Headshots advice and tips for NY actors

SAY CHEESE.. NOT CHEASEY

Timothi Jane Graham — Sun, 18 May 2008 16:11:54 GMT

http://www.timothiphoto.com

Greetings New York Actors !!

     You've worked on honing that brand, you're styled within an inch of your life, your makeup and hair are flawless, you've hired the hippest photographer on the block, the lighting is perfect, the weather is delicious, you've been working it in the gym , your feeling your mojo.. you walk into the photographers frame ready to make history when something unfortunate begins to occur... your lips involuntarily jut out into a fish pout, your one eye begins to wink ever so slightly and your decolletage begins to levetate... NO NO NO ! STOP ! CUT ! DO NOT PRINT !  It's a bizarre but common phenomenon.. when actors get infront of a camera they change, they often do this deliberately or completely unconsciously but none the less it happens and frequently with scary results. Not to say that you should get in front of the camera and stand their lifelessly.. there is a fine line between projecting energy and projecting cheasy.. but there is a big difference between just being you and being what you think people want to see.

    We live in a consumer driven, media saturated world. Every time you pass a magazine stand, turn on the tv or even glance at a billboard on the freeway.. you are constantly bombarded with archetypes of what we are supposed to aspire to.. the boy toy, the femme fatale, the bombshell, the man of action, the ball buster.. fashion models excel at projecting these archetypes.. they can pout, glare and flex with abandon.. and that is perfectly fabulous in the genre of fashion and advertising because they are selling a dream, a wish.. but you are selling you and the most authentic you can be the better. In your journey towards the Perfect Actor Headshot capturing the quintessential you is the destination.

http://www.timothiphoto.com

    I can't tell you how many New York Actors I encounter that have a hard time letting go of the fantasy archetype.. it manifests in many ways.. women pout their lips, twist their hips, stick out their chests and the ever popular and totally bizarre squinting of one eye , men jut their jaws forward, screw up their brows like deranged shar peis and glare with a longing sense of menace. I often like to have conversations with actors during a shoot..it keeps things nice and relaxed and does not allow time to settle into of these bizarre modes. Also, don't be afraid to smile..smiling as long as it's not forced can give amazing life and depth to an Actors Headshot. If your shooting with someone that does'nt say alot then focus on something that makes you feel good.. the eyes are the window to your soul and whatever is going on in you will read in the eyes so think pretty ...look pretty.. stay relaxed and in the present moment and whatever you do watch out for that wonky eye.

http://www.timothiphoto.com

For more info on how to get a Great Actor Headshot check back next week !

peace and grooviness, timothi jane graham

http://www.timothiphoto.com

THE CLOTHES MAKE THE BRAND

NewYorkActing — Sun, 18 May 2008 18:20:55 GMT

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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

MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

NewYorkActing — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:11:45 GMT

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Greetings New York Actors !

We've uncovered your brand and found the perfect photographer... now let's set our sites on one of the finer elements of the photographic process..drum roll please... MAKE UP !! You can have the greatest branding in the world, your clothes could be flawless, you could be shooting with Richard Avedon but without a fabulous artist makeup artist your headshot just won't have that polish it needs to really get you noticed !

Here to give us some help with that is Superstar Hollywood makeup artist Ellen Vieira. With over 15 years of experience, Ellen has worked on some of the most famous faces in Hollywood : Miley Cyrus, Courtney Love, Patrick Dempsey, Dennis Hopper, Taye Diggs, Kathy Bates and Brooke Sheilds to name just a few. She has worked on Gray's Anatomy, Ugly Betty and Deadwood as well as the films Evan Almighty, The Heartbreak Kid and The Hannah Montana concert tour. Ellen will share with us some of her tips and do's and don'ts for the perfect actor's headshot makeup. Are you ready New York Actors ? May I introduce Ellen Vieira !

Q : what's the biggest mistake you see actor's make in the way they apply their own makeup ?

A : The biggest mistake actors with their makeup and also hair is a look that is no longer current or modern. Too many times, people get stuck with a look that they started wearing in High School or College that they believe they looked their best in then, so it should work for them now, right? Not so! It is important to look at what is happening in fashion now and stay current and modern with makeup and hair styles. Wearing heavy lipliner or too much mascara, too much blush, or heavy bronzed makeup can date your look and not be flattering.

Q : what is your biggest makeup pet peeve ?

A: My biggest pet peeve for makeup is actors who do not take care of their skin. This is usually a problem with male actors more than females. Daily maintenance of skin and complexion is the number one element of looking good in a headshot and on TV and Film. So many commercials, TV shows and film are shot in HD now which is a very crisp, sharp, digital film and an unforgiving medium for an actor. There is only so much makeup can do, often times the makeup artist has to use a very natural light foundation on the skin for HD and if the actor's skin is not clear and unblemished, or if the skin texture is dry or ruddy, is very difficult to make that person look good.
Every actor needs to invest in skin products and take up a daily maintenance regime to keep their skin beautiful. I also advise every actor to get a facial once a month.

