Secret Agent Man-
I've decided that I want to get new headshots taken. Is there a certain photographer which you reccommend clients to when they are looking to get headshots taken. I need both commercial and theatrical. I've done research as well and I like Paul Smith (and not because there are celebrites on his website; I like his work). www.Paulsmithphotography.com Would he be someone you would recommend a female client to? If not, could you tell me what about his work or perhaps what I should be looking for in a photographer and some examples of who you think are quite good? Thank you

I never suggest photographers to actors. Everyone is different and a photographer who could be perfect for one actor might not be right for another.

You need to sit down and interview at least three photographers to see who makes you comfortable. Remember, you're hiring someone to provice a service. Check out their work, explain your goals - see who connects with you.

As for the gender issue, that's a personal decision that you need to make. Give some thought to which gender would work best for you.

it puzzles me that sometimes these very same people who says that they have to find a certain photographer to feel comfortable, or how this photgrapher brings it out of you or how you can only feel comfortable with a certain gender of photographer

happens to also call themselves

ACTORS.

Actors who supposed to be professionals in front of camera and audience.

you dont have a choice when it comes down to working, what if you dont "feel comfortable" with the DP ? are you gonna suck ? is your uncomfortableness going to show through your perforamance ?

If so, then you are not an actor, and you should not get headshots done. its a waste of your own money if you cant be comfortable in front of anybody with a still camera.

And it isnt only you, I hear this all the time. Even some photographers use this to jack up their prices..

"I charge 800 dollars as sesson because I can make actors feel comfortable, and I connect with the actors so the photos come out realistic. and thats why I charge 800 dollars"

I say baloney, if you cant be comfortable for just a few photos, then how are you going to make a career out of acting ?

So you pay 800 dollars for headshots that shows you are comfortable, then when you show up for the audition, you look a like freaking out in the video.

you career ends there.

so why take headshots to begin with ?

LEARN TO GET COMFORTABLE with anyone, and not only would you book your jobs, but you can use the 200 dollar photographer and save you tons of dough.

As for the whole gender issue, I think maybe I was misunderstood. I wansn't saying who I would be more comfortable with. I was merely saying that I have noticed some photographer tend to shoot women better and other photograph men better. But obviously yes a photographer that makes you feel more at ease will result in better photos.