Happy Wednesday everyone. Hope you're all having a terrific week so far and getting used to this up and down weather we're having here in L.A. Don't worry though, summer is just around the corner, and for us Angeleno's, I think it's going to start next week ;P
Can you cast her as a mom in this photo? You sure can!
When I'm not out shooting wedding or portraits, the other passion in my photography is the actor's headshot. Yup, living in L.A., and being in the business has enabled me to shoot many an actor over the years, and it has always been a fun and unique experience. What I like most about this kind of photography is that I get to know my subjects a little more, who they are, their experiences, why they became actors, etc. It's cool to talk to them about their own passion for the Thespian arts. And at the same time, get some terrific images to help them along in their career.
Last year a good friend of mine, and long time actress, Teresa Huang, wrote a cool blog post about the actor's headshot. Having gone through the casting mills before, I have to say everything she said made sense and should be heeded by any actor, new or experienced. Basically, you want headshots that aren't just pretty pictures of yourself, but photographs that help cast you (put you in a discernible type of role). One time at a casting director's workshop, the CD said that they would rather see a photo that hints at the role they are trying to cast for.
Bottom line, as Teresa and so many CDs have suggested is that you should have a wide variety of "looks" in your headshot repertoire. Not only the smiley, commercial photo, but the lawyer, doctor, college student, ingenue, etc. Whichever role you might think you can play.
With this said, I always convey this to any of my clients before they come into shoot with me. I suggest bringing in different outfits ("looks") that can convey a character that they can be cast for. Depending on your age group, and look, it can range from everything from gangster to Mom, to my favorite, the stern looking attorney.
Last Friday (almost two weeks ago), my good friend and dance instructor Cindera Che creator of the Movement for Actors class, came in for a headshot session with me. What I love about working with veteran actors/artists is that they already know themselves so well that they are easy to direct into getting the character emotions, and "looks" that we are trying to create. No need to just say "Okay, look angry now" or "Alright, happy face" (who says that anyway?!) With veteran actors, you give them a small suggestion towards how you want them, they work it out, and give it to you. Awesome!!!
(On a side note, her skills are why Michael Jackson himself hired her for his super hit "Smooth Criminal". Don't believe me?! Check it out here. Look for her close-ups in the green dress :) She's the only Asian in the entire video I believe)
So here's the work that Cindera and I created that day. Can you see the differences in each of the shots as to what character she could play?
First and foremost, the straightforward photo, although still cast-able as a business-type, or perhaps "best friend" role. Very confident and engaging.
The cool, calm, and ever so present attorney look.
Can you cast her as a mom in this photo? You sure can!
How about a sexy, intimidating, confident business woman, or CEO?
I say YES!
Lastly, our favorite of the shoot, I'll call it the "artist" look.
So next time you're thinking of getting your portraits done for the acting industry, think about who you are trying to portray. Sure, you can portray yourself, but until then, you want to let casting directors know that you can look like the "Law and Order" attorney they're looking for, or perhaps the street thug that "Hawaii Five-O" is casting for (which they do so often BTW).
Bring your "A" game, be prepared and have fun!
And with that, I leave you with this photo I took of my nephew the other day:
Hmmm... but can I cast him as an attorney though?...
Thanks for stopping by!
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Comments
Michael creates a safe and welcoming environment for me to explore different looks of my casting. Some of the shots actually inspire new casting possibilities. It was an empowering afternoon well spent. Thank you, Michael.
(01.25.12 @ 11:25 AM)