Hollywood Actor Headshots
Hollywood Headshot Photographer in Irvine
Pulling Back the Curtain on the Process: Its important to pull back the curtain on the process of creating Hollywood Headshots. All these images have no, none, zero photoshop applied to them. They are simply lit. And by that I mean only one light source. As Chimera 3’x4′ soft box, placed shoulder height, 90 degrees to the actor and backed off about a foot and a half from him {towards the camera}. Camera right is a white Lastolite 33″ Tri-Grip silver/white reflector {worth every penny} attached to a light stand by a Bogen Super Clamp attached {to each end of} a Bogen Vairable Friction Magic Arm {worth every penny}. That’s it. Oh yeah I use this amazing device called a light meter {sarcasm added}. This is the simplest light set up you can imagine. But also a bit tricky, because the light has to be placed just so. I’m constantly asking my clients to turn their chins towards the main light source. This gives that great shadow to the right side of the actor’s face. The Tri-Grip can be moved closer for less shadow or backed off for more shadow. I love being a Hollywood Actor Headshots Photographer in Irvine.
“I’m purposely posting a ridiculous amount of un-retouched images here from a recent headshot session to show it all about expression and perfect lighting.”
99% of the work is done in camera: All post is done in Adobe Lightroom v5. Because all the work is done in camera, when it comes to a very light retouch it takes no time. Because the lighting and captures are spot on and the Lightroom processing is also spot on. All that needs to be done is a minimal amount of skin smoothing, bringing out the color of the irises and sharpening the eyes a bit.
Two Things Every Client Wants From Their Headshots: 1) They want to look their best. 2) They may not know it but they also want to look expressive without looking like a dork. For me, it’s really important when creating headshots for my clients to offer them two things. And this: Working with them to help them show different expressions. Sometimes the process takes a while during their session. But its worth the time. That’s why they are hiring me. To create something special for them. I do this by talking with them. Engaging them. Giving them feedback. Letting them see themselves after a few images and see how they look either on the monitor or on the camera back. I also give them plenty of verbal and physical direction. The other thing I always advise my clients on is clothing. I always ask them to bring a tee-shirt and a few dress shirts for me to pick from. They may have a favorite shirt, but it doesn’t always mean that it looks good on them.
A Real Client Headshot Session: I’m purposely posting a ridiculous amount of un-retouched images here from a recent headshot session to show it all about expression and controlled lighting and flattering clothing that fits properly and is the right color for the particular individual. It’s really important for me to show the real results of the process of creating Hollywood headshots. So instead of trying to make myself look good with all retouched images here are the results from a real client session. Not just one or two images that are fully retouched or something that was created in a workshop or a model. This is a real person auditioning in Hollywood for a real part in a film.
