How to be the Best Acting Headshot Photographer in Florida

It’s every photographer’s goal to be the best photographer in their particular niche that they can be - I would hope!

I know that I may not be The Best Headshot Photographer for Actors in Florida, but that’s ok!

Having the sky as the limit to who I want to become as a photographer helps me grow constantly and learn something new at every acting headshot session.

There are a few Orlando photographers that specialize in actors, and we all have something different to offer our awesome actors. One photographer’s style may be just what you need for your particular agency, while another photographer is right for other purposes.

As I strive to be the Best Photographer for Actors that I can be, here are the 5 things I focus on to continue learning and growing! I truly truly want to be able to provide my actors with stand-out headshots so they can be as successful as possible in their industry, whether commercial, film and TV, or theater.

Here is how I strive to get better and be The Best Acting Headshot Photographer in Florida that I can be!

• I am constantly seeking feedback and developing relationship with Talent Agencies

  Knowing agencies on a personal level allows me to get specific feedback and requests that work for each particular agency.

  For instance, one of my favorite Florida Talent Agencies, SEVEN Model and Talent, represents actors for commercials more than more dramatic roles. They love headshots that are more natural looking with flat lighting, approachable expressions, and warmth. When I have someone come in for acting headshots who is represented by SEVEN Talent, I keep my backgrounds simple, lighting neutral, and expressions warm.

  On the other hand, I also work regularly with agencies who have models and actors in their portfolio of talent. With these agencies, I tend to shoot with stronger studio lighting and slightly more dramatic posing so that their images can be used for anything from acting roles here in Florida to Modeling jobs in New York. (This is one of the reasons I love when models/actors get 2-3 look packages - each type of headshot requires a unique set-up).

• PRO TIP: If your agency isn’t part of my partner network, feel free to introduce us! I offer actors who are referred by partner agencies discounts and special rates for their acting or modeling headshot sessions!

• I want to learn something new with every acting headshot session

• One of my favorites things to do is TRY NEW THINGS. It actually is what keeps me excited about being a photographer! I love trying new things and learning - and sometimes that has led me to get bored with things and move on, but with photography, I can continue learning and making this skill new every day. I’ve never stuck with something so long, and loved every minute of it.

• I am constantly trying new lighting techniques, backgrounds (even painting my own!), poses, and everything else!

• I love learning about the acting industry! My daughter is an actor and as soon as she got into it 10 years, ago, I dove into learning the ins and outs of the industry. We all know it has its quirks, so it’s nice to have a decent hold on what to look out for and what’s expected from agencies casting directors out of acting headshots.

• I take an online course in photography about 4 times a year. I’d love to be able photograph anyone from the president of the United States (whoever he or she may be :) to actors, to families to pets (you get the idea). I ended up going with acting headshots as my main jam, as it seemed to be a niche that fit well with my personality. I love interacting with actors, and the one-on-one connection makes my job meaningful and gives me life!

  Here’s a photo of a dog that I took back when I was (a bit too obsessed with) photographing lots of family pets!