Elizabeth Melendez Blog

Emilio Chestevez!

2011-06-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

Winning!

Sunset Beauty Photography with Erika Lisa Valdez

2011-05-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite shots from our sunset photoshoot at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

Vogue Glamour with Erika Lisa Valdez

2011-05-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

For more photos checkout my Facebook page Click here

Royal Wedding - Disney’s Cinderella Bad Photoshop!

2011-05-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

Pessimistic Petunia: "Are people really this gullible? Just because someone posts it on Facebook does not make it true/real."

Fun With Retouching - Making Barbra

2011-03-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

Click for Higher Resolution

Memo Salon Photoshoot

2011-02-24T18:41:00.000-08:00

Behind The Scene

Final Photos

Kim Coles Photoshoot

2011-02-24T18:12:00.000-08:00

Here is a cute behind the scenes video and a little sample of the photoshoot I did for the beautiful actress Kim Coles. More photos to come soon.

Fun With Retouching - Desert Sky

2010-12-10T17:15:00.000-08:00

Here is my fun little retouch of the day.

Color choices were selected by client. Final print size was 11in. x 17in.

Fake Plastic Looking Skin

2010-06-19T13:54:00.001-07:00

Plastic or fake looking skin comes up constantly among retouchers. I personally dislike it on photos. But there are many different types of plastic or fake looking skin. I will explain a few of the ones that I have experienced.

1. The "Blur" crazy wanna-be retoucher: We all have seen this on Deviantart.com, ModelMayhem.com, and other similar websites. Hopefully something like this never gets printed or published. Someone either takes the Blur Tool, Gaussian Blur, or Surface Blur to all of the skin on the subject. This technique if done moderately on a small web photo may be OK for most people. But a good publication can not accept this type of image work in high resolution.

2. The retoucher is good but the retouching customer wants that "smooth" look: This is just a simple case of "It's gone too far" it looks real but just a too perfect. Has this happened to me? Oh yes, more often then not do I get a client that wants more, more, and more. Sometimes a publication and sometimes a personal photo. I just don't attach my name to these particular jobs. In this case I am just the engineer and not the architect.

Retouching is mostly an art, but it's also a service. I think this is why we get so much debate on what looks right and wrong. It's up to the individual who is requesting or paying for the image to determine what is right or wrong for them. If you are looking into a professional career as a retoucher you should put your best work in your portfolio and let the client decide. If you are retouching to enhance your photography or for fun, do whatever you want. It's your art.

My recommendations for those trying to really learn how to retouch is to go on a case by case basis. Every photo, photographer, model, lighting setup, client, printer, or publication is different with different needs. You must learn to work with every type of photo presented to you and to make it look as realistic as possible and still meet their needs. Some high-end retouchers will only show work done in a professional studio setting with perfect even lighting and a model with almost flawless skin. Yes, these look amazing…. but is that all they can do? How much money can you make doing only one thing? There is not one right way to do retouching so learn all the techniques and know when to apply right it.

I hope to write some case based type retouching tutorials soon.

Little Jackson - Kids Headshots

2010-05-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

Ok so Jackson is too cute. He is a talented child actor from here in Los Angeles. Here are my favorite photos from our photo shoot.

Aging Process: Drinking and Smoking

2010-03-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

When I am retouching someone I can tell if they drink, smoke, and even if they are not eating right.

At about 28 a girls face, skin, and teeth start to show signs of aging and discoloration.

If they don't smoke or drink they can still look like they are still 21, if they do they look more like 33-ish. And the aging scale moves up from there.

Drinking and smoking dramatically speed up the aging process on the outside and most likely on the inside too.

• If you want to stay looking young. DON'T drink or smoke (legal or illegal). If you must try keeping it to a minimum (2-3 times a month).

• Exercise will not only keep you in shape, but it also gives a healthy glow to the skin.

Acting Coaches - Hollywood

2010-02-25T17:20:00.000-08:00

John Homa
www.johnhoma.com
* Acting coach to my husband since he was a little boy.

Gray Studios
www.graystudiosla.com
* My lovely friend actress Shanelle Gray

Andrew Magarian
5218 Vineland Ave
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 769-6424
* Acting coach to my husband since he was a little boy.

Actor Headshot Printing

2010-02-25T16:52:00.000-08:00

I am compiling a list of headshot printers in LA. These are companies that I have personal experience with.

Graphic Reproductions
1421 N. La Brea Ave
Hollywood, CA 90028
www.graphicreproductions.com
50 Headshots - $58
100 Headshots - $65.00

