the ultimate blog

for the smart actor

Our Annual $55 Headshot Party and Raffle for a free photo session!

[Acting Headshots by Vanie] Every year, my associate and I throw a headshot party at the studio where we provide a "Mini" session for a super discounted price ($55) and we raffle off TWO free headshot sessions! It's a fun time with food and drinks, as well as a GREAT opportunity for potential clients to hang out and ask questions in person.  Of course, the chance to win a free photo shoot is a HUGE bonus. This year our party is taking place on Saturday, June 1st, and I can't wait!  Here are the details if you're interested.  Hope to see you!   Lindsey Warm: Girl Next Door / Amanda...

Improvising is NOT about being funny!

[Digital Headshots by Vanie] Guest Blog by Bill Applebaum-teacher, actor, writer, director and founder of Actor’s Improv Studio. With an impressive list of credits on IMDB, Bill founded the  Actor’s Improv Studio in Los Angeles over 15 years ago because he felt there was a need for improv classes that emphasized improvisation as a tool for people to further access their creativity and trust their instincts. Also see Bill's other insightful Guest Blog called "Don't try to figure out what they want, give them what they get!" ________________ We all hear about improvising, though some people...

Know your “type” or throw money out the door!

[Top Headshot Photographers, by Vanie] While perusing Backstage West online, a great resource for novice actors, I stumbled upon an article on "How to find your Type and Book Work" written by acting coach Carolyne Barry.  All too often, an actor just getting their feet wet in the business will call me for headshots and not have a clue how to answer my first question "what is your target market?" Christy Rae Nunn: Wholesome Girl Next Door / Quirky Grad Student Arnell Powell: Edgy Detective / Young Dad Antonio Laudadio: Urban Love Interest / Rachel Li: Best Friend IF YOU HAVEN'T THOUGHT ABOUT...

Don’t try to figure out what they want– give them what they get!

[Best Actor Headshots by Vanie] Guest Blog by Bill Applebaum-teacher, actor, writer, director and founder of Actor's Improv Studio. Bill Applebaum came into my studio as a client, and I was so impressed with his philosophy on acting that I asked him to write a blog about it to share with you. First, a little about Bill.  With an impressive list of credits on IMDB, Bill founded the  Actor's Improv Studio in Los Angeles over 15 years ago because he felt there was a need for improv classes that emphasized improvisation as a tool for people to further access their creativity and trust their...