How to Prepare for a Personality Session

Your Personality:

The most important angle to use these shots for is to brand yourself as an actor. How are the roles you are playing reflecting in how you brand yourself? In a business sense, what direction do you aim to go to, and how can we visually showcase that for you? While it is the same as described above, I want to elevate you as a business as much as possible, if that is your angle with personality shots. Talk with your agent or manager if they know what they want. If you already know what you want, let’s do it.

For this type of shoot, we are going to be capturing who you are! Different from headshots, we don't necessarily have to think about role types. We can still call these "looks," but these looks can show different sides of your personality, your business, or whatever you are inquiring about. These can be used for your website, Instagram, and branding (see more elaboration in the next paragraph). Whatever the case is, this shoot is super fun. Think about the parts of you that you want to display, is it your humor? Do you have a more serious side? Is there something that you love you feel describes who you are? You do not have to, but you can bring any props or items that you want photos with. Think outside the box. For more ideas, check out what others have done on my portfolio.

The clearer you are with your vision for your brand, the most effective these photos will be. While I will have setups and poses ready for you to try, your own artistic flare and personality will make the photo the best it can be. I am only one person, but together, we can make something of higher and greater quality. So please be as clear as possible with a vision.

If you have inspiration photos of color schemes or ideas that you like that you want me to see that might require me to prepare for, send them over to my email at inquiries@juliannamcguirl.photo at least a week before.

Hair and Makeup Artist:

If you have opted for the highly recommended HMUA, then the HMUA will be there when you arrive. If you have opted for the HMUA, then the HMUA will be there when you arrive. They will have all the makeup and hair products for all skin types and textures. There is no need to bring your own products, the products we use are made specifically to be read on camera. If you have just opted for makeup, that is fine. Hair is optional but highly encouraged — you can always change your mind to the day leading up if you want hair done by the HMUA.

For female identifying clients, arrive with a clean, blank canvas and hair. Come in with an idea of what you want for hair and makeup; you can bring in photos on your phone that show your normal day to day look if you want! The makeup artist will style it based on the roles you discuss, as well as how you would normally wear it going into an audition. You want your headshots to look like you as much as possible, we won't overdo it!

For male identifying clients, come in with a blank canvas. If you want to shave mid session, you are welcome to bring your razors and products. Come in with an idea of what you normally look like going into an audition in terms of your hair, and we will discuss your role types with the hair and makeup artist.

For non-binary clients, come in with suggestions from either or both paragraphs above!

***Our HMUA works closely with you for makeup and hair, so please be aware of and take care of any body odors and cleanliness before coming in.***

***Come with clean hair, as the HMUA will be working through your hair***

*** You do not need to come in any earlier than your appointment time if you have booked HMUA services***

***I HIGHLY ADVISE NOT GETTING HAIR CUTS THE DAY BEFORE YOUR SHOOT! Give contingency between your haircut and the session to let your hair settle in the way you like. The last thing you want is something wrong to happen with your haircut in time for your session.****

IF YOU HAVE ***NOT*** OPTED FOR THE HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST, PLEASE READ:

If you are concerned with coming in from traveling, the train, walking, etc. with the hair and makeup at the chance of getting ruined, I highly advise you to add on hair and makeup to your appointment. I do not have any makeup or tools to provide you if you need to fix anything. Having them there takes off all extra worries, where we can focus solely on the work we do rather than the way you look. Having them there is for your benefit and an investment in yourself.

For male-identifying clients, I understand you may not wear makeup on a daily basis, but having male grooming there is more beneficial than not during your photo session — the camera captures every spot and redness /discoloration on your face, so if you do not have coverage on, please note that it will be shown on camera. All male identifying clients that you see in my portfolio and on my Instagram have opted for the grooming. If you change your mind and want the HMUA male grooming there, please email me ASAP. Having them there is for your benefit and an investment in yourself.