Q : if an actor can't afford a makeup artist for a shoot what would be a quick overview of the basics for color film ? black and white ?

A : I personally think there is no excuse for anyone to not get a makeup artist for a shoot. There are so many highly trained makeup artist fresh out of Makeup Film School who are willing to do makeup on a headshot for low pay in order to practice their work and get photos to start their portfolios. All an actor needs to do is get online and research makeup schools in their town and call them for a list of students . Most makeup schools have a roster of students who not only need models for their classes but also experience doing makeup. If an actor wants to learn to do their own makeup, they would probably need to take some makeup courses which are offered at some community colleges but will probably end up costing more money than just paying someone to do it.

Q: what kind of simple makeup tricks can men use on camera ?

A: One of the best makeup tricks a man can use is to brush his eyebrow hairs up with a small moustache or eyebrow brush which one can purchase at a drugstore. Just this simple task of grooming the eyebrow can really make a difference.

Q : favorite tips for dark skinned actors ?

A : Dark skin can sometimes become very sallow or ashy, so, it is really important to invest in a good concealor and hi-lighter. The concealor can even out dark areas and the hi-lighter can brighten those dark areas.

Q : what distinguishes a good makeup artist from a bad one ?

A : If a makeup artist does not match your skin tone either going to light or to dark with foundation, well that can be a problem. Also, it is best to always ask the makeup artist if they are aware of how to do ethnic skin and also ask them what products they use especially if there are any issues with allergies to certain products.

Q : what should you look for in choosing a makeup artist for an actor's headshot shoot ?

A : Always ask where they got their training, if they have a website, and if they don't ask them what they have done so far with their skills. Have they worked on models, real people, indie films, etc.?
If they have worked a bit, they will probably have a website with pictures.
If they are starting out, just make sure to ask them where they went to school and specific questions as to what looks you need and provide a photo of yourself online so they can take a look at you before they do the job.

Q : what would be the number one thing an actress could with her makeup daily that would vastly improve her look ?

A : The number one thing anyone can do to make sure they look their best with or without makeup is to get their eyebrows groomed into a natural shape, not over plucked and not too bushy. One visit with an eyebrow grooming professional can establish the shape and then an actor can maintain that on his or her own.

Q : what are your favorite skin products and why ?

A : There are so many skin products out there that are great, both expensive and inexpensive. I really can not promote one over the other but what I can say is that many companies like MAC cosmetics and Khiels offer discounts for
working actors or union actors anywhere from 20 to 40 % off the retail price. Both these companies have great skin care products as do less expenisive drugstore brands like Oil of Olay and Loreal.

Q : what are your favorite makeup brands ?

A : Some of my favorite brands are Nars, Makeup Forever, MAC, Sheseido, Max Factor, Chanel, Bobbi Brown.

Q : any final tips ?

A : The best thing any actor can do is not be cheap, hire a makeup artist so that they are assured of a beautiful headshot look, and if able it always helps to have a hairstylist as well!

Well that about wraps things up this week New York Actors ! Check back next week when we will explore wardrobe..how it relates to your brand, your actor headshots and grabbing the attention of agents and casting directors !

Till then...

http://www.timothiphoto.com

peace and grooviness, Timothi Jane Graham xxoo

FINDING THE ONE

Timothi Jane Graham — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:23:16 GMT

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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.

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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

WHATS IN A BRAND... OR HOW TO GET NOTICED BY JUST BEING YOU

Timothi Jane Graham — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:25:22 GMT

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There are many actors that want to be known as chameleons. They will spend years studying the behavior of people from different walks of life, studying a variety of dialects, gaining and losing weight, changing their dress, their style to morph into another's state of being. Daniel Day Lewis, Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman, Cate Blanchett, Jeffrey Rush, Johnny Depp and the late Heath Ledger are masters at this ; but even beneath the heaviest makeup, the thickest accent and the most outlandish of behavior there is a specific energy or vibe that is always present in each of their performances.. it's that indescribeable something that allows us to feel a sense of the familiar in each of the roles they play.. its almost as if we know who these actors are as individuals and we want to see them live out the different sets of circumstances they are presented with.. relating to them, rooting for them. What we are responding to is their quality... their essence.. that vibe that is uniquely theirs. We are responding to their brand.

http://www.timothiphoto.com

We all have a brand. It is what sets each actor apart from another. It is what you have to sell and what people want to buy and the more aware of it as an actor you are the better you will be able to market yourself and the more acting work you will get. A brand is more than how you appear, it is what you make people feel and when you learn to capitalize on that and market it, you amplify your chances of success. I meet with many New York actors that are completely unaware of what their brand is. They know the types of parts they would like to play but that is not always realistic. Your brand is a compromise between what you want to play and how others view you. The process of uncovering this takes brutal honesty with oneself.

