ChileJam » headshots

Dallas Headshot Photographer – Tip #3

Michael J — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 20:07:18 +0000

Location for headshots is largely a personal choice. However, my preference for you is to shoot you in a natural setting outside rather than indoors.

The main reason is because it gives us more options and often can make someone feel more comfortable. Remember, most actors are NOT models. So just standing in front of a camera, though it seems natural is not always the case.

Actors act. Business people work. Comedians tell stories and jokes. The only people standing still in front of a camera, in a studio are usually models.

Since most of us aren’t models, I have found that it’s much easier to get people to relax, feel natural, and show who they really are if we go “on location” for a shot.

Of course, going on location has it’s own set of challenges, however, most of those issues will be on my an my assistants. All you’ll need to do is show up. Bring a great attitude and PRACTICE your smile in a mirror before you arrive.

Headshots – Posing

Michael J — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:37:54 +0000

This is a video that I thought was really good so I’m putting it here so you’ll know the types of things I’m looking at when I’m shooting your head shots. As I run across other materials that I think will help, I’ll post them here too.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Headshot Video – You Can Be Featured Next

Michael J — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:04:09 +0000

Here’s the latest video I’ve created to show off some of our Headshot models. This one is pretty short. But I happen to really love the song and movement of the whole thing.

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you’d like to be a part of the next video, just leave a comment here or send me an email. Models and actors that I’ve work with before will be given priority.

I don’t have a set date, yet, but I’ll post it on the blog and send out emails when it’s time. The best thing to do is sign up for my newsletter. Then you’re guaranteed to get a notice when I annouce the date.

Fill out the form in the sidebar and that’s it.

Dallas Headshot Photographer – Tip #2

Michael J — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:48:34 +0000

Today I want to focus on what makes a good headshot; one that a casting director will actually look at. Remember, your picture will get about one half of a second of review before it’s placed in either a YES pile or a NO pile. You need to be in the YES pile.

1. A good headshot will be a picture of you “as you really are”. This is not a glamour shot or a shot for a magazine. This shot will not be overly retouched. This is a picture of you.

2. Your shot should be something that says to a viewer, “hey, I want to know more about his person.” Unless you’re already famous or if you’re a comedian, you are not going to “act” in the shot. You’re going to smile and invite. And it doesn’t really matter if you’re going to audition for the part of a Serial Killer or a Baby Sitter. For the most part, you want a headshot that shows who you really are.

3. The lighting on the shot will be mostly neutral and not overly dramatic. Again, this is not a fashion shot. This is a greeting cards that says you’re responsible and that you can act.

That’s it for now. Just some things to look for when you’re in your headshot session.

Dallas Headshot Photographer – A Tip

Michael J — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:34:04 +0000

Before you get to the day that you’re re going to take your headshots, I want to talk about what you should expect and why you’re getting your headshots in the first place.

Everyone knows that actors, models, comedians, and even business people need headshots. But why? Why do you need a headshot and what is it?

A headshot is your business card!

Your headshot is an 8”x10” photo of you that says, “I’m professional. I’m reliable. I’m serious. I’m the person for this job!”

Remember, your headshot is going to get lumped into a stack of pictures with 100’s of other people. So yours needs to be head and shoulders above everyone else. Pun intended. So, the real question is…

How can you make your headshot stand out?

1. Wear something that shows off your personality. However, don’t wear something that takes way from your face. The face and eyes are what should stand out; not your earrings or tie.

2. Get enough rest they day before your shoot. Baggy eyes will not help you get parts. Get some rest and come to the shoot ready to work.

3. LOOK IN A MIRROR and practice your smile. Nothing says, “I hate life,” more than a headshot with a crummy smile. You should work on both a smile with an open mouth (teeth exposed) and with your mouth closed.

4. LOOK IN A MIRROR and focus on your eyes.

That’s all for now. I’ll have more tips for you soon.