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.