What do you look for in a makeup artist?

Headshot by Vanie Poyey

Tell us your thoughts!  Over the years, I’ve heard all the nightmare stories as well as all the praises.  The men and women on my website have used the services of a professional makeup artist that I’ve provided.  Because I’ve heard it all, I have very specific criteria when working with a makeup artist to make sure you have the best experience possible.

For one, I look at their work and make sure they are talented and meet with them before trying them out.

During the meeting, I hand them a list of preferences for headshot appropriate makeup that agents want to see.  You’d be surprised how many people either overdo or don’t do enough makeup for headshots.  Little things like not using fingers to touch up under the eyes and prevent infections etc. are discussed as well.  You’d be surprised…

I like working with people who are professional and have an all around good attitude.  I look for artists who really enjoy what they do, like to have fun and are not eager for the shoot to end so they can leave.

Professionalism to me means being on time and not using your time to chat on the phone or to text.  Being attentive to your needs as well as being agreeable to your requests.  After all, we are providing a service for which you are paying, so you’re the boss!  After makeup is applied, if you request any changes, my makeup artists will not get offended or give you a hard time!

During your shoot, you won’t find my gals texting or wondering off.  When I’m working, they’re working as well.  They will be watching closely for a hair out of place or wardrobe malfunctions or touch ups that may be needed.

And for you dark skinned folk, I make sure to work with professionals who understand all skin types, won’t make you look ashy and are mindful of the tonal variations on your skin!

The following headshot examples display a range of makeup applied to all skin tones, old and young, male or female, white or black! Currently my very favorite go to gal is Tara Shakespeare!

Three time returning client Arae Murdoch has come all the way from Canada to finally call LA home!  Sassy or sweet, Arae is a veteran in front of the camera!

Will Brennan, Amy Blair, and Nicholas Downs know how to bring back this rustic look.  Whether a fun dad, a lovely leading lady, or a hip guy next door, these three sure know how to work plaid!

You really can’t go wrong with fiery red hair combined with amazing talent!  Angela Gulner does this look with flawless effort!

Kelly Lynn Washington was so much fun to work with!  With a Jodie Foster essence, she displays a full range from the girl we love to hate to our high school sweetheart!

I’m so flattered that Douglas M. James had his first headshot session with me!  He had such amazing talent and energy which really pulls through in this shot!   Andrea Meier displays a sense of understanding and comfort with those sweet eyes!

Lawrence Lacey has a great personality and a chameleon!  I think these shots show how he can switch from sour to sweet in the blink of an eye.  thanks for protecting us in that alley Lawrence!

Tags: actor head shots, actors headshot, actress headshots, commercial headshot, commercial headshots, great headshots, Head shot photographer, Head shot photographer in Los Angeles, Head shot Photographers, Head shot photographers in LA, Head shot photographers in Los Angeles, Head shot Photography, Head shot Photography in Los Angeles, headshot photographer in los angeles, headshot photographers los angeles, Headshot Photography, headshot photography los angeles, headshots, headshots for actors, Headshots photography in Los Angeles, Hollywood Headshots, Los Angeles Head shot Photographer, Los Angeles Head Shot Photographers, Los Angeles Head shot Photography, Los Angeles Headshot Photographer, Los Angeles Headshot Photographers, Los Angeles Headshot Photography

Can I pick up a CD immediately after my headshot session?

Headshots Los Angeles: Vanie Poyey

Recently I was asked by one of my clients if he’ll be picking up a CD of images after we finished our session.  I thought technically he could, but the images wouldn’t be up to par if I handed them over straight from the camera in their RAW form.  So the short answer was no.  For the long answer, here’s what goes into your pictures after we’re finished shooting.

First, I go through all your images and edit the bad ones, like with the eyes closed, or where you have a double chin that shouldn’t be there.

Next I do what’s called a batch processing.  This is where I take all your edited images and color balance the average  skin tone as well as the contrast levels.  This global process somewhat prepares the images to look color balanced on monitors.  I say somewhat because we don’t really have control over how your images look through other people’s monitors.  Some monitors may be brighter than others, causing you to look washed out and other monitors may have an orange or magenta color cast causing your skin tone to look yellow or red.   For this reason we don’t fuss too much over your low resolution images batched for “web use”.

We then take these globally color balanced images and create 4×6 proofs.  Proofs are used to compare small 4×6 prints before making a final decision on an 8×10.  Proofs are printed on machine prints at photo labs.

We also take all your images and re-size them for the five major directories like LA Casting so you can upload with ease.  This is just a little extra something I like to include in my packages.

Lastly, we print your personalized CD label and burn your disc.  This entire process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on the number of images taken.  So unless you’re willing to hang out, we mail your CD the day after your session!

Returning client Lawrence Kao is always a pleasure to work with, and does a great job showing off his hip edgy look.  How could you not want to be friends with sweetheart Sara Jo Allocco?

David Mate, owner of Hot Bartenders LA does a wonderful job revealing his dark side, and brown-eyed girl Michelline Coonrod, roommies with Vic D. proves beauty and brains come in one package!

