Session FAQ

An in-depth guide to an incredible photo session!

To ensure a successful shoot, YOU MUST READ THIS ENTIRE PAGE!!! I know it's long, but helpful! This will help you make the most of your session!

YOU MUST RESERVE YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH A CREDIT CARD (or PayPal) AT THE TIME YOU BOOK YOUR SESSION!!!

The session fee is non-refundable and will be billed when you make your appointment.  There is a 5 day cancellation policy if you need to reschedule. If you fail to give proper notice, or miss your session, you are still responsible for payment of the full session fee.

Once the appointment time is confirmed, you will be emailed a paypal invoice for the full session amount as your deposit. You do NOT need to be a paypal member and you can pay with any credit card - this method is secure.

8.25 percent state sales tax will be charged on all sales.

PLEASE NOTE: All children under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Only those children being photographed should be brought to the shoot.

RATES (as of January 1st, 2010)

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the current rates, so there are no surprises. Everything is listed, and is pretty straight forward. The goal of the studio is to offer the best quality of photographic products and services, and that comes at a premium. If you have questions, please ask.

HEADSHOTS FOR ACTORS (Black & White or Color, or a mix of both)= $295

This session includes at least 100 shots , 3 clothing changes, on 1 background, and  numbered proofs will be uploaded to an online gallery that you can share with your agent, friends & family.

(PLEASE NOTE: 100 shots means that I will take 100 pictures, and print a contact sheet of those 100 shots. It DOES NOT mean you get 100 8x10prints. That is a separate charge. SEE PRINTS & REPRODUCTIONS).

This session will allow 1 hour for makeup (if you hire the makeup artist, if not, you must come hair and makeup ready), and will allow up to 2 hours for the shoot. Shoots lasting over 2 hours will be billed @ $200 per additional hour.

PLEASE SEE THE “HAIR & MAKEUP” SECTION BELOW FOR DETAILS.

FASHION/EDITORIAL = $100 per look (3 look minimum).

This session is for fashion modeling. Women should be between the age 15 to 25, and at least 5'7" tall, have a slender build and striking features. I have been shooting fashion around the world for IMG, KARIN, CLICK, MADISON, MEGA, MARiLYN, and more, and the looks girls need is the same in all major markets... what I shoot is the following:

You need a great beauty shot, a natural smile shot, an edgy editorial look, and a body shot (ie. swimsuit, or fitted skirt). Those looks will cover everything a client needs to see on your card. You will not be able to build a complete portfolio out of one photoshoot. A model's book contains 10 to 20 looks, and is constantly updated and evolving.

If you do not fit the above requirements, you may still book the session, but the shoot will be geared towards getting you great pictures and having fun, rather than creating marketing materials.

BRIDAL PORTRAITS

IN STUDIO - $300

This personalized session will consist of at least 100 shots (often more), and last 1 to 2 hours. This flexible session will allow you to become comfortable in front of the camera, and give us the opportunity to try different “looks” and find the best approach to suit your needs.

Online proof sheets are included and will contain a reference number for each image for easy ordering of prints.

If you choose to extend your session beyond 2 hrs, you can do so for an additional $200/hr.

LOCATION CORPORATE HEADSHOTS = $275 per person (4 Person Minimum).

1 Look, Online Proofs, High resolution CD, 1 Digital image setup and lightly retouched.

BRIDAL PRINTS

Please see the Prints page.

 

RE-SHOOTS

Lets talk about this ugly subject. I've been doing this long enough to know that if there needs to be a re-shoot, it's not because of me. I provide a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, with state of the art equipment, and I do everything I can to pull that spark and personality out and capture it on film. But at the end of the day, I can only work with what you give me. We preview all shots during the shoot, so you can see the direction the shoot is going, and we can make adjustments as needed. I shoot until I feel we've gotten "The Shot." During the shoot is the time to express a change in direction, not after the session is over.

Unsuccessful shoots result from one of the following:

A) Failure to prepare properly (ie. not bringing the right clothing, etc).

B) Failure to get proper direction from your agent regarding looks.

C) Giving me misdirection about what to shoot.

I am happy to re-shoot you as many times as you like, but it will be at your expense... i.e the full session fee.

 

REGARDING PRICES & DISCOUNTS

Prices are non-negotiable, and are subject to change. Do not ask for a deal, or discount... it's not fair to the customers who pay full rate. If you knew how much it costs to run a well equipped studio and offer the level of service that I do, you would be embarrassed to ask for a discount. If you are looking for a discount, go to the cheap photographers, but you get what you pay for. Obviously, the price that was reflected on this website at the time you set your appointment is the price you will be charged. It is your job to be aware of the price of the session you book.

