Earlier this year I was reading on the Interwoven Threads website about a night of charity they were involved in for reStart. Interwoven gave away some of their shirts to needy families and photographer Rebecca Peters was there to shoot family portraits free of charge. Kudos to both companies.
With the launch of "Ryno Photography" I thought it was a perfect time to put my own spin on this idea.
Basically I am looking to offer my services to a deserving individual or family free of charge. If you know of a family in need or just deserving of a portrait session please send me an e-mail at ryno@ryno-photo.com with their story and contact information.
I plan to select the family or individual within the next two weeks so any nominations need to be received by October 7th, 2008.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Headshots: The good, the bad, and how you can eliminate the ugly!
I recently gave a speech to a group of high school actors in Phoenix regarding headshots. Specifically what they could do to put themselves in a position to have the best possible headshot.
Here is the text from my presentation. It contains some good information for actors at all levels.
First of all.....what is a headshot??
First and foremost it is a marketing piece, think of it as a your business card as an actor. Try and separate your ego from your headshot. The purpose of a headshot isn’t for you to look good (not that you need to look bad) but ultimately a headshot needs to look like you. Every agent or casting director I have ever talked to about headshots has told me their number one complaint is when the person standing in front of them doesn’t look like the person in the headshot (both for better or worse). Your headshot needs to be you!
What is a good headshot?
This is totally subjective but my attitude is that I am trying to capture you, just you on a good day. Good headshots have something that catches the attention of the viewer and encourages them to spend a little extra time looking. Keep in mind even the best headshot isn’t going to get you work (it might get you in the door) but after that it is up to you.
Selecting a photographer:
Referrals from other actors (actors love to talk about their headshots) is a good place to start but I would also suggest getting recommendations from talent agencies (most have websites with referral pages) and other folks in the business particularly if you know any folks on the casting side of the equation. Recommendations are great but ALWAYS look at their work for yourself. Make sure you like the work that is shown and feel like it fits your wants/needs.
The two sides of the photographer equation:
The craft:
Do you like their lighting style (lighting is almost everything in photography)? Do you like the style of the images including the hair/makeup? Do they show a diversity of work (not just pretty people)? Basically you want to find someone that has consistently delivered quality images in a style that matches your desired style.
The personality:
Probably even more important! As best as you can try to get a feel for their personality before you book with them. Ask yourself if this someone you are going to be comfortable with sticking a camera in your face? If you are nervous will they help create a scenario that will allow you to relax and get the images that you need? You don’t want to shoot with someone you aren’t comfortable with, ever, ever, never, ever…
Things to watch out for in photographers:
If they don’t have a website (never a good sign).
If they are difficult to deal with before the shoot, they are probably going to be difficult to deal with during and after the shoot.
They won’t allow anyone to come to the shoot with you….major red flag!!
Rates are generally a good indicator….if they are significantly higher or lower than anyone else that you have contacted proceed with caution.
Photographer’s responsibilities:
Obviously the image quality should be fit to print!! In focus, etc….
Responsible for creating the setting for the shoot, from the vibe of the shoot to the locations/backgrounds, etc…keep in mind not to judge a photographer by where they shoot particularly with headshots. A studio and nice camera doesn’t make someone a photographer just like having a paintbrush doesn’t make you a painter.
Talent (this means you) responsibilities:
Be prepared!! Bring appropriate clothing choices (if you don’t know what to bring always good to bring more options that fewer options). Make sure the clothes are ready, clean, ironed if needed, etc….think of the clothing as window dressing it needs to help place you but it should never be the focus of a headshot.
Come rested and ready to be in front of the camera. I often tell my clients that I don’t have any magic buttons on my camera, their isn’t a personality button. You can expect the photographer to capture something you aren’t willing to share. If you want personality you have to bring personality.
Don’t expect the photographer to do everything or to read your mind, if you want something going into the session let them know! If you have shots from their website that you really like tell them so they can get a feel for your expectations.
