Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Want to find a new job? Get Corporate Headshots!



Everybody is talking about credit crunch and many already started feeling its effects. Media all over the world shouting the news about unemployment, crushing businesses, financial market failures, etc. Many had to step up their game and had to rethink their marketing strategies to survive. Therefore, looking good, professional and up-to-date has never been as crucial as it is now.

Businesses have been investing in headshots for a while now as they recognise the need to look professional.

What is a Corporate Headshot?

For those who do not know what a Headshot is: “A headshot is a 10 x 8 (inches) image and is very similar to a portrait or a 'mug shot'. 10 x 8 is a measurement and the size of an image. It commonly includes head & shoulders, and focuses on the face of the person”.

Corporate Headshot is somewhat similar to Actors Headshot but it is done in colour and has to look more natural, showing a person as they are. Men usually are wearing suits and women are dressed smart in an office-like manner.

Corporate Headshot should provide a glimpse into the person’s character and reflect friendly, trustworthy and approachable personality.

Many business professionals and businesses use headshots for: Annual reports, Corporate catalogues and advertising, Company publications and websites, Corporate PR (on and offline), Press Releases, Online catalogue/shop/website, Corporate brochures, Mail Order Catalogues, Marketing Literature and advertisements, Product Packaging.

Headshots are increasingly becoming more important in the business world. Latest developments on the market suggest that many corporate employers nowadays are asking their potential employees to submit their Headshots when they are applying for a job.

Therefore turning to the industry professionals is important. It is true, as we all know that quality matters! Invest in quality and get a better chance of success by attracting more attention of your potential employers and customers.


(c) All rights for this article belong to Headshot London Photography at Portrait Photographers
(Any copying or distribution unauthorised by the owner is strictly prohibited)

Friday, November 28, 2008

Getting Ready for your Fashion / Modelling Photo shoot




So, you are going for your first fashion photo shoot or shoot for modelling portfolio and perhaps not sure what to do or expect. Have a read though our tips and hopefully they will help you to get the best results.

First thing to remember is - unless you have been modelling for many years it is not so easy at first to relax, feel comfortable and give your best in front of the camera. If you know the photographer already and like his/her personality then it will take less time for you to relax. It is therefore important that you meet or have a good chat with them beforehand. We usually recommend that you book at least one and a half hours because of the time it takes to ‘warm up’ on camera even after you have built a rapport with the photographer.


Second, if you have a specific style of photography in mind, such as photojournalistic, glamour, beauty, etc., make sure that the photographer you are going to be shooting with understands what your requirements are. Sending a few pictures that inspired you for the photo shoot in the first place could be a good idea too. If you are not sure what you want and it is a great set of pictures you are after, then make sure that you like your chosen photographer’s portfolio and the style of shooting.


Third it is therefore very important to choose the right photographer for you! Make sure you have a look at their portfolio beforehand and like the styles of photography they are offering.

Fourth, is making sure that you bring the right style and amount of clothing with you. It is hard to say what style is the best for the photo shoot. The clothes should generally fit you well and not be two sizes bigger (unless that is the look you want). Try all of the sets at home before the photo shoot and if not sure ask your friends for their opinion. Three or four sets should be enough. If you still not sure about your choices, then do not worry, as a good photographer should be able to direct you and help you with the styling. Taking a few extra pieces of clothes with you that you are not sure about could be a good idea. Top tip: Accessories can make a dull shot look great!

Fifth is the makeup and hair styling. Have a chat with the photographer and see if they have makeup artists available. If you do not know how to apply makeup, do not avoid hiring someone to do it for you. Generally, makeup artists also do hair. Styling is one of the most important things on the photo shoot! Think about it if on a budget or hire the right people to bring it all together for you.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

Headshot London Photography
Fashion Photographers
Tel: 07940 444 641


(c) All rights for this article belong to Headshot London Photography at Portrait Photographers
(Any copying or distribution unauthorised by the owner is strictly prohibited)

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Should they kill a dream to line their pockets?




















If you are an aspiring model, then read on and we hope that our advice will help you in the future.

We do not want to join the ranks of photographers who happily mislead young wannabe models by implying that they need a professional modelling portfolio before they go to an agency. Those portfolio shoots could cost between £600 and £2500, lining the pockets of photographers who prey on the uninformed.

Instead we advise:

First - If you are genuinely looking for a modelling agency, you only need a very
simple picture of yourself. Most agencies will accept that if they are interested. All you need to do is take a simple shot professionally or using your own camera and submit it to the agencies of your choice. This is standard practice.

