Tying up a few loose ends before heading to Palm Springs for the weekend and that includes making a final decision on hundreds of headshot proofs. If you're thinking about coming to LA, wait and get new headshots here. It's a very different look casting is after (interesting settings with lots of light)...and, oddly enough, it's often less expensive to get a top photographer in LA than in other parts of the country. Perhaps there is just more competition.
Out here casting often asks for something called "lifestyle" shots, which I can only describe as professional candids. These are often playful and fun, sometimes with you and others in the shot. Even "headshots" are becoming more half-shots so casting can see more of you.
I'd had my photos done in Baltimore before coming out to California and the "dark and dramatic" just wasn't working, so here we go again.
You can find scores of opinions online about what makes a good shot. I think looking straight into the camera with emphasis on the eyes is important. Show a little personality. If you're over 40, be sure the camera lens is at your eye level or just above, and lean slightly forward into the shot. That way you'll avoid looking like you have three chins. I also like lots of light on my face.
A headshot should also hint at the kind of roles in which you are typically cast. I often get senators, attorneys, detectives, business executives, so I want to show that I can play those roles. I also want to show that I'm a nice person who's easy to work with and flexible enough to do commercials that may have a lighter tone.
Decisions, decisions. How do I choose one as my primary shot? How does one shot convey all that a person is? Smiling? Whimsical? Confidant? Daring? Below are just a few of the "suit" shots. The photographer made it fun.
Besides the "suit jacket" shots, I had four other outfits. Dresses. Slacks. I looked gorgeous! Even sexy! In the end my agents went with this one. Not too dressy. Not too casual. Not too sexy. Not too young. Not my favorite. But as an actor friend recommended, take the photo you like best and tape it to your refrigerator. The agent is the one who has to sell you to casting.
Out here casting often asks for something called "lifestyle" shots, which I can only describe as professional candids. These are often playful and fun, sometimes with you and others in the shot. Even "headshots" are becoming more half-shots so casting can see more of you.
I'd had my photos done in Baltimore before coming out to California and the "dark and dramatic" just wasn't working, so here we go again.
You can find scores of opinions online about what makes a good shot. I think looking straight into the camera with emphasis on the eyes is important. Show a little personality. If you're over 40, be sure the camera lens is at your eye level or just above, and lean slightly forward into the shot. That way you'll avoid looking like you have three chins. I also like lots of light on my face.
A headshot should also hint at the kind of roles in which you are typically cast. I often get senators, attorneys, detectives, business executives, so I want to show that I can play those roles. I also want to show that I'm a nice person who's easy to work with and flexible enough to do commercials that may have a lighter tone.
Decisions, decisions. How do I choose one as my primary shot? How does one shot convey all that a person is? Smiling? Whimsical? Confidant? Daring? Below are just a few of the "suit" shots. The photographer made it fun.
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| Kathryn Browning 2019 |
