Headshot, Portrait and Fashion Photography

Model? Actor? Both!

2012-01-02T10:20:00.001-08:00

The parallels between Modeling and Acting are continuing to narrow. Most modeling and acting agencies have morphed into one, providing an essential one stop shopping for advertising agencies and Photographers.

Many actors and actresses who were discovered were often models before making the change to acting. This comes from heavy exposure modeling agencies provide through comp cards and portfolios.

And to make this more convenient, an East Coast model and acting agency has partnered with a major record label. A modeling and talent agency, Zobe, and independent record label, New Nation Entertainment, is hard at work to make sure they assist in this transformation. January 2011 marked the beginning of a journey for two entertainment businesses as they joined forces to become a one-stop-shop for the fashion, modeling, music, entertainment, and media industry in the DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia)

A lot has been accomplished between these two companies within the past year and now going into January of 2012 these two businesses are preparing for more growth and expansion.

New Marketing

2011-11-30T08:22:00.001-08:00

The playing field has been leveled. You don’t have to be a big brand to leverage digital media. Every click, every search, every tweet is an opportunity to engage them. Your clients are ready to buy. The question is – are you ready to be found? Online marketing can help take your business or organization to the next level.

Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin all play crucial parts in the SEO and Online Marketing fields, however PPC is the highest ranking tool as of today.

The potential for a profit increases drastically when you target a new audience that is already interested in what you have to say. Online advertising marketing is also made simple through social media because it is easy to share a link, blog, image or video through your profile or webpage.

New Kids In The Studios

2011-09-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

Seeing more and more kids calling the shots for Headshots from their parents.

The kids have camera presence and sometime a little more moxy than adult actors/models.

This is in both San Ramon and Long Beach Studios.

Check out the Web site for updates on Kids Headshot Specials.

Please Follow me on Twitter and LIKE me on Facebook for new updates.

Long Beach Headshot

2011-08-24T15:38:00.001-07:00

I have been spending more time promoting and marketing Long Beach Headshots than usual.

This comes from a need for more business in the Southern California area and the need for a better Headshot Photography Studio, catering to Actors,Models and Executives who need Quality Headshots ata Reasonable Price Photographed in our studio or at their location .

Additionally there has been more demand for high-end Fashion Photography in the South Los Angeles area than in recent years. This comes from more modeling agencies popping up and fewer state regulations imposed on modeling, acting and talent agencies.

The studio is located about 2 blocks off PCH and 20 feet from Rock Bottom Brewery (what a coincidence).

Appointments are made weekly and this months calender is filling up.

The same Specials from Awesome Headshots will be available at Long Beach Headshots as well as LA OC Photography (next months project).

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AWESOME HEADSHOTS

2011-08-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

This marks the 7th year Awesome Headshots has been photographing heads in San Ramon, CA.

The business has grown about 19% per annum with a few bumps along the way.

In January 2011 the accounting office predicted a 30% increase from last year. May bookings increased the 30% prediction to a 34% increase over last year.

This has been a tough economical year for big and small businesses. The lack of steady growth compounded with a shaky stock market made for a less than celebratory last 60 days. Just when the economy was moving from RED to BLACK business started reeling in their check books.

This Seventh year milestone has shown me that anything is possible. You get though these bumps and obstacles by trusting that God has a plan for you. Belief is lacking in smaller businesses today. One of my favorite lessons from the bible is that it wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

2011-02-08T23:06:00.001-08:00

We're Teaming Up With the Susan G. Komen Foundation to Help Find a Cure For Breast Cancer.

Breast Cancer is the Leading Cause of Cancer Death in Women Between the Ages of 15 and 54.

During the Month of February, Awesome Headshots is Donating $1.00 for Every New Person who LIKE's our FaceBook Page.

Click the LIKE tab and we have Just Gotten One More Step Closer.

Thank You!

Awesome Headshots Actor & Model Promo Video

2010-10-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

San Ramon Photography Business Promo Video

2010-09-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

Why Choose a Professional Headshot Photographer

2010-08-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

Looking for acting jobs in TV, film or theatre? Then you need theright professionals to help you get there.

Your headshot is the first impression you make on those who can hire you. So why wouldn’t you get your Headshots from a professional Headshot Photographer?

