You’re Not The Lead Just Because Your Headshots Say So

[Headshot Photographers Los Angeles By Vanie]

The look I talk most people out of photographing is the lead, whether in the form of the Love Interest or the Hero.

The two elements that decide what characters you’re able to sell are 1: your look, and 2: your essence– NOT how you’re able to photograph.🙅‍♀️

Lucas Ethington: Anti-Hero / Olivia Harrington: Heroine

It takes a great deal of self-awareness to understand what you can sell to the general public and how you are perceived.

If you don’t have that self-awareness, what makes it difficult for you to figure this out is the fact that actors are constantly being photographed to look good. 💅

Ashley Wickett: Love Interest / Patrick Lane: Lawyer

Jessica Nordling: Edgy Blue Collar / Creative Professional / Heroine

Kathy McGraw: Upscale Business-Judge / Outdoorsy Mom

Cheryl Francis Harrington: The Politician / Nosy Neighbor

If you happen to have great cheekbones and a structured face— which makes it easy to photograph “good looking”— that doesn’t mean you can play the lead if your essence can’t support it. ❌

Deirdre Brand: Girls’ Night Out / Creative Professional

Jordan Lams: Security Guard / Country Club

If you’re not that introspective or self-aware, the best way to figure out your over-arching brand is to ask the professionals— NOT YOUR FRIENDS. 👩🏼‍🤝‍👩🏼

Your friends will be nice and they’ll tell you what you want to hear.

Isabella Fehlandt: Best Friend / Heroine

Sheri Crarruthers: Blue Collar/Love Interest

The professionals will give you the brutal truth. The truth will help your career. 🎭

SOME OF MY FAVORITE PROFESSIONALS helping actors define their brand are Melissa at Rock Your Reel, Kaz & Jackie at Line Runner Tapes , and Jodie Bentley at Actor Insider.

Connect with the people you jive with and take at least one branding class before your next headshot session!

Robert Naturman: Office Guy / Detective

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