Headshots In Los Angeles

Good Headshot Photography Rocks

2011-12-05T13:41:00.001-08:00

Assaf Cohen - in only some of the looks we captured

When I hear photographers say "well, it's just headshots" I want to slap them. Truly. It's "just headshots"....Really? Then why is it so hard to get a good headshot?? If you think it's so easy - mr./ms. snob - then how about you take some and see if your client actually gets auditions. It's not about just getting a gorgeous picture of yourself - trust me - there is ENOUGH gorgeous to go around and the casting directors have seen it all. What really captures their attention is when they can see the spirit of the actor in the headshot. When they can see the spirit of the CHARACTER the actor is RIGHT for, in the headshot. And this is where people fail.

Headshots are absolutely NOT about getting a beautiful portrait of yourself. They are absolutely WITHOUT QUESTION about you getting in those doors. And the only way you're going to do that is if the casting director looks at your headshot and says, that's what I'm looking for for this role. This girl could play the lawyer. This guy could play a young dad ex-jock who loves his family. This girl could play the innocent victim who didn't know her boyfriend was a rapist, on CSI or Prime Suspect. This guy could play an alcoholic police officer who means well.

I'm taking Lesly Kahn's Comedy Intensive and there is an exercise we do where we stand up, briefly say our name and then sit down, backs to the class, while the class tells us our casting off their first impression of us. This is a FIRST IMPRESSION - before we even read in front of each other. And what came out was surprising to a lot of people. She looks like she runs a firm. He looks like he smokes pot and still lives at his parents. She looks like the girl in romantic comedies while he is the guy who everyone believes but who really "did it."

And this is the way I shoot headshots - these days you MUST think about your casting if you're going to be seen. With online submissions opening the doors to soooooo many people - you have to stand out and the only way to do that is with specificity in your shots. I have a lot of agents referring actors my way for headshots and ALL of them require multiple looks with specific casting. If fact, that's why I'm working as much as I am - because some of those agents didn't use to do it that way... but after I shot some of their actors and they started going out more - then they started SENDING me more. Because it works. If you are only using one strong shot you are cutting your chances in half and maybe more. Yes, you can play romantic leads, but can you also play victims on CSI? Yes, you can play dumb jock, but can you also play nice best friend? Or how about the cop who is new on the job? The teacher who's had enough? The therapist who loses it on her client? What can YOU play - ??? And is your headshot showing that - or is it just a beautiful shot of you looking good.

And are you getting out as much as you'd like? hmmm......

Headshot Photography in Los Angeles is about Getting Seen!

2011-11-11T17:34:00.001-08:00

Cokey (actor from my previous post) via DM on Twitter -

"yo;) just did top show guest star NCIS! Woot ! and got called to callback again off your shot- hugs-c"

Life is a beautiful thing. And I love to help people realize their dreams. :)))

Damian Anastasio let me know that since we shot he had 7 auditions in two weeks when he had one in SIX MONTHS before we overhauled his shots.

And on Thursday when I was at a commercial callback myself for Esurance, I ran into two of my clients who were also auditioning.. "Using your shot, Felle!" Ryan said... and Rob, there for a callback, too, said - I'm using your shot!" Always good to hear (and see!) that people are getting closer to their dreams.

MB, who's agent said they didn't need her to have straight-haired shots.. ended up choosing one after they saw them!

Also heard back from a client that Fern Orenstein, VP of TV Casting for CBS loved her headshots, said she's seen her shots for years and that they were finally capturing who she is.... and Fern is adding me to her referral list. "I'm going to send her a lot of actors."

I love my job. I LOVE HELPING. I've been on the other side so many times where I've had bad shots and spent years not getting anywhere. Screw that noise. Let's get in those doors!

Commercial Audition Tips by Headshot Photography Felle

2011-11-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

click on article or image to read it's entirety.

Let's begin with clothes....

Clothing Tips for Auditions
Don't wear gray: The lighting is bad and the walls behind you are usually light blue or gray so you will blend right in. Stand out by wearing brighter colors... and always wear colors that go best with your skin tone. If you're having trouble deciding what colors go best with your skin tone - remember which clothes you wore that you got the most compliments in. Also, ask a friend to watch while you hold up some shirts and jackets to yourself.