Just like you wouldn’t got to a doctor to fix a legal issue or a car mechanic to build your home, you want to go to the right kind of photographer for your headshots. This is not to imply that other photographers aren’t good at their specialties, just not every photographer will give you photos appropriate for industry accepted headshots. Someone who specializes in headshot photography will be more efficient and will generally cost you less in the long run by helping you get the right photos the first time.

These are some other types of photographers who may be professionals in their specialties, but not necessarily who you want to go to for your headshots. Some photographers may overlap specialties, but if headshots aren’t listed near the top of their list, maybe you want to consider someone else.

For your reference, here are 2 types of good photographers and why these photos might not be helpful in getting you acting jobs.

Event Photographers

Wedding photographers, convention photographers, sports photographers who specialize in these and other events are experts at capturing images that portray glamour of a special occasion or capture the essence of live events or catalogue participants or capture movement and excitement of a sporting event. Each is a specific specialty. Some specialize in specific niches within different types of events. You may have a great photo of your child’s sports team. Buy lots of them for you photo album and family members. Keep one available if a casting needs that particular type of athlete, but don’t use them as headshots.

Mall Photographers

Most shopping mall photographers are franchises. Some have corporate-trained, professional photographers, some do not. They specialize in family or glamour shots. More often than not, they have a variety of backgrounds and props to help set the scene. Headshots require plain backgrounds generally without props or scenes. Some will have very reasonably priced packages for a specific number of prints. Some are very expensive including features seen with portrait photographers. 99% of these photos won’t work as headshots and if you truly want a career, you will not try to use these photos for headshots.

Kids in Front

2010-06-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

A common magnet and resistance of most photographers are kids. Anywhere from a few months to half dozen years. Those candid poses, impromptu smiles, glances of curiosity makes any photographer smile capturing that perfect shot. The knocking over of lights, crying, whaling, temper tantrums and helicopter parents make photographers run. Yet with an equal amount of nays as yeas, something must balance since there are so many professional photographers taking pictures of kids.

I’ve put in some time as a photographer at John Robert Powers and Barbizon School of Modeling to know that kids, like adults need to have that inherent drive to become a model. This is nothing that their parents can instill, it has to and for the money makers does come naturally. There’s a certain camera presence that is triggered as soon as the cameras pointed at them. They find a certain kind if mystique from the person behind the camera. It almost becomes a hide and go seek game to them.

Kids, unlike adults have a narrow marketing range and short expiration. Child models need to update their comp cards once every 3-4 months, whereas adults maybe once a year at a good rate.

A few good tips I like to give parents before the shoot is make their kids feel as if this is a treat. After all, it’s the parents money being spent on the photo shoot. Schedule the shoot at the kids mellow time of day. Bring a few of the kids favorite toys or security items such as a blanket, doll or teddy bear. During the photo shoot, gradually make your way out of the studio so it becomes more one on one with the photographer and the kid, yet staying with in earshot with occasional glances of the shoot. Ask the photographer for references of people he/she has worked with. Lastly, keep the part about being a treat for your kid real. Make it a special day that you will have some great memories.

Fashion Forward

2010-05-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

In a slow economy, fashion is one of the first thoughts to be lost from your what to spend my money on list. Yet, fashion magazines are still the strongest types of publications sold on newsstands. Whether you call it dreaming or planning for when you have a better financial platform to stand, fashion is still there.

As a photographer I have been receiving a plethora of fashion photo assignments ranging from fashion shows to magazine ads. The majority of these requests have been from new and start-up clothing designers specializing in everything from boxers to cocktail dresses. Working with a start-up forms the challenge of budget. Mainly of me getting paid. The term “day rate” takes on a whole new meaning, however in an entrepreneurial world I need to keep my options open and accept the occasional lower than normal check. Aside from the positive payback, the relationship can be extra rewarding knowing that I was there at their conception of the company.

Fashion designers, with the exception of the majors, have an extremely low life expectancy. One years fashion is next years so last year. Keeping up with trends, colors, styles, textures, bling, not to mention celebrity wearers of your brand can put you out of business before your clothes get shipped.

Fashion designers need to find a new way of thinking. Out of the box works, however “Beyond The Box” is where effectiveness becomes visible. What will be in the shelf next week or month?