One of the first things I do when meeting with New York Actors and discussing the direction of the headshot photo shoot and what we are trying to capture is to write a list of adjectives that best describe how they view themselves, then I have them write a second list of how others view them.. your brand lies somewhere in between. It is a very enlightening and clarifying process and it is amazing how different those 2 lists may be. Once we have clarified what that unique and personal brand is we talk about wardrobe. There are many photographers that will tell you to dress neutrally.. I am not one of them. I think your dress says everything about who you are and how you view yourself. There are also those who will have you "costume " yourself in several ways during one shoot.. I feel New York casting and agenting folk find that confusing. Focus on YOUR style and develop it. After settling on wardrobe, I focus on location. There's nothing more brandless than a brick or white wall. Your location is your backdrop. It tells a story..whether it be a desert, mountains, ghost town, country porch or the beach at sunset, it is cinematic and transports you and your audience and that my loves is what drama is all about. One of the most important elements in my shooting process is finding the location..it is what makes your brand jump off that 8 X 10.

http://www.timothiphoto.com

Most people go by their first impressions. I say find your brand..your vibe.. and stick to it...develop it and make it yours... and above all OWN it !!! It's your brand baby and actors who know their brand have more confidence. Confidence in yourself engenders other's confidence in you and that ultimately that means more auditions and more jobs coming your way. Is'nt it comforting to know that YOU are your greatest asset !

till next time...

peace and grooviness, timothi jane graham xxoo

http://www.timothiphoto.com

HEADSHOT TIPS FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH

Timothi Jane Graham — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 23:25:57 GMT

Hey there Thespians ! I am a New York and Los Angeles based headshot photographer.
My name is Timothi Jane Graham ( http://www.timothiphoto.com ) and welcome to my weekly blog !

I have been in the business of performance and media my whole life. I started off as a dancer in New York City, then became a globe trotting fashion model, next incarnation: actress of stage, film, television and voice over which ultimately led me to my true vocation as a photographer. I have been shooting the past 8 years in New York and LA and truly love what I do... creating great headshots. I have a different approach to creating a headshot which comes from my experience as an actress.. my understanding of styling and image as a model and my instinct for line, composition and the storytelling ability of the body through my dance experience.

A headshot is more than a pretty picture. It is your calling card..an invitation to the event that is you. In my experience as an actress I was always frustrated by the process of finding a great headshot photographer. Like most of you, I wanted to have a great headshot that captures the real ME. When it was time to get a new headshot, I would go through portfolio after portfolio.. I saw lots of pretty ( and not so pretty ) hair, makeup, lighting but I could count on one hand the amount of times I was bowled over.. why ? because most of the photos I saw resembled actors that were in need of a job..not artists that had arrived.

Did you know that many agents in New York are lawyers and most have business degrees ? They are not artists but business people. Most do not understand the concept of stretch or range. I know as artists we are always in a state of growing and evolving.. but in the acting business you are a commodity.. you must learn to speak their language and show them the product..straight forward and simply.. many photographers like to create the clean canvas neutral headshot.. unassuming wardrobe, simple, makeup and hair, a brick wall, sunlit loft space or the wildly popular taupey rag rolled backdrop.. I completely disagree.. I think as an artist you must know how to deliver the goods but as someone in the acting BUSINESS you must know where you will make your money and your picture should shout that out loud and clear !! This is actually comforting to agents and casting directors. If you know who you are and where your money is and you are balls out about it.. they don't have to do the thinking and creating... and for noncreatives that makes them feel safe... and for YOU that means more auditions for parts you have greater odds of booking..

I know you're saying..but I have range.. I'm not a one trick pony.. and with a little luck and alot of hard work you will be given the opportunities to prove that.. but right now what you have is you..and YOUR quality.. smart actors know that and their audiences love them for it.. Angelina Jolie is by nature a globetrottin' femme fatale, a woman on a mission.. she flies planes, tattoos every inch of her body and is unabashed in her wants and needs as a woman... she is fearless..what kind of parts does she play ? a globe trottin' fearless femme fatale..a woman on a mission..that is her money and she sticks to it..why ? because it works... Tom Hanks is a decent stand up guy.. he's faithful, sensitive with an innocent quality.. what does he play ? think Forrest Gump, Big, Philadelphia Story.. there are some that cross these lines but nine times out of ten they came into the acting business sticking to their brand.. then at a certain point with enough success and some brilliant choices you can step outside of the box...but at the beginning its your brand baby..and the more your headshot captures that brand the better.

Over the next few months, we will cover the process of branding, look, choosing a photographer, preparing for the shoot, the shoot itself and then how to put together the layout of your headshot to make it work for you.. I will interview New York actors, agents, casting directors, makeup artists and stylists and all the while you can email me at timothi@newyorkacting.com with any of your questions on getting a great actor headshot.. this is going to be an amazing and informative journey and I look forward to connecting with all of you.. y'all ready New York ?? good...now, lets work it out !!!

Peace and grooviness,

timothi jane graham

http://www.timothiphoto.com