Actor Headshots & Becoming An Actor

Palm Beach Acting Headshots Photographer

Click on the above images to rotate * Below images to see full size

Update: I will be posting the actor headshot which this actor went with; Hope this helps!

When becoming an actor, Actor Headshots are one of the most important requirements and can make the difference in getting casting calls and not. Headshots for actors help agencies place their talent with Film Makers, TV Producers and alike. No matter if you’re looking to become a Hollywood Super Star California Actor or star in a Disney Production in Orlando, FL a high quality acting headshot by and professional headshot photographer is critical!

Last week I received a bunch of requests via my Twitter and Facebook account requesting that I would place a few examples of what actor headshots look like and explain what makes one better than the next.

Well, all of you with this question are in luck. Just yesterday a great guy named Benjamin James came into my photography studio to have his Acting Headshot photographed before leaving for LA California to pursue an acting career.

Normally I do not place unretouched work online but in this case and for discussion sake I’m putting a hand full up without knowing which he will decide on. Some images would work as a headshots and others simply as portfolio pieces.

So, what makes Actor Headshots good?

Well, without getting into a very long discussion about the industry in general; here’s a short break down of what makes an actor headshot a good one / What it must have or do:

• Must depict the actor in his or her best light * You just gotta look good, plain and simple; nothing highbrow here!
• Must be Timely * Should appeal to “today’s” Agencies / Movie & TV Producers * Always be hip & in fashion * NEVER look dated!
• Must not “LOOK” heavily retouched or altered  * How many of you have seen “modeling photos” that look like plastic dolls?
• Must have an eclectic essence or mass appeal * You don’t want to ever be pigeonholed as an actor!
• Must brand YOU as to who you are or who you aspire to be * Read my Branding Article to learn more about this concept

Becoming an actor is not an easy process but with a good base of collateral materials you will have a leg up over the next aspiring actor or actress.

In an up an coming article I will be explaining what is an Actor Comp Card and why an Actor Portfolio is also very important when courting acting agencies for casting calls.

So if you’re interested in acting, go out and find the best headshot photographer in your area that understands the industry and commission a session today. You do not have to go with the most expensive but please don’t look for a “budget photographer” as this is your brand, your image, your calling card, so to speak, which you will be entrusting with this person! A bad actor headshot can be worse than none at all!

For inquiries regarding our Professional South Florida based Photography Studio in Sunny West Palm Beach or to book a session, please ring us at 561.762.8968 or simply complete our contact form located here!

As always, I want to here from you! Comments, Questions & Suggestions for future topics are encouraged!

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^– Take a moment to Like our Facebook Page and to say thanks receive 10% off a Studio Portrait Session.

Professional Branding Portraiture Photography

Over the years I have had the good fortune to work with actors, actresses, celebrities as well as up and coming models, corporate executives and alike. At first, many state they only want a “good looking” representation of themselves in the best light possible … and of course … I can give that to them!

On the other hand, some require Professional Branding Portraiture Photography which is slightly different.

Before continuing I would like to say: This short article was inspired by a call I received by a potential client yesterday. A very nice lady rang to say that she was searching the web, stumbled across our website and was intrigued by the “Simple Design”, “Color”, “Banner Image” and most importantly the” branding portrait” of myself. In short, the potential client raved about the content but stated she would not have stayed to view it if for not the intriguing,  professional portrait which was displayed.

Branding Portraiture in a nutshell requires the client to know who they are or whom or what they wish to be “portrayed” as.  Many times I send new client’s away with the task of determining this and ask them to schedule a session once they know and have the ability to articulate it too me.  Some call back within a day, some a week and others not at all. This task is not an easy one and requires some sole searching, to say the least.

It is absolutely imperative that a branding portrait screams out, who you are while informing the viewer as to what you do, your personality and/or how they can benefit from doing business with you.

Once again, knowing ones self comes 1st then being able to articulate it to your photographer while allowing him/her to get to know you comes in a distant 2nd. Once complete, then and only then the professional portrait photographer can translate your vision into imagery that truly ”sells” You, Your Product or Service!

Remember: Even with a “Simple Headshot / Portrait”, mediocre is no longer good enough. Today’s clients want to work with someone, they can relate too, trust and feel comfortable in knowing they are in good hands while doing so.

I’ve included a few photographer’s, I grabbed out of the hat, in no specific order, whom I feel have exceptional branding portraits that either say who they are / their style or simply create a want or desire to work with them:

Lindsay Adler of New York; DaveWares of Sough East England; Scott Holstein of Tallahassee, Florida; Frederick Van of Silicon Valley, CA; Drew Gregory of Calgary Canada; Dave Warner of New York; Trevor Current of New Jersey; Rosh Sillars of Detroit, MI;  Jack Hollingsworth of Austin, TX;   Joseph Cristina of West Palm Beach, FL — I can’t forget myself

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Bottom Line: It’s time to Ditch the 80′s Real Estate Head Shot and have a true Branding Portrait captured by a professional photographer.

I promise you, more business, connections and opportunities will come your way because of it!

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Take a moment to Like our Facebook Page and to say thanks receive 10% off a Studio Portrait Session.

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Do I Need a Professional Photographer?