Fashion shows provide a quick fix to show your product to potential Designers produce their shows as theatrical productions with elaborate sets and added elements such as house music and dramatic lights, inclusive of the energy from the photographers rapid flashes.

SENIOR PORTRAITS

2010-02-26T14:10:00.000-08:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

♥ VALENTINES DAY SPECIAL ♥

2010-01-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

View our Latest Valentines Day Special!

Two for only $200.00

Two People (One Couple),
One Hour in Front of Camera,
50 Pictures on CD or Web link,
You Pick 4 Pictures to be Professionally Touched-up,
You Pick 2 Pictures to be Printed on 5X7 or smaller.

This expires 2/15/10

Marketing Through Your Profile Picture

2009-12-03T17:05:00.000-08:00

In an earlier post, I yammered about Executive and Business Portraits, comparing different industries to different types of Portraits. Notwithstanding the need for an updated Profile Portrait, I would like to point out a few specifics on WHY you should update your Business Profile Portrait on a regular basis.

I can’t tell you how many times my phone rings and there’s a business professional on the other end sighing about how they NEED a picture for their online profile or business Website. It’s probably the sane sigh dental receptionists hear before taking an appointment. After a few minutes on the phone, I can change any businesspersons reluctance and actually get them looking forward to the photo shoot.

Obviously your current picture is not representing you to your standards today. Sure, maybe a few years (decades) ago it was perfect for your Spouses desk, but you’ve changed and updating your picture with whom you have become is as important as your accomplishments. Marketing yourself is just as significant as marketing your company. Potential customers need to see what the person looks like. It’s really not that bad, if you do it right.

Here are 10 signs you need an updated Business Profile Portrait.

If your current picture gets whistles from construction workers but glares by Human Resources, it’s time to update your business profile portrait.
If your clients email ends with “is that you?”, it’s time to update your business profile portrait.
If you constantly hear “love your dog”, it’s time to update your business profile portrait.
If your using a wedding picture with your significant other cut out, it’s time to update your business profile portrait.
If people you meet say “wow, you do have a nice smile”, it’s time to update your business profile portrait.
If you’re with a client and they ask how Cabo was, it’s time to update your business profile portrait.
If your temp says “cool, I see from your dark blurry picture your Goth too”, it’s time to update your business profile portrait.
If your DMV picture looks better than your current business profile picture, it’s time to update your business profile portrait.
If the shirt your wearing in your current business profile picture references Heineken or the numbers 4:20, it’s time to update your business profile portrait.
If your business profile picture is a blank space that reads “upload picture here”, it’s time to update your business profile portrait.

Now go off and get that Business Profile Portrait Updated and save the sighs for your Dentists Receptionist.

Keep Smiling

2009-11-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

One of the modeling industries best kept secrets to a good headshot or portrait is to keep smiling. Even if the photographer says, “don’t smile” or “smile, but no teeth”, you still want to feel and express as if you’re smiling. It’s called Smiling From the Inside. Expressing a persona of happiness, good mood, friendly demeanor, free spirit will come through on the picture. Regardless of your present mood or state of mind, if the camera can see though your annoyance, be assured the viewer of the picture will. As Ansel Adams once said, “there are at least two people in every picture, the person who took the picture and the person looking at the picture”.

An easy way to keep that inner smile obvious thouh your photo shoot is to think of the last thing that brought you complacency. It could be as simple as that delicious sandwich you just had for lunch or that awesome trip to the Bahamas you just took. Regardless of what it is, make it the most recent occurrence to keep it as clear as possible. Once there, find things around your location that might remind you of that time, such as the photographer’s shirt or the shoes you’re wearing. Expel all negative or downer thoughts. Keep your mind clear and focused on smiling on the inside.

If you’re having trouble reaching the inner smile, ask to take a few minutes to gather your frame of mind. Any photographer worth his/her weight in gold will understand and try to help you with this process.

Don’t expect the photographer to be a comedian and make you smile. True, most photographers can come up with a few humorous situations that will make you smile, but it’s your picture and you really want to make your best impression. Coming prepared with a funny joke list or a few pictures can be a great smile booster as well.

