QUESTIONS AND answers
I hate having headshots taken, how will you help?
You hate posing because you donât know what to do with your face and other photographers only direct you to pose you. Working with me will be soooo different. Youâll never hate taking headshots again because with me, you wonât pose like a model, youâll actually act like an actor. Everyone, I mean everyone says it was the most painless and enjoyable shoot theyâve ever had. Because when youâre having fun doing what you do, thereâs no way youâll hate it.
I've taken so many headshots and they never seem to work. How do I know these will work?
Have you invested in your career though or have you had friends take your headshots? Or are you the perpetual $200 headshot taker? If so, itâs time to invest in a pro because you WILL see a return on your investment.
If youâve invested in professional headshots and they still didnât work, itâs because theyâre selling you as just âprettyâ and donât showcase your personality with clearly defined marketing looks! Youâre more than just pretty, your headshots should be too!
I'm just starting out, do I need to invest in pro headshots?
YOU more than anybody need to invest in pro headshots. Here’s the deal, when you’re just starting out, it’s likely you don’t have a resume and it’s likely you’ll end up with a botique agency without much clout so your headshots become even MORE crucial because these agencies rely heavily on your headshots to get you out on auditions. Pro headshots are going to get your foot in the door and immediately give you a return on your investment.
How many people a day do you photograph?
Two. But donât worry, youâll never feel rushed and I leave ample time in-between sessions so you wonât run into the next client.
Do you use natural light or studio lighting? Indoors or outdoors?
I used natural light for both environmental and in-studio setups for years.
These days, I shoot indoors with artificial lights because, well, that’s what’s trending right now. I want my stuff and your stuff to be current!
Do you provide professional makeup & hair, is it required and do I have to use your team?
Yes, I provide a professional makeup artist.
No it’s not required. You may come in makeup ready but *if* youâd like someone with you during the shoot, I require you work with my hand selected team.
This way I ensure that I’m working with an efficient team, trained based on my needs, so that I’m able to deliver the results I promise.
My makeup artists stay with you during your entire session.
Arrive with your hair already styled and the MUA will provide light hair (without hot tools.)
Full hair styling (with hot tools) is also available for an additional fee.
Can your makeup artist do well on black skin?
Heck yea! Iâm super hands on with hand picking my MUAs.
I understand how to cater to people who have specific and real concerns from past bad experiences.
I meet with makeup artists first and inspect their products to make sure they are pros and not âfakeup artists.”
Then I provide them with a list of preferences and formulas specifically geared towards our style so that all my girls give you consistent results!
Can I trust your MUA not to do too much?
Yes again! Too much makeup is a very common problem and one of the top reasons I see agents ask for re-shoots.
For this reason, Iâm super hands on and involved in the process. After we apply the âindustry standardâ which is very light and natural, we always ask if we did anything you wouldnât do or vice versa.
Itâs a collaborative environment and not one where we claim to know best. Your preferences need to be taken into consideration, right?
Should men get makeup?
If it’s not a budget thing, I definitely recommend a makeup artist for men also! Only becasue it does level up your photos without making you look over-produced. It evens out skin tones, gets rid of sweat and shine (big problem with men,) and cleans up under eye circles. They put makeup on you on set, so why not during your headshot session?
If I get headshots before getting an agent, aren't they going to ask me to re-shoot?
Not with me, they won’t! There are 3 reasons new agents aks you to re-shoot. 1) You didn’t focus on getting specific with your looks and therefore did not give them the proper marketing tools, 2) You wore too much makeup and therefore changed the way you really look (reps want the “real” you in headshots) and 3) You have no personality coming through because you focused on “pretty” shots instead of acting headshots that showcase your acting chops!
I don't have an agent yet, should I wait to get headshots with you?
No silly! You need headshots to get an agent BUT not just any headshots. Pro headshots show reps that you’re serious about your craft and ready to audition. If you do it right the first go-round and show them that you have the right marketing tools to help them sell you, the chances of getting those meetings and getting repped goes up up up up!đ
Should kids hire a makeup artist?
I donât recommend makeup for kids 13 and under unless they look older for their age. Hair for kids should be done by the accompanying parent or guardian so they can emmulate the same style for auditions.
What kind of clothing should I bring to my headshot session?
A detailed wardrobe guide with visual samples for each look is emailed to you once you a book a session!
