FAQ | Nogen Beck Headshot Photography



What constitutes a look?

A look is a combination of clothing, lighting, background, make-up, and hair. Variations of your wardrobe, such as adding or removing a tie or glasses, are not considered another look. You are encouraged to do this in order to get the most out of your shoot.

How would you describe what you do? What is your Market?

This is boutique-style, small production, high-quality, tailor-made actor headshot photography that deals with both the art and the science behind opening doors for actors. We believe that, while your shots should always clearly communicate your essence and look, since you aim to get work in the story-telling business, your shots should also tell a story. You will be guided, considered, and taken care of every step of the way. I generally work with serious actors who want to market themselves comprehensively and without cutting corners, but who also love to have fun.

Do you photograph outdoors? Or in a studio?

For your comfort, I shoot everything in my downtown LA studio. I create the location, look, and feel that will help you communicate to the right casting directors. Being in one place makes your shoot more comfortable and open; it’s going to be just you, the make-up artist, and myself in the air-conditioned space, with water and snacks within reach, and without passerby awkwardly peeping your session.

How long does a headshot session take?

Roughly 1 hour for the first look (make-up/wardrobe selections take time) and 30 minutes for every subsequent look unless there is an extensive hair change. However, there is no way to say definitively because every actor is different and my sessions are by definition a tailor-made experience. If you need longer in order to achieve your goals, you will get it. This is the beauty of working with a photographer who doesn’t run a headshot factory. Your headshots are your business’ marketing, they are a huge part of your livelihood and I approach my craft and business with that in mind.

Do you shoot with natural or studio lighting?

I generally shoot with a mix, but I prefer to shape studio lighting to emulate natural light. That approach gives faces a three-dimensionality so that images jump of the screen or page.

Should I show up early for make-up?

The time I give you in your consultation email is the call-time, but please give yourself time to park and arrive on time.

Does make-up also take care of hair?

Make-up is $165 for women, and $125 for men. Hair services are an additional $55. If you want hair services, I recommend bringing your own products but we will have straighteners, blow-driers, and curling irons here. Blow-outs should be done before arriving to the studio.

What should I bring to my headshot session?

Once you book, I'll send over a consultation e-mail that will cover your ideal wardrobe colors based on your features and specific goals. You’ll know exactly what styles and colors will reward your headshots. That said, roughly 4 clothing options per look is great, but feel free to bring more. You should also bring any specific hair product you foresee needing. Lastly, bring energy!

Will you help me pick what I wear from the wardrobe selection I bring?

Yes. As a headshot photographer it’s my job to advise the actor regarding any elements that will end up in the frame. I commit to consulting my clients as well as explaining my suggestions. As I said above, you will get a comprehensive introduction e-mail, but I will also consult on site once we see your entire wardrobe.

If I’m not satisfied, do you offer re-shoots?

We invest time into our clients and encourage communication during the shoot to avoid the need for reshoots. That said, if my team makes a mistake we will correct it for free.

Is my deposit refundable?

Yes, if you give me at least a 48-hour notice.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept cash, check, credit, debit, Venmo, and ApplePay.
Makeup artists accept cash, check, Venmo, and ApplePay.

How does the payment plan work?

For those interested in setting up a payment plan, you will need a government issued ID, and a credit or debit card. The ID will be photocopied and you’ll sign a form authorizing the periodic payments for a predetermined number of months. The maximum number of payments is 3 (unless you purchase a rep package in which case the maximum number of payments is 4). Once your balance is paid the payments will stop automatically. You will not have to wait until the balance is paid to get your images. There is no way to cheat this system without overwhelming consequences, so there’s no need for me to hold your images hostage. However, for the sake of accountability, there is a $20 charge for any declined payments.

How does the ‘Rep’ package work?

Any agent or manager can have a profile with Nogen Beck Photography that communicates their headshot preferences. Once they fill out a brief questionnaire available upon request, they officially have a profile. A representative with a profile can be sure that every shoot involving any of their clients will adhere to their preferences unless otherwise specified by the client. Actors whose representation has a profile with Nogen Beck Photography get a processed image included in their package as well as $30 off for a total of up to $70 in savings. These actors are eligible for 4-month payment plans rather than a 2-3 month limit. Ready to get started? Click here to fill out the Rep Questionnaire.

Does it matter to you where I print my headshots?

After we shoot, you’ll get your images via dropbox and you’ll also get a “What now” e-mail from me. This e-mail is filled with details, and there’s a whole section dedicated to the differences between each print shop. Just because we’re done shooting doesn’t mean I leave you in the dark!

How important are retouches?

There’s a difference between retouching and processing. I don’t usually recommend retouching unless there’s a distracting skin/hair/wardrobe issue. However, processing is beneficial to 100% of images as it deals with optimized brightness, black levels, midtones, contrast, and other image enhancements that help the actor communicate and get noticed.

How do I get my files?

After the shoot you will be invited to a dropbox folder with all of your images. Dropbox is free and secure and offers you the option to invite other people to your shared folder. Final images will be delivered via dropbox as well.

Ready to get started? Let’s Talk! CLICK HERE to answer a few questions about yourself and your goals. I will get back to your shortly!