FAQS
PROCESS & POLICIES
Q: Where am I going?
A: If you're looking for our location, click here. If this is a philosophical question, follow where your heart leads you.
Q: What should I bring to the shoot?
A: After you book and pay the $200 deposit, you will receive a detailed email with everything you need to know to prepare, a checklist of what to bring, locations info, as well as some special tips and tricks for getting the “look that books.”
Q: What if I forget to call back and pay my $200 deposit?
A: Then you might show up only to find a someone else taking photos with Kelsey in "your" time slot.
Q: If I cancel can I get that $200 back?
A: No, the $200 deposit is transferrable but not refundable.
Q: How long is the session?
A: Plan on spending 90 minutes to 2 hours in the studio. Kelsey shoots until she gets the shot, so be flexible. Do yoga if you need help with that. We recommend Bikram.
Q: How soon after my shoot can I expect to see proofs?
A: If you shoot with Kelsey in Los Angeles, five business days. In other cities, 10 business days from when Kelsey returns to L.A.
Q. Why does it take so long in other cities?
A. Kelsey's tired! She shoots a lot of people during an out-of-town trip, and for everyone she shoots, she spends time giving each client individual attention during the editing process. It's worth the wait for that alone.
Q: What if I have an audition?
A: Break a leg! In that case, we have a rush fee for L.A.: A 24-hour turnaround is $50. For other cities, it's a 24-hour turnaround from the day that Kelsey returns to L.A. Same fee applies.
Q: Can I talk to Kelsey before the shoot?
A. Sure! Before the start of every session, Kelsey spends time with you to clarify what you want from the scheduled shoot. If you feel you need to talk to Kelsey before you come to the shoot, please give us a call. In Los Angeles, you can schedule a consultation or in other cities you can have a phone consult.
Q: Can I see my images at the shoot?
A: No.
Q: Even just one?
A: No.
Q: Can my Mom look?
A: No.
Q: My girlfriend?
A: No.
Q: But why not?
A: Kelsey likes to keep you both in the moment while you’re shooting, and interrupting the session to look at the photos takes away from the experiences that you’re having. But you shouldn’t worry! Kelsey is ensures that your best shot is coming through the lens, so just trust her expertise, relax and have some fun!
PHOTO PACKAGES & MAKEUP SERVICES
Q: I am considering trying to get back into commercial modeling. How much do you charge for a headshot?
A. Headshots are for acting: commercials, film and episodic TV shows. Kelsey will not shoot full-length shots in a headshot session. Modeling shots are entirely different—check out our print combos. Unless you're taking the Charlize Theron route and transitioning from modeling to acting, then go for Headshot Session A.
Q: Do I need makeup?
A: If this is another philosophical question... true beauty is on the inside. But your agent might tell you differently. See our rates for makeup services in Los Angeles. For cities outside of Los Angeles, lucky you! Makeup is included. In general, Kelsey recommends makeup for men and women. For children with clear, even skin tone, it's optional.
Q: What if I'm shooting with Kelsey in other cities, and I don't want or think that I need makeup?
A: It's a complimentary service that we provide and recommend that you take advantage of it. Kelsey is choosy about who she works with. We want you to look like you do when you go in for an audition. So if you don't, please speak up.
Q: Is hair styling included for a headshot session?
A: No. We recommend that you wear your hair styled the way you would to an audition. Make sure it's "camera ready.” Kelsey will work with you to alter your looks.
Q: What if I want to completely change my hair, say from curly to straight?
A: If possible, schedule a shoot for two separate days unless you can keep the change under 10 to 15 minutes. Just make sure that we know ahead of time.
Q: Can I pay for a stylist to do my hair?
A: Yes, it's $50 per hairstyle change.
Q: How do I pay the makeup artist?
A: In Los Angeles, please bring cash.
Q: Can I pay the makeup artist with a cheque?
A: No.
Q. Credit card?
A: No.
Q: Hugs and gratitude?
A: Yes! But the makeup artist will still need cash. There's a bank and an ATM just down the street.
RETOUCHING & REPRODUCTIONS
Q: Can I get Kelsey's opinion on what images I should use?
A: Kelsey spends a lot of time editing your images and chooses the top 100 or so. From there, she picks her favorites and brings them to the front of your photo gallery in no particular order. The cream always rises.
Q: I've narrowed it down to 20 images—can Kelsey help me?
A: Yes, she'll probably tell you to go get some sleep. And then email us when you've narrowed it down to 8 to 10 images.
Q: I think that I look pretty good in my photos, do I still need retouching?
A: Enhancements are pretty much an industry standard and will make your image sizzle. Heads Up! A little perk is that a minimal retouch is included in the setup fee when you order reproductions through our studio. AND you can order in small increments of 25 prints with us. Check it out.
Q: My child is six, does she still need retouched?
A: We prefer to call it "enhancement" by correcting the color and tone and giving that image special attention; it will make that perfect 6-year-old face sparkle even more.
Q: Can I get my braces off in a minimal retouch?
A: No. Only your orthodontist can do that. For special requests, we can give you a quote. "To be or not to be" is one of our favorites. Seriously though, for a price quote on special retouching requests, just call us or fill out the online reproduction/retouching form and we will answer all your questions.
Q: How long until I receive my prints?
A: That's a good question… This is one of the benefits of ordering through us. After we send a proof of the retouched image and we have your approval, we personally double check the color, cropping, retouching, font choice, border, and well, everything, before it gets printed. Kelsey is very critical of what goes out so delivery vary; generally the whole process takes about a week from when you order until we send the prints to you.
DID YOU KNOW THAT KELSEY SHOOTS YOU WITH WHOMEVER YOU SHOW UP WITH AT THE END OF YOUR SESSION?
Q: My mom would never agree to get a professional picture taken with me, she never thinks she looks good enough...
A: Shhhh… don't tell her! Let Kelsey persuade her. Remember, self-criticism wipes away every compliment you give your child, so have fun!
Q: WOW! Can I bring my whole family to the session?
A: Just bring the people who make you feel good.
Q: Well, my grandparents live next door and my cousins are in from New York...
A: Lucky you! We have family photo packages for the studio or on location. Call us for more info and check out our family shots.
FAMILY PHOTO
Q: I want to start a family! Can I get doula advice and support?
A: Yes, but not on Kelsey's time. However, Kelsey is prone to giving great advice—and that comes with your shoot!
Q: Do you guys take yourself seriously?
A: No, as Clint Eastwood told us, just take your work seriously.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Q: I have a question that is not “frequently asked,” where do I send it?
A: Click Here.