFT onto TC JESTER.
- Take TC Jester to WASHINGTON AVE. Take a RIGHT on WASHINGTON AVE.
- Take a RIGHT on MALONE ST. (The first street past El Tiempo Restaurant)
- Continue to 1304 MALONE ST. (On the right side of the street, just past SCHULER)
- Park in the front, or if needed, you may park on the side off of SCHULER ST.)

Coming from the EAST side of town
- Take I-10 WEST to TC JESTER. Take a LEFT onto TC JESTER.
- Take TC Jester to WASHINGTON AVE. Take a RIGHT on WASHINGTON AVE.
- Take a RIGHT on MALONE ST. (The first street past El Tiempo Restaurant)
- Continue to 1304 MALONE ST. (On the right side of the street, just past SCHULER)
- Park in the front, or if needed, you may park on the side off of SCHULER ST.)

Coming from the WEST side of town
- Take I-10 headed East towards downtown.
- Take the TC JESTER exit. (This is the Second exit past Loop 610)
- Take a RIGHT on TC JESTER
- Take TC Jester to WASHINGTON AVE. Take a RIGHT on WASHINGTON AVE.
- Take a RIGHT on MALONE ST. (The first street past El Tiempo Restaurant)
- Continue to 1304 MALONE ST. (On the right side of the street, just past SCHULER)
- Park in the front, or if needed, you may park on the side off of SCHULER ST.)

New Section of the Blog

We're adding a new section to the blog, that will have it's own set of links to the articles posted in it on the navigation bars to the right. Feel free to let us know what you would like to see in this new "CLIENT INFORMATION" section of the blog.

Here you will find articles with all the information you need for your upcoming photo shoot with Brett Chisholm Photography. There will be clothing guidelines, directions, what to expect, and follow-up procedures.

Enjoy!