Headshot Tips Archives - David LaPorte Studio

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Headshot Tips 0 comments tags: Actor, Actress, Auditions, Bobby McGee, Casting Directors, Headshots, Readings

A Producer Shares 7 Tips on Booking Acting Jobs

Bobby McGee is a funny man and also happens to be great actor. He’s worked many years in the business in both comedy and drama showcasing his talent in both film and television. Some of his credits include: “Hollywood Shuffle”, “A Soldier’s Story,” “Harlem Nights,” “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Married with Children.” His successful acting career has naturally segued into producing. Having worked with legendary director Robert Townsend over the years, he’s now collaborating with him on a movie project. It’s the third feature that’s he’s produced and in this blog he shares 7 tips on booking acting jobs and what an actor needs to know when going into a casting session. These 7 tips are sure to help. 1.) Make sure your headshot looks just like you. The biggest mistake an actor can make is walking into a room and not being properly represented by the photo. The people in the room will immediately throw your picture in the waste basket because you have wasted their time. 2.) Don’t talk too much in the audition. If you’re there to do the work don’t get carried away taking everybody‘s time. Time is money and they have many actors to […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Headshot Tips, Photography Techniques 0 comments tags: Actors Access, Commercial Shoot, Headshots, IMDB, Photo Shoot

How To Take Better Headshots

We all know the importance of a great headshot. When done right, it’s more than just good lighting, composition and brightly lit backgrounds. A great headshot is about capturing your personality. I contend that casting agents don’t see a photo, they feel it. I believe it’s more of an intuitive response rather than a sense one. Truth is what great acting is all about. When you are relaxed, open and in the moment, great things happen. But there are more things to consider in your headshots than just getting a theatrical and good commercial shot. Sometimes it more important to get specific looks. For instance, just this week I had a client shoot in a cheerleader outfit, workout outfit while another did a business, bohemian and quirky look. So you can see there are a range of looks to be added. There are also simple accessories that can be included like glasses for the business or quirky look. I always suggest being creative during a photo shoot. It doesn’t have to get carried away like one manger’s suggestion that her client shoot in 17 different looks. After a certain amount of changes it just becomes redundant. It’s a good idea […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Headshot Tips, Photography Techniques 0 comments tags: Acting Techniques, Casting Directors, Headshots, Talent Agents, Talent Managers, Wardrobe

Reinvent Yourself

Life is not different from acting- everything is based on change. We get bored with seeing the same thing over and over again, and look for something that will bring freshness into our awareness. What was once so new and different, is now viewed as boring. So we have to look at acting the same way that we look at life-we have to continually reinvent ourselves. Casting agents and agents aren’t much unlike ourselves in that they get tired of seeing the same thing time and time again. They respond to something different. They like to see you in a new light, an updated version of your possibilities. The reflection in your headshots gives them that information. So it makes sense to present a side of yourself that you want the business to see. This includes thinking of ways to bring out more facets of your personality. This can be in a new look, change of wardrobe, specificity in terms of characters you can play, and most importantly a clear and concise headshot that looks like you today; not 5 years ago. Keep Your Headshots Current I’ve talked with casting directors and the number one thing that gets them upset […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Headshot Tips, Photography Techniques 0 comments tags: Actor, Actress, Camera Angles, Headshot, Lightning, Photo Session, Photographer, Photography Studio

Actor Headshot Tips

There are a few tips you can remember when getting your headshots done. It helps to have an idea of what you are doing before the actual start of the session. The first thing to remember is that a great photograph is about capturing energy. No matter how well it’s lit or framed, the photo will come across as being contrived without energy. I suggest trying to engage the photographer in conversation to help build that connection. Like in acting, the more you can connect by finding similarities, the better your picture will become. Try to stay away from any posed and rigid positioning the photo will not pop and tend to look unnatural. It’s also important to know that camera angles can change the way your face is photographed. For example, if the camera is higher than the subject it will tend to capture the eyes and help make them pop. If shot from a lower angle the jaw line will stand out and it will appear stronger. Just moving your head just a bit can greatly change the way your quality comes across. It’s always good to know if the lighting the photographer is using is soft and […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Headshot Tips 0 comments tags: Actor, Actress, Headshots, Makeup Artist, Makeup Tips, Parabans, Sulfites

Makeup Tips from Makeup Artist

Laurel Wiley is a professional and caring makeup artist. She see’s each client as an individual and applies makeup to highlight that individuality. One of the most important things that I look for in a makeup artist is how friendly they are with my clients. If the client is uncomfortable having their makeup done it will reflect when I start taking pictures. Also, if the makeup isn’t right, the photos won’t look their best. I always talk with my clients before we start makeup and make sure that we are on board with what they have in their mind. We always start with the clean, natural look and eventually (if the client wants) add more to match the various looks. First and foremost the makeup must look like you; always be aware when a makeup artist says that it will look different through the camera. If you’re not comfortable when you look in a mirror, chances are you won’t like it when you see the photos. Makeup Artist Laurel Wiley Laurel Wiley has been doing makeup and training makeup artists for 25 years. These are a few things she recommends. Photography has changed in the digital aspect so makeup has […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Headshot Tips, Photography Techniques 0 comments tags: Casting Agents, Headshots, Hollywood, Inner Focus, Instincts, Photographer, Talent Managers

