So I ran this special on Headshots… And what an interesting Summer it has been.

Children and Youth Headshots

Working with children is almost always a toss of the dice as to how it’s all going to turn out, but one thing for sure is, that they are generally easier to photograph than their adult counterparts. Because it was summer and the economy is slow I decided I’d run a headshot special… Basically cut the price in half for a one “look” headshot session. The unexpected result was that I photographed a lot of kids over the past several weeks… Basically it was a whole lot of work for very little money but had I not done this I think I would have missed the oportunity to meet some really special people.

Youth Commercial Headshot | Ventura County, California.

After many years of photographing people it is rare that I will see an do a shoot that leaves me awestruck… This was one of those rare moments, aside from being very comfortable in front of the camera this girl has this… This look… I honestly would have shot all day just because.

Youth Actress and Model Aroura's Headshot

It seems that kids for the most part have not developed that whole pseudo reality self image thing that gets put on when you point a camera at actors and other entertainers, what you see it pretty much what you get, and for headshot photography that is the whole point… An image that conveys your “look”  and personality… Not contrived…  Headshots are supposed to look and be as natural as rain and so far I have never had to tell someone under the age of 16 to “just act natural”.

Child actor's Headshot | Not really acting at all.

New Information ABout Headshots

The only thing constant is change so here are a few new things about the industry standard for headhots and submissions that this past few months have brought to light. Most of it is nothing new but some is worth reiterating.

Printing Headshots: Matte/Pearl is better than glossy. Indoor lighting  glares off of glossy prints making it difficult for agents and casting directors to see. The Standard is still 8X10 and in portrait orentation, anything bigger or smaller or just too creative will be tossed in the circular file.

Headshot Looks: You want 3-4 general Looks that can suggest multiple roles or essences. Example of this are a business suit can suggest a detective, lawyer  secretary, business person,  a more casual look (jeans and t-shirt) can suggest high school or college student, blue collar worker.  Upscale casual dress (collar, slacks loose tie) can suggest young parent, preppy, white collar…  But you Do Not want character shots that is to say literally dressed for a roll like a fireman, surgeon or police officer’s costume and the like… This will only get the Casting Agents or Directors rolling on the floor LMAO over what kind of a rube would submit these.

If you want to be Cast, you NEED PROFESSIONAL headshots. For every cheapskate entertainer out there, there are100′s seriously investing in a career. Almost half of the shoots I did in 2010 and so far in 2011 have been “re-shoots” for aspiring actors who’s headshots were rejected by prospective agents.

 More information about Children’s (5 to 16 years) Youth (16 to 21 years) and Adult theatrical / commercial headshot photography and booking a shoot can be found here: Headshot Photographer Ventura, SantaBarbara and Los Angeles. Information about Headshot prices and current special deals can be found here:  Headshot Photographer in Ventura Prices

Children in the Entertainment Industry

I’ve harped on this subject sine the beginning of time and I see no reason to stop now… Media and the entertainment industry is whacked… Always has been and always will be. Casting calls are a grind, competition is in a word savage the hours are odd and many of the people are as well. I met a lot of good Kids this summer and thankfully a lot of good parents, it is very important to have a supportive family but be sure that your child is doing what they want and having a good time at it.