SESSION INFORMATION
Hello and thank you for your booking!
Please take the time to read this as it contains all the information you need for your session.
My address is:
3 Lavender Road,
Enfield,
London.
EN2 0SU
– Here’s a link to a map of the studio’s location: https://goo.gl/5pi8EO
– The nearest station is Gordon Hill, which is a rail station. You can get the train from a number of stations including Moorgate, Old Street, Highbury & Islington and Finsbury Park. Highbury & Islington is generally the easiest as you only need to step off the tube (Victoria Line) and cross over to the opposite platform and you can get the train to Gordon Hill from there. Please check train times from the station you plan to leave from as the trains can be a bit intermittent at various times of the day.
– The studio is an easy 15 minute walk from Gordon Hill, or you can also get the W8 bus (the bus stop is opposite the exit of the station car park. Pick it up from there, heading towards Enfield Town – the fourth stop (stop F) is the nearest).
– Driving is also very easy and there’s free parking outside my house all day every day.
– If you’re driving, please note: Lavender Road is a pedestrian and cycle zone between the hours of 8:00 to 9:00am, and 3:00 to 3:45pm. If you’re arriving for a session during these times, please park on one of the surrounding roads.
WHAT TO WEAR
– Here’s the important bit, and something that will certainly be a big help in your session. Spend some time thinking about your casting, the kind of parts you’re good at and the work you want to do. Ask yourself the question “What do I want people to learn about my casting, or me as an actor, from my photos?” This should help you choose tops. For example if part of your range is classical or period work then a soft lacy top or granddad shirt can work really well. T-shirts and hoodies give you a more contemporary feel. Try to think of adjectives that describe you as an actor and all the things that make up your range. What kind of parts are you good at? Strong, delicate, aggressive, girl/guy next door, warm, professional etc. Bring tops that will help us get those looks.
– And bring lots of different tops. Go for 10 at the very least. This is important – it’s much better to have loads with you that we can pick the best ones from than to not have enough for the session. You can always buy new clothes for the session then take them back afterwards if you don’t want to keep them…
– It’s also important to vary them as much as possible. Mix up the types of top, the styles, the necklines and the fabrics. And vary the colours too, so we’ve got a broad palette to work from. Black tops look good on most people but please bring a range of colours. If there’s a colour you know works well for you (a blue top with blue eyes is always a great look for example) then bring a few options. Don’t forget jackets too, having one or two with you is usually a good idea. If you’ve got a top you love but aren’t sure if it’ll work in a headshot, bring it with you anyway and I’ll have a look at it.
– If you’re fair skinned and have very light hair, please have a good mix of darker tops in your selection, as light tops can run the risk of washing you out.
IF YOU’VE ALSO BOOKED IN FOR PORTRAITS…
Make sure you bring a selection of things for your bottom half too, not just tops. So bring, jeans, trousers, dresses or whatever you want. You get the idea.
GIRLS, OR THOSE WHO IDENTIFY AS FEMALE
– If you wear make up, arrive with it done so that we don’t spend the first part of the session starting from scratch. Obviously you’ll have time to touch it up when you arrive if you need to.
– Keep the make up reasonably simple – it’s shouldn’t be stripped right back to way less than you’d usually wear, but avoid heavy “going out” make up. We can always start simple and build it up as we go through the session. Watch wearing too much foundation too as it can block your pores and look a bit dry. A good base is good for general tone but don’t worry about covering up spots etc. That’s exactly what Photoshop is for – and in fact it will do a much more natural job of removing blemishes etc than cover up will!
– I’ve got hair clips, hair bands, hairspray etc in the studio but bring whatever you need to make changes to your hair in case it’s something I don’t have. Straighteners are something that occasionally get left at home so don’t forget to pack them if you need them. Also think about bringing something to control frizz or fly away hair if you need it. Again I’ve got stuff in the studio but there might be a particular product you know works well with your hair.
– Also consider your bras. If you’ve got a sheer cream top you love but are wearing a black bra underneath it can be very distracting, so bring a light and a dark with you, or whatever you think you’ll need for your tops. Strapless is great if you’ve got one.
BOYS, OR THOSE WHO IDENTIFY AS MALE
– Stubble or a bit of growth can often look great in a headshot as it adds a bit of jaw definition so feel free to turn up with some, then if you want a clean shaved look too
you can shave at whatever point you want. Just bring your shaving gear with you.
– If you’re having your hair cut for the session don’t get it cut the day before – aim for a week in advance or so to give it time to settle. Just something to think about – you know what works for your hair.
– Also, don’t wear foundation for the shoot (or any make up for that matter). If you’re worried about spots, shaving rashes etc there’s no need to be at all. Photoshop is a hugely powerful tool and will get rid of anything you want, and it’ll look natural.
ALSO…
– Please be on time. Remember to check train times and plan for problems. Obviously things can go wrong en route (TFL are far from perfect), so if you’re going to be late please call me as soon as you can to let me know. I can help you with alternative routes if needed.
– Likewise if you’re early just give me a quick call and if I’m ready we can start the session early. If I’m not ready then there’s several nice coffee shops on Lancaster Road nearby (I recommend Zippola, 93 Lancaster Road opposite the Co-Op)
– If you’d like to play music during the session then please do. I’ve had clients make playlists for the session in the past so if you want to do the same go for it!
PAYMENT
– Payment is on the day and bank transfer is my preference but you’re also more than welcome to pay in cash or credit / debit card but please note there’s a £5 charge to pay on a card.
FINALLY
– If you need to cancel and rearrange the session for any reason please give me as much notice as possible. I know auditions can come up last minute so I don’t charge a cancellation fee except in the event that you fail to show up for the session with no contact at all, in which case the full fee is payable. Remember that you’ll lose your deposit if you cancel or rearrange within 72hrs of the session.
If you have any questions around any of this please get in touch and I look forward to meeting you!
Robin
Email: contact@robinsavage.co.uk Mobile: 07901 927597
