The outdoor photo shoot typically lasts around 2.5 hours, or until the required results are achieved. In this time, we’ll kick off with a coffee or tea and have an informal discussion about the type of shots you are looking for and the way we can work together to achieve this. You should bring a variety of plain and darker coloured tops/ shirts (darker colours I believe always work better). I always manage to put everyone at their ease, so that when we’re ready to go out and shoot, you’ll feel comfortable, confident and actually excited to get started.

Once everything has been discussed, we’ll get out and l will spend five or ten minutes doing some test shots. This allows me to test light and composition. This period also provides the perfect opportunity for you to relax and get used to being in front of the camera.

Over 300 shots will be taken on a professional high performance digital Canon camera. l always aims to shoot at least four distinct set-ups, all with a different lighting ambience, which allows me to achieve many different styles.

Many photographers in the industry aim to get a few good shots from a session, yet I believe my informal and relaxed approach, together with my many years’ experience of photographing actors, routinely allow me to achieve many more natural, realistic and striking shots than the norm, giving you further opportunity in the selection process.

Once the session is over, the full set of raw photographs will be burned onto CD/DVD, and given to you immediately after the session to view in your own time on your home computer. These full resolution photographs are yours to keep and are included in the session fee.

You should choose four shots to be specially prepared for printing, which is included in the photo session fee. They will be converted into black and white (or remain colour if you or your agent prefers), resized to 10x8 and retouched*, all ready for printing. The turnaround for this process usually takes 5-7 days from when you get back in touch. If you need the shots back sooner, I always aim to come to some agreement.

The final selection process can even be done on the same day if pre-arranged and provided you are absolutely sure of which shots you want as prints. Same day generally means within 12 hours. For the same day service there is an additional fee.

At the end of this process, Phil is on hand to discuss relevant aspects of the industry should you find this useful.

* Retouching means that I will airbrush any blemishes or distracting marks on the photograph, add some shading around the edges for more atmosphere (if needed), and generally work my magic to make the shot look fantastic. I firmly believe the photograph must always be a true likeness (agents, casting directors and other industry professionals always want you to walk through the door looking like your headshot), so I am subtle with my retouching. I offer four shots to be airbrushed, they can be a combination of B&W and colour. I will email back the retouched original size and a 10x8 industry standard version.

The four selected shots are emailed back to you within 5-7 days.

l can put you in touch with a high-quality printer, should you require one. For more information on printing, please speak to me direct.

The four selected prints are then your photographs to use for promotion as you wish. As the copyright owner and in line with all headshot photographers, I ask you to credit Phil Matthews or actorheadshots.co.uk appropriately in all circumstances (for example for ‘Spotlight’ or ‘Casting Call Pro’).

If you decide you would like further shots from the session retouched and made ready for printing, this can be arranged easily. A further charge is made for this service.