Headshots
Headshots...hmmm. Where to begin? They are considered by
many actors to be the "necessary evil" of their career. Let's fix
that thinking!
Times have changed with the digital age. It used to be that you
had a couple of rolls taken in black & white, then got a contact
sheet and had to circle your favorite. Now, shooting digitally, we
are not limited to "rolls of film." We are only limited by our
imagination.
I want you to be the "well-equipped actor." I want you to leave the
session with not only the legit and commercial shot you were
looking for, but to have a variety of pictures to use as you need -
for your website, your postcard, business cards, etc. I also want
you to have the "just in case" pictures. Just in case you are
auditioning for something a little extra quirky, or a little extra sexy,
and want to show that in your picture. Or for the time you are
submitting for the tough guy and want to show your grit. Having
the right pictures - and the right variety to choose from - will make
you the well-equipped actor. We already know you are talented, I
want to give you the tools to market yourself successfully.
The well equipped actor
We need to get you variety. A variety of looks, emotions, moods,
and backgrounds. Different pictures with different feelings and
textures. This is how I take the pictures that express what is
inherently you - that show you as the unique and interesting actor
that you are. This is what agents and casting directors are
looking to see. What's inside you.
Think of it as the difference between acting on stage and acting
on film. There is no need to "emote" who you are to me. Come to
me knowing who you are, and what you want, and it is my job to
reach in with my camera and bring it out. Ah, yes!
Variety
I remember the first headshots I had taken after I moved to New
York and the photographer told me to wear a denim button down
for my commercial shot. Even though the types of things I went out
for were "hip and quirky." I didn't even own one, but I did what was
instructed and wore a denim button down. Then I had two rolls of
film with me looking like I was trying to be my mother.
When you schedule a shoot, we will talk about what types you
play, what you are going out for, and what types of looks you are
interested in. We will talk about your wardrobe and what looks
good on camera. But please, do not ever wear something for the
shoot that your wouldn't wear in real life. We want these pictures
to reflect you. Different parts of you, and different sides of you.
But YOU. Not anyone else. These are the pictures that get you in
the door.
Why did they make me wear that?
Okay, so I mean be creative. Have fun.
Have you ever left a photo shoot and thought, "I should have tried
this, but I was too embarrassed." "I didn't want the photographer
to think I was crazy, but I really wanted to try a shot hanging
upside down off a tree branch." Not only will I not think you're
crazy, I will encourage you to be a little crazy. Having your
headshot taken should not be stressful, it should be fun! Acting is
fun, or you wouldn't be doing it. And you are a creative person!
Coming out of a subway grate may not be your legit shot, but you
may want something a little different for your website, and I want
to take that picture for you. Not only will we have a good time
experimenting with that, but it also makes you have more fun,
and relax, so that even the more serious shots will come out
better.
PS - It's also okay if you don't want to do something off the wall -
just know that the option is there!
Be a little crazy
I shoot in a very casual, yet high energy way. We talk about what
exactly it is you are looking for, and we go in with a plan. But we
play spontaneously throughout the shoot. That is what keeps it
original and specific to you.
We shoot for as long as we need to get what you want. That
usually involves 3-4 changes of clothing, and a variety of
locations. It usually takes a few hours, and after all that excitement
you may be worn out! I will edit the shoot, take out the ones where
you blinked, or were about to sneeze, and then mail you a disc
with the best 75 to 300 images a few days later. It can be
overwhelming to look at that many great pictures of yourself!
(And fun too!)
Unlimited shooting
No offense or anything, but I don't want to hog your photos. I want
you to have them, all of them. I am not going to make you choose
your favorite three, and then charge you for enlargements. They
are all yours to keep and do whatever you want with. I only ask
that when you do write your autobiography, and use these
pictures, I get a photo credit!
And, oh yeah. I do keep a back up copy of your shoot, so should
you lose your disc, or you spill coffee on it, call me and I'll send
you another one.
All images are yours to keep
I have shot actors that work in all aspects of the business, and at
all levels. From "right off the bus" to Broadway actors with fancy
agents. Let me know what you need, and let's make a plan. It's
the right tools that make all the difference!!
People I shot
“Interesting Headshots for Interesting Actors"
All content and images copyright Tracey B Wilson and T Wilson Photography 2003-2008