Second - Once an agency signs you — based on your very simple photograph, the agency will send you out to 'test' with their chosen photographers. This will create a portfolio and is standard practice. You therefore will build a portfolio of images free of charge. The photographers get new looks to shoot and you get a shot for the portfolio. It’s been like that for longer than you’ve wanted to be a model!

Our simple advice is to speak to an agency before you approach us or any other photographer. Be careful, look up the model advisory service for your country or area and above all, be realistic. Girls should be at least 5'7" tall and size 8-10 and guys should be at least 6’ tall if you’re looking for a role in fashion. If you can’t find an agency to take you on, it might be that you are chasing a dream and spending more money on portfolios, will not help.

Useful websites for aspiring models:
http://www.starnow.co.uk
http://www.modelmayhem.com

Here you could find many aspiring and established models together with photographers, stylists and make up artists who collaborate and create beautiful photography. The sites also offer you plenty of advice.

For more information about certain type of photography please visit:

- London Photographers
- Actors Headshots
- Fashion Photographers
- Modelling Portfolios
- Beauty Photographers


(c) All rights for this article belong to Headshot London Photography at Portrait Photographers
(Any copying or distribution unauthorised by the owner is strictly prohibited)

Sunday, April 6, 2008

So what is a headshot? How much does it cost?






This article explains what the actors’ headshot is and how much it could cost.


What is a headshot?

A headshot is a 10 x 8 (inches) image and is very similar to a portrait or a 'mug shot'. 10 x 8 is a measurement and the size of an image. It commonly includes head & shoulders, and focuses on the face of the person.

10 x 8 headshots are effectively a resume for actors and performers who present it to potential employers and casting directors. Casting directors then decide if that person is right for the particular role.

Actors’ headshots In the UK are traditionally black and white as originally they were photographed in B&W film. In USA on the other hand, headshots are mostly done in colour. Therefore, if you are travelling to USA for a casting, make sure you have a copy of your headshot in colour; or if you are about to have a photography session then let your photographer know which market your headshot is for.


There are two commonly known types of headshots for Actors and Performers:

+ Commercial – typically (not always) has the person smiling and projects warmth and friendliness. Those headshots are often used for commercial and advertising work. However, some actors also display them online next to their theatrical headshot.

+Theatrical – usually serious, focused and actors are NOT smiling.


Advise:

Good headshot should reflect person’s qualities and show their exact age, hair style and colour, etc., i.e. should be natural and reflecting person’s current look. Therefore, if you have had a hair cut or coloured your hair then you need a new headshot. Headshots normally need to be updated around every 2 years.

Headshot should invite the viewer in and make them want to know a person better. It should also provide a glimpse into the person’s character or present their potential for the role a casting director is looking to fill. Therefore here it is important to make the first impression count as there will be no second chance to impress your future employer!


What to wear?

Wear something simple and neutral coloured (usually black or white) clothing that does not contain prints. The focus and attention should be emphasised on the face and not the t-shirt with imprinted flowers or palm trees or logos! Try also to avoid materials such as velvet as it absorbs the light and is not visible on the B&W image.


How much does a headshot cost?

Actors’ headshots could cost anything between £60 and £250. Going for the cheapest or the most expensive options may not be the best choices sometimes. There could be possibilities of either not getting a good quality or simply overpaying for the services that could be obtained elsewhere.

Many photographers offer different service packages that may include make-up, hair styling, and an option of costume changes, variations on hours and number of photographs taken. Some photographers also offer cheaper sessions because they shoot from home and do not have large overheads from hiring studios. It is up to an Actor to decide, which option is the most appropriate for them.


Therefore, it could be advised:

Firstly a person planning to do their headshot needs to look at photographer’s portfolio (online or a hard copy) to determine if their style of headshots photography is right for them. It would also help if you like the photographer’s personality. This would help you to relax and give your best in front of the camera. Therefore, it is always helpful to have a chat with your chosen photographer on the phone or in person before the session.

Second, enquire if services such as make-up and a costume change are available. Many photographers collaborate with professional make-up artists that could be hired for an extra fee. However, keep in mind that headshots should look like you and be natural and not over glamorous.

Do not hesitate to contact us for more information

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This acrticle is also featured at http://www.headshotlondon.co.uk/what_is_headshot.html



(c) All rights for this article belong to Headshot London Photography at http://www.headshotlondon.co.uk

(any copying or distribution unauthorised by the owner is strictly prohibited)