quote:

Originally posted by Cassidy DuHon :: Juice Imagery:
My argument is presented above, so I won't bother to restate it to rebut, though I do think all the counter examples mentioned seem a bit more extreme than the discussion at hand.

Here's the thing: I have no problem with any photographer discouraging the use of alcohol, when asked by clients. A photographer should always give his truthful professional opinion when asked directly. (Though obviously, I disagree with Robert Kim on this one.)

However, after giving that opinion, clients should be allowed some personal leeway. Though I'm fully capable of helping people relax and feel comfortable on set, it's not the photographer's job to dictate exactly how and actor should or should not relax and feel comfortable.

Actors are in difficult on-set situations all of the time, and their ability to feel comfortable is crucial to their job performance. Because of that, most decent actors have already established ways to relax.

Anyone who's worked with actors before knows, some of these requests are a little weird. I've had clients who've wanted to put their significant other on speaker phone during the shoot, scream off the roof before the shoot, or run around the block once. And yes, a not uncommon request is to have ONE drink before the shoot.

I absolutely refuse the unreasonable ones, and have done so many times. This includes any client attempt to get even remotely smashed.

But my point is, actors are in the business of relaxing in front of a camera. It would be arrogant of me to completely dictate their means of doing so, or assume that my preferences toward on-camera relaxation are ALWAYS better than theirs. Actors are pros too, and part of the headshot business is trusting them to act the part.

quote:

Originally posted by tmb43:
This is a great topic, I never thought this problem existed that consistently, let alone just for a headshot! Isn't that the job of (at least a Film/TV) actor- to have a relationship with the camera? So then why if it makes someone so nervous would they want it as a career? I understand there's pressure, but that goes along with the job description.