I had really high hopes for my photo session but ended up feeling like I wasted $500. I had never done a photo shoot before and needed some headshots for my first audition. The online booking process was slightly glitchy, but no big deal. At the time, there were discrepancies in the address and the confirmation email sent confusing information. I called to verify and Lisa called me back to not only answer my question, but also to discuss the shoot. This was a nice gesture and I was very satisfied and left feeling confident things would go well.
I had no trouble finding the place and Lisa's assistant/make up artist, Cora (who I loved), came down to greet me and show me where to park. Both were incredibly friendly and helped me decide which outfits would work best for the shoot. Cora did makeup, and allowed me to give some feedback. We did a test shot. I didn't like it so we changed it.
This is where is went downhill. There was no second test shot. Instead, Lisa launched into the shoot. She gave some direction, and kept saying "great!" Etc. And then at some point she made a comment that proved she had completely forgotten this was my first time. There was barely any change in my posing throughout, only changes in the background and my outfits. She did not evoke much expression from me but continued to encourage me that it was going well and that we were almost done. I wasn't in a hurry, but it seemed like she was.
I realize it's not totally on Lisa to get me to express, but since it was my first time and her feedback continued to be positive, I figured things were going well. I left feeling like it went well.
Unfortunately when I received my shots, I didn't find any of them to be usable. The angle is unflattering (and she said she uses this angle only because it's what directors need, despite evidence to the contrary as seen in the headshots portfolios of many big Broadway names in NYC), there is almost no variation of expression in the entire portfolio, the lighting washes me out, and in many of the shots my whole head doesn't even fit in the frame. Thankfully she had agreed to expedite getting my shots to me (which I appreciate), which meant that I had time to find a solution.
I emailed her to let her know I wasn't satisfied. I wasn't really expecting anything in return, but just wanted to provide feedback. I would have left it at that but she got defensive in her replies, first trying to blame the printing (I didn't print), and ultimately ending up blaming me for my lack of experience saying "you get what you put in."
I ended up using a selfie I took in the bathroom and touching it up myself. I got a callback with that. For free. So maybe if you're experienced with shoots and naturally photogenic, you will have a good experience with her, but I can't recommend her for first timers. Unless you like blowing $500 on nothing. read more