Headshots For Actors

Headshots For Actors
Shade and light need to work together

Friday 20 August 2010

Actors Headshots - By Pascal Molliere

Help me find the right headshot photographer.. PLEASE!

So let's assume that you're considering having your actors headshots taken - ? You're either fairly new on the actors circuit or you're stepping back into theatre/film or tv after a break - or you are simply looking around for something new to your current photo..

What is going to work for you - In terms of this medium - 'headshot' - ? Let's say that all other things asside, like your character, persona, experience, training etc etc - and let's just focus on the headshot for now - after all, a LOT of decisions are made on the look and quality of this one very important aspect.. Believe it or not - your LOOK is paramount to most productions.. So why would any actor NOT want to portray that look in the very best possible way?

It doesn't matter what that look is - as long as it's what the production calls for.. And as long as your headshot portrays you in such a way that compells the agent / casting director or production manager to pick you out of the bunch.

That's what the headshot should do!

Some actors are just lucky?

It's madness to assume that just any old photo will do - when budgets, reputations, time and money hinge on the people choosen for that costly production - it's really NOT down to luck. If you're unknown, first and foremost - it's YOUR HEADSHOT that will gain the attention of a casting director or agent.

FACT: If the headshot is of poor quality, it is 89% LESS likely to be selected than a professional looking headshot.

So what sort of headshot will work best?

It all depends on you - your eyes, skin, hair - everything about you is different to anyone else and so each shoot is different..

It may be that studio light will suit your features better - or outdoor natural light will make you shine.. Or maybe you're starting out and you'd like to try both - and find out which style really suits you the best. Perhaps indoor natural light would bring out the best in you -

Either way, your photographer should know how to shoot ALL STYLES!
But that's just one aspect of acheiving a perfect headshot - the shot has to be engaging, captivating and above all - it has to do it's job - and get you noticed..

Investing in the right headshots is paramount to your career - why compromise?

Choose the photographer who can shoot ALL styles and really give you the best value for money

www.pascalphoto.co.uk

Thanks for reading - good luck.

Pascal.

Pascal Molliere Headshots
www.pascalphoto.co.uk
07713 242948

Sunday 23 May 2010

Spotlight Photos - By Pascal Molliere

Here's my next Blog - following on from the first ' Headshots For Actors In London' where I spoke about the importance of choosing the right photographer for your Actors Headshot..

If you've never worked with me before, then how would you know if you'll get the best for your money? Well, let me try and reassure you - firstly, I am extremely critical of my own work - and as far as I'm concerned, I will not release you from the shoot unless I feel that I have achieved the very best out of you that is possible on the day..

(That's not to say that you will be with me for hours and hours! :0) - I am adept at really bringing out the best in all the people I work with - and if you need any confirmation of that, just check out the testimonials on my website at www.pascalphoto.co.uk -

Now then - back to the headshots!

Most of you would have heard of The Spotlight Directory? A set of volumes / catalogues of ALL Uk professional actors.. 2 on each page - one set for the girls, one set for the boys. It's what the industry call The Bible and it has been every casting directors / producers and agents reference book since 1927 - and it lists EVERY uk actor from A - Z.

Any actor that is serious about working professionally in the UK would need to consider subscribing the The Spotlight - there is an annual fee of around £150 -

Your headshot would need to be sent to The Spotlight - either digitally, or via post - and it must be the very best quality headshot that you could possibly afford.

There is plenty of information about headshots in The Spotlight and on The Spotlight Website - http://www.spotlight.com/

So check it out..

As for the quality of headshots, when you imagine that there are more than 50 books full of more than 500,000 actors all who have headshots - it might give you some idea of the competition that is out there - and some idea as to the importance of getting the very best one you can that willmake you stand out from the rest.

More information on Actors Headshots to follow..

Regards,

Pascal Molliere

Saturday 22 May 2010

Headshots For Actors in London

Pascal Molliere here - to tell you about the importance of finding the right headshot specialist for your actors headshot - and why you need to invest in the right one from the start..

I have been a professional photographer for the best part of 20 years - my father was a photographer and so was my gradnfather, and most of that time, I have been involved within the theatre and film / tv industry also and so I bring with me a lot of experience and know-how about the industry itself.

I have been both sides of the camera, having worked on films such as Star Wars, Bond and Prince Of Persia to name a few.. Television programmes such as The Bill, Eastenders and Dr Who! I spent many years at ITV working in the factuals department opperating camera and creating documentaries as well as shooting stills for the BBC..

I also had close connections with the ITV casting department as well as many agents who deal with the casting at ITV and large budget films that are shot in the UK.

So anyway - let's get back to the subject matter in hand.. HEADSHOTS!

Needless to say, that there are lots of variables to consider when choosing who to take your photos - especially if you want to take yourself seriously.. And if you log into my site at www.pascalphoto.co.uk - you will find some examples of the sorts of shot that really do work well for actors.

I will keep up with this blog and detail more crucial information as time goes on - so please feel free to bookmark me and to RSS this feed as a regular source of information on Actors, castings, headshots, theatre, film and television - and I will do my best to tell you all I know!

Regards,

Pascal Molliere