Q: Actor? Model? Waiter? Do I qualify as model material and how are your subjects selected?A: Agencies, companies and organizations are always looking for models for various projects and editorial work. If you fit the criteria for a project for me, then there's no charge for headshots, nor do you have to have prior experience. However, you should be at least 5'11'' and have a lean muscular body frame. If you think you have the right look, please send a recent snapshot of yourself to ww@williamwaybourn.com. You won't know until you ask.
Q: What is your background and experience?A: I have been a photographer for more than 40 years, having started in college processing my own film and prints, then progressing as a journalist for daily newspapers, where I had to write, edit and shoot my own stories. Photography has always been a fun endeavor and is not my livelihood. Over the years, I have photographed many friends and individuals, some multiple times. Unfortunately, AIDS interrupted the lives of a lot of my subjects, and in the late 90's I quit for almost five years. With the advent of digital photography, I became interested again in the new medium and now shoot almost exclusively in a digital environment. I maintain and use expensive digital equipment, lights and software to create images that are appealing to others and that benefit both my portfolio and your use. My work has appeared online worldwide and in national publications, both in editorial and advertisements.
Q: What if I want to pay?A: Commissioned portraits must be booked in advance and involve a cancellation fee. Sessions may include up to two persons and clients receive the images in high resolution. The hourly rate is $350, one-hour minimum.
Q: What about copyrights or photographer release?A: All subjects must sign a photographer's release. All images are owned by me and protected by metadata that's embedded in each image. No image may be printed, duplicated, utilized, displayed or distributed in any manner without my written consent. All contents of this website are copyrighted and images may not be reproduced or distributed without prior consent. If you wish to use any of my images, please contact me and I will do my best to accommodate your request.
Q: What happens to my images after the photoshoot and what if I want prints?A: Within a week of the session, I will upload your images to a password-protected website where you can download the images in full resolution. You may order prints from the site or take the downloaded images to a photo processing facility of your choice. Because the images contain metadata and are copyrighted, I may need to provide you with a letter authorizing prints. I use MPix from the site because of its quality and ease of ordering, but I also highly recommend Chrome Imaging in Georgetown.
Q: Why can't I just copy and print direct from your website?A: All photographs and images on this website are published in low resolution to facilitate faster page loading and easier viewing. As a result the visual quality of the images will not be as clear as an actual photograph. Images you download from your album will be at full resolution.
Q: What do most people do with their photographs?A: How individuals use their photographs is up to them. Some use them professionally, present them as gifts to relatives, significant others and special friends, while other images end up on Facebook, Friendster, MySpace and Connexion or other popular electronic "meet and greet" or personals websites.
Q: How long does the photo session actually take?A: It only takes a millisecond to snap the shutter, but preparation to get the right photograph can take a couple of hours from start to finish. I operate on a closed set where I can control the lighting environment. Sometimes I will agree to an outdoor or other location setting, but it always depends on the lighting.
Q: What do I bring to wear?A: Choose solid colors and avoid patterns which will compete with you for attention. Wear only clothes that make you feel comfortable. For casual shots, bring jeans, shorts and a t-shirt. Avoid trademarks and advertising logos unless you are trying to sell something. For more formal shots, bring a sports shirt, jacket and/or tie. Dress slacks and shoes are not as important, but should match your overall appearance. Avoid jewelry that distracts from your face or stands out. Finally, everyone always brings more clothes than what they need so after you've made your final selection, then cut out a few more items. Some of the best shots will come when you feel comfortable and no one will probably notice what you're wearing. Finally, if you are wearing contacts please consider removing them for the shoot. Digital cameras are very sensitive and see contact lenses as "film" and will cloud your natural eye color.
Q: How do I achieve the "look" I want?
A: It sounds silly, but spend some time in front of a mirror practicing various facial expressions just so you will have an idea of how the camera will see you. Once you find a look that pleases you, then practice it some more. Keep your chin down (holding it up only exposes more chin, not less) and look at your face and body from various angles to see if one angle looks more natural. Everyone has a good side, so learn how to position your body at the right angle. Very few headshots are taken straight on.
Q: What about hair?A: Don't get a haircut right before a shoot. and don't shave for a couple days if facial hair looks appealing – it can help make the casual shots better. You can always shave on-site if you want a clean face for more formal shots. A quick workout before the shoot pays off for shirtless shots. A lot of guys will shave their chests for a smooth look and unless you know what you're doing -- don't. Use a No. 2 or No. 3 trimmer to trim your chest hair or consider getting it professionally shaped (I can give you a reference). Waxing is not recommended before a photo shoot.
Q: Anything else?A: Relax and be yourself. Be in a good mood as mental attitude goes a long way with feeling good. Your photos will be around for a while, so you don't want to have to explain that you were having a bad day when they were taken.
Q: What if I can't make it on time or have to postpone?A: Things happen – I would rather you postpone the shoot than show up sick or stressed over events or situations you have no control. If you just don't feel up to it, then by all means call and reschedule. How you feel is a big part of having good photos. Just give me as much advance notice as possible please.
Q: What if I have more questions?A: Call 202-518-2453 or email ww [at] williamwaybourn [dot] com