Also you may want to browse my blog for visual references on specific looks and wardrobe ideas. Each marketing look is labeled, making it easy to identify what clothing to pair with each look. Simply use the search bar to find looks!
Is jacket on/jacket off considered another look?
Yes and No. It depends.
If youâll be satisfied with a handful of images with jacket on/off then I donât charge for it.
If youâd like the same emotional arc and a full range of facial expressions as in the first outfit, then I’ll need to spend the same amount of time on the âchangeâ both shooting and in post. In that case, I charge for an additional look.
What promotions do you have?
I offer âFriend Sessionsâ where if you and a friend shoot together on the same day, you each receive $100 off.
Additionally, if you text the word âheadshotsâ to 323-843-7884, youâll receive 10% off your session!
*Offers may not be combined. Valid for 2-6 look sessions (new clients only).
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes I take Afterpay or Affirm!
The way it works is you’ll pay your deposit online with a debit or credit card but then you’ll be able to pay the balance with a payment plan using Afterpay (or Affirm).
After you sign up, you’ll download the Afterpay mobile app to setup the Afterpay Card. Visit the In-Store tab and follow the prompts to add the Afterpay Card to your digital wallet.
The day of your session, when you’re ready to pay the balance in person, you’ll tap to pay with your Afterpay Card.
You’ll pay your first installment that day, and the remainder every two weeks after that while you start auditioning!
What is your deposit, cancellation and rescheduling policy?
To reserve a date on the calendar, I take a non-refundable $200 reservation fee which applies towards your session.
If you cancel, the deposit is forfeited. If you move, the deposit goes with you but I take a new non-refundable deposit to reserve the new date which will also apply towards the session.
Once you book, youâll receive a complete list of our Terms & Conditions, before paying your deposit.
It outlines everything from how I handle re-shoot requests, time allotted for each package & my policies on cancellations.
What are your prices and how do I book?
My prices start at $595 with various discounts for “Friend Sessions” etc!
Did I mention I offer payment plans?
Contact us for a full list of all our packages, the link to book and discount options!
I hate having headshots taken, how will you help?
You hate posing because you donât know what to do with your face and other photographers only direct you to pose you. Working with me will be soooo different. Youâll never hate taking headshots again because with me, you wonât pose like a model, youâll actually act like an actor. Everyone, I mean everyone says it was the most painless and enjoyable shoot theyâve ever had. Because when youâre having fun doing what you do, thereâs no way youâll hate it.
I've taken so many headshots and they never seem to work. How do I know these will work?
Have you invested in your career though or have you had friends take your headshots? Or are you the perpetual $200 headshot taker? If so, itâs time to invest in a pro because you WILL see a return on your investment.
If youâve invested in professional headshots and they still didnât work, itâs because theyâre selling you as just âprettyâ and donât showcase your personality with clearly defined marketing looks! Youâre more than just pretty, your headshots should be too!
How many people a day do you photograph?
Two. But donât worry, youâll never feel rushed and I leave ample time in-between sessions so you wonât run into the next client.
I'm just starting out, do I need to invest in pro headshots?
YOU more than anybody need to invest in pro headshots. Here’s the deal, when you’re just starting out, it’s likely you don’t have a resume and it’s likely you’ll end up with a botique agency without much clout so your headshots become even MORE crucial because these agencies rely heavily on your headshots to get you out on auditions. Pro headshots are going to get your foot in the door and immediately give you a return on your investment.
Do you use natural light or studio lighting? Indoors or outdoors?
I used natural lighting for both environmental and in-studio setups for years.
These days, I shoot indoors with artificial lights because, well, that’s what’s trending right now. I want my stuff and your stuff to be current!
Do you provide professional makeup & hair, is it required and do I have to use your team?
Yes, I provide a professional makeup artist.
No it’s not required. You may come in makeup ready but *if* youâd like someone with you during the shoot, I require you work with my hand selected team.
This way I ensure tha I’m working with an efficient team, trained based on my needs, so that I’m able to deliver the results I promise.
My makeup artists stay with you during your entire session.
Arrive with your hair already styled and the MUA will provide light hair (without hot tools.)
Full hair styling (with hot tools) is also available for an additional fee.
Can your makeup artist do well on black skin?
Heck yea! Iâm super hands on with hand picking my MUAs.
I understand how to cater to people who have specific and real concerns from past bad experiences.
I meet with makeup artists first and inspect their products to make sure they are pros and not âfakeup artists.”
