Hi, all. Just wanted to get some ideas... What's the best way to go about choosing a photographer? If they have great photos in their books, but seem a bit cold and disinterested in the whole process, should you just cough up the money or should you go find someone elsE?

You might want to read a previous thread on this same topic, below: "SEEKING A GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER," posted by bertoltbrecht.

And by all means, be sure to check out the online Headshot Photographers Directory, at www.reproductions.com. Highly recommended.

"Whatever works."

www.robertkim.com

Hi Sarah Lovely,


Here is a list of points that will help you find the right person.


1. Determine your budget. You do not have to spend big bucks to get great headshots.

2. Ask fellow actors to see their headshots. Here you have the immediate comparison between the person and the headshot, and you can see if you like the style of the photographer.

3. Weigh in what kind of career you are heading for. TV? Film? Theater? If you are heading for more complex and bigger parts, look for someone who can do great character headshots, and who doesn't just go for the looks.

4. The reproductions website is a classic.

5. When you look at the photographer websites, I recommend turning off the music, if there is one, and the sound effects. There are also other marketing methods, that can trick an actor, like before-after comparison, similar to those for diets.

Marketing and advertisement is strong in photography like in every other business, and you need to make sure you get what you want, not what someone wants to talk you into.

Give yourself time to look at the photos without distraction.

If you have an older CRT display (tube display) or a cheap office quality LCD display, these displays may not give a good impression of the photos. Especially older CRTs can have terrible tints.

In such a case, go to a friend with a good monitor. Or you can go to reproductions. I'm here in LA, but people use the Apple iMacs here if they don't have good displays on their own.

6. Talk to the photographer in person. Don't just sign up over the internet.

How responsive is he? Do you feel you could connect? It is very important to connect well to a photographer, because only then you will be able to create a good session, which is teamwork similar to the one between an actor and a director.

7. Ask about the process the photographer has. An actor has a process to create his/her roles, and so has the photographer to get good performances out of an actor.

Do your ideas match?

8. Has the photographer the modesty to step back and let the actor be the number one?

There are big egos in this business, and it can be an unpleasant experience.

9. Boil your research down to a final of approximately three photographers. Bookmark their portfolios.

10. Let a little time go by and return. Look at the images again. Is your favorite still your favorite, or was is just flashiness that attracted you in the first place? How much character do the pictures have? Is the character of the actors well displayed, or tinted over with a loud photographing style?

In an EVER MORE COMPETITIVE film and theater world you need to show what makes you special, not what makes you look like everybody else.

11. Consult friends. Go through your favorites with them, again, with all music, sound effects, marketing tools off.

Better even if they look at those shots twice, too to let it sink in.

You can also ask your acting teacher. Acting teachers usually have a very good feel for their students, and they have seen it all regarding headshots and can't easily be fooled.

Again: take your time.

12. Is the photographer shooting RAW or JPEG? Those are two file formats, and jpegs get compressed in camera, and most information gets thrown away there. This makes for less ideal skin tones.

Also, JPEGs are quicker to work with, but that's not in the actor's favor.

RAW allows for more specific adjustment of light and color, fitting your type.

It is much more work intensive, so not every photographer uses it, but it is a highly superior format to work in.

But, subconsciously, all images elements work together to create an image of a character. Not only the quickly visible graphic composition or an eye catching style of lighting.

14. Don't rush. Headshots don't get you a part, but they are an important tool that work as your messenger.

Don't take overnight service for a service (except in emergencies, of course). Look for individual attention.

Give your photographer time to work on the images in several stages to fine tune them.

The interpretation of a shot image can be compared with the interpretation of a role. You don't go in with a fixed idea in your head, but try out, what gets this particular character to come out best, color and contrast and light quality, color temperature, etc...

(Every photographer can offer you emergency service. But don't look for it in the first place to get it done quickly. You want to be GIVEN TIME!).

There are many, many photographers in New York, and it will take you a while so you get the eye for it. But then you will know what you need.

More than in most other businesses you can find excellent quality at moderate prices if you take yourself time to look.

You don't need to pay big bucks.

You can get fantastic shots with a sharp, rising talent, who responds more direct to what is going on in the acting world out there RIGHT NOW.

Good luck for your career and your photographer search.

Finding a good photographer can be summed up in three words: COMPARE, COMPARE, COMPARE.

Although things like personal recommendations are always valuable, even the most sincere and well-meaning of them often know less about what constitutes great photography than you do. That's why the personal consultation is so vitally important.

The reason I always recommend sites like www.reproductions.com is that every important headshot professional is listed in a single directory, helping to narrow down a dizzying array of photographers into something much more manageable -- quickly and easily. That's what makes the Internet such a powerful research tool, and the Directory such an invaluable resource.

Testimonials and letters from satisfied customers are always welcomed, but are of no real value unless those sentiments are expressed by recognized industry professionals (I actually know of a top NYC photographer who still uses a glowing website endorsement of her work from... her mother. Not exactly the most neutral judge of quality, service or professionalism).

A note on websites: Any working professional is capable of putting enough decent pictures together on his site to make a reasonable sales presentation. In my opinion, that's why a personal viewing of a photographer's entire portfolio is absolutely mandatory. A COUPLE OF GREAT HEADSHOTS DOES NOT A GREAT HEADSHOT PHOTGRAPHER MAKE. A thin portfolio or weak website are the same as a thin acting resume -- not a good indication of a photographer's level of skill or experience. Ask to see a large amount of work, consisting of an equally large amount of characters, types and styles. And by all means, beware of "cookie cutter" photography! Those kinds of low-cost, assembly line headshots are okay for high school yearbooks, but not for a field as intensely competitive as the entertainment industry.

This topic has already been beat to death, I'm out.

"Whatever works."

www.robertkim.com

Just make sure you get a decent character. There are quite a few obsessive-compulsive charcters in that field.

I'm in advertising in my dayjob life, and I can tell you: advertising pays much, much more than doing headshots. Some of these guys can't make it into the advertising world, even though they want to, and that makes them kind of mean or frustrated.

Get someone who loves doing portraits, not someone who has personality problems.

Ah yes, and no wannabe slick advertising style. If it's too slick, your personality won't stick. Like ironed all over you.

some quieter style.

Great answers with a lot of good advice. It may be important to meet the photographer -- in person, or by phone -- to get a sense of who they are. You need to feel comfortable with the photographer in order to get a good picture.

Lots of photographers have good equipment and understand lighting. You should choose one who makes you feel comfortable.

Good luck!

Ron

Robert Wilde's post hits it on all points. My only addition -- for the sake of emphasis -- would be that you should pick a photographer who creates a comfortable working environment for you. If you get a sense that they are poor at relating or you just don't hit it off, no amount of technical expertise or equipment will overcome that.

If you're not able to give yourself over to the process in their presence and have fun with the shoot, the tension will come across in your shots, stealing the vitality from them.

If you've not shot yet, good luck!

- jim

Jim Lafferty Photography
New York Headshots