Headshot Q and A

Why does my headshot matter?

An actor’s headshot is an extremely important tool in the process of securing a casting or getting agent representation. While you may well posses the talent, the look and the determination, it is your headshot and cv that is viewed by the industry in general. If your headshot looks professional and delivers a certain quality, then you stand a much better chance of progressing and getting seen.

Could I just get a friend to take my headshot?

Friends are great, but it is certainly not advisable to ask someone you know too well – even if they are a photographer. There are specific techniques used in shooting an actors headshot – including direction, composition, lighting, timing which only come about from having years of experience in the arena of theatre and television. Your headshot must look professional and while friends may be capable of snapping a good pic, there is a vast difference in shooting a professional actors headshot – which is what I do every day.

Could I find someone cheaper?

Cheap isn’t always best – but my prices are extremely competitive for the work I do at the level I do it. Spending less on such an important part of the puzzle is somewhat of a false economy – if you’re serious about a career in acting / performing, why waste the chance of being considered for something that could open doors for you by sending in a poor headshot?

No casting director, producer or director ever hired an actor who didn't take themselves and their career seriously - (nobody wants to be responsible for someone who arrives on set that is inexperienced and unprofessional) - and until you are well known, nothing says more about how serious an actor you are then your headshot. It must project a professional look / determination – a fantastic headshot doesn’t cost the earth, but it must be the absolute best that you can afford. It’s money well spent and I offer a free re-shoot if you are not 100% satisfied – something I have only had to do once in my entire 15 year career.

What does Pascal Molliere offer that others don’t?

It speaks volumes if the shot is poorly lit, badly composed or uses no technique of depth or shade. The photograph must hold intrigue and be able to stand out from others that land on the desk of a casting agent or producer. Above all that, the photograph must convey your character and your warmth and spirit - I have many years of experience of working in the theatre and in television – working both sides of the camera. My artistic background is definitely a big influence in my work and I’m always able to find a person’s individual spark – that essence that makes them who they are - I like to think that I get on very well with all my clients which is great, but knowing what buttons to press is something more rare. One thing that sets me apart from any other headshot photographer – is my ability to know when I have the shot that is you and that will always work for you professionally. But don’t just take my word for it - read my testimonials and find out what my clients say about me and my work.

My mum thinks the shots I have are ok, I don’t need new ones.

While our closest family and friends count a great deal, in this industry it's not just a question of how you/they think your headshot looks, it's really how your target audience thinks. And while your target audience sees in the region of around 200 headshots every day - your headshot must really stand out.

While your mum/friends and family know you, your target audience do not and casting directors, producers and agents will only pick up the phone and audition you, if they like the look of your photo. Your CV and all it contains is also very important of course, as is your natural talent, training and individuality – for sure! But how will you ever get seen if you don’t present yourself in a way that the industry recognises and appreciates

What if the headshot looks too good and I can’t deliver what they expect?

Believe it or not, many actors think about this - Firstly, I make sure your headshot is a true representation of you – your face, character, spirit etc - But once your headshot has been produced, printed and sent out to casting directors – and you have been selected for audition, the rest of the casting and performing is a whole different process. As Sir Ian McKellen said, “I take each stage as it comes”.

Do you use Photoshop?

Sometimes – yes. Photoshop is a very powerful and useful medium indeed – and I do use it – but unless you have the basic fundaments of a well taken photograph – including all the elements I have talked about (lighting, composition, expression etc etc) then Photoshop is useless. I will only use Photoshop in adjusting tonal balance, contrast, cropping and occasionally to remove temporary blemishes that are not usually apparent on your face (such as a scratch, spot or other mark that is not a part of you permanently.) Other things like moles, pimples or lines remain – although lighting can help enormously to enhance these elements.

I still don’t see why a headshot is that important – surely it’s me who is important not my photo?

This couldn’t be further from the truth – Of course, as an actor – you have individuality, character, ability and so much more – but think of this as a business and think of who the buyers are. You are the product and so you should approach this with a business head as well as an emotive one.

If there were two identical eBay items for sale from different sellers, identical in every way apart from the photo – one which was a poorly lit, badly positioned, clutter in the background and the item looked dull and uninspiring, while the other was a perfectly lit and clean and bright which one would you bid on? Presentation is everything.

Of course we’re not selling eBay items – and of course there are dozens of other factors to consider when deciding on who gets a part in a tv production – but if you can take care of that one single very important factor, and deliver the very best headshot that you can, then you greatly improve your chances from that point on.

