HEADSHOTS
RATES (as of December 1, 2009)
I charge less than the average headshot photographer. I do this because most of the people I photograph come from the NYC improv community, and since I am also from that community, I know none of us are rich. Even if you are, you'll still get my rates.
My rates may go up slightly once or twice a year.
I have two packages. Note that the number of photos is what you will walk away with -- I will delete any on the spot that are blurry, closed-eyes, etc., so I actually take more photos than you'll get. I want you to walk away with only photos good enough for a headshot.
Full set: $325. Number of photos: 300
I recommend this package if you'd like a new set of headshots with many different looks and aren't expecting any major changes in your look any time soon. I suggest between 6 and 10 looks.
Mini set: $175. Number of photos: 150
I recommend this package if you'd like a smaller set of headshots, which some people prefer if they're in the middle of a weight loss or transitioning between hairstyles. Or you simply may not want a full set. I suggest between 3 and 6 looks.
What you get with each package:
-- unlimited clothing changes. My suggestions are above but it's up to you.
-- a CD with all the photos at original size. I'll give you this before you leave.
-- a private flickr set of all the photos, which you'll be able to send around to friends if you need help deciding on one. I'll also help you decide which are the best shots.
-- minor retouching for the photo you'd like to get reproduced (if necessary). I recommend Reproductions for any further retouching.
At this time I do not accept credit cards. Cash or Paypal is accepted. This is my Paypal email address and verification. I will accept checks if they are cleared before the session.
LOCATION
I take headshots in Astoria, where I'm fortunate to reside on an upper floor with a large east-facing window that lets in amazing light during the late morning/early afternoon. I believe natural sunlight creates the best shots.
Please contact me for exact location and directions.
HOURS
I'm available to shoot 7 days a week. Please arrive between 11:30 AM and noon. The time between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM is the best time to shoot in natural light.
STYLING
Women: I recommend women do their own makeup and keep it minimal. It's important for your headshot to look as much like yourself as possible, and if you apply your own makeup before an audition, then you should apply it before the headshot session! However, I will give any and all advice you need on makeup, hair and wardrobe.
Men: If you would like some photos taken with facial hair and some without, the session can be broken up into two days to give you time to either recover from shaving or grow out your beard. Let me know if you'd like to do this and we'll work it out.
If you wear glasses, you can have some pictures taken with glasses and some without. It's up to you.
Bring a variety of shirts and tops in solid colors. Great colors for everyone are blues, grays, greens. I don't rule out any color but I suggest staying away from shirts with patterns.
My approach is very casual and I will probably be barefoot during the session. I'll also play any music you want and encourage people to bring their own.
My two most important concerns are 1) you are comfortable and 2) you look like yourself in the photos.
REPRODUCTIONS
Once you have your CD of headshots, you'll need to choose one and have it printed. I highly recommend Reproductions, located at 70 West 40th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Visit their website for further details.
IMPROV/SKETCH SHOWS
This also applies to stand-up, music concert, dance, or any other type of stage performance.
RATES
15-minute show: $25
30-minute show: $50
60-minute show: $75
If the show is any other length of time, just ask. I've taken thousands of photos of shows at UCB Theatre, Gotham City, Under St. Marks, Magnet as well as countless music venues -- and will capture you and your group's best moments on stage! I'll travel to any location accessible by public transportation within the five boroughs of New York City. As far as quantity, I'll take as many as I can.
You will get a cd with all the photos and I'll create a set on flickr -- you decide if you'd like the set to be private or public.
At this time I do not accept credit cards. Cash or Paypal is accepted. This is my Paypal email address and verification. I will accept checks if they are cleared before the session.
BACKGROUND
My parents were avid photographers and I grew up in a household with cameras and pictures and photo albums all over the place. One house actually had a darkroom. I've been fascinated with photography since I was a kid and always loved to capture moments, such as this class trip to Philadelphia I photographed when I was 10 or this class trip to Frost Valley when I was 11. I can't even begin to imagine the total number of photographs I've taken during my lifetime.
When I started as a student at UCB Theatre, I took so many pictures of shows just for fun that people started asking me for headshots. That was two years ago, and I've grown to truly love the artform. (I've also gotten much better.)
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REVIEWS
Ari made me feel really comfortable and relaxed. She knew exactly what to do to make me look my best. I've been meeting with a lot of casting agents and directors and they all tell me my headshots capture my personality perfectly. I owe it all to Ari!
-Erin Goodwin
Ari is fantastic to work with. Her first priority is that you're comfortable, offering her clients a laid back environment in which you feel relaxed enough to do your best work. When I brought my headshot to my first commercial class at the UCB, the casting director teaching the class couldn't help but exclaim, "That's a great picture! Who took it?" Ari took it, that's who.
-Pete Harmelin
Ari was so great to work with. As someone who is very photo shy, I was so glad that Ari made me feel at ease right away. The location, music and natural light were perfect. Ari is friendly and has a way of bringing out your best looks. Although the shoot had a casual feel, the photos were very professional. I had lots of great shots to choose from and ended up with a gorgeous headshot. I'd definitely recommend her!
-Michelle Dobrawsky
I got my headshots done by Ari. She kept the situation very fun and friendly was more than willing to accommodate some of my more unusual requests for photos. Ari will not give up on you until she has enough pictures and feels like you have a solid headshot.
-Corey Brown
Ari was a pleasure to work with, and was passionate about getting the best shot. She made the session feel comfortable and fun, and the result was a headshot that really looked like me instead of just some guy posing for a picture. I would recommend her to anyone.
-Sean Clements
I'll just own the fact that I've spent four times more on headshots. Leaving that aside, I still love my Ari headshots way more. I think that's because while lots of photographers say they are easygoing and fun, Ari actually is. And -- this one is important -- she doesn't have a formula for how she thinks your headshots, or you, should look. Call her, now!
-Melanie Girton
I love Ari! I hate getting my picture taken with a fiery passion but Ari made me so comfortable. My past headshot experiences felt awkward and impersonal but Ari really seemed interested in making my personality shine through. She also took my pictures at the same time as my boyfriend which made it really fun and casual. The pictures turned out great! I actually look natural and somewhat attractive, a major feat! Also, my boyfriend is now my fiancee and I think the photoshoot with Ari was a major part in his decision to propose. So what I'm saying is, if you hire Ari to take your headshots, you will be engaged within a year. Ari is the best!!!
-Tricia McAlpin
Ari Scott is an amazing photographer. She is punctual and professional, but more importantly she makes you feel so comfortable in front of her camera. It is important to find a photographer who can capture you in a relaxed, natural state and Ari does it with ease. The shoot was fun and funny and before I knew it she has plenty of great shots to choose from. And with these prices, it's a steal!!!!
-Eugene Cordero
Ari Scott is wonderful! She is very warm and made me feel totally at ease. I forgot that there was even a camera. I was thrilled with the shots I had at the end of the session and felt like I had a large number of styles and lighting from which to choose.
-Elihu Dietz
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