Dating Portraits 1A

2009-07-31T11:58:00.000-07:00

True, the world is getting smaller with the Internet, however this leads to more ways to find the right person if you do it right. Bars and singles clubs are still the easiest, but less than practical. Video dating services have become a thing of the past. The Craigslists and Match.com’s of the world are great places to put up a single personal profile in hopes of catching that right persons eye. Unfortunately, society is shallower than ever. A few paragraphs of who you are and what you aspire to become just wont catch the average single person’s interest. The first thing most seeking singles look at is the picture. Once the look test has agreed or disagreed with them, then they’ll take their time to read the few paragraphs r move on to the next person.

Good dating coaches are internet savvy these days. On a recent episode of the Rachael Ray TV show, dating coach DeAnna Lorraine explained five important dating profile make-over tips that can improve your profile and get the attention of the right person.

DeAnna's Profile Tips

Did you know that more people today meet online than anywhere else? True love could be just a click away for you, but first you need an online profile that will attract Mr. (or Mrs.) Right. "It really is all about the profile," says online dating expert DeAnna

Lorraine. "If you have a bad profile, it could be costing you so many dates." Coul

d that be the problem for 31-year-old Katie? DeAnna steps in to find out and to share her tips.

• Choose photos that show off your best assets. Katie had her hair pulled back in her main profile photo and she was wearing a frumpy, dark turtleneck. DeAnna switches it to a photo that highlights her beautiful red curly hair and smile.

• Don't send the wrong message. Katie included photos of herself in a wedding party and holding a baby -- both of which could be off-putting to some men who might interpret that she is desperate to beat her biological clock or dying to settle down.

• Show off your personality. Make sure your photo shows something about who you are. For example, if you love the outdoors or traveling, let your personality come through with a fun photo from your last hiking trip or vacation.

• Headlines should be short and simple. Katie's original headline read like a boring laundry list of qualities she was looking for in a match. DeAnna revises it to be shorter, sweeter, and enticing: "Anyone up for some wild ringlets and fine wine?"

• Avoid being negative. Katie posted that her job was very demanding, which DeAnna suggests could be a turn-off. DeAnna suggests that men would be attracted to a woman who's passionate about her job, so she helps Katie reword her post to convey more energy and enthusiasm.

• Be persistent. It's easy to get discouraged after a bad experience with Internet dating. But it can take time! So be committed and put the necessary time and effort into it.

One of the best tips DeAnna provides is put up a good picture of yourself. Easier said than done. Where do you go to find a good dating portrait photographer? Awesome Headshots, the featured dating headshot and portrait photographer in Northern California for Match.com, eHarmony, Look Better Online and Dating Headshots delivers amazing results. Here’s what a few of his single dating clients have said about Awesome Headshots:

“He was very encouraging and kept the pace going so I felt comfortable and at ease”. - Bette

“Craig was good at making me feel comfortable with the process”. - Michelle

“He kicked ass”. - Wilson

"Craig is the best. He is professional but also very personable. I don't usually like having my pictures taken but he made the whole experience fun and exciting. I was comfortable with him right away as if he was an old friend". - Pamela

"Craig was WONDERFUL. He made the photographic session light hearted and fun. I was very, very pleased with the work he did." - Lynn

So what’s stopping you from making that perfect online profile? Contact Awesome Headshots today and take the first step in finding that perfect match.

A Great Place to fin Dating Photographers

2009-07-30T16:10:00.000-07:00

This is one of the best Dating Photographer referral sites. Look Better Online not only provides professional photographers, but will help you write a perfect bio.

Business Portraits 1A

2009-06-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

In today's competitive business market and the use of Twitter and Face Books, reaching a broader audience is easier than ever. Just one click of a mouse and you're reaching thousands of eyes. Key words and direct product information is paramount to your customers. However customers also want to visualize who you are and what the person who they'll be throwing their hard earned money looks like.

This is where having a visible-dynamic business portrait is more important than ever. This small investment provides potential customers who have already be driven to your product via the Internet get a comfortable idea of who you are.

Weather it's for a small business site, Realtor business card or a Fortune 500 companies annual report, bringing your confidence and presence to the forefront makes perfect marketing sense.

How does having my picture of me on the Internet make a difference in my business? Simple. It puts a person behind the product. It shows you're real and you are using the Internet as a media to drive business in our direction, not hide behind its anonymity.

