Head Shot Session – For Model Agency Applications

July 17, 2017 in Client Work, Headshots, Photography

Head shots can be required for many reasons in today’s world.

Job applications.
Digital CV.
Social Media Profiles.
Worker ID Cards.
Staff Profiles.

And for applications for model agencies which is what this head shot session was about.

Chris called me and booked in a session after a brief talk over the phone. The brief was to provide head shots for applications to a model agency.

These can be very similar to casting head shots as is they just need to show your like ness and that’s it. Nothing fancy required as they have to show the real you un retouched.

We started the session by getting those shots done. One straight on shot and a few side profile shots, I am not showing those images here (NDA) but they fit the brief and agency requirements. What I can show are some additional head shots taken and a bonus portrait they we had time to produce.

A beautiful location and some friends = A Great Day and a few thought on this craft called Photography

June 25, 2017 in #GOYA, Personal Work

As a photographer working with clients and helping other photographers to improve their craft it’s far too easy to forget about what is at times the most important in all of this... YOU.

This craft is amazing. A simple black box of bits and wires (The Camera) can introduce you to some amazing people and open many doors that might stay closed or otherwise undiscovered, But it can kick your ass any day of the week and twice on Sunday if you forget to take care of yourself and if you let it.

We all need down time from work and other things in life, but it can be difficult to remember that in today’s busy world.

For me my down time has been left on the side lines and I needed to do something about it. You might think that picking the camera up would be the exact opposite of down time but you would be wrong.

A head shot taken for a recent client.  Friendly, approachable but still professional. — A head shot taken for a recent client. Friendly, approachable but still professional.

Head Shots - How Important Are They?

April 19, 2017 in Headshots, How To

How important are head-shots today? I would say very important.

We are living in changing times where employers will look you up on-line instead of just simply reading that CV you posted, the world is a visual place and we all must be ready for it.

A good head shot is as important to the average person than it is to an actor or business person and can set you apart from the rest. You will find that head-shots are required today for may uses/reasons.

Social Media Profiles.
CV's
Portfolio for performers.
Corporate & Business.
Promotional Material.
Editorial.
Press.

Once you have selected your head shot photographer you will need to be prepared for the session. Below are a few tips for you to help.

Get a good night's sleep before your head shot session. It will help keep your skin and eyes clean and bright.
Avoid the cocktails and stay hydrated.
Decide on the look that you want. This could be to fit the company brand, your new look or a new role you are going for. A head shot taken in studio will look different than one taken on location using natural light.
Consider the background and final use.

White background - Simple and clean.
Grey Background - Clean and timeless.
Colour to fit a brand.
Do you require your images in colour, black & white or a mix of both. What is the final use? A casting director might stipulate certain things which means you will have to get head shots that fit those stipulations.
Format. Do you want the images in portrait or landscape orientation? Do you need both.

If you are an actor check with your casting agent what style and format they are looking for.
Take a few changes of clothing with you. Shirts, Ties etc. Make sure you feel comfortable.
Ask questions. Most photographers will sit down and chat with you either over the phone or by meeting before the session to find out exactly what you are looking for and expecting.
Printing. Let the photographer know if you are planning to print the images and if you know what the print size is. This will allow them to adjust how the images are shot so they will work for the print format.

As a photographer, myself I understand it can be daunting in-front of a camera so I take time to talk to clients before we start the session, this conversation continues throughout to not only relax you but to get to know you and get the best head shot we can.

Remember a great head shot can help elevate your profile on-line and in business today.

If you are looking to update your head shot I can help. Please take a look at my head shot gallery and also consider a head shot day I am running on May 12th 2017.

Thank you for reading.

Rick

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121 Photography Training: On Location Portraits & Lighting - Jackie

April 10, 2017 in Workshops

This weekend I had Jackie over at the the studio for a 121 training session to work on portraits and lighting on location.

Jackie wanted to improve here portrait and location lighting, so we set to work to get that done. The model for the day was my friend Marita from Lotus Fitness Academy. Thank you Marita.

We started with natural light looking at what light was around on the day be that direct sun or shade. Just because the sun is out to play and high in the sky does not mean you automatically get bad light.