headshot rates and info

HEADSHOT PRICES
STANDARD SESSION 695.00
MINI SESSION 525.00***
CHILDREN 495.00 (14 and under)
HAIR AND MAKEUP 175.00 (For Women)

RETURNING CLIENTS SUBTRACT 75.00
FULL TIME STUDENT SUBTRACT 75.00
DISCOUNTS DO NOT APPLY TO MINI SESSION

FOR CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL RATES PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL THE STUDIO FOR A QUOTE

STANDARD RETOUCHING 35.00 PER FILE


***"MINI" SESSIONS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE ACTORS
WHO ARE ON A MORE LIMITED BUDGET...3 CHANGES AND ABOUT 200 PHOTOS.
WE ALSO DO COMP CARDS AND PORTFOLIOS.
WE ACCEPT CHECKS, CASH, VISA AND MASTERCARD .
IF A CHILD USES THE HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST THE FEE BECOMES THE STUDENT RATE.
FOR CREDIT CARDS THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL 3% PROCESSING FEE ADDED.

STANDARD SESSION INCLUDES:
Multiple set-ups in the studio AND outside, weather permitting, as many clothing changes as you'd like.
Master CD of your entire session in lo-res proofsheet format and an
Online Web Gallery of full size color images that can be shared with agents, managers friends and family.

SCHEDULING A SESSION
When you book a session, we will also schedule a consultation a week or so before your shoot. This is a time for us to talk one-on-one about your career, specific photo needs, clothing etc...this can be done at the studio or on the phone. Bring or send your old headshot and resume...helps me to see where you've been and where you hope to go.

HOW THE SESSION WILL RUN
I use many different approaches...we'll shoot in the studio, the streets of Chelsea, Flatiron, the local park AND if you pick up the taxi fare we'll shoot anywhere else on the streets of Manhattan.
I'll used varied lighting set-ups, hair, makeup and clothing changes, and you'll be able to preview them on my camera or on the computer...SO much more fun and interactive this way...I only ask you to help me by filling me in on the direction you'd like your career to be heading (YEAH, YEAH I KNOW ABIOUT THE FAME AND FORTUNE THING)... but I need more specifics...this info is critical to the success of your session.
Once we begin, my best advice is to relax and just have fun. My directing style is more "conversational."...I don't like to "over direct"...looks a little too contrived...mostly I want to know about you and your life and your ambitions...Shooting time is usually 2-3 hours...add additional time for hair and makeup...about 1 hour for women, 15 minutes for men...I do light powder and MAYBE a little base coverage for men but I DON'T like to see makeup on you...it's easier to fix things in retouching. but if it'll make you happy to cover up that golfball size zit that inevitably appears the night before your shoot I'll put on little base on it to make you feel better. If a groomer is needed for difficult hair etc. we can make arrangements to have someone at the session.

MUSIC
Bring your favorite CD's, I POD or MP 3 player to set the mood for your session. I also have a bunch of CD's and playlists that you can choose from.

PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION
Preparing for your session physically as well as mentally is very important when you want to get great shots.
It's best to have your hair exactly where you want it, and be at your most comfortable weight when we shoot.
With lighting changes I can "thin you down" or "fatten you up" but it's better if you do this naturally. In addition, make sure that you make an extra effort to take good care of yourself in the days, or even better, weeks before your session...drink lots of water...avoid alcohol and excess salt...get plenty of sleep, exercise and proper nutrition.
This not only helps you look your absolute best for the photo session...you'll feel great too. The night of the shoot is another story... eat plenty of chocolate, fried foods and drink silly drinks with little umbrellas in them. I also recommend that you make social plans...after all you're gonna look GREAT!!!!

MAKEUP AND HAIR
These are "headshots", so the focus will be on your face and hair. I have several very talented artists who've worked with us for a number of years. They are experts in this format (as you can see in the portfolio) and will help you achieve that perfect "look"...commercial, soap, legit, industrial etc. Their fee includes makeup and hairstyling....they stay for the entire session to make sure you look great in every shot. These services are optional for men...(call the studio for details) but required for women. ALSO...think of this as a "makeup lesson"...you'd be surprised what tips you can pick up from the artists.

CLOTHING
We will discuss this further when we have our consultation, but in general the clothes you wear should be simple and enhance, not detract from your portrait. I've always favored simple, solid tops in medium to darker tones, keeping away from distracting prints and patterns. Another good rule is to have your clothes a little darker or lighter than your skin tone.
I often advise people with lighter eyes to bring in tops that will accentuate their coloring, such as blues, greys or burgundys for people with blue eyes, and earth tones and olives for those with green or hazel eyes.
The MOST important thing is to wear clothes that make you feel both attractive and comfortable...we will always capture the best shots when you feel confident about how you look.
And...please make sure your clothes are stain free and freshly ironed. We have an iron and a steamer in the studio for touch-ups but it will save time if everything is ready to go. And YES....at the end of the session I'll do that shot you've always wanted with that kooky hat or shirt you want to take a photo with...great for FACEBOOK!!!

TIMETABLE, RETOUCHING AND PRINTS
The next step after your shoot is making your final selections...your proofsheets will be viewable 48 hours after your session, courtesy of REPRODUCTIONS, and you can share your pics with agents, managers, friends, family and teachers etc...
On the site you will see that I've starred my favorites to help you with the selection process, and you can view each of your images enlarged in either color or black and white.
Retouching should be kept very simple...a little lightening under the eyes, cleaning stray hairs, smoothing out the skin etc. It should NOT be plastic surgery...you want to look as much like as your printed headshot or electronic file as possible when you walk through the door into the audition. We can also "open" up squinted eyes, fix clothing etc.
Getting your prints made is the last step in the process, but it's extremely important that you do it right. After spending all this money don't get your copies made at a cheapo lab or on your home printer.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
A deposit of 250.00 is required to book a session. The balance of the session fee and the Makeup/Hair fee (in cash directly to the artist) are due on the day of the shoot.
We accept, checks, cash, Visa and mastercard.
Please make checks payable to Muse Creative Group, Inc.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Studio hours are Monday through Friday 9 AM-6 PM. Occasionally I do shoot on Saturdays. Please make studio visits by appointment only.

CANCELLATION POLICY
The deposit is fully refundable if your session is cancelled prior to the consultation or at least 2 business days prior to the shoot. Your deposit will be forfeited if you cancel your session with less than 24 hours notice unless there is a personal or medical emergency. Last minute auditions do not qualify as an emergency as both my makeup artist and I will have lost work for your scheduled time.

FINALLY
I KNOW it feels like going to the dentist or the accountant for a lot of you BUT having your headshot taken can actually be a fun experience.Come in with a positive attitude...we'll take care of the rest. And bring in a sandwich, fruit or some munchies to keep your energy up...for those of you who aren't health food freaks I've got a killer selection of candy and other junk foods to partake in during the session.