If you're a woman and you have light hair consider a suit that's not black. It tends to wash you out or overpower you. You should shine more than your clothes. This is just for commercial acting. If you're going out for a cop on a prime time drama black is perfect. For example Anna Torv in Fringe or Maria Bello in Prime Suspect. Lots of black. Cool black though. Their suits show young and fashionable which is a good note when studying. Conservative is for shows like West Wing (gone now but you know what I mean) and most of the others have hip suits. Except for the ment. If you're a man and you're a cop, conservative with a boring "cop" tie works great. But usually in commercials brighter colors work better.

In fact in commercials, for both men and women - it's best to stay away from black shirts altogether unless they are right for the role. How do you know? Black reads as one of the three things: Sexy, Sophisticated (older) or Bad Girl/Guy. But you will pop more on camera if you go with a color like a deep red or deep brown or blue rather than black.. even in this Capital One Commercial you'll see most of the vikings are in brown with a little black. Check out the guys in in the auto garage. The banker is wearing a black suit because he's a banker and he's supposed to be contrast to the viking. If they put you in black when you book the part, cool. But when you're standing next to other actors in a badly lit, blandly painted room - colors stand out. You want to stand out.

Just think ahead and use your judgement. Btw -I'm not referring to pants... you can wear black pants all day long. Or skirts. It's the shirts when they go in for your closeup. Plus, if you're in a room with other actors for the audition the actors with the colored shirts/jackets will pop more than you. You don't want that.

Watch TV. Wardrobe stylists, Ad Agencies, Producers and Directors okay'd those outfits. If you feel fashion challenged - that's okay. Study the commercials and copy what you see with your own colors/coloring in mind.

Slating
Slate your name in character. There are so many actors going in and they will call in the people who strike them as right for the part right from the get-go. If you think about it makes perfect sense. Commercials get a point across in 30sec, sometimes 60 and sometimes 15. That's not a lot of time. They need to know that you will give the impression of what they are trying to convey as soon as your face shows up with their product next to it.

If you're going to audition for a happy Pepsi commercial party scene - slate your name with a smile on your face and some life in you heart. "Hey there how's it goin' I'm ________" If you're going in for a national insurance company where the copy states you've just lost everything and you're going to such and such company for help - slate your name from a more discouraged place.. or at the very least without a smile. They will not call you back if you're perky about losing your house.

Shmoozing
It's unnecessary to shmooze the camera-operator. Be cool. Be friendly. But don't be the guy in the room who's trying to have a conversation in order to be remembered. They are very busy. They remember you. That's why you're in the room. And they really respect you more when you respect their time and trust that you have what it takes to be in the room. You don't have to shmooze them to show your worth. They already like you. Doing a good job with the copy, being on time, and being easy to work with will make them love you.

Promote Yourself.
The top commercial casting directors should know who you are.

Did you book a show? Get a new agent? Start taking or finish taking a class with a well known well reputed coach? Send the casting directors a postcard letting them know.
• Keep it brief. Less is more.
• Use a picture other than you normal headshot. They've seen that already. And they have memories unlike you and me. They know it's you by your name. Maybe if you've completely changed your hair color and cut... but then you should get a new headshot anyway. Even then, they probably know. One of the reasons they are successful in casting is because of their memories.
• You don't have to print a million of them. Target the people you want to see and be seen by.
• Go onto LA Casting under sides to see which casting directors are working. They post sides and you can also see if they tend to book more nationals or non-union or regionals. That way you can target who will call you in the most.
• Don't be a pest though. Less is more... only send them a postcard when you have something good to say. If you have nothing to report - go do something so you have something to report. Get into a showcase, a class or a play. No matter what, it will be time well spent.

There is an example of a strong postcard on my website under Promotional Portrait that I shot and designed for actor Meagan English for her critically acclaimed role in the play Hey Morgan.

Get into a Commercial Class or an Improv Class.
The time you have in the room is so minimal that you have the best chance of leaving an impression if you are on the top of your game. Actively practicing your skills in a class takes the heebie-jeebies away. Think of any athlete who is playing pro. Do they only throw the ball around when it's game day? Do they only run when there are people in the stands or the cameras are on them. Hell no. The reason they get paid what they get paid is they are better than all the others who aren't playing at the pro level. And they maintain that status by practicing constantly and consistently. If you want to make money as an actor, you have to do the same. The competition is too fierce to not take this seriously.

Playtime and Balance
It's easy to get frustrated driving around Los Angeles for auditions and not booking every one you go on. It's very important to find play time that has nothing to do with acting. Follow your heart and your joy to hobbies or activities that keep you entertained. You can see a tired actor a mile away. And it's not just for your career... it's simply not a fun place to be. It doesn't have to be like that.

