“When you try to be everything to everyone, you accomplish being nothing to anyone.”

[Commercial and Theatrical Headshots by Vanie]

“WHEN YOU TRY TO BE EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE, YOU ACCOMPLISH BEING NOTHING TO ANYONE.”

This is a direct quote from former actress and now coach to actors Bonnie Gillepsie. 

This quote really resonates with me. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve consulted with actors that want a session with 8, 10 or 12 looks. Really? 💁‍♀️

What does 12 looks— or to be more specific, 12 outfits— get you? In my experience, the more specific you are (based on your age range), the greater the chances are of getting in the door. 

Having headshots of yourself on casting sites with 12 looks only confuses those who are in a position to give you a job. 😵

Do you want to be a jack of all trades, mediocre at everything you do? Or do you want to specialize in the few things you do really, really well and get to be known for those stereotypes?

Just as I’m not a fashion photographer or a car photographer while shooting headshots, you’re not the lawyer, the dad, the blue collar guy, the young Disney kid, the yoga instructor, the edgy hero, the anti hero, the guy next door and the surfer dude ALL AT THE SAME TIME. 😱

WOULDN’T YOU RATHER hire a photographer that specializes in headshots, rather than a friend who shoots a little architecture, a little fashion, some cars and, oh, headshots too? 🥴

Which photographer do you think would do a better job at capturing a marketable headshot? Which photographer immediately has more credibility?

Same concept applies to you! 

You need to lean in on your stereotype and figure out how to market yourself as a “Brand” so that casting can clearly see the roles you are right for. 💎

When there’s too much range from picture to picture, the viewer is left wondering what you really look like, and what you’re really selling.

SO GUESS WHAT? ✨

If you make it hard to identify your brand, casting will pass on your image and go to the easy and obvious choice!

Be smart about your image. 

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