Your headshot is the most
important item you have for
marketing
yourself. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the face that is looking out
from that
piece of paper is the first impression an agent or director will have
of you;
and as the saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first
impression.” When a casting call goes out, they may receive hundreds of
different headshots in the mail. The casting directors will spend, on
average, about one second per image as they sift through the pile of
envelopes. If your headshot doesn’t leap off the page, it may never be
looked at again.
You and I will work as a
team to produce that killer
headshot. Just like your auditions,
preparation is key. Relax and immerse yourself in the moment to get the
shot that will get you the role.
For models, Brad will sit down with you (and your parent if you are under 18) to discuss what kind of modeling you wish to do. From there, we will work together, making wardrobe choices, discussing make up (if needed), and the kinds of poses needed to fill your portfolio. If necessary, we will schedule a second appointment to do the photography. Often, this will start with a "Comp Card." A Comp Card is an oversized postcard that contains 5 images, at least two of which are headshots and two are full body shots (no, not nude, it shows figure, shape, and fashion).
If you aren't showing your headshot to everyone you meet, excited to show it off, you need a new headshot. If you are handing your headshots to people and feeling like you need to apologize or explain it, you need a new headshot. If you aren't excited about your headshot, why would a casting director or agent get excited? Mediocrity is a one way ticket to the "cut" pile. You have to stand apart. Believe in your headshot.
No one can guarantee you will get work, but the fact is that many actors and models who have seen me have landed agents, roles, and scholarships after their session. A good headshot gets results.
What I can guarantee is
that you will be satisfied with the entire process. During the shoot,
we keep working until we have the look we are wanting. Good enough is
not enough. If I feel I cannot get it during that session, we will
discuss the issue. If it is because you are not able to fully engage
for that session (for one reason or another), I have a liberal reshoot
policy.
After the shoot, we will
choose the images to use together (or send them to your agent for their
input). The chosen images will be retouched and you will receive the
full resolution version of that file, two versions of it ready to go to
your printer - formatted 8x10 with a border and your name on it to save
you money, and a web sized version of the file with your name on it to
use in email and for posting online.
Also available for an additional fee: Wardrobe consultation and on set coaching from talent coach and marketing expert, Lar Park Lincoln. Websites, marketing and career coaching, resumes, and other important tools for actors are available through her website, TalentStart. I am also proud to have been a major contributor and editor of her upcoming book, Get Started, Not Scammed - a must read for anyone interested in a career in acting or modeling.
Your headshot can be done at our studio, your home, your office, backstage, or wherever else you happen to be. It can be set up, shot with two or three different poses and backgrounds, and done before you know it. For actors, your final retouched versions will also include image files that are ready to print 8x10 with your name on them, saving you time and money at the printer... and the websized versions will also have your name imprint for an extra professional look when posting them online or e-mailing them.