Once an actor himself, Stephen knows first hand what it's like to get headshots for the first time or the fifth time. Stephen's headshots are not only affordable, they get his clients out the door and into the audition room. After all what good are pretty pictures if they're not getting you work?

Stephen believes that for headshots to standout they must capture a piece of the actors soul in a single frame, which is exactly why The Busken Studio isn't the place for "glamor shots". Sure, he'll make you look absolutely amazing, but not all dolled up like you're heading to the prom. Because the best headshots capture the best REAL you and by "REAL" we mean "Hollywood Real" which means:

1. You've had an hour of our amazing hair and makeup artist attending to your every wrinkle and fly-away hair.

2. You're wearing an outfit that has been carefully picked with regard to color, texture, cut and shape.

3. You're standing in the most flattering controlled NATURAL light on earth which makes your eyes pop and allows your every wrinkle and pore to fade into oblivion.

4. You have a professional photographer directing you to your best angles and who coaches you to let your personality shine on camera.

And after said four steps are complete, most actors will go on to post the pictures to facebook, la casting, imdb and actors access, all the while pretending they just woke up that way. And that is "Hollywood REAL" defined.

HOW LONG DOES A SHOOT TAKE?

For men, a session can take from 1 - 2.5 hours depending on hair changes and or whether you want to come scruffy and shave halfway through your shoot. For women, hair and makeup usually takes an hour and shooting usually takes about 1-2 hours depending on the number of wardrobe changes aka looks.

HOW SOON CAN I GET MY PICTURES?

Your disc will be available one business day following your shoot. This allows time for color correction and weeding out the bad pictures.

DO WE NEED TO MEET PRIOR TO THE SHOOT?

It's completely up to you. Most everything you need to know is on the website, however if it makes you more comfortable to meet face to face you can setup a skype video conference or phone consultation via the contact portion of the website. Phone and Skype video consultations are free and a great way to get a feel for Stephen's personality prior to shooting with him. He'll be happy to answer any other questions you might have.

DO I GET TO KEEP ALL OF MY PICTURES?

Yes. You'll get an edited down batch of the best 300+ images from your shoot.

WHAT KIND OF CLOTHES SHOULD I BRING?

For headshots it's best to keep your clothing simple. Layers also help add depth to the photo - so don't forget to bring a variety of jackets, sweaters, ties to add to your outfit Your clothes should enhance the portrait not distract the eye. Solid colors are preferred. And please try to avoid distracting patterns or prints. The commercial look is usually something more colorful and approachable, the Theatrical look is usually more neutral. Bring lots of clothes clothes that we'll help you choose. We'll make sure your outfit compliments your hair color, eye color and skin tone. We always encourage our clients to bring a few things that they love to wear in real life. The most unique thing about you is your personality and clothes help convey who you are.

DO YOU SHOOT FILM OR DIGITAL?

I shoot with the highest resolution Canon Camera that shoots at 21 MegaPixels. You get all of your photos in full resolution digital format on a disc to use as you wish. Make a life-size cardboard cutout of yourself, put your headshot on a coffee mug to give it as a party favor, knock yourself out! Joking aside, your pictures are yours to use however you wish.

WHAT DOES LOOKS MEAN?

A Look is another name for an outfit. With each "Look" we'll make sure your clothes help market you in a particular casting category.

DO I NEED A MAKE-UP ARTIST?

We require that Women use our staff makeup artists / hair stylist. Not only will she make you look your best on camera, she'll be by your side the entire shoot offering touch ups and hair changes as needed. We believe the best headshots reveal natural beauty and shouldn't show much makeup at all. Only an experienced makeup professional can give you that dewey look that makes it look like you're not wearing makeup at all. Men are not required to use a makeup artist or hair stylist, however its recommended if you have blotchy, tired, acne prone or pale skin.

WHY MAKEUP?

Good makeup means your pictures won't require much retouching which will not only save you time but also lots of money. Since it's impossible to retouch your over 300+ proofs, good makeup and hair will have your agent saying "Wow, my client looks amazing and that's without retouching!"

DO YOU SHOOT INDOORS OR OUTDOORS?

I shoot all my actor headshots outdoors. Even though we have a full setup of studio 'flash' lighting, we find that natural light is more flattering for actor headshots. All the headshots you see on the site we're shot outdoors with natural light.

HOW DO I ORDER 8x10'S 4x6'S AND REPRODUCTIONS?

After the shoot, we will give you a packet on what to do next. We have relationships with several Hollywood Photo Labs which will handle all your printing needs. They are familiar with my style of shooting and treat our clients very well. We've worked out discounted pricing so you will save an additional 20% off your order when you mention you shot with us.

WHAT IF I LOOSE MY DISC?

We'll burn you a new disc usually within one business day. There is a replacement charge of $15.00 for burning a new disc.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL A HEADSHOT SESSION?

Life is life and things come up that might take priority over your headshot session. We understand, we just ask that you give us 48 hours notification if you need to cancel otherwise you'll loose your deposit.

DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?

Yes, all major credit cards are accepted in addition to Cash. Personal Checks are not accepted at this time.