Answers about our sessions, what to expect, and how to get the most out of your shoot. Still stuck? Contact us.
Most sessions (especially Dallas Sessions) sell out 1–2 weeks in advance. If you're on a deadline or need specific dates, we recommend booking as early as possible.
Each session includes a fully guided shoot, wardrobe consultation, professional lighting, and multiple looks. You'll receive ALL of your images, with the option to purchase professional retouching.
Our sessions start at two looks and are designed to give you multiple strong options (typically 3–4 looks depending on the session type), so you walk away with a well-rounded portfolio.
Absolutely. Most of our clients are not professional models — it's our job to guide you through every step so you look natural, confident, and like yourself on your best day. For beginners we offer "Pose Training" during your shoot for $100, which can be purchased when booking.
We accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and touchless payment methods. No checks. We also offer financing through Affirm & AfterPay.
Yes — your non-refundable deposit goes toward the cost of your session. If you need to move your date with proper notice, your deposit is good for one year.
Looks are considered wardrobe changes. Each look we change the lighting and backgrounds. Note: taking a jacket, vest, tie, glasses, etc. off and on does NOT count as a separate look. You may take off ONE item per look — you cannot have 3 jackets count as one look.
Makeup is included for ALL Dallas Sessions! At our Granbury studio a professional makeup artist is not required, but it's strongly recommended, especially for women. Even if you're skilled at doing your own makeup day to day, makeup for camera & photographs is different. The makeup artist stays the entire shoot to touch up, make small changes, keep your hair in place, and keep you looking your best while shooting. We'll talk about how you typically wear your hair & makeup so it's an accurate representation of you — fresh and natural looking, making your features POP, not heavy and noticeable.
Makeup is included for all Dallas Sessions. At Granbury it's optional but strongly recommended, especially for women — camera makeup differs from everyday makeup. The artist stays the whole shoot for touch-ups and small changes so you always look your best. The goal is a fresh, natural look that makes your features pop, never heavy or noticeable.
If you want a big hair change (like both straight and curly), send us photos of yourself in both styles so the makeup artist and I can prepare accordingly. To achieve it in the same session, bring your hot tools — you'll have a 20-minute window to complete the change. Please tell us in advance so we can schedule appropriately. If more time is needed, we can set up a call to talk through options.
Absolutely! Please note: only glasses without lenses will work, to avoid glare that obstructs your eyes. If you want to shoot with glasses, find frames without lenses or make sure you can pop them out. We also keep over 30 different lens-free frames at the studio you're free to use!
After booking, you'll receive a detailed wardrobe guide. We also help you make final selections on shoot day to ensure everything photographs well and aligns with your casting goals.
That's most of our clients. We walk you through the entire process so you feel comfortable, confident, and actually enjoy the experience.
We don't just take photos — we create headshots that work. Our clients regularly sign with agents, get more auditions, and elevate their brand with industry-standard images.
Headshots are your first impression. While we can't guarantee bookings, strong, professional images dramatically increase your chances of getting noticed and called in.
All bookings are non-refundable but may be transferable to a future date with ten (10) days' advance notice.
We understand things come up and will do our best to accommodate a reschedule with sufficient notice, depending on availability. We require ten (10) days' notice to guarantee rescheduling.
Clients are free to use all images for headshots, social media, IMDb (with credit), Deadline (with credit), personal websites, and all casting purposes. For all other uses — press announcements, magazines (print & online), music, books, covers, author bios, and advertising — please contact me directly, as the copyright is owned by Benjamin McDonnell Photography and rates vary. Please credit all social media posts and IMDb: @BenjaminMcDonnellPhotos.
You'll receive a full gallery of ALL your images from the shoot — usually 60–100 images per look. This lets you choose the shots that best represent you.
Images are delivered unretouched so you can choose your favorites first. Professional retouching is available and highly recommended for any images you plan to use for casting, agents, or public-facing platforms. Retouches are $25/image.
Your gallery is typically delivered within seven (7) days after your session. We also have a same-day rush service available for $150.
First impressions matter. Retouching ensures your headshot looks polished, professional, and competitive — while still looking completely like you. Every image on our website has been professionally retouched.
We focus on natural, industry-standard retouching — skin cleanup, color correction, and subtle enhancements. No over-editing or "plastic" results.
Dallas Sessions are limited-availability studio days designed to give actors a high-end headshot experience at a more accessible rate. These sessions sell out quickly and are offered on select dates.
Not at all. While they're scheduled efficiently, every client receives full direction, multiple looks, and a complete experience.
Click any "Book" button to secure your spot. Dates fill quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as possible. Feel free to email me with any questions!