Question 1

What's the best way to contact you?

Accepted Answer

Email please!

Please don't text me - only for the ridiculously simple reason that I see the text, read the text, think, 'Ah ok I need to get back to them when I've finished what I'm doing', forget about the text, forget to get back to you, you think I'm aloof. No one wins.

If you send me a message on social media (The Facebook/Tweedle/Insta-snap) chances are I almost certainly won't see it

If you manage to send me a message via carrier pigeon, the session is instantly free.

Question 2

What tops should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Big important question, thanks for asking. Bring a wide selection of tops for us to try throughout the session. I would avoid heavy patterns and stick to solid colours that you know suit you. Mid-tone tops can look bland if you have fair skin, the top needs to help you stand out! 
Bring your favourite top, even if it's a decade old - it's your favourite for a reason, and it’s certainly not coz it looks rubbish on you. Remember that jacket you bought that a mate said looks awesome on you? Bring that one too. 
Think about neck lines, which ones work for you? 
Women - if you have long hair don’t just bring strappy tops as your hair will cover the straps and you’ll look topless, neither of us want that to happen! If in doubt, bring loads and we can pick and choose! I won’t be annoyed if you show up with a massive suitcase-full, however I will be a bit miffed if you show up with only two black tops.

Question 3

I’m incredibly nervous, any advice?

Accepted Answer

Yep - don’t be. I promise it’ll be relaxed as possible and I won’t make you do anything silly like odd cheesy 90s posing with a weird hat on etc. I hate having my photo taken so I’ll never put you in a situation I wouldn’t want to be in. Think of it as a chat with photos along the way.

Question 4

I really hate having my photo taken, does that mean I need extra time?

Accepted Answer

Nope, it means you’re totally normal and on the right track. The sessions are always super relaxed and designed to help you get over that

Question 5

Okay, I know you said it'll be fine and I don't need to be nervous but seriously - I'M REALLY NERVOUS

Accepted Answer

Okay, I hear you - David Bowie's gonna answer this one;

Bowie: 'If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.'

Cheers Dave. Write that down.

Question 6

Do I get to see the shots as we go along?

Accepted Answer

Entirely up to you, if it helps and is constructive then absolutely, but if it makes you feel more self conscious, even if it’s the best shot I’ve ever taken, then probably best to avoid…

Question 7

How/when do I pay?

Accepted Answer

You'll pay a deposit via the booking website when you first book and the rest is bank transfer on the day please, my bank details are included on the confirmation email.

Question 8

Do I have to pay a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes - £100 on the booking system to confirm your booking. It will be refunded if you have to cancel unless it is within 48 hours of your session.

Question 9

Can I shave halfway through the session?

Accepted Answer

Yep - bring lots of aftershave, red rashes and shaving cuts aren’t an ideal look. Please always let me know of this at the beginning of the session so I make sure there's enought time to fit it in!

Question 10

Can I curl/straighten my hair halfway through?

Accepted Answer

Yep - I have an area you can plug in tongs etc. Please always let me know of this at the beginning of the session.

Question 11

I'm coming from quite far outside of London, can I request an afternoon session?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Also, please let me know if you've booked some absurdly expensive train ticket to get here from the Highlands or somewhere so I can make sure there is no chance of me having to reschedule.

Question 12

Do you ever have to reschedule my session?

Accepted Answer

Very rarely, but it does happen every now and again for unpredictable reasons. I'll make it up to you if I do have to move your session and you'll receive another few dates as close to your original booking as possible

Question 13

Can I order extra retouches as well as the ones included in the package?

Accepted Answer

Yes, very easily, via the online gallery your shoot is up on. Just add your selections to the cart, click on checkout and any additional shots will be charged then.

Question 14

Do I get to keep all of the unedited shots from the shoot?

Accepted Answer

No, sorry - I don’t offer out unretouched shots.

Question 15

I've recieved my final retouches and you've edited out a mole/earring etc, can I ask for a few tweaks?

Accepted Answer

Ooops. Of course! I'm not happy until you are, just let me know what you want doing. I offer one extra round of retouch requests otherwise do need to charge extra for more, so best to be as detailed as possible!

Question 16

What should I do about makeup?

Accepted Answer

I would say wear what you would usually wear to an audition. If in doubt, less is more as we can always add as we go along.
If you would like to work with a make up artist, I recommend the below contact. You can get in touch with her directly to arrange, and this should be scheduled for about an hour before your photoshoot!

Natalie:
Info@nataliervella.com
https://www.instagram.com/nataliervella/

Question 17

Can I bring a friend/mum/dad/random spectator?

Accepted Answer

Ideally not - only if you are so nervous that you feel you absolutely must and couldn’t bear it otherwise. It would be great for there to be no one else distracting you or making you feel self conscious so it’s usually best to come on your own. I promise I’m not scary.

Question 18

Where should I meet you when I arrive at Parkhall?

Accepted Answer

In the cafe next to reception, I'll come down and get you! The coffee there is the best in the area. I'll join you when I'm done.

Question 19

Do you shoot weekends?

Accepted Answer

I’m afraid not, I need my weekends to do usual weekend things.

Question 20

How does your cancellation/waiting list work?

Accepted Answer

Every time a session becomes available I offer it out to the top five people on the list on a first come, first served basis via email. If no one claims it, I offer it to the next five and so and so forth...