If you have still opted to do your own, it is required you come hair and makeup ready with how you would look in the audition room. You can touch up here anything that needs to be fixed before we get started, but please come ready. As stated prior, I will not provide any hair or makeup tools.

Stray away from glitter and shimmer, as the lights will reflect too much off that type of makeup, and avoid trendy makeup tricks and styles (Tik Tok/ Instagram trends). While trending makeup looks great in the real world, you want your headshots to transcend time; if a trend goes out of style, then you will be stuck with that trend in a headshot you want to use for a long time. If you have hired your own independent MUA, please have your hair and makeup ready before. If you want makeup done here at the studio, then we have to hire one of the artists I provide. Please email to coordinate, if so.

For male-identifying clients, I understand you may not wear makeup on a daily basis, but having male grooming there is more beneficial than not during your photo session — the camera captures every spot and redness /discoloration on your face, so if you do not have coverage on, please note that it will be shown on camera. All male identifying clients in my portfolio and on my Instagram have opted for the grooming. If you change your mind and want the HMUA male grooming there, please email me ASAP. Having them there is for your benefit, as I am not trying to upsell, but rather they are there for your own benefit.

If you have still opted to do your own, it is required you come hair and makeup ready with how you would look in the audition room. You can touch up here anything that needs to be fixed before we get started, but please come ready. As stated prior, I will not provide any hair or makeup tools.

Stray away from glitter and shimmer, as the lights will reflect too much off that type of makeup, and avoid trendy makeup tricks and styles (Tik Tok/ Instagram trends). While trending makeup looks great in the real world, you want your headshots to transcend time; if a trend goes out of style, then you will be stuck with that trend in a headshot you want to use for a long time. If you have hired your own independent MUA, please have your hair and makeup ready before. If you want makeup done here at the studio, then we have to hire one of the artists I provide. Please email to coordinate, if so.

For male-identifying clients, I understand you may not wear makeup on a daily basis, but having male grooming there is more beneficial than not during your photo session — the camera captures every spot and redness /discoloration on your face, so if you do not have coverage on, please note that it will be shown on camera. All male identifying clients in my portfolio and on my Instagram have opted for the grooming. If you change your mind and want the HMUA male grooming there, please email me ASAP.

If you have still opted to do your own after all precautions to not hiring one, it is required you come hair and makeup ready with how you would look in the audition room. You can touch up here anything that needs to be fixed before we get started, but please come ready. Stray away from glitter and shimmer, as the lights will reflect too much off of that type of makeup, and avoid trendy makeup tricks and styles (Tik Tok/ Instagram trends). While trending makeup looks great in the real world, you want your headshots to transcend time; if a trend goes out of style, then you will be stuck with that trend in a headshot you want to use for a long time. If you have hired your own independent MUA, please have your hair and makeup ready before. They are allowed to come for touch-ups, but you still must be ready when you arrive. If you want makeup done here at the studio, then you have to hire one of the artists I provide. Please email to coordinate, if so.

Clothing:

Bring in options and more than the number of looks so that we have a big selection to choose from. Best prepare while thinking about what clothing best expresses what you are trying to convey with these photos. Sometimes, clothes that you might not wear daily will read amazingly on camera, so think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to try something different than you ever have before.

Tiny lines/ stripes, and neon aren't the best on camera, but if you need them for a specific purpose, bring it. I LOVE color! Solid colors look great on camera, as well as jewel and earth tones. Bring in patterns, too. Nothing overly patterned or distracting, but interesting and fun. If you are unsure about the patterns, bring in what you have anyway! Be sure to keep in mind texture, it's important in giving shape. Fabrics with texture can mean unique stitching or that are woven, as well as silk. If you want black, I recommend silk or leather (black leather jackets work well).

For female-identifying clients, favor cuts that flatter you best. Tank tops with cool necklines look great on camera, as well as more form-fitting clothing. When choosing between different sizing, choosing the smaller size is your best bet, unless you intentionally want something that is bigger on you. Make sure to bring proper bras/ nip coverings for your tops. Bras with lace textures against thin and tight fabrics will show up on camera, so bring smooth bras.