I still feel I can still find someone cheaper.

There are dozens of other factors that can determine a great headshot. Of course you will always find hundreds of would-be photographers who would gladly take your money and who will claim that they can take an actors headshot – but there is no point in spending money on a shot that doesn’t work for you. At the start of your career and indeed throughout your career, the headshot is everything and so it pays to invest right from the start.

In London, the going rate for a professional actors headshot session is anything between £300 - £400, with a number of free prints included.

Should I choose Indoor Studio / Outdoor Natural Light or Indoor Natural light?

This is a very important aspect of finding the right shot that works best for you. Everyone is different – skin tone, eyes, hair etc all react differently in different light scenarios. Paler skin can sometimes come out better in studio conditions where the light and shade are more graduated and controlled – but that is not always the case. Darker skin can soak up more light and so outdoor light can often produce a better result – but again, it really depends on the style that is right for each individual.

Indoor Natural Light

Outdoor Natural Light

Indoor Studio

Some actors can look completely different when photographed in the studio compared with an outdoor shoot. Some actors can continue on through a career, getting work from a style that they believe works well for them - until they try a different style and suddenly more work comes in. It really is impossible to tell which light suits your face the best until you try it out – and that can be expensive if you sit with three different photographers.

I specialise in offering combination sessions for actors who are at the start of their career or at a juncture where they need to try something different. No other photo session is so designed to achieve the absolute optimum impact from a headshot session - Book a double or triple combination today and save up to £300 on individual sessions. Plus, I offer 4 free 10x8 hand finished prints with every combination session worth up to £80.

Do you provide contact sheets?

Yes – but not as a matter of course. Previously before digital, contact sheets were the main way to view your photo session. Now I use an online viewing gallery, accessible via the internet – so you can view, order and even send images you like the look of online. Contact sheets are available however for a small fee – and they’re very handy for keeping hold of after the gallery has expired – as they will give you a record of every shot taken in case you need to order more in the future or change your choice at any time.

Why do I need to keep updating my headshot?

We all change as we get older – and a face never stays the same. As well as that, our hair changes our appearance a lot and a simple haircut can dramatically change the way we look. It is very important to keep up to date with headshots – and even if you don’t think you look that much different, it is very prudent to renew your headshot at least every 18 months – No actor should be presenting headshots that are 24 months old – it is the industry faux pas – and most casting directors’ pet hate. (although they will never tell you).

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes I do - Investing in any business is important – and while I do appreciate that spending money on renewed headshots each year can be costly, but I try to make it as painless as possible – and I am the only photographer of my kind that offers a repeating discount for my clients when they return each year. Starting at 10% for the first year – 20% for the second year, 30% for the third etc – until after 5 years and every subsequent visit is charged at just 50% of the regular price.

I also offer group discounted sessions as well as student discounts – please contact me for further details.

Can I get my shots on digital / CD or via email as well as just prints?

Yes – all are available and you can order them direct from your own personalised gallery – 24/7. Images are downloaded to your inbox in seconds and you can be adding them to websites in no time. Order your entire session on cd or hi-res dvd – or simply pick images one by one and have them sent via email. You can even order hand finished prints in any size from the online gallery – and all orders are shipped out on the same day of ordering.

Do you provide a hair and make-up artist?

I can do – more so for modelling shoots, but for actors headshots – it is advisable to come looking as natural as possible. For girls, a touch of foundation, a little eye make-up and some gloss perhaps – hair must be natural, clean and brushed tidily – bring any items / products that you may normally use with you to the shoot – there are hair and make up areas for you to adjust your style during the session. A hair and make-up artist is available at an hourly rate – please contact me for full details.

How long does it all take – from start to finish?

The shoot lasts about one hour – per element. Studio shoots can be slightly longer – so if you have a double or triple combination session, you can expect to be here for at least 2 hours or more. There is post production time, which includes a free re-touch on selected photos as well as uploading to your gallery. Once you have chosen your ideal shots, they can be instantly downloaded. Prints can take up to 5 days to arrive. In short, the process from start to finish can take from 48hrs to a week max. Let me know if it’s more urgent than that!

Do I get a discount if I recommend you to a friend?

Yep! Absolutely – I will even pay a commission to anyone who sends me clients – so please feel free to suggest me or to ask me about special programmes I offer to students who want to promote my work among their colleagues.