If you find yourself driving a lot and it's bringing you down then go to the library and get a book on CD to entertain you. There is a huge selection and it's all free!!

You can do this.

Support

And make sure above all else that you make friends... and keep them. Put quality time into the friendships of people who make you feel good. Show up when you say you will and give back to the relationships. Those people will help your life grow and keep it filled with laughter and support. Your friendships reflect the friend you are being.. They say people are shallow in LA. I can say for a fact that there are a TON of good people in this town. When you find your tribe, hold onto them. Respect them. Love them. And if someone is shallow with you - then you don't have to spend anymore of your precious time on them. Go find people who reflect back to you who you really are.

Great Improv Classes
UCB
Groundlings
IO

I've booked 10 nationals as an actor - and I used to run cameras for commercial casting...I'm sharing the things I've learned - to help you book more commercials.

Feel free to add any tips you'd like.

And to get back to my website follow this link. There are other links planted throughout this to help you as well.

Coaches Felle Recommends

2011-10-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

Here are some great coaches that I have had personal experience with. I know there are more than these in LA - but these are my favorites and here's why....

Playhouse West is a top-notch Meisner acting school here in Los Angeles. The head of this school is Robert Carnegie and he is excellent at what he does. The only downfall is making him into a daddy figure because you want his excellent judgement to favor well for you. But that's a good thing because you work harder. This school is great for teaching real moments in your acting - and it's great for drama.

Lesly Kahn is the best in my opinion for teaching you how to book the job, especially in comedies. She's very direct and very good at what she does. She is an expert. Her personality is straight forward and big but if you can't handle hearing it straight right from the get go she has teachers there who cover all the other personality types. The great thing about both her and Playhouse is the requirement to rehearse with your fellow students outside of class. You get better by leaps and bounds because you're working that much more - and in both schools the vibe of your fellow classmates is one of support. Imagine having a place to go with your talent that is supported by fellow artists and a coach who wants you to succeed.

The ego of both of these teachers never outweighs their desire for you to be excellent and for you to learn. That is what a true teacher is best at.

Stuart K. Robinson is a fantastic commercial coach. He, like the first two acting coaches I've mentioned, is a no-bones-about-it coach. Stuart has a way of inspiring you, on top of being able to tell you what you need and how to get there. His energy is infectious - he is highly charismatic but not ego-driven. A truly rare thing - and it commands respect easily and effortlessly.

All three cover a lot of what you need to know. Drama at Playhouse West, Comedy with Lesly and Commercial Technique (on-camera) with Stuart K. Robinson.

Playhouse doesn't shy away from comedy - they do that too but drama is where they really shine. Lesly teaches drama as well but she makes you master comedy first because she believes that is harder. Stuart teaches theatrical on-camera classes as well but his commercial technique is where his reputation started so that tends to get more attention when people talk about him.

In the end - who you choose is completely up to you. The only thing that matters is that you remain at the top of your game. This is a competitive field and you can do this with the proper effort.

Dare to Suck - Lesly Kahn
Fear is a Fantasy Our Minds Create - Faleena Hopkins

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Testimonials for Felle Headshot Photography

2011-01-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

I don't ask clients for testimonials - all the ones you see on the site are offered up because clients want to share their experience with you - and spread the word when they've had a good experience. I always appreciate it - what better way to find out what to expect than to hear it from your peers? Plus I'm not good at selling myself. I believe people who are supposed to shoot with me, will find me.

Here's a testimonial a client, Cokey Falcow, recently sent me (the handsome character in the montage you see here) Since then he's booked two films and NCIS. Woohoooo!!! That's what I am talkin' aBOUT.

"SO since shooting with you, literally within a day of the new shot being up I started going out right away. and I mean goin out! The calls rolled in thick and fast and even got called straight to callback off your shot twice. now thats cutting through the crazy smorgasbord of detritus out there!" - Cokey Falcow

I've found from experience that the best way to get more auditions is to be specific with your headshots. There are a lot of good looking people in LA and so what? You have to be more than that. The casting directors have to see your shot and know exactly where to put you. It's not that their lazy (which so many actors think) it's that they're busy as hell.

