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How To Stand Out To Reps When Seeking a Meeting

[Actor and Actress Headshots by Vanie] I introduced a friend of mine to a manager that I work with, because I thought each party might benefit from working with one another.  I wished her good luck, and didn't think much more about it. A FEW DAYS LATER, I was cc-d on an email from the manager to my friend.  He thanked me for the connection, and as I scrolled down and read her email to him, I understood why. Corey Clifford: Hip Quirky / Leading Lady Nate Geez: Edgy Hero / Guy's Night Out Brian Chin: Casual Guy Next Door / Edith Dague: Victim EVERY INCH OF THAT LETTER OF INTRODUCTION oozed her...

Do Looks Change From Commercial to Theatrical?

[Headshots by Vanie] Read Part II If you don't have an agent, a coach, or a casting director giving you advice, the best way to figure out your target market is to watch prime-time TV as well as popular shows on cable. But wait-- don't skip the commercials!  Look for people WHO LOOK LIKE YOU, what they are wearing and the roles they are playing in TV shows as well as commercials.   Brittney Middlebrook:  Grad Student / Jamie Suraci: Hip Girl Next Door Denzil Meyers: Winner of a complimentary session from our Annual Raffle Party! Tricia Morig: Best Buy Worker /  Natalia Gorelova:...

How To Figure Out Your Age Range + Looks

[Headshot Photographer Vanie] Read Part I The first question you'll need to answer is what your age range is. From there, you can assess what the most commonly requested looks are for that age group.  Most actors are under the impression that the larger their age range, the better it is for their acting, but in fact, the opposite is true.  A reasonable age range is five to seven years, because the more specific you are with your marketing looks, the greater the chances are of getting in the door.  Courtney Carini: Power Lawyer / Quirky Mom Jack Nathan Harding: Mad Men / Jason Leeds: Business...

How to figure out your target market: Part I

[Headshot Photography by Vanie] I've been a headshot photographer in Los Angeles for over 25 years. One of the most noticeable differences in the photography industry is the digital revolution, allowing many talented amateurs easy entry into the world of photography. Phil Kimble: Guy Next Door / Josh Canfield: Edgy Bad Guy Catherine Copplestone: Secretary / Young Mom Jonas Dickson: Blue Collar / Micah Sloat: Young Professional THE EFFECTS OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY also trickled into the actor's world.  Duplication labs suddenly had the ability to reproduce color headshots cost efficiently, and...