Joanne Brooks Photography

How important are backgrounds in your head shot? Headshots are about you, the actor. Your headshots are not about the background. That said, I like it if the background informs the photo in a subtle, interesting way. For me, studio headshots, with studio lighting that look set up and posed are not ideal. It looks flat and like you had pretty photo day.  I like something in the background…anything, even a little shadowing or sense of place. That said, all white can look fantastic and it really depends on your aesthetic. The photo can be fabulous in every way, but if the actor doesn’t have something going on behind their eyes, then it isn’t an interesting photo. Remember that your photo is selling a product and you have to tell people something about yourself through this photo, besides just hair color.

So, can a background make or break a photo… yes. Photos are getting tighter and tighter. We are moving away from the three-quarter headshot and back to the close-up. You should be separate from the background but I love it if the background gives a nice sense of place and space.

I can shoot your headshots in any style, we can go white and clean background or a blurry sense of space. It is up to you and your agents. Different agents prefer different things. The one thing that everyone agrees on is that your headshot must look like you and you cannot disappear into the background. I always urge my clients to talk to their agents about what they want and then I can do what works best for them while still making sure your headshots have a sense of energy and life and space.

Actors headshots are a collaboration between your agent, the headshot photographer and you, the actor. I love an open dialogue about your headshots so that we are on the same page and don’t waste any looks or photos.

I’m offering $50 off all packages for the rest of May. It’s a great time to get new headshots 0r freshen up your old ones. Your headshots should look like YOU, your headshots should exude confidence and you should look like you have been acting your whole life. Your headshots should make you look like a seasoned pro.

Stop procrastinating!!

Great headshots are one of the most essential tools in the acting business. You need great headshots that will help you get in the door and get more work.

Call today for an appointment in May, there are only a few weeks left!

Hi Joanna – its Kim here – Shelby’s mom – just got the proofs and you are an amazing individual. What fabulous shots you took, both indoors and out. I was afraid the sunlight was too bright but you managed to pull off an incredible shoot where this kid with sensitive eyes could still open them!

I cant stop laughing about shots 125, 126 and 129 – my God I would not want to meet this 16 year old in a dark alley – whoa! So cool Joanna to see your talent at work. Thank you for all the extra time you took with hair, make up, getting the one stray strand of hair to cooperate, letting Shelby change clothes that many times!

The variety of looks you gave her – edgy, cute, meanish, and feminine – will fit the bill for loads of different roles. We cant wait to send them off to our agent and our manager. If anyone has braces, you are the photographer to get! And if anyone has chubby cheeks and wants to slim them down a bit, you are the person to have behind the camera.

Thank you Joanna, above all, for keeping the price affordable for this single parent. Kim

I have had the pleasure of shooting Jen Kober’s photos for a couple years. That gal LOVES having her picture taken. I have always known she is a fabulous funny stand-up comic and last night I saw her debut her dramatic acting chops on HBO’s new Series “Treme.” Jen plays a lawyer opposite Melissa Leo. Congrats Jen and great work!