Handbook for Actors-Photographs

Introduction

$1000 Contest

Now that you have determined that you truly want to be a star (or at least want to check it out), your first concern should be good photographs. Because young children’s features change so much, if your child is younger than five, it really is not advisable to invest a lot of money in professional photos at this time. Good representative snapshots will do. Your agent just needs to see if you photo well. Hairstyle, weight loss or gain and your agents needs will cause you to take new photos probably within 6 months. If your child is five or older, invest in some good professional photos by someone with experience in photographing children.

Tell the photographer that you need 8x10 glossy photos. For years, the industry practically mandated that your photo (your calling card, so to speak) be black and white head shots. That requirement is no longer the be all, end all; and you and the photographer might want to consider other poses that would display you in a good light as well as color photos. This is your most important tool, and you’ll want to ensure that they are the best they can be.

Select your photographer carefully. (be sure to interview more than one photographer and ask to see samples of work before finally selecting one). Do not use family or friends unless they are experienced, professional photographers of actors/models. Resist using the photographer who did such a beautiful job for your niece’s wedding. Avoid ads from "model" photographers, especially for children. If this is their area of specialty, they wont have to emphasize it, the will have that reputation. You are not looking for "poses".

Do not permit the photographer to talk you into shooting composite photos at this time. Different geographical areas (NY, LA, Orlando, Atlanta, etc) may determine what your photo should look like. When an agency signs you, new photos may be required; and the previous photos will be of no further value (except, perhaps, for holiday cards).

Remember: We repeat, DO NOT shoot your entire portfolio immediately. You will have wasted money when you agent tells you to cut/grow/color your hair or gain or lose weight.

Actors: You want completely natural pictures that will portray your child as "the kid-next-door" that agents are seeking today. Check out trade papers, e.g. "Backstage" or the yellow pages. For Children, ensure that the photographer specializes in child actors and the price they quote is acceptable to you. Make an appointment to see samples of their work and to determine whether or not you feel comfortable with them.

Models: You want several poses. A B&W Head shot. Head & Sholders in color. casual showing personality, formal dressy serious, and swimear if appropriate. Make sure at least one shot is with your hair up showing all your facial features (eyes, nose, ears, mouth) clearly.

You will want to consider a variety of clothing, scenes, etc.; but follow the photographer’s lead. After all, he is the professional. Bring a set of everyday clothes, something sporty, and something a little more dressy for kids. You want to showcase your child, not the outfit. Don’t include jewelry or any exotic clothes that might distract attention away from you. Avoid white and black clothes, eyeglasses, and stage makeup. Make sure your hair, ears and eyes, and teeth show. Stay away from costumes, props, hats, etc.; and avoid very dressy clothes. NEVER wear shades.

Hire a professional to do your hair (and makeup for women), but it should look natural. Do not allow heavy makeup, your clients agents want to see you "raw" so they can see potential for what they need. They should be able to see what they want to create from you, not what your stylist "sees" for you. ***NO MAKEUP for children!

Know how you want your shoot to look before you go. Skim through magazines, catalogs, and portfolios of several photographers. Look at people your same gender around your height age and type or "look". Imitate what you see: poses, mood, wardrobe. Buy new clothes for the shoot. (Its an investment in your career. Dress for success!) Some photographers or agents can pull clothing for a shoot. Check into it before buying.

Be sure to meet with the photographer before the shoot so you can show him your outfits and show some samples of the type of shoot you want. Pick a time and be on time!

You might want to do a "practice session" with 35mm black and white film so you or your child will get an idea of the rigors of a photo shoot, and you will be able to show the photographer "good sides", etc. Practice different facial expressions, moods and attitudes. This will help you display vitality and avoid a "posed" look. Teach children to look right into the camera lens and go for an energetic look.

Remember that tension shows, so be sure you or your child gets lots of rest. If your sick, cancel the shoot. Plan to arrive early, and allow yourself extra time in case of heavy traffic, bad weather, breakdowns, etc.

Any headshots, should be taken indoors so the photographer can control lighting. It also avoids background objects (flowers, trees, etc) that might take attention away from your face.

PRICE

Test shots should run between $75 - $150 a roll. This should include the contact sheet with all the poses.

When you get the contact sheets (proofs), they will be 8x10 glossy sheets with 24 or 36 small pictures. Every shot will be just "too cute" (in YOUR opinion), so take your manager, if you have one or some other impartial person to review the contact sheets with you. Ask the photographer for their opinion. Examine each picture with a magnifying glass or "loop" and select two or three. Choose the photos that demand immediate attention. Then have the photographer enlarge those and print one glossy each. You will not be given the negatives, as they are the photographer’s property; and he owns the copyright. He is the only one who can reproduce the photos unless he gives written permission. If you happen to get the negatives, you are blessed!

Do not get your duplicates made at the photographer’s. Purchase a negative from him, then use a duplicating firm. Order between fifty and one hundred glossies. You might also want to consider lithos. They are comparable in value and a lot less expensive. Another option when just starting is Color Laser. Have the name and phone number printed on them. Remember, you’ll use lots of these photos and most of them will land in the "circular file".

Most Agents have a special "signature portfolio", so dont buy a fancy leather book. Until you sign with an agency and get specifics, Wal-mart and K-mart have great albums - cheap!

The main thing is to be sure the photos are representative of how you or your child currently looks. The worse thing that could happen would to be called on an interview where you or your child does not look like his photo.