If you are planning to update your headshots, be sure to think about what types of roles you are most likely to book. It’s important to get a simple, polished photo that just shows YOU, but you also should think about varying your other looks to better represent your “type.”
When it comes to wardrobe, I can’t stress this enough…bring choices! That doesn’t mean three or four t-shirts in different colors. Think layers, colors, different necklines keeping in mind the different looks you want to portray.
These are from a recent headshot session and I thought she did a fantastic job choosing her types and had plenty of clothing to suit each look.
Some additional advice on getting started! https://www.dailyactor.com/how-to-become-an-actor/
” The sweet girlfriend” “The tough girl”“The love interest”Actor Ashlin Teague headshot
There are a lot of reasons one photographer might charge more than another….
TIME: I don’t have time limits to my sessions…I hate feeling rushed and I certainly don’t want my subject to feel rushed. So be careful of that cheap “one hour” session price some people may offer. I am also happy to spend the time needed before your shoot to send you suggestions for wardrobe, show you sample shots to help you prepare and answer any & all questions you may have.
EXPERIENCE: I have been shooting for most casting agencies and managers in the Baltimore/Washington/PA area for over 20 years. I am on the suggested photographers list provided by AFTRA/SAG. This experience has taught me that the best acting headshots are not necessarily the prettiest picture of you. They are a tool to show your personality and should represent the real you. Notthe “Instagram filters, overly retouched…let’s make my eyes bigger and my nose smaller with these apps version of you.” Embrace what makes you different and show your quirks.
Actor (character) headshots; the villain, the best friend and the slick businessman copyright Amy Jones
Why hire an experienced professional? Because the cheapest photographer is probably just starting out, putting together a portfolio, or is doing photography part time to supplement another income. WHILE THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT– all of us started somewhere — his or her rookie status probably means the $75.00 photographer hasn’t a clue about industry standards for headshots, won’t know proper lighting or retouching and contrary to popular belief, you can’t learn all that by watching a few YouTube videos.
On the other hand, just because a photographer is the most expensive, doesn’t mean they are the best either.
For a brief period, I stopped shooting and became a director for a casting/modeling agency. It was short lived, but I learned a lot about why some casting people choose one person over another. Since the headshot is the first step in getting that coveted role, some people thought if they traveled to New York and hired a photographer, they would get a significantly better headshot than if they used someone locally. So the logic was “if I pay more, it must be better…right?!” “If I pay to have someone in NY do my headshots, I am more likely to get that audition…right?!”
Let me explain why this is flawed thinking on so many levels. First, just because someone lives in New York or LA, that doesn’t make them a better photographer…it just means they pay way more studio rent than I do. Photographers in larger markets have to charge more to survive. Paying more doesn’t always get you a better product. Do I believe you should pay for a great product…absolutely! There are some really talented photographers in the Baltimore area, each with a slightly different style and personality.
“SO YET ANOTHER REASON to invest in your headshots– because it means you’re invested in your craft, which in turn means you’ll be taken more seriously.”
APPARENTLY, IF YOUR HEADSHOT DOESN’T LOOK PROFESSIONAL, the experience from the casting side is that if they call you in, you’ll likely be green (inexperienced), thus deterring them from calling you in at all.
This is a quote by one of LA’s top headshot photographers, Vanie Poyey, and I couldn’t agree more. Even if you are just getting started, if you want to present yourself as an actor worth hiring, you should approach all aspects of the business as a professional.
Almost everyone needs a good photo these day. I shoot for corporations, small businesses and individuals to give them high quality images to use in marketing materials, on social media or business websites. These can be done at my studio or on location. Email me and we can discuss a custom session for you or your business.
Personal marketing images for realtor Chi Yon Barbosa (makeup/hair Lisa Butz)CEO of Building Point Northeast. Environmental portrait for website use.Building Point website imageWebsite photography for Lisa RouletteStylist headshots for Goldwell / KAO Hair productsClassic headshots for website useWebsite images for doctors officeHeadshot used on posters and websitesBusiness headshot for realtorAuthor Kim Crabill. Image used for book jacket and websites. Stylized shoot for business owners of Gypsy Vintage antiquesBusiness portrait for doctor featured on Baltimore Magazine websiteChef portrait for LIVE casino and hotelHeadshot for Marianne Banister website use
Sean is an actor and commercial model represented by T.H.E. Artist Agency in DC. We started with acting headshots then planned a day of lifestyle shots so his agency could have a good mix of looks to add to their website. I found various locations near my studio to give his shots a more realistic look. It was a chilly day but we had a great session! Here are just a few of looks we did.
Model images chosen by T.H.E. Artist Agency for their website all images copyright Amy JonesActor and commercial modeling imageLifestyle modeling imageLifestyle modeling portfolio imageCommercial model image
December was a busy month with many commercial jobs as well as studio headshots. I was lucky enough to work with some very talented, fresh faces in the business.
Acting headshot Actor headshotModeling/ acting image for Jalynn
Actor Lindsay Rosser new headshot images
Actor headshot2nd lighting/background set up for LindsayLindsay often books jobs where she plays younger than she really is, so this is her “teen” headshotNew actor headshots for Kiley Earnest (look at those eyes!)
It’s been a busy few months with actors returning for their 2nd or 3rd session with me over the years. The greatest compliment is when they are happy enough to come back for more.
New headshots for actor Sean Ryal (new client)Actor/singer Kiley Earnest (2nd session)Actor John Wontrop (2nd headshot session)
“I am letting you know that I have received all five sets of photos you sent. They look absolutely fantastic. I am 110% satisfied with the final results. Thank you for all of your work and providing an easy and hassle free process (global pandemics aside…). You will definitely be getting an email from me the next time I need headshots.” John Wontrop
Actor/commercial model Ellie Wang (worked together too many times to count!)Actor Kim Tuvin (2nd session together)Actor headshot – 2nd session2nd session Model Tara 2nd shoot
More and more lately I have been ditching the traditional background and doing environmental headshots for corporate clients. These companies all wanted to take a more contemporary approach to their business portraits. The marketing department requested more relaxed, casual poses. Their office space was a rather bland off white and beige so I used a little photography trick to add some color to their space.
The images below were done for a property management group that also wanted environmental images. They chose to do an outdoor look in front of one of their properties.
The following images were shot for a construction equipment supplier who wanted casual environmental portraits of their employees.
Trade show publication images for Cole Tuve owner Lisa Johnson.Realtor headshot for advertisingPersonal branding and marketing image for Stephanie McCannonCorporate headshots for website useBusiness portraits, Corporate headshots for website usePhotography for website use, personal branding image
I was lucky enough to work with the beautiful Lexi. She is planning on starting her modeling career this Summer and I photographed her first set of images to send to the agencies. We kept it simple and fun. Makeup and hair by Lisa Jones- Butz.
Lexi- model headshotFull length model portfolio image
This beautiful lady is also a doctor at the top of her field. She is a repeat client which makes the session even more fun since we already know each other. She will be featured in Baltimore Magazine soon! Thank you to the amazing Caitlyn Meyer for the beautiful hair/makeup. Branding and advertising images