Going for that Scary Character Look?

We see what you're doing there.

Then, and only then, should you choose not to retouch your photo. It might sound a little crazy, but there is a demand for the Scary Man Next Door. The Serial Killer, the Guy Who Did It. The Skinny Druggie, the Scary Witch...

If that's the type you're going for, we can leave the deep wrinkles, I can give you harsh lighting, I can pose you to show off your angles, scruff, and penetrating stare. It's the only time I suggest leaving an image raw and untouched. Sounds scary, but this trick works if that's what we're both going for.

What Makes a Good Headshot? Part 7

Retouching!

Not only does my basic retouching sharpen and whiten the eyes, I also smooth and lighten underneath the eyes, smooth out little lines and pores, and get rid of stray hairs - all the distracting stuff. I use Photoshop tools to help you stand out, brightening colors in a very natural and human way. Retouching a photo can be all the difference between an okay headshot and a fantastic one. 

Your headshots are a major investment - the most important tool you have in your toolbox! I make sure that all your headshots are great, usable ones that will get you in the door; it's worth the little bit of money to make your headshot look the most professional, like it could be in a magazine. Because, heck, magazine interviews are an acting goal too, right? So always have the most professional, most polished tools. Make the quality of your tools be the best. It's the only way in this biz.

Not Bad...

...But So Much Better!

This is You.

This is You in a Magazine!

What Makes a Good Headshot? Part 6

She knows what I'm talking about.

A Makeup/Hair Artist

Guys, you do need basic foundation, and sometimes a lash darkener will work wonders on your pretty peepers. Ladies, makeup photographs waaaay differently than the naked eye sees it in real life. Real Life Makeup is too light and doesn't work. And let's be honest, who doesn't love letting someone else do their makeup? You don't have to worry about anything, you don't have to buy new product, you don't have to put on individual false eyelashes yourself! (I mean, seriously, what's harder than that!?)

Professional actors get their makeup done on set by professional makeup artists. You know when you see someone famous in person and you think, "Yeeesh!" It's because they're not wearing professional makeup artist applied makeup. I once had a client, a pretty young thing, who took headshots with me and decided to do her makeup herself. If the goal was to look like she wasn't wearing any, she accomplished that. She came to me a few month later and hired one of my makeup artists and after receiving her proofs, called me up. I'll never forget it. She said, "When I did my own makeup, I looked like I was an aspiring actress. With the makeup artist, I look like I'm already working regularly."

Again, your headshot is the most important tool you have! Invest in a good headshot photographer (you know, like one who has 20+ years experience doing it) invest in the hair and makeup artist, and invest in the retouching. Your headshot is what gets you in the door. Get good ones!

What Makes a Good Headshot? Part 5

Research

I online stalk you, but without all the creepy connotation. 

Already Famous!

When you email me for info on a shoot, I look you up online; your website, your imdb, everything, to get an idea of who you are. I look at your makeup, your clothes and styles. I see the tools you're working with, and can get a pretty good idea of who you are, who you're trying to be, and what you need to accomplish that. When I see you in person for the first time, I already know who I'm working with; I recognize you. 

You're already famous to me. I'm shooting a celebrity's headshot!