First, with a positive attitude! Yes, nerves will always be there but you're taking a step in your career, we do this because we love it so.., ENJOY IT! Talk to your agent! If you’re apart of a team, we want to make sure we focus on the types of roles your agent is pitching you for. No agent yet? No problem. What are the roles that you feel you are best suited for? ‘Ummm.. hello I’m an actor I can do everything’… yes, I totally get that. But take a look at the Vancouver film market right now. What’s filming here? Based on your look and style of acting what are the shows you are best suited for? Or in your acting classes, what are some of the character types that just flow from you easily? You can always book in a consultation with me if you want to discuss your brand and we can target a specific plan for your headshot shoot!

This is the question I get the most. First things first, clothes that fit you and are clean. Okay, now that that’s out of the way! Clothes are something that can really add or distract from a headshot. Remember at the end of the day it’s about your eyes and the story you’re telling to the camera. I suggest that you focus your clothing choices based on your brand as an actor and the roles you go out for/want to go out for. Not just something you think you ‘should’ have because everyone else has it. Depending on which network we’re aiming for, I suggest more classic styles and try to stay away from logos or very tight patterns (so it doesn’t distort on camera). So, it’s probably best to keep that florescent neon lime green pin strip top in the closet this time around. I HIGHLY suggest trying on the clothes with the proper under garments a few days before the session this way you can see how everything fits. I will be shooting waist up so just wear a neutral/darker pair of jeans or pants. Something you can comfortably move around in. But you want specifics on what to bring.. (my perfectionist self likes the way you think) here is a guideline: The Ladies A variety of colours and tones (not just black, ladies). Items like tank tops, halter tops, shirts with different neck lines (crew, v-neck, scoop etc), blouses, light sweaters/jackets/cardigans/blazers PROPER BRAS-- this is a big one! Just like when you book something, you should go to your fitting with a variety of bras along with the ability to make it strapless. Nude/skin tone is ideal but bring different colours depending on the tops you bring. Something with no patterns/lace/rhinestones on the bra — no one needs to see those rhinestones through your top, keep that for your significant other. While they might not be pretty and fun, bras are an investment so keep the receipt and expense it! Also nipple covers are a great option too I recommend trying your clothes days leading up to the shoot with the different bras. This way you can see if the shirt is too see through and how everything fits Jewelry! Earrings, necklaces, rings etc. Nails — be sure your nail polish is fresh and doesn’t have chips If you shave your armpits, let's make sure that everything is nice and clean for the day of the shoot The Gentlemen Shirts in a variety of colours and tones. Bring a selection of tops in different necklines, items like: T-shirts (in crew/vneck etc), henley shirts, polo tops, dress shirts, light sweaters/jackets/blazers If you are shaving in between looks be sure to let me know so we can schedule time accordingly. If you get blotchy/very red after shaving, please time how long it takes for the redness to go down so we can plan Any jewelry you feel adds to your brand. Be it rings, earrings, necklaces/chains etc

Be sure your clothes are clean and not stained (unless that’s the look your going for) Don't just bring one tone/colour. It's always good to have range in your looks. Your headshot is a thumbnail after all, make each look different! Don't bring clothes that make you feel crappy and not confident. No one has time for that Writing/Logos — small logo’s can be removed but the goal of headshots are your eyes and not reading what’s on your shirt! Unless, once again, it’s a branding choice (ie super hero shirts, ironic tops for comedy purposes etc) Workout shirts that have large reflective logos or marks — you’ll be under lights so.. surprise, it will reflect Shirts that are see through (it's more common than you think-- try on your shirts before hand) Super bulky sweaters/shirts to ‘hid your size’. Trust me, I love my super oversized shirts but we want to be sure we’re capturing who is going to be walking into the room and not hiding anything. Be proud of who you are.. you’re unique and you also have NO IDEA what the casting director is looking for. I do have the ability to pin things so if you’re in love with a colour shirt bring it and we’ll see what we can do Transitional glasses. I shoot with a mix of natural and studio light, so your glasses will darken (it’s their job). I highly recommend that you invest in a second pair of non-transitional glasses because if you’re hit/brand have glasses, you’ll need them for auditions and set. Or ideally, glasses with the lens popped out!