Other random thoughts:
Retouching: Cleaning up some blemishes and “softening” the image are fine, just don’t overdue it or allow the photographer (if he/she handles the post production work to overdue the retouching). A lot of time photographers try and “clean up” their work in post to make themselves and the talent “look better” and it is easy for it to go too far. Again a headshot needs to look like you…
Print your headshots with a good reproduction house!! Don’t do everything right and then print the images on your inkjet printer at home. Keep in mind the print is the ONE tangible piece that will emerge from the shoot. The one thing that casting directors are going to see so make sure it is as good as possible.
Here is the text from my presentation. It contains some good information for actors at all levels.
First of all.....what is a headshot??
First and foremost it is a marketing piece, think of it as a your business card as an actor. Try and separate your ego from your headshot. The purpose of a headshot isn’t for you to look good (not that you need to look bad) but ultimately a headshot needs to look like you. Every agent or casting director I have ever talked to about headshots has told me their number one complaint is when the person standing in front of them doesn’t look like the person in the headshot (both for better or worse). Your headshot needs to be you!
What is a good headshot?
This is totally subjective but my attitude is that I am trying to capture you, just you on a good day. Good headshots have something that catches the attention of the viewer and encourages them to spend a little extra time looking. Keep in mind even the best headshot isn’t going to get you work (it might get you in the door) but after that it is up to you.
Selecting a photographer:
Referrals from other actors (actors love to talk about their headshots) is a good place to start but I would also suggest getting recommendations from talent agencies (most have websites with referral pages) and other folks in the business particularly if you know any folks on the casting side of the equation. Recommendations are great but ALWAYS look at their work for yourself. Make sure you like the work that is shown and feel like it fits your wants/needs.
The two sides of the photographer equation:
The craft:
Do you like their lighting style (lighting is almost everything in photography)? Do you like the style of the images including the hair/makeup? Do they show a diversity of work (not just pretty people)? Basically you want to find someone that has consistently delivered quality images in a style that matches your desired style.
The personality:
Probably even more important! As best as you can try to get a feel for their personality before you book with them. Ask yourself if this someone you are going to be comfortable with sticking a camera in your face? If you are nervous will they help create a scenario that will allow you to relax and get the images that you need? You don’t want to shoot with someone you aren’t comfortable with, ever, ever, never, ever…
Things to watch out for in photographers:
If they don’t have a website (never a good sign).
If they are difficult to deal with before the shoot, they are probably going to be difficult to deal with during and after the shoot.
They won’t allow anyone to come to the shoot with you….major red flag!!
Rates are generally a good indicator….if they are significantly higher or lower than anyone else that you have contacted proceed with caution.
Photographer’s responsibilities:
Obviously the image quality should be fit to print!! In focus, etc….
Responsible for creating the setting for the shoot, from the vibe of the shoot to the locations/backgrounds, etc…keep in mind not to judge a photographer by where they shoot particularly with headshots. A studio and nice camera doesn’t make someone a photographer just like having a paintbrush doesn’t make you a painter.
Talent (this means you) responsibilities:
Be prepared!! Bring appropriate clothing choices (if you don’t know what to bring always good to bring more options that fewer options). Make sure the clothes are ready, clean, ironed if needed, etc….think of the clothing as window dressing it needs to help place you but it should never be the focus of a headshot.
Come rested and ready to be in front of the camera. I often tell my clients that I don’t have any magic buttons on my camera, their isn’t a personality button. You can expect the photographer to capture something you aren’t willing to share. If you want personality you have to bring personality.
Don’t expect the photographer to do everything or to read your mind, if you want something going into the session let them know! If you have shots from their website that you really like tell them so they can get a feel for your expectations.
Other random thoughts:
Retouching: Cleaning up some blemishes and “softening” the image are fine, just don’t overdue it or allow the photographer (if he/she handles the post production work to overdue the retouching). A lot of time photographers try and “clean up” their work in post to make themselves and the talent “look better” and it is easy for it to go too far. Again a headshot needs to look like you…
Print your headshots with a good reproduction house!! Don’t do everything right and then print the images on your inkjet printer at home. Keep in mind the print is the ONE tangible piece that will emerge from the shoot. The one thing that casting directors are going to see so make sure it is as good as possible.
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