Then I provide them with a list of preferences and formulas specifically geared towards my style so that all my girls give you consistent results!
Can I trust your MUA not to do too much?
Yes again! Too much makeup is a very common problem and one of the top reasons I see agents ask for re-shoots.
For this reason, Iâm super hands on and involved in the process. After we apply the âindustry standardâ which is very light and natural, we always ask if we did anything you wouldnât do or vice versa.
Itâs a collaborative environment and not one where we claim to know best. Your preferences need to be taken into consideration, right?
Should men get makeup?
If it’s not a budget thing, I definitely recommend a makeup artist for men also! Only becasue it does level up your photos without making you look over-produced. It evens out skin tones, gets rid of sweat and shine (big problem with men,) and cleans up under eye circles. They put makeup on you on set, so why not during your headshot session?
If I get headshots before getting an agent, aren't they going to ask me to re-shoot?
Not with me, they won’t! There are 3 reasons new agents aks you to re-shoot. 1) You didn’t focus on getting specific with your looks and therefore did not give them the proper marketing tools, 2) You wore too much makeup and therefore changed the way you really look (reps want the “real” you in headshots) and 3) You have no personality coming through because you focused on “pretty” shots instead of acting headshots that showcase your acting chops!
I don't have an agent yet, should I wait to get headshots with you?
No silly! You need headshots to get an agent BUT not just any headshots. Pro headshots show reps that you’re serious about your craft and ready to audition. If you do it right the first go-round and show them that you have the right marketing tools to help them sell you, the chances of getting those meetings and getting repped goes up up up up!đ
Should kids hire a makeup artist?
I donât recommend makeup for kids 13 and under unless they look older for their age. Hair for kids should be done by the accompanying parent or guardian so they can emmulate the same style for auditions.
What kind of clothing should I bring to my headshot session?
A detailed wardrobe guide with visual samples is emailed to you once you a book a session!
Also you may want to browse my blog for visual references on specific looks and wardrobe ideas. Each marketing look is labeled, making it easy to identify what clothing to pair with each look. Simply use the search bar to find looks!
Is jacket on/jacket off considered another look?
Yes and No. It depends.
If youâll be satisfied with a handful of images with jacket on/off then we donât charge for it.
If youâd like the same emotional arc and a full range of facial expressions as in the first outfit, then I’ll need to spend the same amount of time on the âchangeâ both shooting and in post. In that case, I charge for an additional look.
What promotions do you have?
I offer âFriend Sessionsâ where if you and a friend shoot together on the same day, you’ll each receive $100 off.
Additionally, if you text the word âheadshotsâ to 323-843-7884, youâll receive 10% off your session!
*Offers may not be combined. Valid for 2-6 look sessions (new clients only).
Do You offer payment plans?
Yes I take Afterpay or Affirm!
The way it works is you’ll pay your deposit online with a debit or credit card but then you’ll be able to pay the balance with a payment plan using Afterpay (or Affirm.)
After you sign up, you’ll download the Afterpay mobile app to setup the Afterpay Card. Visit the In-Store tab and follow the prompts to add the Afterpay Card to your digital wallet.
The day of your session, when you’re ready to pay the balance in person, you’ll tap to pay with your Afterpay Card.
You’ll pay your first installment that day, and the remainder every two weeks after that while you start auditioning!
What is your deposit, cancellation and rescheduling policy?
To reserve a date on the calendar, I take a non-refundable $200 reservation fee which applies towards your session.
If you cancel, the deposit is forfeited, if you move, the deposit goes with you but I take a new non-refundable deposit to reserve the new date which will also apply towards the session.
Once you book, youâll receive a complete list of my Terms & Conditions, before paying your deposit.
It outlines everything from how I handle re-shoot requests, time allotted for each package & my policies on cancellations.
What are your prices and how do I book?
My prices start at $595 with various discounts for “Friend Sessions” etc!
Did I mention I offer payment plans?
Contact us for a full list of all our packages, the link to book and discount options!
words from
happy thespians
joaquin ticonderoga
“Almost everything I booked was because of these headshots.”
rachel olsen
“Previous to my session with Vanie, I was getting called in for auditions maybe twice a month. Now that I am using my Vanie shots I am going out twice a day.”
jim hackett
“I’ve been going to Vanie for three years now and each time the results get better and better. My agent is thrilled with the pics and I’m now a booking machine.”
