Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Heavy Pencil Photography?
We are a photography and production company, run by actors, that specialise in actor headshots.
Where does the shoot take place?
The studio is located at Meanwhile house, Cardiff. An 8 minute walk from Cardiff Central Station.
Is there parking?
Yes.
How long will the shoot be?
Our standard package is 1 hour. Our premium package is 2 hours.
What should I wear/bring?
Good question. We always recommend bringing clothes that are the most you. What are you most comfortable in and what outfit makes you feel your best, bring them. Once you book your shoot with us, we will send you a guide with more details about what to bring, but for now just think 'what is the most me'. We also recommend bringing a little more than your chosen package allows so we have a couple of options to play with: For our standard package we will get through 3 to 4 different tops so bring at least 5 options and for our premium package we will get through 5 to 6, so bring at least 7 options.
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How many photos will I get?
With our standard package, you will receive 3 re-touched images. With our premium package you will receive 5 re-touched images.
Can I have more photos than that?
Of course! Any extra images are £25 each.
Can I have my unedited images?
We're afraid not. We don't give out any un-edited (raw) images.
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How long does it take to receive the photos back to view?
You will receive your online gallery of photos within 24 hours after the shoot.
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When will I get my edited photos back?
You'll receive your final edited images within 14 days of us receiving your selection/payment.
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Can I get my images back as soon as possible?
Yes, we offer an express service for £50 were you will receive your images back 2 working days after payment has been received.
Do I get to see the photos during the shoot?
This is entirely up to you. If it helps you then go for it, but if it's going to leave you feeling self-conscious then maybe not.
Can I bring someone with me?
If you're under 18, then yes. Otherwise, we have found from experience having more than one person in the studio can be distracting. However, they are more than welcome to wait for you in the waiting room located in the main Meanwhile House building.
Is there wheelchair access?
Unfortunately not at our current studio, but please drop us an email, we will do our best to create a wheelchair friendly shoot for you.
Is there a toilet there?
Yes.
How do I pay?
When you confirm your shoot day and time, you will pay a deposit of £60 via bank transfer. After our shoot, we will send you over an invoice to pay the remaining amount before we send over your online gallery.
I'm really nervous.
Please, don't be! Trust us, we know just how you're feeling, being actors ourselves we've been there. Therefore we know exactly how to create a safe space where you are free to be yourself.
Which package should I get?
This is entirely up to you. It all depends on how much time and how many final images you would like.
1 hour is more than enough to get 3 strong headshots. There probably wont be time for any major hair/facial hair changes but we'll be able to do a few outfit and background changes.
2 hours gives us plenty of time to get 5 strong headshots. We'll be able to shoot at least 5 different outfits on multiple backgrounds and we'll have time for some major hairstyle/facial hair changes. It’s also a great option if you usually find headshots a bit stressful and would like a bit of time to warm up in front of camera. The extra time can take the edge off and help to alleviate any anxieties.
Do you do outdoors and indoors shots?
We only shoot indoors at our studio, using natural light.
Will there be time to chat about what I want to achieve from the session?
Of course! At the start of each session you and your photographer will have a good chat to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Are there facilities to do makeup and hair?
We would advise you to come to your shoot with your makeup and hair already done so we have plenty of time to get the right shot. We do have a mirror in our studio and plugs for any hair appliances and the toilet has a mirror and space for any quick retouching.
Can I shave or change my hair/makeup during the shoot?
Yes! Our standard package will easily allow for 1 or 2 quick hair changes. For shaving or more major hair/makeup changes, then we recommend our premium package to ensure you aren't rushing.
What if I have spots?
Don't worry about it. We can edit them out post shoot.
What happens if I need to reschedule/cancel?
You can reschedule ONCE up to 48 hours before your shoot without losing your deposit. Deposits are non-refundable.
Can I request a re-edit of my final images?
Our editors will apply our distinctive style: natural headshots that showcase you! (we hope that is one of the reasons you chose us). If a client requests a review of certain elements, say we have erased a mole for example and you would like this to be kept in, we will re-edit them at once at no extra cost. Further re-edit requests beyond this initial revision will incur a fee.
What if I don't like the shots?
We work in a subjective industry so not everyone will like our shots and that's ok. However, if you have booked with us then it's because you, like us, do like our shots. So to ensure we get the headshots you require, communication with your photographer is very important. During the shoot you and your photographer will check in regularly to review your shots, making sure that everyone is happy - that way we cant go wrong!
There is no right to reject on the basis of style, content, composition or editing.
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