The Backstage Spotlight Issue on Headshots

The Backstage Spotlight Issue on Headshots

[LA Headshots for Actors by Vanie] I was once asked by what was then Backstage West (an industry publication before they went online as Backstage.com) to give my input on what actually makes a headshot effective. My advice then was the same as it is now, because while...
How to Choose a Headshot Makeup Artist for Actors

How to Choose a Headshot Makeup Artist for Actors

Here’s the deal. As a professional headshot photographer in Los Angeles who’s been doing this for 26+ years, I don’t hand you a list of MUAs and hope for the best. I have VERY SPECIFIC criteria for every makeup artist I bring into a session, because...
What to Wear for Headshots: A Wardrobe Guide for Actors

What to Wear for Headshots: A Wardrobe Guide for Actors

If you want to know how to use wardrobe for your headshots, the answer is simple: dress the part, not yourself. Each character type has its own uniform, and wardrobe is what makes casting recognize that look in the first two seconds, before your essence even gets a...
Headshot Dos and Don’ts: An Agent’s Perspective for Actors

Headshot Dos and Don’ts: An Agent’s Perspective for Actors

If you want to know what makes the best headshots for actors, don’t just ask a photographer, ask an agent who reviews actor headshots for a living and decides which ones actually get submitted. That’s exactly why I handed this post over to someone whose...
8 Questions to Ask a Headshot Photographer Before You Book

8 Questions to Ask a Headshot Photographer Before You Book

When I get calls from potential clients, I often only hear one question: “What is your price?” Price is certainly a factor in choosing a headshot photographer, but what are some other questions to ask while shopping around? To compare apples to apples,...