Question 21

How often do cancellations come up?

Accepted Answer

Very hard to tell I’m afraid, sometimes a couple in a week, sometimes a couple in a month, sometimes none for a while. (Sorry, I know… that’s a rubbish, unhelpful answer.)

Question 22

If I pay more money can I get a session earlier?

Accepted Answer

The savvy businessman in me should say yes but then I just like taking people’s photos and I'm a bit of a rubbish businessman so, no, unfortunately not. I only have a finite amount of sessions per week and when they’re gone, they're gone.

Question 23

Can I book in a session AND go on your cancellation list?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Good idea.

Question 24

Should I get my hair cut before the shoot?

Accepted Answer

NO. Definitely not. No, no, no. Leave it at least a fortnight before your shoot. I have never, ever had a client show up and say, 'Check out my new snazzy haircut - I just got it done before the shoot and it came out exactly as planned, they cut it perfectly, I'm so pleased I did that'...

Question 25

I wear contacts, is this a problem?

Accepted Answer

Nope.

Question 26

I wear glasses, can we get a few with me wearing them?

Accepted Answer

I'll do my best! Glasses usually reflect the light I'm lighting you with and you end up with an odd glare on the lenses - but we can try!

Question 27

What about Bras?

Accepted Answer

Hmm. I wonder how many blokes have clicked on this question hoping there would be some photographic answer...

Ladies, sorry if this sounds obvious but make sure you've got a lighter bra option if you want to wear lighter tops. You'd be suprised how many people bring their favourite white/cream top and a black bra. If you're bringing some off-the-shoudler options then bring a strapless bra too. It's not the end of the world if you forget as I can always paint out bra straps but its takes a little time so easier to get it right in the shoot.

Lads, you do not need to bring bras to the shoot. If you do, I'll be seriously f***ing creeped out

Question 28

My skin has come out in millions of gigantic spots, should I use some concealer?

Accepted Answer

Maybe a tiny, tiny bit if it makes you feel better but I can get rid of absolutely anything on Photoshop so it isn't really needed. Also - that’s a common occurrence, you probably have bad skin all of a sudden just because you've booked headshots. If you want a job, then book a holiday and wait by the phone. It'll ring. You’ll have to cancel the holiday. That’s the universe putting even more challenges in an actor's path.

Question 29

All my clothes are black/white and grey as these are the tones that suit me, do I have to bring a colour top?

Accepted Answer

Yep. Bring at least one. Headshots have changed over the past few years and colour can really make a headshot stand out. Even if you borrow a top from a friend/sibling, just bring one. We can always discard it.

Question 30

I know you suggest not bringing tops that are heavily patterned but I’ve got this amazingly unique one I wore to a fancy dress party at uni, how about that?

Accepted Answer

Bring it. Why not? Even if it’s for a joke shot to scare the life out of your agent...

Question 31

Can I bring music to play during my session in case that helps?

Accepted Answer

Yep. Anything but ABBA.

Question 32

Can I pay the fee in instalments?

Accepted Answer

Ideally not. If you really need to, flag it up and I'll see if I can help.

Question 33

Who's your favourite actor?

Accepted Answer

Brendan Gleeson. The man can floor me by blinking.

Question 34

Can I bring examples of other headshots I've seen that I like and want to aim for?

Accepted Answer

Yeah, do it! I can't guarantee my shots will come out like them but it's always handy to have a visual idea of what you like.

Question 35

Is there parking at your studio?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All parking along Martell Rd is free! If you park in the visitors carpark however, you'll have to pay

Question 36

Can we shoot portraits instead of/ in addition to headshots?

Accepted Answer

Yep, we can shoot anything as long as it's not weird, creepy or pornographic... 
The time is yours, so you can use it for a mix of headshots and more editorial style images if you want!

Question 37

What if I don't like the headshots?

Accepted Answer

Well, I'll always offer for you to see them during the session as we go so you can point out anything you arent particularly liking, don't worry I wont be offended! Be honest - and we'll get your perfect headshot quicker! If you've chosen to not look at them, there isn't much I can do once you've left the studio.

(I don't offer free re-shoots if you decide you're not happy, sorry, so please do make sure you're happy before you leave!
Per terms and conditions: "There is no right to reject on the basis of style, content, composition or editing".)

Question 38

Once I've picked my shots, how long do they take to edit?

Accepted Answer

Images take approx 15 working days to complete but I will endeavour to get them to you as soon aspossible! If you need them quicker then I offer a Expedited Retouching Service with a 48 hour turnaround, please find more info here https://www.shelfordheadshots.com/expedited-retouch-service

Question 39

When does the gallery of my headshots go online for me to choose?

Accepted Answer

The evening of our shoot.

Question 40

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

However much I'd absolutely love to meet your dog, my dog Sam can get a little nervous with others so its probably best you leave them at home

Question 41

What if I don't sleep that well the night before because I'm stressed out??

Accepted Answer

Photoshop will hide all your secrets

Question 42

Who's Michael Barnard?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry, that's my real name, not my superhero photographer name. There was already a photographer called Michael Barnard so I changed it. I'm only telling you this as once or twice I've accidently emailed clients from my personal 'Michael Barnard' email address saying, 'I'm looking forward to meeting you' and they freaked out - and quite understandably! (that Barnard chap could've been ANYONE!)

Frequently asked questions