www.printscharmn.com
www.reproductions.com
www.nohoprints.com

How To Become A Hollywood Actor

2010-02-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some simple steps to start working as an Actor in Hollywood, CA. This only applies to Southern California actors.
------ Get Headshots ------
A. The 2011 standard headshot is full color, vertical, background blurred, top of the head slightly cropped, and natural looking. (starting at $200 - $1000)
B. Have a variety of looks in your online profiles from different photographers and hair styles. For men shoot some photos clean shaved and some with stubble or more.
C. Make sure all of your photos are current. Every time you change your hair color or major haircut you will have to get new headshots.
D. Kids will have to get their headshots done once a year or more.
------ Print Headshots ------
A. Print one commercial headshot and one theatrical headshot. Usually about 50 of each to start. (usually $60/50photos)
B. Most of your submissions will be online so you do not have to print out tons of photos.
C. Start with the less expensive paper photos if you are on a budget, it works just as well. If money is no issue order the glossy photos.
------ Online Profiles ------
A. Sign-up for LACasting.com ($10/mo + photo fees), ActorsAccess.com ($70/year + photo fees), and CastingFrontier.com (free or upgrade)
B. Submit yourself online to auditions. When you are first starting out this the only way to start auditioning without an agent.
------ Acting Classes ------
A. Never stop taking acting classes and workshops. (prices vary)
------ Build Your Reel ------
A. Anytime you do anything on video. Make sure to get a copy for your reel. This will help you get an agent. Make friends on set with the crew and see if they can e-mail you the final video edit.
B. Once you have some good tape have someone edit all your clips together into one reel (about $500). Make sure to only put clips where you are speaking and are clearly seen. Working as an extra work does not count unless you have some good lines and show some skills.
------ Get An Agent ------
A. In the mail submit your headshots and resume to as many agents as you can. You will find free mailing labels on LACasting.com . Make sure to put "demo available" on your submission. Most good agents will want to see your video reel before even meeting with you.
B. Another mail submission option is "Seeing New Representation" postcards. These usually have a headshot on one side and a mini resume on the other side.
C. You will usually not need a Manager until you are far enough in the game. (managers take 10% from everything you make)
D. Beware of shady "managers" specially when you are first starting off and unfamiliar with the industry. Shady managers can look very legit with large homes or offices. Do your research. Since managers cannot actually book you they do not need a license. Talent agents need to have a agents license.
E. Submit yourself even if they are not submitting you. Sometimes you will get lost in the shuffle of talent at the agency and you will not get called. Keep working without them and start looking for a new one. (agents take 20% off what they book for you)
------ Network ------
A. Join clubs and social groups. Carry business cards with you at all times. Don't be pushy, just make friends. Keep an e-mail list of everyone you meet in the industry or even send holiday cards to your industry friends every year.
B. If you book a good recurring role or better, hire a publicist. They will get you on the red carpet and into all the exclusive parties. (starting $1,000/month)
C. Get a website and start a fan page when you start seeing possible opportunities arise.

Chola

2010-01-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo I shot of my beautiful Mexican friend and fellow Firme Hyna actress and model Penelope Ceja dressed a Chola. More to come soon! :)

A Few Good Actor Headshot Tips

2009-11-24T17:03:00.000-08:00

1) Paying vs TFP (free): If a photographer is willing to shoot your headshots for free most likely they don't have much experience doing Headshots. So be ready to have your agent ask you more more and more photos. Does not mean that all paid or high priced photographers are good either. Do your research and look at portfolios.

2) Current trend in Actor Headshots (Hollywood / Los Angeles): Casting agents change trends change every 10 years or so in Hollywood. At the moment it is a color photo, below the shoulders, top of the head cut off, background blurred (done by the photographers camera settings...not bin Photoshop), sharp eyes, and strong contrast.

3) Drive to get the best: Just because they are in Hollywood or Beverly Hills does not make them the best for you. Do your research and look at portfolios.

4) Outfits: Choose outfits that you usually wear to auditions and know your character types. If you look like a jock bring a white tank top and maybe some other tight fitting shirts. If you go out for girl next door then bring some cute ruffled tops. Plan your outfits and bring plenty of extra cloths for safety.

5) What is too much to pay? That is a good question. Photographers are like celebrities the more popular they get the more their price goes up. Mainly because they get busier and busier as their popularity increases. Does not make them better then some others... just more famous. Casting directors do not know how much you spent or who you went to, so do your research to find the biggest bang for the buck. Also look for special deals and seasonal specials. But do not use a point and shoot either. Unless you are at least a semi-professional photographer with the right equipment your photos may not even make it to the casting table. Armature photos will often be tossed or ignored online by the casting assistant.

6) Retouching: Please be careful here actors. As a professional retoucher as well as a photographer, I have had the craziest requests from actors wanting to over-retouch their photos. HUGE NO NO! You will get sent home if you don't look like that photo. The retouching should be so minimal only taking out your biggest flaws and making the image pop on the casting table. I charge $30 to retouch a printable headshot. If I shot the headshot then usually about $10.

7) No No's: Colored contacts. Have a retoucher change the eye color if you have colored contacts. Colored contacts cover the eyes and do not let them shine and reflect correctly. It's very easy to change eye color in Photoshop to match your contacts. Glasses. Pop the glass out of your glasses and just use the empty frame to avoid the awkward glare that glasses give. If this will not work, just go to the drug store and get some cheep plastic glasses you like or that match yours, pop the glass out and use those in your photos. Don't model. Be natural and relaxed in your headshots.

BAD - BLUR - BAD

2009-02-17T20:20:00.000-08:00

No offense to people that use this "technique" but it looks terrible. I'm assuming people are trying to copy the "PLAYBOY" or "Maxim" look...this is not it the way to do it. Adding glow does not help either. Although on small web sized photos it's not as obvious, this "technique" never works on high resolution / printable images. Do not do this to any photo you want taken seriously.

There are some funny sites that poke fun at this type of stuff. This is my favorite: http://photoshopdisasters.blogspot.com

Be nice to your photos. Hire a professional.
http://www.modelphotoretouching.com

Boy Band Madness

2009-02-13T16:04:00.000-08:00

Well more like "Man Band" Madness. Take 5 is back and I am pooped these guys have so much energy and keeping up with them took up all I could muster up. Got some fun images. I hope to shoot a little more with them soon when we more time. Being rushed and a bunch of tech issues set us back.....a little.....haha

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_5_(band)