Quote:
Originally Posted by AlphaFrog
Re: Headshots
One of these months I'll get to the agency's photographer's* headshot days, but the schedule has never worked out. The guy I used previously has done headshots, but this was pretty thrown-together because I needed them immediately.
Also, on the angle - it's probably not to my advantage to shoot straight on, because I have a lazy eyelid (think Melissa Joan Hart, who also has a lazy eyelid...you don't see many straight on pics of her, and that's why) - it makes one eye appear squinty-er than the other. Straight on only emphasizes this. Most of the time, the photographer has been able to help me with this. I practice in the mirror and with my cell phone camera, but it is very difficult to shoot myself and think about my eye position and the same time. Also, the mirror isn't a lot of help, because the lazy eyelid doesn't appear as severe when it's not captured in still photography.
*The agency's photographer isn't *REALLY* the agency's photographer. He leases his office from the agency, but it's not required to use him or anything. It is a good idea, however, since he does do a ton of work for them, and is knowledgeable about what the industry requires. He's pretty reasonable, too - $125 for one look with makeup artist and hair stylist included.
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As for the angles, I was referring to two things:
1. No diagonal framing - like in the full-body shot.
2. And as for "head on", I mean you LOOKING/facing forward. You can tilt your head or rotate slightly, but your head should be facing the camera, and not be looking over your shoulder, or up, or out into the distance. Your eyes should be making contact with the camera.
A quick question - have you interviewed other photographers to know what is "reasonable" in your market? Or did you just go ahead with the photographer that the "agent" suggested? Remember, this is an investment in your career. Casting directors usually won't waste time on amateur shots. At our ages, we can't waste time making rookie mistakes. Agents shouldn't care where you get your shots, as long as they are good ones.
I am not being mean here. Your agent and the photographer who is probably kicking back a % is doing YOU the disservice. If you are going to continue to audition and perform, please save up for a photo session with a better photographer.
If you don't want to take my advice, go to backstage.com, go to the Forums, and put up your head shots in the "Head shot and Resume Forum". There are casting directors and photographers who hang out on the forums and often offer free advice.
For comparison sake, my most recent photographer gives three looks, unlimited background changes, rights to use two shots, and about 2 1/2 hours of time. I think she took between 200-250 shots. I got a discount, but she does this package for $150. Being so far from NYC, you should not be paying $125 for just one look, and especially black and white.
I am offering these suggestions in the same spirit of how we give advice to PNMs. So please don't take it any other way.
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