Hi, I'm Mel Cavalier. Welcome to my website. I've included some information to help answer your questions and tell you a little bit about what to expect. The two main advantages of digital photography are:

• You immediately see your pictures as we're shooting, and..
• You leave the session with ALL your pictures on a CD ready for printing. You no longer have to wait several days and return for proofs and prints. And you no longer have to print an 8x10 for the multiple printer to work from. With digital, you print all of your photos directly from the disk with no loss of quality.

ABOUT DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Let me start by trying to explain a little bit about digital photography. I've done head shots on film for 10 years and until a few years ago I was skeptical about the quality of digital pictures too. We've all seen grainy looking digital images taken with 1 & 2 megapixel cameras. With the technology of 6 megapixels and higher, I'm able to print an 8x10 photo and get a cleaner, less grainy shot than on traditional 35mm film. Also, we're able to see the pictures immediately so that we can be sure we're getting the exact look you desire. Not certain how that shirt will photograph? Or how that shade of lipstick will look on camera? No problem. We'll just take a quick shot and check it out on the monitor in 2 seconds! It's that easy with digital.

COLOR AND BLACK & WHITE
You get all of your shots in color, but they can be printed in B&W if you prefer. It's your choice.

WARDROBE
Don't be afraid to bring along several options. The beauty of digital photography is that we can take a test shot and see it in 2 seconds and decide if it works for you!

NATURAL LIGHT OR STUDIO
I can shoot in natural light ( most preferred ) or in studio light (day or evening).

MAKE-UP
I do a basic make-up for men. For women, if you can do your own make up on a daily basis, you'll be able to do it for your session. All of the pictures here on my site were shot without a make-up artist. Today's make-up is a very clean and natural look & you want to be able to recreate it when you walk into an audition. Now, if you're completely confused by make-up, then by all means, bring along a friend to help or hire a make-up artist. Just be sure that they are able to do a light clean look. I've had clients bring make-up people with them who went way too heavy and gave them a look that would be great for a wedding or a glamorous event. But it was too much for headshots.

HEADSHOT PRICING

$ 200.00 (plus tax) for 75 shots.

$225.00(plus tax) for 100 shots.

$250.00(plus tax) for 1 hour of unlimited shooting. The clock starts with the first shot, and we keep going for 1 hour. As manny wardrobe changes as you choose.

Product photography prices available upon request

If you would like a proof sheet of your photos, printed on a high-quality HP photo printer with glossy photo paper, they are available for $10.00.

Payment may be made in cash, money order or cashier's check. If you need to pay with a personal check, you may pick up your CD and proofs once it has cleared (usually 3 business days).

I'LL GIVE YOU $25.00 OFF ON YOUR NEXT SESSION!
A lot of my business comes from happy customers showing off their headshots. So, to say thank you, I've decided to give a $25.00 discount referral reward. Just take your pictures into class. Show them to your friends. And for every customer you send me who books a session of $150.00 or higher, I'll give you $25.00 off on your next session! Just make sure that they tell me that you referred them. It's that easy.

SESSION LENGTH
How long does the whole process take? A regular session usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes for shooting. Then another 30 to 45 minutes depending on touch-ups, to process and print the proofs and burn the CD. Some clients prefer to take the disk and proof's and show them to their agent and friends & come back later for the touch ups. It's your choice.

SUGGESTIONS
The photo session should be comfortable and fun. I used to be an actor. I have spent plenty of time on the other side of the lens. So I like to make the shoot a stress-free experience. Bring along a couple of your favorite CD's or your iPod to listen to while we shoot.

This may sound strange, but I always tell my clients before the session,that they should spend some time in front of the mirror practicing different expressions. Most people aren't aware of how big or small their smile is, or how their eyes can tend to scrunch up when they smile. But I guarantee if you practice for 10 minutes before our session, you will feel more in control and get better shots.

I always tell my clients to think of something that really makes them happy when I ask for a smile. So plan ahead, remember a great trip. Think of someone you love to spend time with. Whatever it takes to make your expression genuine. I want to see that in your eyes.

And don't forget to breathe! I can't tell you how many people stiffen up in front of the camera. A couple of deep breaths make an amazing difference in the way you feel and the way you look.

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