During my sessions, I like to focus all of my headshot session ‘looks’ on the different networks that are specifically filming in Vancouver and of course Toronto & LA. I tailor each ‘look’ with that in mind in terms of overall feel of shot. These looks are categorized then into specific outfits that we will discuss on the day of your session. So each look will have a different wardrobe or outfit change. Adding things like a jacket/cardigan on top is not considered a new look. I love the layered look so be sure to bring some options!

Well…4 of course! ;) But in all seriousness, how many looks do you think you need for your headshot portfolio? When Casting Directors look at your page to see your vibe will there be enough on there so they can get a feel of the roles you can be cast in? Many casting directors in the city cast a variety of projects (from Hallmark to CW to Features). Meaning, you want to have a variety of looks so when that role does come up, your headshot pops in their head.

Using a professional makeup artist is not a requirement for my shoots but can be added to any of the Full Packages for an additional fee. All the artists I work with are wonderful and open to discuss whatever you need for your headshot looks. This way it never feels like they are just doing whatever they want to your face. But they are also not mind readers — SPEAK UP — this is your shoot and your calling card in the industry so we want to be sure you’re makeup/hair is a representation of how you’d walk into the audition room! The artists I work with stay for the shoot so you will always look your best making adjustments as we shoot. Men -- While it's completely up to you, it's not necessarily something I recommend to all my male clients. If you are just worried about darker circles under eyes and a few blemishes, I fix that in post either way. However, if you have more prominent acne, longer hair that you want to have options with or are wanted to add a specific look (I've had some male do full eye makeup for goth for example), then by all means book an artists.

Sure! You are more than welcome to! But since I haven’t vetted them I kindly ask that you come ready to shoot with makeup/hair done. Then your artist can stay and do touchups and changes for different looks.

Essentially a slate shot is you ‘introducing’ yourself to a casting director. They are to be added to your Actors Access/Breakdown Services account. Have fun with these slate shots! It’s a chance for casting to get to know you a bit! I've created a detailed video to explain what a slate shot is specifically for actors access;

I know headshot photoshoots can be intimidating. If you truly need that extra bit of support then, of course. But, I do ask that your friend not interfere with the shooting process (telling you how to pose, having full out conversations with you while we shoot etc). You could also book your sessions back to back and make it a full day of fun! I ask Parents, or anyone with a minor, to stay for the whole shoot. At the same time, please don’t interfere or critique during the shoot. Trust me, they are doing great.

Once you pay your deposit through the online booking form your spot is secured and set. The remaining balance can be paid the day of the shoot via e-transfer or cash. If you're unable to pay by e-transfer, I can send a PayPal link to pay, some credit card charges will apply. All the details of how to pay the remaining balance will be sent to you with your booking confirmation!

You take yourself for a treat and celebrate yourself because you just took a step in your career! While you’re doing that, I process your proofs and send you a link to the session within 1-3 days. From there you get to choose your headshot and slates to be edited/retouched and will receive them back within 7-10 business days.

Rocket Repro. Best in town. All of my packages include an 8 x 10 ‘Name Plate’ which gives you the opportunity to print on your own. After the pandemic, I find it's not necessarily the standard to have printed headshots anymore. But better to always have a few on the safe side. I do not offer printing services.

My website portfolio should give an idea of the editing style I do. I focus on removing blemishes, even out out skin, lightening dark circles under eyes, removing stray hairs etc. I will never reshape the structure of your face or body. I try to make minor adjustments that make you pop so the headshot can stand out in that thumbnail that Casting Directors see.

I know it can seem totally overwhelming! I have an add on service for $50+gst and I’ll give you my top 20 (or so)!

