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!

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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!

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Hollywood Pitfalls: One Actress’s Story of a Lesson Learned

Acting Headshots by Vanie Poyey

Blog written by Sarah D.

I’m honored to have my returning client Sarah D.  as a guest blogger on this post!  I think her story is well written and an invaluable source of information for the novice actor.  Please enjoy and share!

“We have all heard it before: “It’s called show business.” Well, yeah, “duh,” we all say to ourselves, but the reality of it is that very few actors actually understand the business aspect of it. We’ve all taken classes, read books, drowned ourselves in plays—truly committed ourselves to the craft—but when it comes to the business of acting, it’s really learn-as-you-go.

Now I’m not here to tell you how it is. I wish I could say I’ve figured it all out and here it is for you, in a nutshell and on a platter. I can’t. But I can tell you about a recent situation I found myself in which didn’t end so pleasantly. I had a case of bad manager blues.

Ultimately, the relationship went south, I needed to end it. I discovered I signed a “bad” contract that left me no exit clause. In fact, according to the wording, if I went to my manager and said I wanted out, he could “fine” me for early termination. Yes, shame on me for signing that. After consulting a lawyer, it was determined that the contract was unenforceable due to the fact that it had no exit clause for me, and all the penalties were against me, none for him. Too bad that did not absolve me from walking away from the agreement without legal assistance.

Needless to say, it has been quite an interesting year. One filled with frustration and angst. But I have learned a lot from this situation. I have certainly grown, more critical and stronger as a businesswoman. Here are just a few tidbits you should keep in mind.

*It’s OK to NOT sign a contract on the spot. In fact, you SHOULD have a copy of it reviewed by a lawyer, be it friend or family. Not all contracts are alike, and it is your responsibility to protect yourself.

* Make sure you have an exit clause. If something is not working, you need to be able to get out of a contract, clean and fast.

*Your manager should have an office, an actual office. And no, the coffee bar at a fancy hotel does not count.

*If your agent or manager is legit, they will have access to the breakdowns and be able to submit you electronically via Breakdown Express. In order to get a Breakdown Express account, talent agencies must be licensed and managers must belong to the Talent Managers Association. Managers are not required to join the TMA, so be wary of those who are not.

*Remember, your manager and agents work for you and with you. This is a no-brainer, but in a town of people pleasers it’s good to remember, don’t let someone you are working with tell you that you aren’t good enough. You are good enough, and if they don’t agree then they should not be representing you.

*Keep a detailed diary of all your meetings and their content. If things go bad, you have a written record you can use to prove your case.

*It is ok to set boundaries. Some managers are more hands on than others, but they do not need to know who you are sleeping with or what you ate for breakfast. Really, they don’t.

*And one last thing: Never, EVER, pay an agent or manager unless you book something. Do not pay them for their “time,” advice, or whatever they may be claiming compensation for. They make money, when you make money; generally, 10% – 15% of whatever you book.”

Returning  client Sarah D. brings out a sense of adorable warmth and quirkiness in her headshots!

Steve Suh was able to go from quirky to edgy with such ease!

During our time together, Tom Lommel was able to bring through the CEO, the funny guy living in a cubicle, and our best friend!

James Hawthorn brought out that college heart throb and Teresa Tharp brought out the trustworthy professional.

I think this goes without saying, but Keston John was phenomenal to work with!  He brought out such a range of characters, I just had to share a little series from his session!

Here, Christian Pitre plays the role of leading love interest as Robbie Davis delivers a more rough-around the edges character.  This adorable couple also happen to be  husband and wife who took advantage of our “couple’s discount”!

Friend sessions are such a blast when you have amazing people to work with such as Karen Bennett and Michael Hansen who also took advantage of the “friend discount”!

Returning client, Kerry Wieder really understands the concept of producing headshots that target specific auditions!

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