Monday, April 12, 2010
Miller-Lite Images
After a fun and very productive two-day photo shoot here are some images I shoot for Miller-Lite that are now being used in market. Stay tuned to see the photos being used for MGD. Click on any of the images below to make them bigger.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Professional Photos Are Vital To Your Success...
I just returned from Atlanta where I was assigned by Allechante magazine to do a "street casting" for female models. The turnout was great and the talent was even better. However I ran into the same problem there that I have at most castings and that was the model weren't prepared properly with the right kind of photos. Because I'm a photographer I alway expect people to at least represent themselves with a professional photograph even if I didn't shoot it ;).
Your headshot is one of the most important tools you have as a professional actor/model. I have seen many great artists miss opportunities due to a poor headshot. Why? Because you need an experienced photographer who understands the modeling and acting business to prepare you with the right image that will get you work. I have a proven track record within the modeling and acting industry and know what the agents are looking for. Your photos are your selling point. They most often create the first impression. A viewer will make judgments about your personality, your professionalism, your eye for detail and your level of expertise based on what they see in your photos. You owe it to yourself to only put up your very best.
Here are a few tips to getting the most from your next professional photo session:
1. Schedule Consultation
a. We recommend meeting your photographer and talking about your vision for your headshot/photo shoot. It’s important to feel comfortable with your photographer and confident in their ability to capture the images you need.
At this consultation, we will go over what you want to achieve with your session. We will review my portfolio and discuss what looks, environments and lighting you like best.
b. At this consultation, we will go over what you want to achieve with your session. We will review my portfolio and discuss what looks, environments and lighting you like best.
2. Preparation for the shoot
a. Think about why you’re taking the photos and what you want to look like. Cut out images from your favorite magazines. Practice movements and facial expressions in the mirror. This will feel strange but it will make you more aware of yourself and how to pose in front of the camera.
3. Beauty Professional
a. I recommend using the professional makeup artist on-site and consider wardrobe and hair stylists where applicable. I understand that my clients’ budgets may be limited, so beauty team members are not required to book a shoot. However, a professional makeup artist is STRONGLY recommended so that you have the proper foundation applied to help restore pigmentation that the lighting may distort.
b. Our makeup artists start very naturally to give you a clean look and will add makeup as you go. The makeup artist is there throughout the session in order to give you a subtle range of looks. We ask that everyone come in with their hair as if they are going to an audition. We want your headshot to match the way you will look in person. The makeup artist will help out, but you are in charge here. It’s got to be something that you can recreate for that audition.
c. It's not required, but men can hire the makeup artist if you feel you need grooming on the shoot. Also, for men who grow decent scruff or feel you can market yourself in that direction, you can come in with some growth and we'll shoot until we feel we've gotten it covered and then you can shave, so bring your razor.
4. What To Wear
a. NO SWIM SUITS or URBAN WEAR!!! I want you to represent yourself in a professional manner. Your neckline should be framed with a V-neck or crew-neck; I recommend not covering the neckline with a turtleneck. Stay away from solid blacks and whites; consider colors to make the images pop. People tend to think you need a business-formal look for a headshot. FALSE: that’s old-school thinking. I recommend sticking to a casual look. Keep it simple: You want to make sure you maintain a timeless look. Please bring lots of options to your session. Bring lots of options…only those you feel good about; if you don’t feel comfortable you won’t look comfortable in the photos.
b. Women: please limit the amount of cleavage shown in your photos. I recommend form-fitting clothes with no patterns—blousy tops can make you look bigger than you are. Consider tube or tank tops in lots of color options. Keep accessories simple and minimal.
c. Men: Stay away from excessively baggy jeans or clothes. Remember: you want to maintain a timeless look. Bring several color options of polos, button-down shirts and t-shirts (crew and/or v-neck).
d. If you are unsure of what to wear, please consult with a professional stylist or a stylish friend so that your wardrobe is complete before your photo session. Our main objective on the day of the shoot will be getting the right images.
5. About Retouching and Printing
a. All of my retouching is very natural, keeping in mind that you must look like yourself. All PLP Studio headshots/photos are delivered with one round of initial retouching for FREE. However, there are some instances where additional retouching is recommended. Trust me: it’s worth the extra money. (Think of it as an investment)
6. Etiquette
a. Be on time. Relax and have fun.
Your headshot is one of the most important tools you have as a professional actor/model. I have seen many great artists miss opportunities due to a poor headshot. Why? Because you need an experienced photographer who understands the modeling and acting business to prepare you with the right image that will get you work. I have a proven track record within the modeling and acting industry and know what the agents are looking for. Your photos are your selling point. They most often create the first impression. A viewer will make judgments about your personality, your professionalism, your eye for detail and your level of expertise based on what they see in your photos. You owe it to yourself to only put up your very best.
Here are a few tips to getting the most from your next professional photo session:
1. Schedule Consultation
a. We recommend meeting your photographer and talking about your vision for your headshot/photo shoot. It’s important to feel comfortable with your photographer and confident in their ability to capture the images you need.
