Process
Whether you’re a seasoned union actor in Los Angeles or looking for your first background role at central casting, I’ll work with you every step of the way to create the best headshots possible. If you know what you want, let me know. If not, I’ll help you figure it all out.
Location vs. Studio
Photographing on location has advantages and disadvantages, as does working in a studio. I feel equally at home with both types of photography, but for actor headshots, I believe that the advantages of working on location outweigh the inconveniences.
Many photographers default to the studio because it’s predictable and repeatable. It’s much easier in the studio for a photographer to build a recognizable brand and it’s easy to control the light and choose the backgrounds. And weather is never a problem.
I love those things too, but I believe that actor headshots should be compelling photographs that feel like they were taken from real life. While the background of a headshot is almost always blurred beyond recognition in order to focus attention on the actor, some of the texture of the scene still comes through, adding to the sense of realism and authenticity. When done well, location headshots can have more depth and I think they can tell a more interesting story. For this reason I generally photograph on location. But studio shoots are an option both for headshots and for portrait/branding shoots. Please reach out if you’re interested in a studio shoot.
Wardrobe Advice
Keep it simple. You can never go wrong with solid colors in a medium shade and tone. Very bright colors and white can be very distracting and should generally be avoided. Black should usually be avoided for brighter, commercial looks although it can certainly work for darker, more theatrical looks. Busy patterns like strpes and plaids are generally not ideal, although there may be some exceptions if you’re going for a very specific role. And finally, avoid text and logos at all cost.
Bring a variety of options for each look you’d like to shoot. Change up the color, texture and neckline to keep things interesting. I’ll be happy to go over your options to let you know which ones will photograph best for each look.
Whether you’re a seasoned union actor in Los Angeles or looking for your first background role at central casting, I’ll work with you every step of the way to create the best headshots possible. If you know what you want, let me know. If not, I’ll help you figure it all out.
Location vs. Studio
Photographing on location has advantages and disadvantages, as does working in a studio. I feel equally at home with both types of photography, but for actor headshots, I believe that the advantages of working on location outweigh the inconveniences.
Many photographers default to the studio because it’s predictable and repeatable. It’s much easier in the studio for a photographer to build a recognizable brand and it’s easy to control the light and choose the backgrounds. And weather is never a problem.
I love those things too, but I believe that actor headshots should be compelling photographs that feel like they were taken from real life. While the background of a headshot is almost always blurred beyond recognition in order to focus attention on the actor, some of the texture of the scene still comes through, adding to the sense of realism and authenticity. When done well, location headshots can have more depth and I think they can tell a more interesting story. For this reason I generally photograph on location. But studio shoots are an option both for headshots and for portrait/branding shoots. Please reach out if you’re interested in a studio shoot.
Wardrobe Advice
Keep it simple. You can never go wrong with solid colors in a medium shade and tone. Very bright colors and white can be very distracting and should generally be avoided. Black should usually be avoided for brighter, commercial looks although it can certainly work for darker, more theatrical looks. Busy patterns like strpes and plaids are generally not ideal, although there may be some exceptions if you’re going for a very specific role. And finally, avoid text and logos at all cost.
Bring a variety of options for each look you’d like to shoot. Change up the color, texture and neckline to keep things interesting. I’ll be happy to go over your options to let you know which ones will photograph best for each look.
Makeup and Grooming Advice
Keep it simple. Sensing a theme here? good. My work is all about authenticity and that should carry over into your makeup and grooming.
I generally recommend that you show up as you would for a casting. If you don’t normally wear any makeup to castings, and this goes for all genders and gender identities, I do recommend a minimal “no-makeup” makeup look with a little foundation or at least matte powder to even out skin tones and reduce reflections.
Makeup Artists
Working with a professional makeup artist for your actor headshots can have a huge impact on the final results. Just make sure you hire one who understands on-camera makeup and let them know this is a headshot, not a fashion or beauty shot. There is a massive difference. I’m always happy to speak with your artist ahead of the shoot.
I don’t directly provide makup or hair services, as these are very personal and I can’t unconditionally guarantee that you’ll be happy with the results. But I can recommend some makeup artists and groomers I’m familar with upon request.
Headshot vs. Portrait
There are very specific standards for actor headshots in Los Angeles. Headshots are color, are framed to include roughly mid-chest to top of your head and have a non-distracting background. You’ll face the camera directly with both eyes looking at the camera. It’s not rocket science, a headshot is meant to show what you look like and to give casting directors a reason to want to call you in. Good light, good (but not excessive) contrast, and good eye contact are all super important.
A headshot is a portrait, but a portrait isn’t always a headshot. There are no specific standards for portraits--they’re all about expressing who you are as a person and as an artist. As an actor, having some portraits in your profile and on your social media can help tell the world who you are, something that’s increasingly vital today. Half-day branding, artistic or editorial portraits can also include headshots. Please inquire for details!
Keep it simple. Sensing a theme here? good. My work is all about authenticity and that should carry over into your makeup and grooming.
I generally recommend that you show up as you would for a casting. If you don’t normally wear any makeup to castings, and this goes for all genders and gender identities, I do recommend a minimal “no-makeup” makeup look with a little foundation or at least matte powder to even out skin tones and reduce reflections.
Makeup Artists
Working with a professional makeup artist for your actor headshots can have a huge impact on the final results. Just make sure you hire one who understands on-camera makeup and let them know this is a headshot, not a fashion or beauty shot. There is a massive difference. I’m always happy to speak with your artist ahead of the shoot.
I don’t directly provide makup or hair services, as these are very personal and I can’t unconditionally guarantee that you’ll be happy with the results. But I can recommend some makeup artists and groomers I’m familar with upon request.
Headshot vs. Portrait
There are very specific standards for actor headshots in Los Angeles. Headshots are color, are framed to include roughly mid-chest to top of your head and have a non-distracting background. You’ll face the camera directly with both eyes looking at the camera. It’s not rocket science, a headshot is meant to show what you look like and to give casting directors a reason to want to call you in. Good light, good (but not excessive) contrast, and good eye contact are all super important.
A headshot is a portrait, but a portrait isn’t always a headshot. There are no specific standards for portraits--they’re all about expressing who you are as a person and as an artist. As an actor, having some portraits in your profile and on your social media can help tell the world who you are, something that’s increasingly vital today. Half-day branding, artistic or editorial portraits can also include headshots. Please inquire for details!