They both were looking to update their headshots. Their manager wanted them to have a real headshot rather than a more glamorous studio looking headshot. He told me that he also wanted to keep her hair and make-up looking more simple and natural. When I was done with her hair and make-up I was very pleased and relieved to know that she loved it. She actually said that she had learned a couple of make-up tricks.

Marina Sirtis palyed the role of Counselor Deanna Troi. She also played Shereen, the Persian store keeper, in the Oscar winning film, Crash. She had an unforgettable line in that movie:  “They think we’re Arab. When did Persian become Arab?”

Michael Dorn played Lieutenant Commander Worf. Who would have known that he was such a handsome man under all that Kinlgon make-Up?

One of the best parts of shooting George’s new actor headshots was that I had just seen him in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2! It was so cool to have in my studio, an actor that has been in 3 of the Harry Potter movies! His manager sent him my way because he was looking to update his actor headshots but wanted to feel comfortable in the studio. He also wanted some shots that he could use for publicity.

We immediately connected when we started talking and we realized that we had both grown up in the Caribbean. I was born in Cuba and grew up in Puerto Rico and he grew up in Grenada. If you come form an island in the Caribbean you’ll understand the bond.

He also enjoyed that I keep my studio very casual and lived in. Nothing fancy and pretentious. I feel that my clients need to feel comfortable and at home. This allows them to relax, have a good time and end up with great actor headshots!

This was a very fun project because I got to help shape the look and style of the six finalists. “Talent: The Casting Call” is a reality talent search. Thousands of girls auditioned online, but only six, were selected and flown to Hollywood. What made this show a bit different was that they not only competed singing but also acting and being able to change their image and look, walk and act like a real superstar.

My approach to this shoot was like a Hollywood publicity photo session.  We had to make sure that they all looked their best and brought to the publicity photo session a brand new glamorous look. During the publicity photo session they also had to be able to move and pose as a professional entertainer. The was no time for too much prepping. The producers  were trying to find girls that were well rounded and that looked like real girls and then turn them into superstars.

I ended up having a great time showing them how to pose and walk during the publicity photo session. Most of them had never really been in a professional shoot before so it turned out to be a big challenge. After getting comfortable with me they began to flourish in front of the camera and they came out fantastic.

The winner was Logen Hall. She won the role of Kenzie in ” Talent” the new series and a contract with Jive Records!

Another fun surprise was photographing the judges and the host. They turned out to be as much fun as the contestants.

Here I will try to give newcomers advice on what professional actor headshots should be like. It might also turn out to be good advice to an actor that has been around a while, perhaps they will learn something new. So let’s start wit the basics.

• Actor headshots are an 8×10 photograph taken of an actor. The main focus of the photograph should be of the face.
• Actor headshots are absolutely necessary when auditioning for roles on TV, film, commercials, Theater and industrial films.
• Many actor headshots are often 3/4 of the subject’s body (called a “three quarter” shot). These are more commonly used for commercials.
• 8″x10″ headshots the the actors calling call it is just like a business card. The actor headshot is presented to casting directors or agents or managers.
• Actor headshots are intended to help the actor market themselves.
• Actor headshots should shoe the person as they would look on camera and as close as possible to who they are.

Don’t get caught up in the word natural. Instead pay attention to have it look like you. Perhaps you are not into the natural look. I believe the proper word should be reality. The headshot should portray you in a real manner. Many people also talk about natural light being better. Not really every commercial, TV episode or film is not shot with natural light alone unless it is a documentary. It doesn’t matter how you are shot as long as the headshot shows the real you. I shoot most of the time with a combination of natural light and strobe. This will look a lot more like film or TV.

•  Actor Headshots should show you in as positive light as possible, accentuating the subject’s best qualities. It should be clear and well lit. Too many shadows tend to hide too much of the subjects face.
• Actor headshots help the casting director find that particular person they are looking for.
• Don’t confuse actor headshots with “Galmour shots.”
• A good headshot can help you get called in for an audition.
• The quality of the work of the photographer can make a difference.
• A professional looking headshot will grab the attention of a casting director. It will also imply that you are taking your career seriously.
• Good actor headshots will be an accurate and realistic representation of you. It shouldn’t make you look younger or like someone else.
• Actor headshots are not “Fashion” photos. Actor headshots show you off and “Fashion” shots are meant to show off the clothing.

Many times I get asked how often should you update your actor headshots? In my opinion you should update your actor headshots any time your look drastically changes. Maybe you changed hair color or lost a considerable amount of weight or regretfully you have aged. Actor headshots are supposed to be an accurate and realistic representation of what you currently look like. Children tend to need headshot more often than adults, but that doesn’t mean that adults should change their headshots after 5 years. You have changed, period. The last thing you want is to waste the casting directors time with a photograph that is 5 years or older. They won’t forget you wasted their time.

Diane was very confident that Lance could make it as an actor. She was willing to move and give it a chance. By the way, Lance is very fortunate to have that kind of support. In my many years photographing young actors, I have found that the ones that have an upper hand are the ones that have the approval and encouragement of their parents.

During that first visit we only photographed Lance for his actor headshots but I mentioned to Diane that she should also get her actor headshots done. At first she thought that I was joking, she didn’t need actor headshots, she was in marketing. That soon proved to be wrong. I told her that in commercial auditions they are looking for real types. They are also looking for what is called the “hero mom” or “hero dad.” This is when an actor looks really good but is still in the realm of looking real and attainable. Some one that the viewer will believe and look up to. Diane was just that, beautiful and in great shape. At an age when many women have begun to spread a little wide she looked fantastic. So she left the studio thinking about it.

A year later she came back because Lance had a huge growing spurt and several times while she accompanied him to commercial auditions she was asked for a headshot. So we made an appointment for both to get their actor headshtos.

Parents, listen up. Until your child is 18 years old you or a guardian is going to have to go with him/her to auditions and to the job if they book it. So why not have your own actor headshots? I’m not saying that you can always crash an audition and pester casting directors, but just be ready. Casting directors and their assistance are known to ask people to audition for them while they were in the waiting area.

After Diane had her actor headshots done she not only kept taking them with her to Lance’s auditions but she started booking commercials and industrial films! She has also used her actor headshots successfully in the business world as a corporate portrait.

Alan Prince has spent a lifetime studying music primarily for guitar. His studies have included classical guitar and piano, jazz guitar, music theory, and even heavy metal. After a ten year layoff, Mr. Prince began writing and composing music once again. As Mr. Prince says, ” Imaginary Disasters is based on a musical idea which actually came to me in a hypnagogic dream. The music reflects both one of the most horrific and darkest periods of my life, and how my life dramatically changed as a result.

I am gald to know that he hasn’t given up and came to me for a musician photo session to help him have the right photographs and look to help promote him. He turned out to be a very cool guy and Daryl, his girlfriend was great fun to have around during the shoot. She also had many good ideas that I welcomed to make the shoot a great experience!

You’ll notice that Lucy made it to one of his final images.