What kind of picture to customers prefer? That depends on your key audience. If you're local to the West Coast or only attract customers close to your proximity a business look with or without a tie is perfect. If you're more global and seeking customers internationally, a more conservative look with a tie or business suit is preferred.

The three tier-dress method works well for IT and software professionals. Casual with a nice smile and friendly pose for employees. Casual with a sports coat for middle management and the classic suit and tie or non-revealing business suit for the executives. Dark colors are always preferred since the focus is on you-the person not your clothes.

For real estate, mortgage and banking professionals the classic business look works great, but outdoors. This adds a natural element to your picture, extracting stuffiness that is stereo-typical in those fields. Most realtor pictures are taken in front of a home, adding that one more edge to the Realtors confidence.

Portraits for professionals in the graphic arts and design fields have better results with casual attire and a relaxed smile. This ensures clients that not only are you easy going, but serious about presenting your best quality to your clients.

Professional camera ready make-up is always preferred for Women and a good idea for Men as well. This make-up is to be worn on top of daily wear make-up and extenuates your natural features. By adding to your lips, eyes and cheeks, camera ready make-up will make the picture pop to give you and added edge above your competition. The make-up usually takes 30-minutes for Women and about 10-minutes for Men. Presently our studio uses Brunni Cosmetics who receives rave reviews from all of our clients she works with.

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Awesome Headshots

2009-06-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

Headshots 1A

2009-06-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

With recent changes in the main stream job market, it's no wonder Hollywood is tightening their proverbial belt. due to the thinning number of movie investors and moreover lack of bank funding for movie productions. Tighter budgets lead to paying actors less and less for performances that would have landed them 3-4 times that amount in 2005. Additionally, judging by most economic barometers, the film and motion picture industry has no immediate relief any time soon.

This is where having a dynamic headshot is more crucial than ever. Casting directors need to be more frugal and picky when choosing an actor. One wrong cast could mean their reputation and career in the industry. You think finding an admin position at a fortune 500 company is tough? Try shopping your resume as an out of work casting director and count the number tumbleweeds that roll by. The trickle down effect here goes to the actors themselves. Notice how many familiar faces you'll see acting in promo and commercial work. "Hey, that was that guy from that show we loved".

So how do you get the parts? Networking with casting agencies is a great start. Updating your headshot is a great start as well. Providing a casting agent with an old, outdated or non-flattering headshot is the fast track to no call back.

I see more and more out of work actors marketing themselves during the industries down time than ever before. The amount of updated headshots, comp cards and zed cards have quadrupled over the last 9-months.

This is where finding a good headshot photographer is relevant. Apart from using a badly cropped wedding picture, your best foot has to be put forward. This includes Google searches and local searches on headshot photographers in your area. Most close

metro areas have a good selection to choose from.

But what to look for. There are several variables to add in your search criteria. The first being does the photographer have a good portfolio. Not a cool Myspace page but an actual link that is the photographers company or name. Then look at their work t

o determine if this photographer has

done headshots before and if they have a good amount of samples in their portfolio.

Once you've found 2-3 that meet your criteria, check for their prices. An average headshot photo session should cost between $150.00 and $350.00 including prints, CD and at least 25-pictures to make your selection from.

Your next step is to call and talk with the photographer. This is one of the most important steps since communication between you and the person who'll be taking your picture is paramount. Getting a good vibe and being engaged in the conversation is what should happen. If the photographer seems as if they're timing you or distracted, chances are that's how

they'll be in the studio.

There's no such thing as a stupid question. Only stupid answers and vague responses. If you feel either uncomfortable or the photographer has money on the mind and not your best interest, go to the next photographer. Be picky and be persistent with your questions.

A casting director or model agency's not going to look at the "quality" of the photograph or the photographers portfolio. They'll call you based on what they see in front of them.

Making a small investment in a headshot is highly recommended by casting directors, modeling agencies and industry professionals.

Resources 1A

2009-06-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

Resources 1A

There are several good resources to find modeling and acting jobs. One of the best resources on the net is Craigslist. This covers most cities with audition and casting information. Below is a short list of modeling and acting resources. Please visit the sites with caution. This will help ensure you’re not jumping the gun with your Amex.

Headshot Printers

www.reproductions.com

Casting Agents

www.playersdirectory.com

www.actorsaccess.com

www.sfactingacademy.com

Unions

www.aftra.org