 

PURCHASING DIGITAL NEGATIVES - (for private, non-commercial use only)

FOR ACTORS AND MODELS ONLY - A CD containing all of your images may be purchased for an additional fee. Minimum CD purchase is $125 for the entire session. For sessions containing more than 125 images, the bulk session can be purchased at $1 per image. For example, a session containing 300 images, the CD can be purchased for $300. If you want to selectively choose images, the fee is $10 per image, minimum $125 purchase.

Images will be burned in their raw format, and are not sized, retouched or enhanced. This is a great way to have a permanent copy of your session, this is YOUR DIGITAL NEGATIVE!

 

SPECIAL CD DISCOUN!!! -- If you purchase the CD at the time of your photo session, you can receive all the images from your session on CD for $100 (in addition to session fee), (maximum of 150 images). This special price is applicable ONLY AT THE PHOTO SESSION.

FULL RESOLUTION CDs ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR BRIDAL PORTRAITS - However, low res proof CDs can be purchased.

I do not provide technical support for CD images. If you want to make professional quality prints on your own, I highly recommend using a competent lab with an expertise in digital imaging. ...or you can order through the studio.

 

COPYRIGHT: In all situations, Kerry Beyer retains copyright of all images. Even if you buy the CD, you are not buying the copyright. Non-commercial reproduction for actors and models is allowed for purposes of self promotion, and I will give you a limited release to this effect.

This means you can make copies of your headshot and modeling composite cards to give to casting directors and agents, use on your website, and share with friends and family. You may also use in newspapers and magazines for your own promotional purposes,  but if a picture I took ends up on a billboard for Abercrombie, I better get paid ;). Whenever my photographs are published, I ask that you give me a photo credit in the publication. Use the photos on your myspace and facebook page, and again, I appreciate a photo credit.

 

PRINTS & REPRODUCTIONS

See Ordering Prints for prices, policies, and retouching options. You’ve come this far, get the best reproductions possible.

 

EMAIL & DIGITAL TRANSFER OF FILES

If you request me to email a file, the charge is $25 per image, in addition to any setup and retouching fees.  

DIGITAL STORAGE

I take 100,000 photographs per year. I go to great length and incur considerable expense to maintain this data in a fail-safe environment. Don’t expect me to email you files for free. Replacement CDs are $125. I make no guarantee that I will have your data, but I do put forth my best effort to maintain it for as long as possible.

BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT

If you would like to book an appointment please email me. I do travel frequently, working long hours, so it may take a day or so to return your call... I appreciate your patience.

 

THE SESSION

The session will usually last an hour to an hour and a half, more for fashion and commercial print comp card shoots.

HAIR AND MAKEUP

Makeup is available by appointment only. Here is a list of makeup artist that are approved to work in the studio. Please contact them directly for rates and booking information.

Jen Marine jen@jenmarine.com

Sheila Bantz  imageconsulting@airmail.net 

Makeup artist not on this list must be approved by Kerry before they can work in the studio. Please contact me if you are a makeup artist and wish to be added to this list.

Please let me know that you would like a hair and makeup artist when booking your appointment, so I know how to schedule.

Makeup is optional for headshots, so if you choose to go without please come hair and makeup ready like you would to an audition.

Arrive for your makeup artist with a clean face and clean, dry hair.  Please establish a dialogue with the makeup artist about your preferences to hair and makeup.

PLEASE NOTE: Some makeup artist will accompany you to the studio, and some will prefer you visit their studio for makeup before your session. Discuss this with your makeup artist. If you are visiting a makeup artist’s studio first, please bring powder and touch up materials to my studio for your session.

If you choose a makeup artist to apply makeup in my studio, I will allow 45min-1hr for application. In studio applications taking longer than an hour will be billed accordingly for studio time.

MAKEUP FOR ACTOR HEADSHOTS - the current style is very natural. Agencies have requested no heavy eye liner, and no lip gloss for girls under 18... please understand that actor headshots are not a glamour shoot.

CHANGING HAIR LOOKS - Drastic changes in hair (ie. from curly to straight, or vice versa). are considered an additional look for both photographer and makeup artist, and you will be billed accordingly. My advice is to shoot in the way the you will appear when attending an audition.

For a fashion shoot, or a sexy maxim style shoot, it is highly recommended that you book and in studio makeup artist that will stay for the session.

Now, you may be asking yourself...

“DO I NEED A MAKEUP ARTIST?”

The is a personal choice. I feel strongly that a makeup artist enhances the quality of your session, especially if that are in studio for your session. It is an extra set of eyes, keeping track of hair, and makeup touch ups. I find the biggest help is in styling and maintaining hair.

MEN/BOYS - I find women benefit more than men from a makeup artist - for men/boys, I think it is only necessary if they have skin issues, or if they tend to sweat and get shinny. That said, a little translucent powder goes a long way.

PRE-TEEN GIRLS - At this stage, girls only need translucent powder to keep shine down, but could benefit from hair styling as long as it is kept natural.

