http://www.timothiphoto.com


Ola New York Actors ! I'm back again.. here to give you the skinny on how to get that most coveted of thespian prizes.. The Great Actor Headshot. We left off last time with the fabulous Ellen Viera...makeup artist to the stars... giving us the low down on achieving that perfect actor headshot makeup; now lets address what needs to happen below your pretty faces.. your ensemble..your couture.. your threads, duds, costumery.. they say clothes make the man..but in the acting world clothes make the brand.. and just as important as that amazing photographer, perfect setting, stellar makeup and confident attitude that should be oozing from every pore.. the iceing on the cake...the cherry on the sunday..is none other than the clothes off your back.



We've spent some time discussing branding. As a New York Actor it's not enough for you to know it and have it read in your work and general demeanor. It must be there for all the word to see and respond to. Superstar Johnny Depp, whether intentionally or not, always physically inhabits his brand. Johnny Depp plays edgy, unpredictable, unconventional characters. When you see him in his street clothes he lives and breaths this brand at all times.. whether this was a choice on his part to take his career in a different direction we will never know, but it has worked and when the powers that be are looking for that combination of flamboyant meets sexy meets downright eccentric he is on top of the list. Pamela Anderson may not go down in history books as the greatest actress of her generation, but she is a brand unto herself. From very early on in her career she was well aware of her strengths and limitations. She focused on those strengths ( yes, the both of them ) and made it her brand. She dressed provocatively to show off her  "assets" and they became synonomous with her, literally setting the standard in Hollywood for the ideal body type..you don't believe me..just call any Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and they'll give you the stats. Ms Anderson was a marketing genius.. she knew where her money was and she went for it.



When you pin down your brand you must live and breath it. It will strengthen casting director's relationships to you and your relationship to what your selling... yourself ! There are several components to this. The first being, what feeling do I want evoke from people that meet me ? how can I best get that across subtely in ways that play on the unconscious ? it could be something as subtle as a ring or necklace.. a type of belt.. a bandana.. for instance the difference between a bead necklace and pearl necklace are huge interms of the message they convey. What colors suit this genre as well as bring out the best tones in my skin, hair and eye color ? there's nothing worse than seeing someone wearing a blue neon shirt who has no business wearing a blue neon shirt. Finally, does my hair color/cut work with my brand and clothes ? Your look should flow seemlessly with no distractions. Don't scrimp on a fab hair stylist.. nothing shreaks not put together more than a $19 dollar haircut. When you shop, consciously stay within your brand..make it yours and noone else's. Unconsciously people try to emulate those who really know themselves. They are intrigued by them and want to know more.



There are many photographers who will offer you several looks. Others will say go neutral..be the blank canvas. As you can tell by now I am on a completely different page. On paper, both of these strategies sound good but the truth of the matter is.. the message they send out is this.. I can be whomever you want me to be. I'm an actor and I need a job.. when your actor headshot should say... I am here, I have arrived and the world better step back because there's noone like me and I'm going to blow your socks off..who would you rather hire ?
exactly !!!


So here we are, the day of your Actor Headshot Shoot, you've been given a list of do's and dont's in terms of colors, patterns, fabrics.. some of them I agree with, some I don't. So I'll give you a brief rundown of what I tell my clients. If your fair skinned try not to go too light with your colors, if your dark skinned try not to go too dark. Patterns are great if they tell a story.. if you're Mr. Field and Stream then by all means break out that tartan shirt.. and if you're miss hippy dippy earth girl work that paisley..stripes can be a little tough unless they are on a shirt that is somewhat faded. Fabrics that have texture are great..cashmere, velour, angora..give a great soft look and a tactile feel..with jeans I am super picky..they better be that deep indigo fresh out of the vat wash or they better be Levis or Wranglers so worn they are about to rip and show everyone your business.. I love accesories as long they are subtle and do not overwhelm the subject.. wrist cuffs on edgy guys can be very hot and thin necklaces can do great things for a women's neck and eyes..NO big earrings or chunky jewelry.. I don't care if your the next Ice Cube.. that vibe will come through with carefully picked clothing and location..noone needs to be upstaged by a 10lb gold necklace.. NO message t shirts or belts....you are the message !!



So thats it for now my New York Actors ! Nurture your creativity and work that brand ! Till next time !


peace and grooviness, Timothi Jane Graham xxoo