I suggest reading through this list of FAQs before your session. Please let me know if I’ve missed anything.
If you’re interested in what the entire headshot process is like with me, check out my experience page.
The following questions mainly pertain to headshots taken at my space on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. If you’re interested in company headshots taken at an office, see my corporate headshots page.
SCHEDULING
How can I contact you?
Best to fill out my contact form. I get this immediately in my email.
Where are you located?
I’m located in Manhattan, New York City, on the Upper West Side near Morningside Heights, near Columbia University. I’m around the corner from the 1 train, and about a 10-minute walk from the B/C trains.
When are you available for headshots?
Every day of the week, although I prefer to have Mondays off to do businessy stuff. I prefer to do sessions in the time between late morning to mid afternoon.
Do you ever postpone due to weather?
For indoor sessions, I've done this only a handful of times in 16 years due to extremely dark storm clouds, but this was back when I used exclusively natural light. I use studio lights now, so dark clouds are not an issue. If there is a hurricane, snowstorm, or monsoon, then yes, we can reschedule.
Do you charge a rescheduling fee?
Nope.
What if I’m sick the day before the session?
Absolutely reschedule. Not a problem.
What if I have a pimple?
I have Photoshop. Nobody but the two of us will ever know.
BEFORE THE SESSION
What should I bring?
Depending on how many looks you want, bring a handful of tops. If you're not sure how to narrow it down, we’ll chat beforehand.
Bring whatever makeup and hair products you would use to prepare yourself for an audition (don’t forget lip balm!). You want to look polished and professional, but not overly glamorous. I've heard "you want to look like you on your best day” which I think is a good way to think of it.
What kind of clothing is best?
What you like and feel good in. Jewel tones work for just about everyone. Bright colors can work as well. What matters is that you feel good in it! Black is a nice dramatic option.
Prints are fine, but you don’t want anything that will distract people and make them say “Wow, look at that shirt!” Take a look at the headshots on my site for ideas. We can always take a test shot if you’re not sure.
In general, I would avoid big jewelry and anything that could detract attention from your face.
I have facial hair. Should I shave first?
Your call. If you normally have a beard and audition with a beard, then by all means, you should have a beard in your headshots. If you're normally clean-shaven, then you should be clean-shaven.
There is the option of shaving at my place and doing some with and some without facial hair – a good option if you’d like a longer session.
This is my first headshot session. How should I present myself?
An overall note, especially if you’re looking to do commercial work: it's helpful to know your "type" (typical kind of role you'd book based on your appearance) before you get headshots. Watch commercials and think about which roles you would get cast in based on your appearance.
I'm not saying every piece of clothing you bring should fit into one type of personality, but it's something to consider when choosing clothing.
If you're new to commercial auditioning, I recommend taking a commercial course and getting input from casting directors and agents. In NYC, I recommend Brooke & Mary’s commercial class. I've taken a couple of commercial courses myself and even auditioned for a few commercials, although I stopped doing that years ago when I realized I am more comfortable behind the scenes. I’m more than happy to share my own experiences and advice.
Any other recommendations?
Get a good night’s sleep! Don’t go out partying the night before. If you’re sick, again, we can reschedule. Also, please brush and floss before the session so your teeth look their best. Sorry, I know everyone hates flossing but it’s good to do, and your dentist will be happy.
Do you have a COVID-19 policy?
I ask that you please be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for an indoor headshot session. Just makes me (and probably you) feel better! I am fully vaccinated and twice boosted.
DURING THE SESSION
Should I use a makeup artist?
I recommend using a makeup artist if you're not comfortable doing your own makeup, but it’s not necessary. We can talk about this before the session.
How many photos do you take?
Enough. I am more concerned with quality over quantity. I delete the “bad” ones (where you blinked or I made a silly mistake) and only give you the ones worthy enough for a headshot.
Can I see what the photos look like as you're taking them?
Yes! I can show you some as we go, but might not have time to show you all. I like to do this so I can give pointers about posture and expression, and so people know what they look like. (If you don’t want to see them, that’s fine too.)
I wear glasses. Should I wear them for my headshots?
If you normally wear glasses, then we should take mostly glasses photos, and if you don’t, then mostly non-glasses. We can do both. If you can pop out your lenses, it will eliminate glare and make it easier to focus on your eyes.
Can I make a silly face?
PLEASE DO. And if you don't do it on your own naturally, I will probably get you to make a silly face at some point. It loosens people up (both mentally and physically) and makes them smile and relax. I can delete it if you hate it. But you won't hate it.
AFTER THE SESSION
Do you retouch photos?
Absolutely. I retouch any of my photos that are posted online, printed, or released out into the world. I'm a gentle but detailed retoucher – I will spend as much time as I need to get it right, but I never want it to look fake or overly glamorous. I won’t erase all of your lines or do “plastic surgery” to change your features. I want it to look real and natural, yet polished. Like you on a great day.
When can I get my headshots?
After you tell me which ones you’d like retouched, I generally send you the retouched images within three days.
Can I have ALL of the photos?
I did this for many years but, unfortunately, too many unretouched headshots got out into the wild. Many people, surely with good intentions, posted my headshots online that weren’t edited and, as a result, makes it look like I do sloppy work. I show you all of the photos in a private, online gallery but will only hand over retouched images.
Can I post my headshots online?
Please do! I ask that you credit me, preferably with a link to or mention of this website. You can also credit @ariscottphoto on Instagram.
Can I post my headshots on Instagram with a filter?
I spend a lot of time editing headshots to make sure the white balance is perfect. With filters that add different colors and tones, photos credited to me look like I either didn’t edit them correctly or that I edited them with the filter – this is confusing and messes with the consistency of my work. I’d rather people not place filters over my photos, but since I can’t control every image out there, I ask that if you do, you mention that you placed the filter on it, not me.
How do I get my headshots printed?
I used to recommend Reproductions for headshot printing in NYC but they have closed. I’m working on getting recommendations for printing places.
MY BACKGROUND
How did you get your start in photography?
I've loved to document things through photography since I was a kid. The headshots started organically in 2007 after I bought a DSLR to take fun pics of improv shows, and before long performers started asking me for headshots. There’s more about this on my about page.
Have you ever had your headshot taken?
Oh yes, so I know how you feel! It can be weird to have a camera pointed at your face, especially by someone you don't know (or even someone you do). I want you to be relaxed and comfortable. That's my main goal.
Will you show me your awkward black & white headshot from 1997?
Yes.