Once you have decided on which package best suits your needs. Please click the 'book online' and find the date and time and pay the deposit to hold the spot. Shortly after you send your deposit you should receive a detailed email with the logistics of the shoot (studio address, parking instructions etc). Any questions or issues, please email us at info@ashleyrossstudios.com

If you need to move your session I require at least 4 days notice so I can try to fill in the session with my cancellation list. The deposit will then move to a new day we agree upon*. Anytime after 4 full days, unfortunately the deposit is non-refundable and will have to be repaid upon our new session time. Unless I am able to find someone for the session. If auditions/bookings do pop up (yay) I kindly ask that you forward me the email from your agent. ‘What! Don’t you trust me’.. I know I know, unfortunately some actors have taken my kindness with rescheduling for 'acting opportunities' and it let’s just say it wasn’t the case. If there is an emergency in your family (death, accidents.. etc) we will reschedule with no financial repercussions. See, I’m not a monster but I do have a business to run. *Schedule changes/deposit shifts can be moved up to two times within a 6 month period. After that the deposit is kept for admin purposes. If you continue to book work on our scheduled shoot dates (yay you), please forward me the call sheet/one liner from production and we'll figure out a plan with your shooting schedule.

So you've paid for your session and can't make it any longer. Not a problem, life happens. I can send you back the deposit (minus the credit card fees) via e-transfer. Please email us at info@ashleyrossstudios.com

Please email us to put you on the waiting list in case any last minute cancelations become available! Info@ashleyrossstudios.com

Using a professional makeup artist is not a requirement for my shoots. We essentially want a polished version of them. So skin, eyes and lips are looking clean (and free from sleep) and moisturized. Hair is tidy lightly styled. Chap stick is their friend. For kids (especially 12 and under) I don’t usually suggest a lot of makeup as we want to make sure they look like themselves and how they would be auditioning. If any, a little chapstick, mascara and a bit of blush can do the trick. For girls, a light curl in hair can be great along with brining elastic/hair ties for different looks. For boys, a bit of product in their hair to make it look put together. For Teenagers, once again we want to make sure they look like themselves and how they are going to audition. If have they more acne prone skin (more than just a few blemishes). Makeup and perhaps adding a makeup artist can help make sure the headshots are more polished. But it's completely up to you and your budget for this session.

For Kids and Teens there are a few main looks we want to focus on: Hallmark/Commercial/Disney Think brighter and happier vibes. Shirts and outfits in Pinks, blues, greens, yellow etc. Something with a cute little pattern (flowers, etc). For girls dresses can be an option here too CW/Netflix/Features Films A bit 'moodier' of headshot. Layers are great (t-shirts or blouse then a light sweater or jacket on top). Darker tones perhaps (not just black... something like maroons, forrest greens) *Tip -- You can always buy a few new items and we can keep the tags on and we will just hid them for the shoot* We most likely won't see pants, so just bring a neutral dark pair of jeans or pants! Don’t forget to watch the Slate Shot examples Music!! It’s always best to have your jams on! Water and lip chap are your friend. Hydration and moisture is key to making sure your skin and lips look their best for the big day. Kids under 7, I recommend doing some practice shots with them on your phone so they know they will have to look at the camera. Wash hair the day before your session so that the frizz is minimal Prep the outfits the night before so it's not a stressful morning If your child has representation, please reach out to their agent and ask if they have any notes in particular before we shoot

I am located in the gorgeous West End (near sunset beach) in downtown Vancouver. I shoot out of my home studio, so we will provide the exact address in the email once you have secured your deposit.

Street metered parking is available around my area. Some spots are right in front of the building or down the street. I do not have guest parking. I'll send transit details via email!

I primarily shoot on Weekends & Monday’s. I’m an actor as well and I find auditions pop up generally throughout the week so it makes it easier for all parties so we don’t have to do major rescheduling for taping or in person auditions.