Right after he sent me the testimonial I got this from Cokey (actor from my previous post) via DM on Twitter -

"yo;) just did top show guest star NCIS! Woot ! and got called to callback again off your shot- hugs-c"

Life is a beautiful thing. And I love to help people realize their dreams. :)))

Tucker Albrizzi - Getting Audtions and Bookings Like Crazy

2011-01-18T12:28:00.000-08:00

I love it when I hear from my headshot photography clients that they're booking like crazy ever since they shot with me. I met Tucker Albrizzi a couple years ago when his mom, Claudine, brought him and her other son Pat over to my place to get their headshots done. Claudine just sent an email telling me her agents won't let her change out his headshots they've been using for two years now because they're working so well - why get new ones? That's a great compliment. With these headshots, Tucker's booked Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, The Office, 10 episodes of Big Time Rush and about 4 or 5 others. Here's his imdb link and his website so you can look out for him.

he's a silly guy - I can see why casting loves him

Let me just say I love this guy. He had his mom text me when he was at an audition because, while he was looking at his headshot, he noticed he could see a tiny reflection of me in his pupils - taking his picture. And the last time we shot, he gave me a sucker with a little card that said "Felle - friends forever - Tuck." And at both shoots, it took a second to get him to really smile - but when I pretended to almost put myself in the way of a passing car, he laughed his butt off. Ahhh... boys. Gotta love 'em. (and I do!)

Tuck, right before I pretended to back into a moving car.

Kundalini Yoga

2011-01-13T14:02:00.000-08:00

This blog is often about my photography, but sometimes it's about my life as well. I met Nina in 1997 and have seen her grow and change dramatically over the years. I guess she could say the same about me. That's what friendship is about...

Nina. I didn't take this picture btw. But I love it so much.

She began doing Kundalini Yoga a number of years ago and it resonated strongly with her - so strongly that she became a teacher of it. She's studied and can read sanskrit, has been to India many times, and now teaches at yoga studios all around the city. The most impressive thing about this (besides her dedication and self-discipline) is how much she's changed during the process. We are all energy, vibration frequencies and sometimes those frequencies hold us back. When I first met her she was allergic to sugar and had a number of other physical ailments. She no longer has any of these. When you clear your blocks and get in tune with your higher vibration, physical problems that were manifestations of those blocks, fall away.

If you are feeling blocked, have been repeating unhealthy behaviors that you can't seem to shake, or if you're just feeling off balance and want to get to the next level of your growth in life... then may I suggest taking some kundalini classes? Some of the stories of her students amaze me. But what amazes me most is seeing the evidence in how much my friend has grown.

You can find her here - and go to a class nearby to check it out. It seems a bit odd at first, this yoga practice. At least it did to me. But it has unblocked me in many ways, and I always feel amazing after I've done it. You will, as well. http://ninaberryyoga.com/class_schedule.html

Shooting Headshots In LA Helps Me Meet Some Fantastic Dancers

2010-11-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

The Bloc Agency refers me as one of their preferred headshot photographers in Los Angeles - which is how Kim and Vincent found me. These two are awesome. I've incl. links to their dance routines so you can become a fan, too. :) They're moving here from Canada soon and flew in for the shoot. Stephanie Kae Panek did makeup on Kim - and did a fantastic job - and I shot both their headshots on the same day.

Such a cute couple. They dance together - and they're together in life too.. Here's one of their dance numbers on the show. (links to more of their routines below) We spent the afternoon roaming around my favorite locations, knocking out these headshots and having a blast. I asked a lot of dancing questions - I'm a serious fan of dancing. (loved Step Up 2 - The Streets - that rain number is AMAZING - here it is if you want to see...) so I was pretty much in awe of these two. Dancing is one of the things I wish I'd done but alas! I didn't. ;)

From Montreal, they spoke French now and then during the session, to each other. Thank God I'm not an insecure person. hehehe Stephanie and I kinda loved it, actually. It's the one thing I think America is lacking over Europe (and yes, I know Canada is not in Europe but go with me on this sidetrack thought process for a min.) ---I think the fact that for the most part, we speak one language sucks. I know.. I know.. a lot of people speak other languages - but in Europe it is very common for the majority to be fluent in multiple languages because you're so close to other countries - and you have a chance to use your fluency often. Here - the majority of us cannot whip out another language, without even noticing. Am I wrong?

So okay - now I wish I was a dancer AND I wish I was bi- or tri- lingual. Perhaps I should take some classes? Like I have the time. ;) I just like to be a fan sometimes.