TEEN GIRLS - This is a little bit more complicated of a choice for girls age 12-17. The goal with a headshot is to create a natural accurate representation. Agents have stressed a very natural, no makeup appearance - though socially, girls this age are wearing more makeup in their daily lives. This can create a conflict between how the girl wants to appear in her photos, and how the agent wants her to appear. Girls of this age always want to look older, but the goal of the headshot is to keep them looking as young as possible. I think there are many benefits from hiring a makeup artist, but please keep in mind the ultimate goal of the shoot. You can always choose to add an extra look to your session if you want to have fun and look more glamourous for your myspace or facebook page!

WOMEN - 18 and up; I would advise a makeup artist, but please keep in mind the style is still very natural with no heavy liner... just a very clean, natural look.

PLEASE NOTE: Makeup artists must be paid separately by cash or check. No credit/debit cards for makeup artist, only the photographer's fee can be charged.

Last, but not least, I am not responsible for the makeup artists or their work. I will not reshoot because you don’t like your makeup. Please establish a dialogue with your makeup artist, and don’t be afraid to tell them what you do and don’t like.

 

WHAT TO BRING TO THE SHOOT

Bring a good selection of clothes (mostly shirts, with a variety of collars and necklines), mid tones to the darker colors. (Maroon, Navy, Black, Brown, etc.) Also, bring a white t-shirt or camisole and a denim shirt. Women should bring black and tan colored bras - (white bras tend to reflect light when worn with thinner t-shirts, etc, and this is not good). Avoid patterns, and logos. Solids work best. Bring a pair of jeans and some slacks. Bring a suit with a white dress shirt and selections of ties if you do a lot of corporate/industrial work. Pastel colors such as pink and baby blue are working well as casual looks for women, so bring those as well. If you fail to bring the proper clothing choices, we will not re-shoot, or re-schedule, so please pay attention and prepare carefully.

HAVE FUN!!! - I provide a really relaxed environment, despite all these specific rules! I want you to have the best possible shoot, and get you those images that will help advance your career! Feel free to bring CDs of your favorite music etc. We will take a lot of pictures and you will have plenty of time to loosen up and get into the groove and get a great shot.

What if you hate to take pictures? Many clients come into the studio concerned about a feature of their appearance that they would like to minimize, or hide... we all look in the mirror and wish we could change something. I shoot so much, and from so many angles, that we will find the angle that showcases your best features - so it’s best to let go of any anxiety you have about taking pictures and focus on letting your great personality come through... I’ll take care of the rest. Promise.

Still have questions? Email me.

WHERE IS THE STUDIO?

In Paris...

The studio is located at 10 Rue de Moscou, #56. Take the Paris metro stop Liege, and walk a block north on Rue de Moscou.

In LA...

The studio is located in the heart of the media district at 4421 Kling, suite #4. This is across from the Warner lot.

In Houston...

DAKOTA LOFTS - 711 William, Suite 414, Houston TX 77002

Conveniently located in the heart of the warehouse district downtown at the corner of William and Sterrett, among a growing enclave of lofts and studios. With easy access and plentiful parking, free of congestion and construction, Dakota has become the premiere downtown studio. With an abundance of light and space, the studio is warm and inviting -- perfect for private or commercial sessions. A full bath and kitchen provide all the amenities of home, and a personal chef is available by request for those wishing catered sessions.

From the Woodlands - Take I-45 South to I-10 East, exit McKee/Hardy, take right on McKee, take second right on Sterrett. The Dakota Lofts is located halfway down Sterrett on the left.

From Katy - Take I-10 East, exit McKee/Hardy, take right on McKee, take second right on Sterrett. The Dakota Lofts is located halfway down Sterrett on the left.

From Sugar Land - Take 59 North to I-10 West, exit San Jacinto. Take left under freeway on San Jacinto toward downtown, after a block take left on Wood. Wood will turn left into Walnut. Take right on Sterrett. Dakota Lofts is halfway down Sterrett on right.

From Kingwood - Take 59 South to I-10 west, exit San Jacinto. Take left under freeway on San Jacinto toward downtown, after a block take left on Wood. Wood will turn left into Walnut. Take right on Sterrett. Dakota Lofts is halfway down Sterrett on right.

From Beaumont - Take I-10 west, exit San Jacinto. Take left under freeway on San Jacinto toward downtown, after a block take left on Wood. Wood will turn left into Walnut. Take right on Sterrett. Dakota Lofts is halfway down Sterrett on right.

NOTE: IN CASE YOU MISS YOUR EXIT: If you miss the McKee/Hardy exit off of I-10E and have to turn around, there is no McKee/Hardy traveling west on I-10 so take San Jacinto, and follow those directions. And vice versa, if coming in on I-10W and you miss San Jacinto, there is no San Jacinto exit on I-10E, and you will need to take McKee/Hardy.

If you still get lost after all of these wonderful directions, well...