http://www.timothiphoto.com


Ola New York Actors !!  I'm back..here to give ya headshot tips and advice that will set your photo apart from the rest..and isn't  that what it's all about ? Getting casting directors to notice you and booking those juicy acting jobs ! Well, it starts with that great actor's headshot and with all the talent, looks and branding in the world it's not going to happen without a top notch photographer. New York is filled with hundreds of headshot photographers.. a handful of great ones, a slew of adequates ones and the remainder I would'nt have take my passport photo. Some offer package deals including hair and makeup...others, are priced according to the number of looks you are interested in capturing, some shoot on film, many on digital, some will give you contact sheets, some scanned cds, fiber prints or a high res retouched scan.. some charge big bucks, others offer deals that seem too good to be true.. As a newcomer coming into the business, it's enough to make your head spin.. not to worry thespians, let's break it down one factor at a time.



The most important thing is finding a headshot photographer who's work you aesthetically love and who you connect with.  The photographer is not going to be able to capture you unless there's is an air of comfortability. That's when the magic happens, when you are relaxed and being you. Secondly, there are many photographers that have found a formula that works for them; ie repeatedly using one or two of the same locations,  lighting and styling that may not suit every subject, so what you end up seeing is their brand not yours and every actor looking exactly the same..booooring.. and definently not something that is going to get you noticed. Thirdly, there are many factors to consider when photographing an actor..skin tone, eye and haircolor,sex, age. When looking at a photographer's work, does he or she address these things with color, lighting, location, texture of clothing.. is someone like you reprented in his or her body of work ? Other things that are important are: how long has this photographer been working ? are headhshots a focal point in his or her work ? How many actors does this photographer shoot a day ? I'm exhausted photographing one actor a day..it takes all my focus. If the photographer says 3 or 4 ? run don't walk.





http://www.timothiphoto.com



Now for the details.. film or digital ? I personally only shoot on film. Yes it takes longer, you have to wait to get it processed ( usually 2 days )  and it is more expensive, but I and many other photographers adore the fine art quality. For my work, I believe it gives the photo a cinematic feel that digital just does'nt have. With that said, digital does have a very seemless, clean look and some people prefer that. Whatever resonates with you. When you shoot on film, you can get a contact sheet or the roll scanned to cd. I would request it scanned. This way you can get a good luck at your film upclose and personal. You will then have the option of receiving a fiber print that can be made into a negative and then run off into 100+ resin coated 8x10s or have the photographer create high res scans of the specific negatives you have chosen and then have the multiples made from the scan. That's what I do and it works great because I can retouch or crop before I give the finished image to my client. With digital, everything happens on cd anyhow.

 On hair and makeup. I never use a hair person but I feel makeup is absolutely a yes yes yes !! I can't tell you how many actors have said to me " oh, I am really good at my own makeup " and they show up to shoot and it looks beyond amateurish. What's good for a night out is not good for a day infront of the camera. Less than perfect makeup  can ruin an otherwise great headshot. With so much color being shot now in the actor headshot world, it needs to be perfect. So bite the bullet and pay for that makeup artist.  Clothing ? once again, stick to that brand, but also be aware of what works with your coloring.. don't be afraid to use prints. There was time when many photographers said no stripes or crazy prints.. por favor, a great print can tell a story about you.. so as long as it looks great wear the hell out of it !!





http://www.timothiphoto.com



So what is a reasonable amount to pay for a headshot ? well, I hate to say it but you get what you pay for. You can't expect to pay $100 and get a great headshot. There are alot of New York photographers that also offer crazy deals like.. $300 for 3 looks. I can all but promise you this session will be shot on digital, there will be no time spent scouting location, the shoot will be lightning fast and not alot of time and thought will be given to what's going to be amazing for you..it's wham, bam, thank you actor ! and on to the next sucker..so buyer beware ! A good session takes time. Time to meet with you, time to conceptualize, time for makeup, the shoot itself, editing, retouching and travel. I spend on average from start to finish with travel, location scouting, trips to and from the lab and editing and retouching between 8 and 10 hours. I charge $575 to $675 which after film and processing is pretty darn good. I think for a shot that will knock your socks off plan on spending between $500 and $1000. If it's a great headshot you should be able to use it for many moons to come.


Coming up next ! How to prepare for the shoot ! Rockin' your look and feelin' your best !

Till then New York Actors !

Peace and Grooviness, Timothi Jane Graham xxoo

http://www.timothiphoto.com