Archive for January, 2010

Which Photo Should I Choose to print?

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Ok, so we talk all the time about how the headshot you should print is not necessarily the photo your mom is going to want to frame and put on the wall. We all want to choose the one that we look the “prettiest” in, and that is not always the most interesting choice. Have you ever played that game with friends where you will look at someone sitting at the mall or at a restaurant and try to come up with a story for that persons life?

It goes something like this:

Girl 1:

I bet she was a high school cheerleader and she married the quarterback of the football team and had 2 kids and he left her for some lovely young thing…

Guy 1:

No way. She settled but now she is starting her own business. She is tough and willful…

Well, that’s what your headshots should do. They should tell a story. Of course it isn’t your acting story, it’s a full life story. A casting director should see the picture and want to know more about you. That is where “looks” come in. If you have the photo of the ex-cheerleader who is starting her own business, then another “look” can be a smart. savvy business woman or a devoted mom? These are all ideas that clothing and attitude can hint toward.

When you are choosing which photo to use, choose the one that tells the best and most interesting life story.

Making the most of your Headshot photo shoot.

Monday, January 18th, 2010

I am instantly attracted to actors who’s eyes are alive and sparkling. The thing I always tell my clients during the shoot is KEEP YOUR BRAIN BUSY! Don’t let your mind go blank. I don’t care if you are thinking about what you are making for dinner, going over lines in your head or simply observing the camera and what we are doing in that moment, but you should have a thought in your head at all times during the shoot. A busy brain makes your eyes come alive. There is nothing worse that a vacant looking actor. It seems like an easy concept, but you’d be amazed how many actors are glazed over in their photos.