HEADSHOTS & SOLO PORTRAITURE
After years of taking portraits and headshots for family and friends in "the business," I started working for my family's conservatory programs, local school productions, and theatre companies. As a performer and business owner, I understand that your headshot needs to represent you - not a glamorized, artificial representation of you. Shooting is on-location around NYC and Central NJ, taking advantage natural light. I pride myself on bringing you high quality, affordable photos and a relaxed, easy shoot experience.
PACKAGES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below you’ll find answers to some of the more common questions I’ve received. Read on to learn more about my services and what I’ve done to help my clients in pursuit of their goals. If you feel like you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, feel free to contact me for more information.
HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?
Email me with your package preference and timeline. Please keep in mind I generally shoot outdoors and utilize natural light. Think about the season - if you sweat easily, summer shoots are probably not for you. If you get cold once the temperature dips below 50 degrees, you should book in the spring, summer, or early fall. Once I confirm the appointment date/time, we'll discuss and set a location for your shoot.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE PAYMENTS?
A 50% deposit via Venmo @pppineda, Paypal (studio.pineda@gmail.com) or Zelle is required to secure your appointment. Your remaining balance is due the day of your session. Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to your appointment to avoid forfeiture of payment. Rescheduling due to inclement weather will incur no extra charge. Discount available for Pineda Studio students and alumni, upon request.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Solid, rich, vibrant colors generally work best. Jewel and earth tones are usually a safe bet. Bring a range of colors, styles and textures. Avoid shiny or shimmery fabrics and details. Please bring your clothing “ready to wear” ie. not balled in a trash bag and in need of ironing. I strongly recommend against jewelry and accessories. If you must, go small and subtle. If you want to wear your glasses, for best results, please pop lenses out of your frames to avoid glare.
WHAT HAPPENS AT MY SESSION?
When we meet at our designated location, we'll take some time to discuss the outfit choices you've brought along. My aim is to make you comfortable. I think great shots happen when you’re relaxed, stress-free and having fun. I will direct you but I’m also open to spontaneity.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "LOCATION?"
A location can be a park, a building with architectural interest, or a landmark with visually striking landscaping or statuary. Once on location, we'll freely move around the area to find contrasting backgrounds and textures to add visual interest to your images.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "LOOKS?"
Generally, a "look" consists of one outfit. During an outfit change you may also opt to change your hairstyle and make-up--please note your session time includes these changes. Some may define a “look” as a character type ie. girl next door, sexy, serious. I find these “looks” depend more on expression than wardrobe, and only count as one of your package “looks” if it requires a specific wardrobe change.
HOW MANY PICTURES DO YOU TAKE?
I do not count shots during your session. I will continue shooting until your session has expired. If you’d like to see some of the images as we go, I’m happy to show you - it’s great to take a look and see what’s working and what’s not. Although, if you’re self-conscious, looking at the unedited images may make you more uneasy.
WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?
Extreme temperatures, rain, snow or other wintry weather? Rescheduling due to inclement weather, will incur no additional fee. If you need to reschedule for any other reason, a re-booking fee may apply.
WHAT ABOUT HAIR AND MAKEUP?
Hair and makeup should look as you would for an audition - clean, natural, polished, professional, and most importantly, like you! Don’t forget the little things like groomed brows, clean nails, etc. Stay away from shimmer, glitter, and shine. Men, keep it simple - a little lip balm, a dab of concealer, and a dab of hair product goes a long way. If you want photos with and without facial hair, please let me know and we will schedule appropriately, possibly breaking up the session into two. Please arrive with hair and makeup complete and bring your own supplies for touch-ups.
CAN I BRING A FRIEND?
Of course. Especially if they don’t mind carrying wardrobe changes and holding a light reflector from time to time. But if you’re uncomfortable giving me a sultry gaze in front of your Mom or can’t stay focused if your boyfriend is watching, it’s best to leave them at home. If your friend also needs headshots, I can offer a group discount. Contact me for more information.
WHEN CAN I SEE MY PICTURES?
Your unedited proofs will be available for review 3-5 business days after your shoot. You will be emailed a link and password to a protected online album you can share with your family, friends, agent, etc. If you need help narrowing your choices, I'm happy to help. Once you make your final choices, I will retouch them and format appropriately. You'll have your final images in 2-4 business days. If you need your photos in a hurry, a rush fee will apply. Contact Me prior to your shoot and we will discuss your specific needs.
WHAT DOES "RETOUCHED" MEAN?
Though my aim is to capture a realistic and flattering image that best captures your unique personality, all pictures will need some degree of retouching. Retouching means that I will brighten up the eye area, clean stray hairs, smooth out the skin, color correct, sharpen, etc. You want to look as much like your headshot as possible when you walk into that audition, so don't confuse retouching for plastic surgery or a full makeover. A good night's sleep and being well-hydrated are still the "touch up" you can give yourself!
DO I GET TO KEEP ALL MY PICTURES?
The number of hi-res retouched images you keep are noted in your package description. You will receive a link to your private, password-protected gallery which will include those images, formatted for print and web use, including a formatted 8x10 headshot with your name. Please save your images and files to your personal devices.Additional hi-res retouched images may be purchased for an additional cost. Your link will be live for 1 year and then archived.