The following was inspired by a Poll introduced by @photojack on Twitter. The question posed was a simple one with a not so simple answer:

What Word or Phrase would you use to best describe the Photography industry today?

My answer was simply “ IN FLUX “ as I believe more than ever, that the amateurs in the industry are being weeded out daily and the professional photographers, passionate about their profession, like cream, are quickly rising to the top.

The introduction of digital technology has brought into to the market many part-time “shooters” that are directly competing with the full-time professional photographers. No studio expense, cheap equipment, many times no backup cameras, lens, lighting and charge a fraction of what a true full-time professional has to charge to make a living, all while providing mediocre photography at best.

During this “ FLUX “ the number of projects that I take on per month that are “re-shoots “ for clients that chose to use one of these part-timers has quadrupled from 2007. Most ask for a reduction in my rates as they indicate they already spent “X dollars“ and are over budget… and I simply say … (well, I’ll let you fill this in later)

Back to the question at hand “Do I Need a Professional Photographer? “

I ask:

• Do you need a Photographer that has years of experience?
• Do you need a Photographer that can capture your vision the first time?
• Do you need a Photographer that is equipped with backup incase of failure?
• Do you need a Photographer that will give you an IMAGE and not a SNAPSHOT?
• Do you need a Photographer that is insured?

… this list can go on and on but I think you get the point.

If you answered NO to any of the above I’m confident that you would do just fine by having a non-professional photographer for your project or event and can safely STOP READING NOW.

Continue Reading »

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Top Bridal Makeup Artist / Hair Stylist

Licensed Cosmetologist West Palm Beach South Florida

SOMETHING  ALL BRIDES MUST KNOW ( BRIDAL TIP )

Fabiola, my wife,  of Fairytale Beauty, LLC ( http://fairytalebeauty.com ) is by far best of the best in the industry and is recognized as such! Over the years, we have worked together on many projects from magazine covers shots to weddings and her work is second to none.

As a professional photographer in west palm beach south florida and having shot many a wedding in my day I’m going to let you in on a secret!

BRIDAL TIP: HIRING A PROFESSIONAL HAIR STYLIST / MAKEUP ARTIST that will come to you on your special day is an absolute must!!!!

Trust me, you can thank me later, you don’t want to save a couple bucks to only have to run around town from hotel to salon and back while hoping the salon is not behind schedule and you don’t get into an accident in the process! By having a professional bridal hair & makeup artist service  you at your hotel room not only allows you to relax but also allows the professional wedding photographer, the ability to capture wonderful getting ready images while you’re completely pressure free.

Take the time to review Fabiola’s portfolio of hundreds of before and after images at ( http://fairytalebeauty.com ) and HIRE A PROFESSIONAL!

From professional wedding photography, bridal boudoir sensual photography, high society weddings, portraits, engagement sessions and all other event coverage  [intimate parties of 30 to 600+ guest gala events] Allure Multimedia, LLC is ready to serve you with the most professional and respectful client interaction during the event to the highest quality finished product once the event is over.

*** Boca Raton Bridal Photography; Palm Beach Destination Wedding Photography; Miami Photojournalist Society Event Photography; Magazine Quality Bridal Portrait Photography and much much more..

For availability or to book our photographic services, please complete one of our contact forms or simply call 561.762.8968

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West Palm Beach Professional Photographer

Modeling Headshot Boudoir Corporate Event Wedding Portfolio & more

Everyone wants to know who they will be working with so I broke down and put up a picture of myself. As they say, “The Shoe Maker Goes Without Shoes” and as a professional photographer this also rings true but instead of shoes it’s photos of myself and family.

The proof is in the pudding! As a professional west palm beach photographer, it’s my hope that you enjoy my blog and visit the ONLINE PORTFOLIO to see some of my current work. From Professional Headshot Photography to Magazine Cover Photography and beyond. This summer will be try too put at least 5-10 new images online a week! With in excess of 150,000 images “in the can”, it will be fun project to work on in between projects; wish me luck and please stop by frequently and view my online portfolio area.

My photography can be seen on Front Covers of Magazines Internationally, Brides Living-room  Coffee Tables, Sensual Photography Boudoir Albums, Art Gallery Showings, Corporate Offices, Annual Reports, Fashion Designers Catalogs, Models Portfolios, Comp Cards and Actor & Actresses Head shots ( Headshot ), Advertising Agencies Stock Product, TV AD Spots and the list goes on. No job is too BIG! Over the years I have formed a team of professionals second to none which can accomplish any job at a competitive rate, impeccable professionalism and with exceptional final quality.

Visit CLIENTS tab to see a list of some of the many Corporations, Non-Profits, Models, Fashion Designers, Advertising Agencies, Authors, Brides and many more that I have worked or are still working with.

When your ready to commission an International Published Professional Photographer with over 18 years experience who is passionate about photography and commercial art / design and would like a quote or more booking information, CALL  or complete our contact form on the left column of this blog or simply goto the CONTACT US tab at the top of the page.

Following me on Twitter, Myspace, Youtube, Facebook, LinkedIN and subscribe to my BLOG or RSS feed to keep up to date with me and all special promotions that I offer from time to time. Simply click on the logos found on the LEFT HAND COLUMN of this blog. West Palm Beach Photographer

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