Glasses are such a great accessory for headshots!  Lisa Temple really warms up the workroom with this smile and Emily O’Meara seems to be the perfect college roommate!

Couple Cory Blevins and Stephanie Burden worked wonderfully in front of the camera.  Cory nailed the business look, while Stephanie perfectly displayed a fun loving mom.  What a great team!

Both of these girls know how to work an edgy look.  Hannah Lopez shows off her tough side, while Chess Brown shows some sass.

With dark eyes and a great smile, Brandon Weaver pulls off every look with ease.  Business in pink? No Problem!

A kid would be lucky to grow up with Pamela Cohen, Mark David Christenson proves that the office can be fun, and Jason Baladi pulls off the unamused co-worker!

Matthew Morgan has a great look! Do you see the Steve Buscemi resemblance?

Whether he is in the office or at home with the kids, Michael Halpin always remains fun and light-hearted.

Even when she is caught off guard Jennica Chavez still manages to look like a sweetheart!

If you enjoyed it, share it and subscribe to this blog!

Tags: acting headshot, Acting Headshots, actor headshot, actor headshots, actress headshot, actress headshots, commercial headshots, digital headshots, great headshots, Head shot photographer, Head shot photographer in Los Angeles, Head shot Photographers, Head shot photographers in Los Angeles, Head shot Photography, Head shot Photography in Los Angeles, Head shots in LA, head shots in los angeles, headshot photographer, headshot photographer in los angeles, headshot photographers, Headshot photographers in los angeles, headshot photographers los angeles, Headshot Photography, Headshot photography in Los Angeles, headshot photography los angeles, headshots for actors, headshots in los angeles, headshots la, headshots los angeles, Hollywood Headshots, LA Head shot Photography, LA Head shots, LA Headshot Photographers, LA headshot photography, LA Headshots, Los Angeles Head shot Photographer, Los Angeles Head Shot Photographers, Los Angeles Head shot Photography, Los Angeles Headshot Photographer, Los Angeles Headshot Photographers, Los Angeles Headshot Photography

Headshot Dos and Don’ts: An Agent’s Perspective

Headshot Photography by Vanie Poyey.

Blog written by guest blogger Mike O’Dell – Bobby Ball Talent Agency.

I’ve worked with Mike O’Dell for over seven years now.  Mike is a hard working no none-sense actor’s agent.  His experience of 11+ years, first at SBV and now at BBA, two well recognized agencies, definitely gives his words weight so I asked him to guest blog.  A wise actor would take his advise!

“Headshot Perspective – My Opinion

Get a real photographer.  Nothing is more lame for an actor than being surrounded by dozens of professional headshots while theirs is so bad the DMV wouldn’t accept it.  Anyone who cannot tell the difference is in complete denial. Real photographers compose. Amateurs point and shoot. Take no offense amateurs. Some of us, like me for instance, cannot do that much.

Consult with your agent. Your agent has seen the actors that are booking the jobs you are not. They tend to know what and who is effective for headshots. Listen to what they have to say. Communicate with them. Very often the photographer will be willing to talk with your agent prior to the session to further clarify what is needed.

Be on time and cooperative with the photographer. They know what they are doing. Most people do not feel comfortable posing for pictures for a long period of time and most photographers know this. They will therefore do all they can to set you at ease and bring forth the best of you.

Don’t get chintzy with hair and make-up. While a glamour shot is NOT the goal here, most photographers will know what sort of light is needed for you and how best to tone your skin and make you as presentable as can be.

Please consult with your agent when examining proofs. Be sure you know what they want, but be sure they know what you want as well. This way there are exactly zero misunderstandings down the road.

Because most headshots are placed on at least one on-line casting site, make sure to take chosen proofs to a photo lab. Once there, have it processed into an online image. All the sites currently in use have different specs for downloading and most local labs are familiar with local photographers. Once more, they know what to do.

Otherwise, follow the same rules as always:

Don’t upstage yourself by wearing some distracting article of clothing or holding a cute adorable animal.

Please shower/bathe the day of the shoot. Sorry it is necessary to say this.

Follow photographer and agent advice for wardrobe and settings. (Costumes are not currently in vogue, FYI.)

Relax. You are about to be immortalized.

Most headshots are good for about 18-28 months depending on the actor. If you have headshots older than 2 years talk to your rep or your favorite photographer. It is time to do it again.

Remember, this is YOUR investment in YOUR career. Do it right.”

Elijah Cook

Hans Christopher Brofeldt

Jeremiah Watkins and Tom Galup

Lawrence Thunell

Marty Putz

Conrad Camody

Steve Bethers

Olivia Balardo

Hendrix

Chris H. Pierce

Tags: acting headshot, Acting Headshots, actor headshot, actor headshots, Actor's heashots, actors headshot, actors headshots, digital headshots, Head shot photographer in LA, Head shot photographers in LA, head shots, head shots in los angleles, head shots los angeles, headshot, Headshot Photography, Headshot Photography in LA, Headshot portraits, headshots, headshots in los angeles, headshots los angeles, LA Head shot Photographers, LA Headshot Photographer, LA Headshot photographer in LA, Los Angeles Headshot Photography