Do make sure to read through my FAQs but if there’s anything else you’d like to know, feel free to drop me an email: info@camharle.com and I shall get back to you ASAP.

How should I prepare?

This is an opportunity to showcase who you are. It’s not so much about portraying a character but stripping it away to get to the person underneath. So really, there’s nothing to worry about – just be you. 

Arrive on time. You don’t want to be stressing and sweaty from a mad dash from the tube.  Plan ahead so you can feel prepared and in control.

Don’t under-estimate good rest and plenty of water beforehand. You won’t do yourself any favours if you’re not well rested. Get a good night’s sleep and have breakfast. Above all, resist the temptation to go to the pub, at least the night before. Photoshop can do wonders to any bothersome bags under the eyes from a heavy night’s drinking. But your hungover soul is not so easy to airbrush. Best to err on the side of caution and turn up feeling fresh and ready to present your #bestself

What should I wear?

Actors, please feel free to bring as many outfits, items of clothing or wardrobes as you see fit. Once you arrive we’ll hang everything up and make a game-plan. Nothing is set in stone, but having an idea will help the flow of the session.As a rule of thumb though, avoid anything with logos on it, it won’t work. Same goes for very busy patterns. Darker shades work well: Maroon, Navy, Emerald, Mustard etc. An item the colour of your eyes is always a winner. Maybe a wild card too! And don’t neglect a plain black and/or white t-shirt/short/blouse.

Note: Feel free to snap a few selfies in the mirror with outfits you’re considering and send them over via email if you’d like any advice.

Corporate clients, think how best you’d like to represent yourself, and how much variation you might like. A suit and tie will present something different to an open polo-neck. The same way a blazer and a blouse will give a different feel to a dress. The more options you bring the higher likelihood of variation. However, if you’re after one specific look only, that’s equally valid. I’m here to accommodate what you’d like to get out of the session, so the choice is yours!

As a rule of thumb though: Suits / Shirts / Blouses / Dresses are all perfectly acceptable. Nothing too bright though (luminous) as this can create a slight colour cast across the face.

It’s also worth considering whether you want jewellery in your Headshot, it can’t be removed afterwards. It’s perfectly acceptable to wear earrings/necklaces, but perhaps nothing too large as this might pull focus.

Note: Women do think about bringing suitable bras for your various tops – under Studio lighting, a black bra beneath a white top for example might show through.

Thoughts on Hair/Make-Up?

Note: Please turn up prepped and ready to go. This is your time in the Studio and I’m here to accommodate you, but that time is far better spent in front of the camera than the mirror. That said, a few moments making sure everything looks prim and proper before we start is a must.

Hair – don’t get it cut right before your session – you might not like it or it won’t have had time to settle into itself (1-2 weeks) For those with long hair, do bring hair spray, serum etc. Bare in mind, Photoshop can be used to remove general fly aways, but I never remove all of them as it tends to look ‘photoshopped’ (heaven-forbid) Best to capture what we can in camera (we’ll continually be keeping an eye on it throughout the session) but do make an effort to be happy with your hair on the day and not rely on the retouch/edit.

Beards – the same applies, you’re more than welcome to shave mid-shoot, if so I would advise taking your time to avoid any nicks or cuts.

Make Up: Subtlety is key – I’ll leave that to your own discretion. You can always add more as the session goes. Bear in mind – little spots, rashes etc. can be easily removed in the edit, so not necessary to cover up with heavy powder. That said, do bring a little to combat shine if needed.

Actors, you’re unlikely to walk into a casting with ‘paint an inch thick’, so probably best to look similar in the headshots which represent you. Please don’t worry about blemishes and little spots (or big ones either). Photoshop is there as a tool should, sod’s law, any unwanted maladies pop-up the day before your shoot. Also, Lip Balm. Worth considering. Yes, I’m talking to you too gents – a little sheen to the lips never hurts.

Note: If you’d like to hire a Professional Make-Up Artist, you’re more than welcome – however, make-up will have to be completed before you arrive.

How do I get to the Studio?

Located in the heart of Belsize Park, the Studio is a 5-10 minute walk from 3 tube stations: Belsize Park (Northern), Swiss Cottage (Jubilee) and Finchley Road (Jubilee/Metropolitan). The nearest Parking is Regency Car Park next to Swiss Cottage station. Once you arrive, ring the Flat 4 buzzer and come up to the top floor. A map can be found here.

What’s Photo Workflow?

An Online Booking Page where you can create your very own client account. Here you’re able to schedule a time/date, pick your shot(s) once done, order extras, and receive your edit(s) seamlessly.

How do I pay?

A deposit of £50  is taken a time of booking. An invoice for the remainder of the Session Fee shall be sent separately via email (to be paid BEFORE the session date, via Bank Transfer)

Edits & Extras?

All sessions include 3 retouched high-resolution images (delivered both in full frame and cropped to 10×8) Individual extras can be purchased directly through Photo Workflow for £50 each. I also offer Portfolio upgrades (10 shots instead of 3) and Session Buyouts (all images) should you be interested.

What if I need to reschedule?

Deposits are non-refundable. If, for whatever reason you can’t make the shoot, let me know and we can reschedule (48hr prior to the start time) – after this point however, should you wish to reschedule, another Deposit/Session Fee will have to be paid – as any new diary bookings shall no longer be able to be taken at such short notice. Thanks for your understanding. But regardless, please do everything you can to make your Session date!

I hate having my picture taken, what should I do?

I’m exactly the same. A complete hypocrite, I know. But my advice is to relax. I shoot through conversation, so we’ll just chat, a lot… The aim is to capture real-life expressions instead of pesky poses.

Why choose a session Cam?

I hope that having seen my Portfolio and in reading the info on this website, the answer speaks for itself. But to further reassure you, as a member of the APHP (Associate of Professional Headshot Photographers) rest assured I know a thing or two about taking Headshots. There are plenty of wonderful Headshot Photographers out there (a surplus of them here in London!) But where I feel I stand out, and my specific aim with every one of my clients hinges on the paramount idea that your Headshot should look like you – your genuine self. Still undecided? Take a look at my 250+ 5* Google reviews. I look forward to working with you soon!