Anyway - It was an absolute pleasure meeting you, Kim and Vince. Not only are you both gorgeous - but you're good people too. I wish you the greatest time in LA - and I'm sure you will take over the dancing community. No. Doubt. Here's a video of Kim dancing (or this one or this one) on SYTYCA and Vincent dancing (or this one or this one) as well... enjoy!

A Week in New York

2010-11-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know - I have a special project that raises money for the wonderful charity Smile Train. This project started out as a one-week shoot in LA and has become a journey around America. I just went to New York - and after the holidays I'll be taking it to Portland, San Francisco and Chicago.

Arden

The charity Smile Train is a very special one that helps repair cleft lips and palates of children - and adults - who can't afford it - throughout the world. They are amazing - and they erase a lifetime of heartache. In China children who are born with clefts are often abandoned on the side of the road. In parts of Africa, children who are born with clefts are called the same name which, translated in English, means "Cursed by God."

Smile Train changes lives. And their excellent reputation is based on the fact that they have helped pay for 640,000 surgeries since their inception in 1999. The oldest person they've operated on was a 70 year old woman. She signed right up - and that just amazes me. If after checking out their website, you'd like to help you can donate whatever you can by clicking on this link to our fundraising page on their website. Help us meet out goal - and help change lives.

I will be posting videos on the blog as well - from a video Smile Train gave me when I visited their offices in New York - and also from my trips there. Some will just be from walking around the city... just for fun. Stay tuned - and I hope to make you smile soon. :D

Band Photography at Silverlake Lounge in Los Angeles

2010-10-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

Kevin helped me out by fixing the sound on my movie about Smile Portrait Project and I returned the favor by photographing the performance of his newly formed band, Goldsboro. I photograph a lot of bands but this one had me rockin' as I shot. They were so tight - so great - that they rocked the venue. Silverlake Lounge is a small place, perfect for a first time performance, but the sound is good. And these guys - well, you'd have never guessed this was their first time in front of an audience with these songs.

The crowd was sparse for the first band, but when Goldboro came on, the place filled up. They have a following - not easy to get people to come out on a weeknight. You must be good if that many people show up to hear what you're working on now. Kevin's voice is INCREDIBLE. He's got it. And his guitarist and drummer were seamless. They just really impressed the hell out of me. Pure rock. That's what they play. Pure PURE rock
Find them on Facebook, follow them - and then go see them live. You will become a fan.

A Wedding

2010-09-09T13:45:00.000-07:00

A week and a half before the date, the bride called me and said her photographer had fallen through due to technical reasons of what she wanted. She was so sweet - she didn't want to ask me as I was already coming as a guest, with my boyfriend. She asked "Do you know any photographers..." and gave me the details of what she wanted. I said "I'll do it." "REALLY???" She was so excited, which made me feel really great.

Let me talk about the food they had at the reception for a second. It was AMAZING. Everyone at our table was wondering what type of food it was. There were plantains, zucchini stuffed with quinoa, chicken baked on banana leaves & achiote sauce served with red onion, roasted pineapple and alllllll sorts of good stuff. I asked Raymundo Duque who catered it and he said it dates back to Mayan times when South American fare was more healthy and natural. He doesn't have a website (I asked) but if you're looking for a wonderful caterer here's his number. 323.373.5435. People were gobbling it up - and it's always great to have something "new" for your guests - that they'll devour and talk about.

Back to the wedding. ;) It was at the Eagle Rock Center for the Arts and the couple had one of their friends ordained for the service. It was a real honor for her - and she performed the service as if she'd done it before - which she had not. And the wedding party, standing in front of a gorgeous window as the sun went down, they looked absolutely ethereal.

This, to me, was the perfect kind of wedding. The couple was so obviously in love. There was no stress coming from either when I took their photos prior to the ceremony. The bride was completely present to the event, and her demeanor was one of calm and peace.

When she walked down the aisle - she took a moment for herself that had everyone in awe. Standing at the end, before she joined her love and husband to be, she took in the moment and made the commitment in her mind to what she was doing. I have never seen a bride do that before - and the effect was felt by the entire room. Both dad's of the bride and groom were emotionally moved, watching her gaze at him, standing on her own, poised to join him in a life of partnership and love.

The readings spoke of complimenting one another, not of completing one another. We are whole just as we are, and together we add to the other. It's exactly what I believe marriage should be. And the absolute joy of the first kiss was incredible. Tulsy said afterward, "Now THAT'S how you kiss at your wedding!!" :)