At this consultation, we will go over what you want to achieve with your session. We will review my portfolio and discuss what looks, environments and lighting you like best.
b. At this consultation, we will go over what you want to achieve with your session. We will review my portfolio and discuss what looks, environments and lighting you like best.
2. Preparation for the shoot
a. Think about why you’re taking the photos and what you want to look like. Cut out images from your favorite magazines. Practice movements and facial expressions in the mirror. This will feel strange but it will make you more aware of yourself and how to pose in front of the camera.
3. Beauty Professional
a. I recommend using the professional makeup artist on-site and consider wardrobe and hair stylists where applicable. I understand that my clients’ budgets may be limited, so beauty team members are not required to book a shoot. However, a professional makeup artist is STRONGLY recommended so that you have the proper foundation applied to help restore pigmentation that the lighting may distort.
b. Our makeup artists start very naturally to give you a clean look and will add makeup as you go. The makeup artist is there throughout the session in order to give you a subtle range of looks. We ask that everyone come in with their hair as if they are going to an audition. We want your headshot to match the way you will look in person. The makeup artist will help out, but you are in charge here. It’s got to be something that you can recreate for that audition.
c. It's not required, but men can hire the makeup artist if you feel you need grooming on the shoot. Also, for men who grow decent scruff or feel you can market yourself in that direction, you can come in with some growth and we'll shoot until we feel we've gotten it covered and then you can shave, so bring your razor.
4. What To Wear
a. NO SWIM SUITS or URBAN WEAR!!! I want you to represent yourself in a professional manner. Your neckline should be framed with a V-neck or crew-neck; I recommend not covering the neckline with a turtleneck. Stay away from solid blacks and whites; consider colors to make the images pop. People tend to think you need a business-formal look for a headshot. FALSE: that’s old-school thinking. I recommend sticking to a casual look. Keep it simple: You want to make sure you maintain a timeless look. Please bring lots of options to your session. Bring lots of options…only those you feel good about; if you don’t feel comfortable you won’t look comfortable in the photos.
b. Women: please limit the amount of cleavage shown in your photos. I recommend form-fitting clothes with no patterns—blousy tops can make you look bigger than you are. Consider tube or tank tops in lots of color options. Keep accessories simple and minimal.
c. Men: Stay away from excessively baggy jeans or clothes. Remember: you want to maintain a timeless look. Bring several color options of polos, button-down shirts and t-shirts (crew and/or v-neck).
d. If you are unsure of what to wear, please consult with a professional stylist or a stylish friend so that your wardrobe is complete before your photo session. Our main objective on the day of the shoot will be getting the right images.
5. About Retouching and Printing
a. All of my retouching is very natural, keeping in mind that you must look like yourself. All PLP Studio headshots/photos are delivered with one round of initial retouching for FREE. However, there are some instances where additional retouching is recommended. Trust me: it’s worth the extra money. (Think of it as an investment)
6. Etiquette
a. Be on time. Relax and have fun.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
The All New PLP Studios...
It's been quite some time since my last blog posting. Just to caught everyone up I had to take out some time and do some rebranding and relocating and I'm finally in a comfortable place and now ready to show the world. So incase there is some confusion I wanted to clarify the difference between Parrish Lewis Photography and PLP Studios. Parrish Lewis Photography is my foundation and where I will do all my advertising and commercial photo shoots. Now PLP Studios is a new company in which will handle all production for my big budget photo shoot also at PLP Studios I've trained 5 new photographers and 2 new retouchers. The photographers will handle all headshot session and event photography so that I can focus on the commercial photo shoots. I know it's still confusing. Long story short is... There is now no job too small or too big that I can't accommodate just call my studio at 312.243.4822 and book your session :) In this blog posting is a video clip that will take you on a virtual tour of the new PLP Studio. Enjoy!
PLP Studios Tour from Parrish Lewis on Vimeo.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
LaBron James Photo-Shoot
Last week I was called to do a photo-shoot with LaBron James and here are some of my selects from this session. These images have not been retouched. Just wanted to give you a sneak peek.
LaBron James - Images by Parrish Lewis
TO SEE LARGER IMAGES USE THE ICONS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PHOTO GALLERY MENU BAR.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Photo Shoot with Mary Mary for SBH Magazine
Recently I did a photo shoot with female gospel duo Mary Mary for Sophisticates Black Hair Styles and Care Magazine. This issue has just been released. Here are some photos that were selected and used. To enlarge the photos just click on them and share your thoughts.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Chicago Scenic Images by PL
I was just shooting around my beautiful city of Chicago and decided I would share them on my blog site. Let me know what you think.
ThanX!
-PL.
ThanX!
-PL.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Vendor Client relationship - in real world situations
So... I went to lunch today at Zapatista in the South Loop area of Chicago with a friend of mine who just finished school for photography and landed an awesome opportunity to work with photographer Gary Land in the Boston area. Kudos to you Marcus Smith! Check out his website at www.marcussmithphoto.com. Anyway, while he and I were choppin' it up (slang for conversing) he told me about this video on youtube which I had to share with the readers of my blog. From time-to-time I'll have to deal with similar situations in this video and if you are in the creative industry I'm sure you can relate as well. Enjoy!
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