Entertainment Headshot & Portfolio Photography

I have worked in the entertainment industry most of my life as a stage manager and lighting designer, and I know what makes a headshot good. It must be a good likeness of who you are and what market you represent. Your headshot becomes an essential marketing tool that must leave a lasting impression when you apply or audition in the arts and entertainment field. It needs to be a simple and clean look. I have many decades of experience creating all sorts of headshots for professionals, from actors, dancers, and musicians, to business people and politicians. I love getting to know my clients first, discovering what is unique about them, and capturing what best represents their marketing needs. I work to create sophisticated headshot lighting techniques specifically designed for you in my studio or also create realistic representations of you in your personalized environments. The process is fun to work on, and the results are often striking with a speedy turnaround time.

Initial Consultation: 30 minutes

Together we will figure out what you need and how I can achieve a great headshot that best fits those needs. Be prepared to answer the following questions. What kind of work do you want, and what are your goals? What types of roles do you see yourself playing? What sort of work do you plan to look for?

Photoshoot: 1 hour

You need to come prepared and then just relax.  I may make some adjustments to your makeup to compensate for the lighting.  I will coach you through the process to bring out the best you have to offer. 

Proofing: 30 minutes

You and I will either get together them together, or I will file share your proofs for you to make a final selection. I then work up and email it to you for approval. You OK this final proof, and I will send you the final copies of your headshot.

Pricing

Single setting (studio or outside)

$125.00 This includes clean-up; you will receive digital copies of the final image.

Portfolio shoot

$250.00 Multiple lighting setups and several different looks. This includes clean-ups of 4 to 6 images; you will receive digital copies of the final images.

$25 per additional clean-up beyond packages.

Guidelines to a Great Headshot 

Ensure your skin and hair look clean and healthy, and brush your teeth. I highly recommend you do some kind of mud mask to deep clean your skin and tighten the pores. Test any new products a week or so before to see how your skin reacts, or use products you know. You do not want to have a reaction before coming in for the shoot. Noxzema is an excellent product for cleaning and gives the skin a smooth, healthy glow. Do not over-moisturize; we do not want the skin to be too oily or glossy. You know your skin best and how it reacts to skin products. Do what is necessary to look your best. I will be doing some powder to adjust for lighting.

If you do your own makeup, stay away from oil-based products. They make your face too shiny or slick looking. The cheapest and best way to deal with makeup is to go to a department store makeup counter and let them do it for you. Explain what you are doing to them, and they will work with you. They have been trained in this and love to have people to work on to refine their talents. Stay away from anything with glitter.

I highly recommend people get a haircut or have their hair done before the shoot. Make sure the hair is dry when you arrive at your photo shoot. Try not to use products that give the hair too much sheen; it makes the hair look wet and can make you look like you just stepped out of a rainstorm. If you can add body to your hair, it photographs well because it catches the backlight and frames your face nicely.

I highly recommend that people who have not had a headshot done before to sit in front of a mirror study their face and features. Find out what you really like about your face and features. It doesn't hurt to practice and become comfortable with presenting yourself. It will pay off as you will become more comfortable under the studio lights. After all, headshots are about presenting yourself in the best way possible. 

Bring several changes of clothes, so we have different options. When choosing clothes, think about how they frame your face. (Shirts with a shallow v or scooped neck often help draw the focus directly into your eyes.) It works best when your clothing is darker than your face. In a photograph, we are always drawn to the lightest part of the image, and you want that to be your face and eyes. Remember, this is all about your face, eyes, and how you connect to the camera; we only get a hint of clothing. Clothing with texture always works well, such as corduroy, denim, and fabrics that play with the light. Do not choose clothing with a lot of patterns because it could distract from your face. Just keep it simple. Make sure it's something you are totally comfortable wearing. Avoid things that collect too much lint or animal hair. Think of it this way: we are telling the story of who you are, and fabric adds texture to the image. Think about what kind of statement this makes about who you are.

If it makes you feel more comfortable, bring your own music. Don't worry about choosing music for me, as I love all kinds of music and enjoy discovering new music for my studio. This is totally about you.

Most important: do not be intimidated by this list. These are merely guidelines and not hard-set rules. Do what you can. You want to come in and have a blast, and you do not want to worry about anything but how great you look and feel. We have plenty of time, and there is no rush.

Resumes, Headshots, Portfolios

Be Honest!

Like any other job resume, your acting resume should reflect your talents and highlight your skills. When putting together your acting resume, only include truthful information. While the industry is extensive, it isn't that big. People talk and network, so there's an excellent chance that someone with whom you have an audition knows someone who knows someone who you say you worked with – so it better be true! No one expects a young actor to have a stellar resume. A small, credible resume is much more effective than a large one padded with lies; eventually, you'll get caught! It's better to earn your credits the hard way. In the end, it will pay off.

The Resume Rules

Want to land an acting job? Follow these basic resume rules:

Selecting a Headshot Photographer

When selecting a photographer, use one who specializes in headshots. Portrait photographers may be great for making you look excellent for Mom and Dad's family albums, but they may not sell you as an actor. I have been hired to shoot countless reshoots of images that did not sell people as actors or models once their talent scouts or agents saw portrait-style photos. Research several different photographers, and ask your contacts in the industry for recommendations. Ask to see a portfolio of the photographer's work. Negotiate rates beforehand and get an agreement in writing before shooting begins.

The Headshot and Resume Combination

Since you'll be handing your resume over with your headshot, you need to have the resume attached to the back of your photo. Many photo reproduction houses offer the service of printing your resume directly to the back of your photo. If this option is in your budget, take it. If not, buy full-sheet printable sicker pages on amazon or any office supply store. Print your resume and stick it to the back of your headshot photo.

You and Your Headshot

Casting directors use headshots to get a feel for an actor's type. The headshot should show off your best qualities. Don't dress or use make-up that masks your true nature; let the shot accurately show who you are at this stage in your career. Most people need some retouching, but don't go overboard. And by all means, get new headshots if your look changes drastically, and they should be updated every few years. Misrepresenting yourself will only lead to trouble later in auditions. Remember, headshots aren't glamour shots. The casting director is calling in the person he saw in the photo. Ensure the "you" in the headshot is the "you" who walks through the door. You will often be judged by your headshot even before you are called in for an audition. Let your photo speak for you by being professional, compelling, approachable, and, above all, you!

Sending Your Headshot and Resume

If you’re sending your headshot and resume via the web, you must send separate attachments for the resume and the headshot. Be sure the file with your headshot is optimized for web sharing. (smaller files with high-quality images) If you’re sending them by mail, enclose your headshot with your resume attached in a regular 8 ½ x 11 manila envelope that is easy to open. In either case, send a small note (or email) with your headshot saying who you are, why you’re writing, and how you can be reached. Keep the message short, professional, friendly, and to the point.