For male-identifying clients, bring in necklines that best flatter you such as crew necks, button-ups, and v-necks, all of these as a former fitting. When choosing between different sizing, choosing the smaller size is your best bet, unless you intentionally want something that is bigger on you.

Get creative and clever! Don't go too basic.

For non-binary clients, bring in either or both from above. Whatever makes you, YOU!

Layering up: When you bring in tighter fitting tops, you can layer up with jackets, sweaters, and blazers (which does not count as an additional look.)

Do not arrive wearing any of the clothes you will be using as an option in the photos — this will avoid sweat stains (those WILL show up on camera.)

There is a steamer here if your clothes get wrinkled.

FOR EYE GLASSES: Depending on what type of glasses you wear, the lights may catch a glare. Warby Parker lenses tend to have the least glare, however, for other brands, while glares can be toned down or removed in retouches, it is not guaranteed. I highly recommend finding a way to pop the lenses out beforehand or buying a fake pair of glasses that matches the glasses you wear already so we can pop out those lenses.

***If you think you don’t have any of these types of clothing in your closet, a smart thing you can do is go to a store like H&M, Forever 21, Zara, Urban, etc. and buy clothes there. If they are not used in our session, you can return them!*** THE BEST examples of clothing are on my portfolio, which can be found in the header, if you are having trouble figuring out where to start.

COME SHOWERED, CLEAN, AND ODORLESS, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

During the shoot...

Location:

The location is in your confirmation sheet.

Feel free to bring your own music/playlist, as I have speakers and Spotify in the studio to get you in the mood of the roles you are trying to convey through the photos, or just something to jam to during the shoot!

Your Picks & Final Gallery...

After you sent in your payment for your session and up to 10 business days after your session, you will receive the entire gallery of your shoot, non-watermarked and ready to download for you to have. You will pick the set number of favorites to choose from that you want to be retouched. Additional touch-ups beyond what is included in your package is $25 each.

Payment:

For payment, I prefer Zelle or cash for no-fee transactions; a third option is Venmo with small fees. The form of payment for your makeup artist will be these options. We do not take Paypal or Cashapp. You will have paid the online deposit when booking, the remaining payment will be made on the day of our session. No payment plans available.

Reschedule and Cancellation Policy:

There is a $155 non-refundable deposit when you schedule a session with me. If you cancel, you will not receive your deposit back. The deposit goes towards the total of the session. If you have to reschedule and set a specific time and date, I will move that deposit to that session.

I allow up to 1 reschedule for your session. If you have to reschedule after already doing so once, you have to re-book with another deposit. You must reschedule at least 48-hours in advance. A reschedule that is within 48 hours of the shoot time will require a new deposit of $105, to be sent via Zelle or Venmo.

If you cancel your session, you will not receive your deposit back. If you cancel within 24 hours of your session, you will be charged another $105 with the card you booked your session with to compensate the lost session.

I also do not offer free re-shoots. If you want something different than what we already shot, you can re-book with me for a new shoot! With that, it is important you speak up during your session to get your desired results. Changes to colors and outfit choices cannot be made once the shoot is over and in the post-production. I strongly encourage actors to understand and respectfully verbalize their needs and wants as much as they can during the shoot!

An important note from me:

I am excited to be a part of your career journey! If you have followed all the above on the prep sheet here, we are already on such a great track.

I want to be the best vehichle for your career as possible. My only hope is that these headshots will help catapult your career into something great. That being said, coming here with the clearest intention and ideas are integral to making your photoshoot dreams come true. If you do not have an idea of what you want, then I cannot do my job as best as I could for you. We are both artists: I am not just a camera, but also an artist with a soul, ready to connect with you. I aim to uphold my own artistic integrity, and you can help me do so by also sharing your artistic integrity with me. Of course, please be kind, I am also human; if you come in with the best efforts you can, we will create something truly amazing!

See you soon,

Julianna