It’s been another day of Photoshop.  Learning a lot of new techniques.  Planning on getting a lot more into photo composites.

I shoot All my Headshots with Natural Light.  That’s how I get that beautiful sparkle in the eyes.

Click on this image to check it out.

I’m expanding into a new style of photography. It’s a great look for musicians.  I’ll be expanding it into my Fashion shots soon.

Actors in Los Angeles can add to their income and networking possibilities by doing some commercial modeling.  It’s a great way to augment your career.

Corporate Headshots, Does your business need them? It’s always nice to put a face with a name.  Adding a photo to your business card or website can really help you connection with your clients.  Sometimes a customer may remember your face, but not your name.  When they come across your business cards months after you’ve given it to them, they may not remember who you are, but if they see your face, “oh yeah I remember that guy”  Anything to help your clients connect with you is a good idea.

Why does it seem everyone needs headshots in Los Angeles.  I’ve been asked to shoot headshots for people and for all kinds of reasons.  Of course the most common reason for headshots is that someone is looking to pursue a career in acting.  Well, that I understand.  Headshots for a job interview?  That one I’m a little confused by.  OK, Ok it was a job as a bartender.  I guess if your hiring a bartender it’s best to hire a good looking bartender.  Dating headshots.  Now of course you need a great photo to add to your online profile.  I’d like to think that one of my headshots has been reasonable for someone’s true love.  If anyone I’ve shoot headshots for has found the person of their dreams, because of one of my photos, let me know.  It like to hear if I’ve contributed to someone’s happiness. 

Beautiful Headshots are all in the eyes.  Yes, we all heard people say this, but what does it mean and how do we accomplish it.  It’s a 2 sided approach.  First, the photographer needs to do their part.  Natural lighting is the best to make your eyes pop.  With natural light being bright your pupils constrict.  This gives your eyes more color.  When you are in the studio it’s much darker.  Your pupils dilate.  Your eye color is a smaller band around a large black pupil.  More eye color is better.  The photographer also needs to coach and direct you to make sure you are giving the proper connection with the camera.  For your part you should practice.  Use a mirror and practice expressions.  Your looking to have bright engaged eye contact.  Avoid looking flat and sleepy.  A little practice will really help you get that pop in your eyes.

On of the most common mistakes for actors coming to my studio to have there headshots taken is wardrobe selection.  The main thing is you want to your top to be part of the frame to your face. You need to bring tops that look good on you, that don’t look worn out, and that have a flattering color.  These are just the basics and should be very easy, but I see countless actors bring ugly, worn out, junk as their wardrobe for the shoot.  I think in the past year I’ve had ONE person bring perfect clothes for their shoot.  Everyone else brings OK stuff that I can work with, but they could have done better.  Basic rules: No white, No logos, New looking nice clothes, Casual clothes, No tank tops (I’ve had girls bring just 2 tank tops as their complete wardrobe selection for their shoot.  A tank top does not frame your face.  It’s just 2 thin straps on your shoulders, not much of a frame) No Low cut tops (once again you need to frame your face).  Your headshots should be very important and your wardrobe preparation is your first step it having beautiful headshots.

The Art Director puts it all together.  Many time the photographer is the art director for their own fashion photos.  In bigger budget shoots there will be a separate person as the Art Director, however, lets just talk about you as a fashion photographer acting as the art director.

Many time you and your client will come up with the basic concept of the photo.  At this point you need to put together the different pieces and make them fit together.  The model, styling, makeup/hair, your lighting and the location.  You must make sure that all of these components are in line with the concept of the photo.  Communicate with your makeup and stylist and make sure they are on the right track.  Scout your location to see that it has the feel you are looking for.  Develop your lighting scheme to create the mood the photo needs.

I hope that discussing these elements of a successful photo have helped you.  Take some time looking at photos and see if you can break down these elements in them.