How do you pick a theme for your headshot?

There really is no need to pick a theme. Everyone needs a basic honest picture with good personality and energy that looks like them. You want to capture a real person on their best day.

Depending on the character you play, most people do three looks. First, you need a nice, honest, commercial shot that is friendly and approachable with lighter colors. Commercial photos are used for commercials as well as TV and sitcoms. Second, theatrical photos are used for TV and TV movies. Then, third, depending on the character...

The phrase film noir conjures up images from shadowy 1940s cinematic melodramas like Double Indemnity and This Gun for Hire. The dark and mysterious world of film noir also recalls those glossy Hollywood glamour shots of screen divas like Bette Davis and Rita Hayworth, shown draped over fainting sofas in the diabolical pose of the scheming femme fatale.

“I’ve always loved the film noir look,” said Los Angeles photographer Alan Weissman, whose portraits garnered quick popularity among the celebrity set. Weissman achieves that classic ‘40s style with an...

When you step into Alan Weissman’s studio on North La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles, you find yourself in a funky little showroom that’s crammed with antique chandeliers, furniture, and collectibles. The décor isn’t based on market research—it’s simply Alan’s own style. “With all the junk I collect, my studio feels like a home, but with higher ceilings,” he says. “I have curtains and old chairs and it doesn’t look like a studio. People walk in and say how relaxing it feels.”

Looking down at you from one wall is a giant picture, a 30x40 print in a big gold frame, or Alan’s dog Rex, who...

Studio Photography & Design

Most of us remember watching “The Sound of Music” as a child or maybe even as an adult. While I worshipped the musical, one of Julie Andrews’ lines always stood out for me. She said that whenever a door is closed on someone, a window always opens. Portraitist Alan Weissman reminds me of this childhood favorite. For 16 years, he made his living as a freelance window decorator. The doors slammed shut on that business in the 1980s, when The Gap and other retail stores did away with store front showcases. Then a different “window” of opportunity flew open...

Corporate headshots are becoming more and more necessary in today’s market place. The saying, “A picture paints a thousand words”, is always true, so making the decision to invest in corporate headshots is one that you will not regret. The finished product will help you to send your vision and message out to the public. That being said, below you will find helpful step-by-step tips on how to organize the process for yourself and your company. Let’s get started to make this process easy and efficient for you!

DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET:

The first thing you need to decide on is how...

In this digital and online age, corporate headshots have become more important than ever for businesses. Studies show that a website is more appealing and trustworthy to consumers if it contains photos of yourself and your business partners. Therefore, you want to make the most of your look in your portrait photo. With that in mind, here is a list of important tips you should keep in mind when having your corporate headshot taken.

#1 – YOUR CLOTHES

Choosing the clothes that you plan to wear in your corporate headshot should be your starting point. What you wear...

Are you thinking about getting corporate headshots taken of yourself or your employees? If so, there are specific things you need to keep in mind for success. Once you understand these things, you will wonder why you never had corporate portraits taken sooner.

You know that your first impression with a potential business customer needs to be strong. You probably also know that potential clients decide very quickly when they see you, if you are approachable, professional, and confident. With these two things in mind, it’s obviously important to be careful with the headshot you share...

The industry standard for actor’s headshots is usually every 1 – 2 years. However, it is important to note that there are a number of exceptions to this rule. Most importantly, you need to make sure you look like your headshot all of the time. Character breakdowns can be very specific. They are written with certain details in mind that casting directors are looking for to fill roles. When you show up to your audition, looking different than the headshot that your agent has submitted, it is annoying to casting directors and may be considered a waste of their time. Casting directors often...

First of all, it is important to realize that photographers don’t label themselves as theatrical headshot photographers vs. commercial headshot photographers. You should want to accomplish both types of photos from one photo session. A good headshot photographer should be easily able to provide you with both. The question you should ask is, “Can this photographer bring out both my commercial essence and my theatrical essence?” With Alan Weissman, the answer is a solid, “YES!” Because Alan uses studio lights as well as natural lights, he is able to produce different moods with his...

To understand what agents and managers are looking for in a headshot, it is first important to understand the purpose of a headshot. Let’s break down the journey that your headshot will go on.

First, your photos will be taken by a photographer. Next, you will show your pictures to your agents and managers. They will give you input on their favorites. After they give you input, you will upload your choice photos to casting sites and also have 8 x 10 copies printed. Once they are uploaded, your agents and managers will begin submitting them to breakdowns. Casting directors then look...

Congratulations on the fact that you are expecting a new baby! Maternity is a special experience in any woman’s life. Many women regret missing out on their maternity portraits and not having these beautiful images to remind them of the love they had for their babies before their birth. There are so many new things to decide on in preparation for your new little bundle. Why not have a professional photographer take pictures of you and/or your partner to capture this very special moment. We are here to pamper and assist you in creating a gorgeous variety of images from your...

Congratulations on choosing one of the best photographers for headshots in the Los Angeles area. Now it’s time to decide what clothes you should bring to your headshot photo session. There are a lot of resources out there, giving you advice on what type of clothing works best in photos. It is important to realize that advice is just one person’s opinion. It isn’t the end all and be all because opinions vary from one person to the next. However, there are definitely some consistent guidelines you should follow to assure your headshots represent the best and most bookable version of...