Date: May 24th
Location: Makespace Studios, Newnham Terrace, Waterloo, SE1 7DR
Time: from 10am

Take Control of Your Portfolio... Getting great headshots can be time-consuming, hugely expensive, and seem out of an actor's control. Choosing clothing options to suit colour and B&W, understanding how to brief your photographer, choosing make-up for, and posing in the session can all be perplexing. And once you've got the shots, selecting and curating an eye-catching portfolio that shines both online and in print can be just as tricky. But it doesn't have to be this way. In these relaxed, 1-2-1 sessions Michael Wharley ("Top theatre photographer... leading voice on headshot trends" The Stage) will provide detailed feedback on your current portfolio, discussing your casting, your career goals, the performance of you current shots and what to focus on in future sessions. You'll leave with a detailed personal plan for taking control of your next headshot session, whoever it is with, and with the tools and confidence to ensure your headshot portfolio shines in the modern casting environment. The exact content of these sessions is led by the needs of each actor, but can include: Headshot Healthcheck - your current portfolio assessed, with detailed feedback on what additions it might need, and which photographers might suit your needs. Honest discussion of your casting types and how the industry perceives you. Practical exercises to help you prepare clothing, make-up and hair choices for your next session to help show this range Advice on how can subtly suggest different facets of your casting range by using online casting tools to the fullest extent. A personal plan to put the success of your next session in your hands with preparation, focus and a clear brief for your photographer. Easy-to-apply tips on making your shots stand out online. Posing 101 - tips and practical exercises for relaxing and posing naturally in front of camera. These free advice sessions are 20 mins long, with the first session starting at 10am. To reserve your slot please contact Michael directly on michaelwharley@michaelwharley.com. Feedback from previous sessions: "My headshot healthcheck session with Michael was invaluable. Packed with useful, practical feedback, he gave me the information I needed to really take control of my next headshot session." Cathy Hammond, TAG Member "It's very rare to get the chance to sit with a top photographer and talk about your headshots, for free! Today was a great experience full of advice and information that I personally wouldn't have thought about. Michael was very friendly and understood my queries which allowed me to focus on what I really wanted from a headshot. During this session there was no push to purchase headshots from himself, which I thought was very respectful." Barry Robertson, Actor and TAG member "Thank you so much, I have to say this is the best advice I've had for years!" Johnathan Farrell, actor and TAG member "@MichaelWharley Thank you so much for all your advice, common sense and wisdom via the @ActorsGuildGB forum - really appreciate it." @JuliaKhoa - actress and TAG member Michael Wharley is a London-based actors headshot and advertising photographer. A graduate of Oxford University and Central, he is the veteran of some 30 West End/Regional Rep/national touring/London fringe productions over a six year acting career, during which he worked as part of an actor's cooperative and was later represented by a personal manager, accruing broad industry insights. A full-time photographer since 2008, he provides hundreds of actors with their Spotlight photos each year and writes regularly on headshot and industry digital trends for a range of publications including The Stage. He also frequently runs 'Take Control for Your Headshot' seminars both as a 'How To' Expert for The Stage, and for a range of drama schools and industry events, including: RADA, Surviving Actors, Perform 2012, Actor Expo, The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2012, ISDF 2012 and Brighton Fringe 2012. www.michaelwharley.com www.wharleywords.co.uk PLEASE NOTE: Online CVs will also be reviewed together during the session, but you are also welcome to bring hard copy photos.