Headshots in Los Angeles

So many options in Los Angeles when it comes to headshots! What is the most important things to look for? Well, coming from someone who has been acting for 10 years, a member SAG for 7 years, and shooting for 17 years, there are a handful a must-knows to avoid having to learn the hard way.

1) Never pay less than $125 for headshots (unless your buddy's the photographer and he/she's cutting you a deal or something) because 90% of the time this low price is an indication of the quality/expertise you're getting.

2) Never pay more than $450 for headshots (unless the photographer is Annie Leibovits or something or this price includes a package other than just the images) because you are just being taken advantage of, bottom line.

3) There's a reasonable range in between that is fair and is based on quality, photographer skill, style, equipment, etc.

4) You should never need excessive make-up for actor headshots. These are NOT glamour shots! Casting directors, producers, directors, etc have no desire to see you candied up like a China doll with a warm glow all around you!!! They want to see you at your best, but exactly as you are! Be yourself!!! Women, wear the make-up that you would normally wear if you were going on a nice date (not clubbing). Guys, you shouldn't really need any make-up at all (unless you have oily skin, in which case you can use a blotting tissue or whatever).

5) Look for a photographer who doesn't charge for every little thing. My philosophy is "keep it simple". Some photographers charge extra for each "look" etc. It's much easier if the photographer just has an inclusive package that is simple, not confusing, and covers most or all of what you need in one price.

6) You should always get your images and have full rights to them! The days of the photographer hoarding over your images and charging for them is over! You should get them on disc for you to use as you like.

7) Depending on the price of the package, you often get an image or two retouched included. If not, it shouldn't cost you more than $35 or so to have an image retouched. Many reproduction companies charge up to $45. I advise having it done by the photographer.

8) Finally, don't be afraid to wear color! The days of black & white are long gone with headshots and so are the days of NO RED , BLACK, or WHITE. It all depends on the lighting and background that the photographer is using. I prefer natural light. Colorful clothing is good because it draws casting directors, etc to your image! When they are looking through hundreds of images per day (or even, per page online) the ones that stand out will be the ones that have color and draw their attention to them.

Well, I hope this helps! Hopefully it saves you a lot of money, time, and heartache! Happy hunting and break a leg!!!

Sincerely, Josh James

www.joshjamesphotography.com

A lot of actors think that lots of make-up is necessary for good headshots. This simply is not the case. Often times a photographer pairs up with a friend or even a spouse that does make-up and/or hair, then they can profit even more from the client. Not that this is always the case at all, but it happens a lot. If the photographer is using soft, ambient, natural, light, then all this make-up is not needed and you, the actor/model can save yourself a significant amount of money! For women, you're usual eye shadow, mascara, blush, and lipstick will do. For guys, you don't need anything unless you tend to have a naturally oily complexion. In that case some blotting tissues will suffice. A model fashion/editorial shoot or a glamour shoot is a whole other story. Don't confuse the two, as many people do.  Happy shooting and remember to check out   www.joshjamesphotography.com  for all your photography needs!

Hey all you photography and art lovers. Hope you get a chance to check out my work. You can always go to www.joshjamesphotography.com to see more!!!

If you're looking to give your acting career a jump-start, you need some great headshots to get you in the door. First impressions are important and when your image shows up in front of that agent, casting director, producer, or director, it has to capture you at your best! There's no better time than now to get some shots that POP! For top-quality headshots at very competitive rates or even model portfolio shots, check out www.joshjamesphotography.com

Headshots: It's all about quality!!!

Hello to all you actors and models interested in getting quality professional headshots and/or model portfolio images!  It's more important than ever to have sharp, colorful, stunning images to get you those jobs you're looking for! Don't settle for second-rate "okay" headshots or portfolio shots that look like your mom took with her point-and-shoot camera! If you want to book that show, that film, that commercial, or even that three page layout in Vogue, then you need to start with some rockin shots that show what you got!

Check out my website: www.joshjamesphotography.com     (click on the "contact & info" tab for more info)