okay, so what about this photographer?


http://www.michelelobosco.com/headshots

NO!

Hey Ipenn, I do not like to criticize another photographers work, so I will not here. I see passion in her work, and with that she will grow and continue on the path to creating higher quality images. But I will say that at the price point that Michele is offering you should be able to get a higher quality headshot. Lastly, the issue here is you investing in a quality headshot, that can assist you in opening new doors in your career.

Ipenn, you're in LA. I suggest visiting Reproductions on Cahuenga and Argentum on Sunset and asking them who the top 10 photographers have been over the last year or so. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean they are the best, but it means they are the busiest at least at those locations.
Ask to look at their books. Reproductions has a massive list of photographers. Which ones grab YOUR eye, your attention, and then follow up with those photographers.
You don't have to break the bank (Theo and Juliet are up to and over a grand all in, but they get a lot of actors work), but you don't want to cut corners. Your headshot is the best tool in your career that you have control over.
Plus, I don't actually know YOU and what your essence is or the type you play, but certain photographers work well with different types (Vanie Poyey is great with character actors, for example).
Just my two cents, as always.

Ipenn, what is your budget? have you thought of doing some TFP?

check out this post by Maemidewest

http://bbs.backstage.com/group.../8011031/m/831103144

she posts photos on this forum that she does for fun and she has gotten some good response. By practicing the way she does she is:

1. mentally training herself to perform comfortably in front of camera

2. learning her strengths on camera

3. and when she is ready to shoot high end, well produced headshots, she's gonna nail it big time.

all of her effort will open doors for her and as far as I can tell, most of everything she posts here is TFP... something to think about.

its super easy for someone to buy a camera, shoot a bunch of their friends and put up a website. As long as their prices reflect their experience and reflect the performance of the work (opening doors for their clients) then cool. but if you're looking for good headshots 90% of headshot photographers are at the same level, it comes down to your abilities and talent.

yes, I do tons of TFP. and this photographer would have been TFP also. but I am over that, yes I was trying to cut corners and not pay anything.

are you going to also try cutting corners when it comes to acting classes?

you may want to watch this video by CEO and founder of Argentum, Ajay Jhaveri:

http://vimeopro.com/headshotcafe/ajay-jhaveri

quote:

Originally posted by lpenn:
yes, I do tons of TFP. and this photographer would have been TFP also. but I am over that, yes I was trying to cut corners and not pay anything.

If you're serious about acting as a career, cutting corners on your headshot is a risky proposition. You only get one chance to make a great first impression, and without a great headshot, you're not going to get the auditions you want (and deserve). With a TFP shot from a new photographer, you might get a great shot. But you're more likely to get an average shot that fails to stand out in the crowd. And seeing as you're in LA, there's a big crowd in which you're trying to stand out.

I disagree with anyone that says do a "TFP" -- you'll just be wasting time, and money.

This photographer has problems bringing out expression through her subjects, so I'd suggest digging around and find a photographer who has more experience working with actors (and see their portfolio for proof).

My 2c,

TFP means no money, its a trade... waste of time, who knows... waste of money, probably not.

anyways, I was thinking about you today and maybe you're trying to cut corners because you have a little hustle in you... you certainly have no issue sharing that on this board, even though you are anonymous... maybe you have that drive to do what it takes, I don't know your money situation and sometimes you have to do what it takes... if so, go get em!