Charlotte | Vintage Pin-up Girl Shoot

Late last year I had the pleasure of working with another one of JD Lewis's students from the Actor's Lab. Crystal came up with the idea of doing a vintage styled pin-up girl shoot as one of her three looks. I was super excited given that most headshots are pretty standard fare, this was definitely outside of the box. We played around with a few different outfits and settled on this flirty red dress - very Marilyn Monroe ! My fabulous makeup artist, Kymm McLean with Who's the Fairest, created the look you see here. It's amazing what a little twist of hair and some fake eyelashes can do! Fabulous darling!

Headshots 101 | How to find a good photographer?

So while I'd like to toot my own horn about my own abilities as a photographer it's safe to say that there are many (if not hundreds) of talented headshot photographers out there. So how do you choose which one is the best for you? Here are some tips on finding a photographer that will best suit your needs.

1) Check out their portfolio!

This has got to be "THE" most important part in finding the right photographer. If you notice more landscapes than people this may be an indication that they are a fantastic outdoor photographer, however this may not translate well into a portrait.

2) Look for relevant samples and consistency.

Most photographers shoot a variety of subjects to make a living (me included) however, they should always be able to produce samples upon request (ie. headshots). Look for consistency between shots, one good shot isn't enough to judge experience.

3) Look for a style that suits your needs.

Each industry and region has a different "style" that is most popular. Do some research and find out what your industry is looking for. For example theatre tends to be more traditional than commercial acting for television.

4) Speak up!

Communication is the best way to make sure you are on the same page style wise as your photographer. Different agents and casting directors may have specific ideas in mind that may not be the industry standard. Be sure to give your photographer the heads up before the shoot.

5) Invest in your career.

While price is an important factor - keep in mind that this is an investment in your career. A good headshot should last anywhere from 1-2 years depending on your age and how often you change your look. Often times your headshot the only thing a casting director sees before making a decision. This is not the time to bargain hunt!

6) Make a connection.

Having a good relationship with your photographer will ensure that you remain relaxed and confident throughout the shoot. If you are feeling uncomfortable it will show in your picture. Find someone that you feel a good personal connection with and if possible try to meet in person before the shoot.

Charlotte Photographer | Headshots

Just the other day I had the pleasure of working with another talented actor from the fabulous Actor's Lab. Andrew was a trouper as we dodged rain drops to get some great outdoor shots while Mollie his wife doubled as our stylist. While we were shooting I couldn't help but notice Andrew's resemblance to the characters from "Mad Men" - what a great vintage look! After managing to get in quite a few shots before the rain started to pour we finished up the shoot inside. Here's a great example of the same outfit shot in different settings. What do you prefer - studio or outdoor?

Charlotte Headshots | Featured Talent

To start this blog off right I want to start by showing off some of my best clients. Each month I'll feature a new model or actor. This is your chance to shine! I'll post photos and links to your 800 Casting page to help generate a buzz for your career, while you can share with others your story about how you got discovered or your most exciting/embarrassing audition. ;-P Everyone has a story, so take a chance to share yours.

If you're interested in becoming a featured model/actor please send me your story and a photo to: info@jessicamilligan.com [subject: Featured Talent]

Headshots 101 | Retouching

I've often been questioned about the need for retouching. I for one am an avid supporter of minimal (naturalistic) retouching as a valuable tool. However, put in the wrong hands retouching can be a double edged sword that can keep you from landing the jobs that you want.

One one hand you want to present the most accurate photo of yourself, so that casting directors aren't mislead; and on the other hand you also want to present the BEST picture of yourself. To answer this question you first need to determine the final outcome and usage of the photos. For corporate clients, for example, retouching is something that is expected and desired. Businesses want to put their best faces forward to attract new clients, so retouching is something that benefits the look and professionalism of the company. Actors and models on the other hand need to present an accurate picture of themselves to casting directors and agents while highlighting their strengths. So what should you do?

1) Be cautious when selecting a photographer that overly retouches or "air brushes" photos. Doctored images are a tell tale sign that you're hiding something and may deter a casting director from choosing you for a role. Most photographers understand this and will tone down the retouching if you ask.

2) Talk to your agent about what is an acceptable amount of retouching. Some agencies are requiring only "non-retouched" images for submissions. This is meant to deter air-brushing techniques that hide facial contouring and thus obscure the model/actor's true identity.

3) Hire a professional Makeup Artist! A good MUA is invaluable when it comes to acting and modeling. This will help cut down on the amount of retouching that you will need, which will produce a more natural look.

4) Be proactive! By taking preventative steps to ensure that only the most minimal of retouching needs to be taken will pay off not only for your shoot, but for your entire career. Don't be your MUA's worst nightmare and show up puffy-eyed and broken out. Maintain a regular facial regimen by eating right, drinking plenty of water (no alcohol) and refrain from smoking. Ask your local Pharmacist for recommendations on facial cleansers and be diligent about using them everyday.

5) Remember, you're face is what's going to set you apart. Be good to it!

Charlotte Headshot Photographer | Getting your best shot!

Here's a great example of how to really work the camera. Being able to pose in front of the camera extends past just modeling and into TV work as well. Knowing what angles work best for you maximizes your chances of landing a leading role. You need to be both engaging and dynamic.

Headshots 101 | Wardrobe decisions!

One of the most common questions I receive is "What should I wear on the day of the shoot?". This is ironically one of the most common pitfalls among shooting headshots. Wardrobe is one of the most important aspects of getting great pictures out of your shoot, and often the most overlooked. Although in a traditional tightly cropped B&W headshot you're not seeing a lot of the clothing however, most photographers shoot a variety of lengths and poses to give the client more versatility. Many casting directors also prefer to see a 3/4 shot as apposed to a tighly cropped headshot when making a decision about casting. This is because a 3/4 length (mid-thigh and up) shows more of the body, thus giving a casting director more information before making a decision. In this day in age where HD tv is taking over everyday television it is extremely important to get as much information about potential talent before casting someone for a specific role. Thus, you are now seeing much more of the wardrobe than before. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when picking out your wardrobe:

1) What roles will I be auditioning for?

• Always keep your audience in mind. (ex. Disney Channel vs. HBO)
  

2) Do I want to show a variety of looks?

• Such as older, younger, punk, hip-hop, business, character...

3) How many looks do I need?

• If you already have a portfolio you can get away with a one look headshot each year. Otherwise, you should have at least 3 distinct looks to show potential clients when starting out. Models typically need more looks than actors.

4) Would I wear this to an audition?

• If it's stained, ripped or wrinkled it's going to show up in your photos - so leave it at home!

5) How does this outfit make me feel?

• If your not totally loving what you've got on it's going to show in your headshot. Pick clothes that you really love and feel confident in. Your cofindence will be reflected in your pictures.