Common Sense Headshot Advice

Unless you have a strong recommendation that you trust, it’s important to do your research when it comes to choosing the right photographer to do your headshots. I have been on both sides of the camera (And worked with top agents, managers, and casting agents for many years,) so I might have a different perspective when it comes to giving advice. Because of this, I always recommended common sense. Without it, it’s easy to get confused. One of the most important things I advise those first coming to Hollywood is to always trust your instincts- they will never lead you astray. You don’t need to be acting in Hollywood for 10 years to know what does, and does not, feel right. It doesn’t matter if the person is offering you a lead in a movie, or acceptance into their agency, if the way they are going about doing it feels awkward, always pause before making a decision. The true professionals will never rush you or make you feel uncomfortable. Secondly, don’t ever underestimate the importance of feeling comfortable with the photographer you interview. If you feel that you can’t be completely yourself beforehand, then there will be an issue when […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Actor Showcase, Headshot Tips 0 comments tags: Abrams Artist Agency, Auditions, Casting Agency, Literary Agent, Theatrical Agent, Voice Over Agent

Tips from a Top Los Angeles Agency

The best advice an actor can get is from the people that have built a top reputation – Abrams Artist is that quality of agency. I had the fortune of taking photos of the agents in the Los Angeles office this past week. Instead of their clients being in front of the camera, they were. What better way to find out what an agent was looking for in a potential client than the agent themselves. For instance, with a Theatrical agent I asked what is the most important thing that you are looking for in an actor. He said that an actor is a performer. They must show some kind of passion about what they do. It’s not only in the work- but in themselves. Acting is an entertainment business he went on to say, they must in some way, ‘entertain’ in that meeting. If they can’t exude an enthusiasm, what does that say when they go out on auditions representing the agency? In essence he was very big on showing passion and knowing who you are and what you are selling. What many actors don’t realize is that each client represents these agents. Being prepared, confident, and open are […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Headshot Tips, Photography Techniques 0 comments tags: Casting Directors, Headshots, Natural Light, Photography Studio, Studio Light

Natural Light vs Studio Light?

There is a question that many actors have in regards to their headshots – should my pictures be in natural light vs studio light? Many opt for the former, but there are advantages to both that should be noted. First of all, natural light is just the obvious- it’s natural. But depending on your eyes and energy quality, studio may have an advantage. If you have sensitive eyes and are straining to keep them open, it might be a good idea to consider shooting inside. A great headshot is about the eyes- they should be relaxed, open and engaging. Some actors think that natural light makes the eyes “pop” out more. This is true to a point. Natural light will reveal the color of your eyes and bring out a sparkle. But if the eyes are half closed it defeats the purpose. It’s also important to note that the pop of the eyes is also due to your energy behind them. This is what casting directors are looking for when quickly scrolling down a submission page. There is an intuitive response from the connection received from the photo. There’s no mistake that most publicity shots are done in the studio. […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Acting Tips & Secrets, Actor Marketing, Headshot Tips 0 comments tags: Actor, Actress, Casting Directors, Headshots, Photo Session, Portfolio

Why a Headshot Photographer’s Personality Is so Important

I was reading an article by Casting Director Carolyne Barry and something stuck out that got my attention. In the article she mentions things to consider when choosing a headshot photographer. One in particular stood out- the importance of considering the personality of the headshot photographer when looking to book a photo session. We hear so much about bringing out our own personality in the shoot. For that to happen there must be a comfort level with the photographer to begin with. I’m glad she brought this up because it’s an important point. I suggest that you take the time to either meet, or at the very least talk to them over the phone. How comfortable do you feel with their voice? Are they taking the time to answer even the simplest of questions? How flexible are they with your schedule? How much time are you given in the photo session? There’s no mistake that your personality depends on who you work with. I always start by sitting down and talking with the client. I want them to express any concerns or ideas that would otherwise be on their mind throughout the shoot. Openness, the essential ingredient in a shoot, […]

Oct 22

by davidlap0rt3 in Headshot Tips, Photography Techniques 0 comments tags: Actor, Actress, Casting Agents, Headshots, Photo Session

A Different Approach to Headshots

Taking headshots isn’t always necessarily equated with having fun. In fact, it can be quite stressful. Actors realize there’s a lot on the line with their headshot in terms of getting work. Because of this, the headshot session can be looked at with dread rather than enjoyment. Yet, a photo session should be fun. The ‘stress factor’ should be dealt with at the very beginning so that it doesn’t get in the way. When you are having fun, your personality is going to come through. Casting agents respond to photos that exude energy. Because of this, I am always looking for ways to allow more enjoyment in the photo session. One such way that should be considered is to bring a friend along to the shoot. The friend could also have photos taken. This option may not be considered because of the concern that another person will take away from their time. But if you have a good friend, one that you are comfortable with, it could only deepen the experience. Just recently I took pictures of two actresses (Lonni and Savannah) They both needed headshots and asked if they could come in together. I naturally agreed because I think […]

A Producer Shares 7 Tips on Booking Acting Jobs

How To Take Better Headshots

Reinvent Yourself

Actor Headshot Tips

Makeup Tips from Makeup Artist

Common Sense Headshot Advice

Tips from a Top Los Angeles Agency

Natural Light vs Studio Light?

Why a Headshot Photographer’s Personality Is so Important

A Different Approach to Headshots

Here About Our Specials 1st

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