headshot photographers we love
A headshot, naturally, is an integral park of the actor's marketing package. Any thespian that's been in the business for more than twelve seconds is hyper-aware of that. So who's the best? The lauded? The coveted? Who would you practically bribe American Express to raise your credit line for (note: not generally reccommended, debit sucks), and who are the solid "standards" that will still please your agent but not plunge you into an Edgar Allen Poe-esque APR malestrom?
After some careful research and input from our clients, here's the Virtual-Actor.com list of Photographers We Love.
the elite - new york
Everybody knows who Peter Hurley is, either by his characteristic shooting style (a stark white-background and masterfully played lighting), or simply by name. One of New York's most Wish-Listed photographers, he's also one of the most pricey. But if you want to "do it right" and can save up a little headshot nest egg to afford him -- your headshots are sure to be grade A. Hurley is reccommended by many of the top agencies, and he's shot for Vanity Fair. Need we say more?
New on the headshot scene, previosly high fashion-based Italian-American photographer Paolo Mascatelli has recencetly opened up his studio doors to actors. Artistic, acclaimed, and simply breathtakingly intuitive with capturing the essence of a person -- this guy is the next "one to watch." Natural light and boutique studio photography. He's dipping down with his prices through June -- but is by select client / headshot submission only.
To shoot, submit current headshots to paolomascatelli@gmail.com. Mention Virtual-Actor for special pricing.
Another top agency reccomedation, Jordan Matter has redefined the use of natural light in headshot photography. Many photographers are now attempting to adapt to his style and lack of "big lighting", but none that we've seen can really come close to how Matter captures the actor in his or her natural -- yet riveting -- state. What's even better than his style? The fact that he'll reschedule your shoot if the weather isn't right to capture great light. And the free cappuccino on shooting day.
the elite - los angeles
Los Angeles couple Theo & Juliet met in Paris. They began (like many photographers) shooting pictures for their actor friends who were having trouble obtaining great, "personality-capturing" shots... and ten years later, here they are: one of the elite headshot go-to studios in LA. Expensive, yes. Refunds, no. Great shots... you bet your bottom. And for those actors who are "celebrity headshot concious", just check out T&J's website, and you're sure to be satisfied.
Finally, someone truly different. The East Coast is bemoaning the recent cross-country jump of David Noles, a photographer of a different breed. The Noles studio, like so many, does not churn actors in and out or double book them on top of one another. A session with Noles includes a very specific consultation and garnering of the actor's persona, carefully picking out locations and attire that compliment such, and a very personalized shoot. If you're in LA, at least consult with Noles before choosing your headshot photographer -- he's less known than a studio like Theo & Juliet, nearly half the price, and simply... different.
more photographers we love - new york
Tidbits: Great lighting, name photographer, located in trendy SoHo.
Price Tag: 995.00
Tidbits: The speciality with these guys seems to be the "popping" of an actor's eyes
Price Tag: $650
Tidbits: Big fan of the outdoors, good with both natural and studio lighting
Price Tag: ?
Tidbits: Mostly natural light, likes brick and bridges
Price Tag: ?