I am looking forward to welcoming you into my home. The address is 7 Fairholmes, Matlock, DE4 3DY.

Train: the house is a 15 minute walk from the station but is uphill so if walking I recommend leaving plenty of time so you’re not red faced for the photos!

Bus: buses 157 and X17 with serve nearby, you’ll need to get off at Lynholmes Road.

Driving: Fairholmes is opposite the Premier shop on Lynholmes Road. You can park to the right directly as you turn into the cul de sac. Please don’t park any further into the cul de sac as all of these spaces are earmarked by residents, a lot of whom are elderly/disabled. If there aren’t spaces available you can park either left or right where Lynholmes Road meets Hurst Rise - there are always plenty of spaces.

When you arrive, come up the steps and the door directly infront of you to the lean to (my gym) will be open. Please press the arrival button on the left hand side so I know you’re here. Here you can derobe, get centred, check hair and make up and clothing - there are full length mirrors. When I am done with the client before you I’ll come and welcome you in. Help yourself to a glass of water and there will be a Steamery steamer on hand if you need to sort any last minute creases!

To be able to run these days to offer low cost sessions I do need to run a tight ship so please ensure you are happy with your clothing and hair and make up before we get shooting - 20 minutes goes fast.

My recommendation would be go slightly heavier with your makeup than you would normally - the camera doesn't pick up as much as the eye would. My recommendations for must haves is a good concealer and blush. Ensure lips are moisturised and if you are not a lipstick person I recommend a subtle lip tint. I love Wonderskin with a bit of paw paw balm on top.

From experience, if you don’t normally wear makeup you may not feel quite yourself having had professional makeup done. If you do want to go down that route it’s worth being clear you don’t normally wear makeup and you want a very natural look. Otherwise I recommend a trip to Space NK or the like who will help you with a simple selection. I love Erica Taylor for Instagram tutorials.

There is a salon in Chesterfield that offers make up suitable for a brand shoot. You can book here.

Clothing is so subjective and ultimately the aim of the game is for you to feel like you. I recommend studying other headshots and portrait shoots and seeing what you like. It’s best to avoid all black as we want your photos to stand out and look fresh. Also if you have brand colours on your website you’ll need to aim to wear something that compliments those. Some details around the neck and shoulders can help bring personality to your shots. Please avoid patterns, fine stripes and branded clothes.

Have a think about what you want your headshot to say - if you need to look professional perhaps a shirt or if you work in a more casual way aim for something that says something about you.

A Steamery steamer is ready for your arrival if needed.