What are Casting Directors looking for?

Casting Directors want you to look like you, first and foremost. The most important thing is that your headshot must look exactly like you. If you send a picture to a Casting Director and you get called in, make sure that you still look like your headshot. They have called you in because of how you look in your headshot and they expect you to still look like that when you walk in the door for your audition. A chief complaint of most casting directors is that the actors headshot is out dated or does not look like the person they had originally called you in to be. Keep your headshot up to date and also use different looks to target requests for casting calls. If the casting call says they want a 30 year old Mom who's also a business woman, that is the look that will catch their eye.

How do you know what Commercial Casting Directors are looking for?

Because I work directly with one of the top Commercial Casting Directors in L.A., Bebe Flynn Casting. Visit her website to see all of the National clients and top projects she has worked on in the last 15 years. She just recently cast 20 amason warriors for the new Capitol One Commercial. I photographed some behind the scenes from the Capitol One shoot.

Can I arrange a consultation with Bebe?

Yes, just call me at (510) 501-5947 or Email.

How do I choose my individual style?

We are not shooting glamour headshots, these are real people headshots. You are portraying the people we see every day on the street so Casting Directors want to see how well you photograph and how well you can "be" different types of people. They are searching for a certain look but also a unique personality. Figure out what you have that makes you an original personality. Are you the executive and then the Mom and then the neighbor next door? You are role playing and you need to think about that and how you see yourself being portrayed. Think about the casting calls you apply to, what traits are they looking for that make you think you can do the job?

What do I wear to the Photography Session?:

Solid colors seem to be the best, there is less distraction of the clothes and more emphasis on you. Wear something you are most comfortable in. Think about what you look best in, what color/outfit goes best with your hair or the look you want to portray. Bring some warm colors as well as cool colors, a good blue always works well. Try to stay away from anything that will date you, that's too trendy and hip like torn jeans, a classic style is always the best.

Do I need a Stylist?

We don't provide one so, Yes you'd need to bring your own stylist if you want, but its not
totally necessary. Casting Directors want you to look like you, first and foremost.

Do you shoot indoor or outside?:

We'll shoot indoor under studio lights with different colored backgrounds, usually a cool blue and and warm orange. We'll try to simulate a natural light indoors, with the strobes being used mostly as fill flash.
We'll also shoot outdoors, with all natural colors, lots of greens, browns and some blues in the background.

Where can I see other peoples headshots?:

Review my portfolio page again: Headshot Portfolio
And also look online for other head shots. Find ones that you really like and try to get more of an idea for what we are aiming for in your final photos. We will take a lot of photos so don't worry about having enough to choose from.

Do you shoot other peoples headshots, like business executives?:

Yes of course we do. Anyone can benefit from a professional executive portrait. Your image on your website or for a publicity photo is much better served if its a high quality image. When your are presenting yourself to the world you need to look your best to be able to connect to the individuals who will become your patients and clients. It is imperative to stand out from the crowd with a photograph that you feel portrays a strong confident image of yourself and one where your clients will feel that confidence.

Where can I see your executive portraits?:

Review my portfolio page: Executive Portraits

How do I arrange a Headshot Session with you?

The best way to contact me is to Email me to set up our intial consultation. Or you can call me at (510) 501-5947.