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Tag: affordable headshots

Mirdon
April 23, 2020
5 Things Actors Should Do during COVID-19

Many of us have wondered what we would do if we happened to be on an island for a long vacation. Or, what we would do if imprisoned. The answer is everything that we do not manage to do in our everyday life. COVID-19 has given us a unique chance to do whatever we have been procrastinating for a long time, to work on ourselves or to open up new talents in us. I am a Los Angeles headshot photographer, and I have closed down my Glendale photo studio in mid-March.

 

It’s been about a month without headshot sessions. So, I’ve started to paint. I had zero knowledge about painting. Meaning, whatever I used to learn at primary school. I was lucky enough to purchase professional paints and canvases right before everything shut down. Online painting classes have come to replace my regular professional photography workshops and masterclasses.

 

With this blog, I would like to share my thoughts on what actors could do during the self-quarantine to grow as a professional and not to waste time while at home. Some people say that to be an actor one has to have natural talents. However, the professionals state that acting is a skill that one can develop over time. If you want to become the actor you dream of, to be confident and captivating, you should build your acting skills. And, now is the right time for that.

This article will help you enhance your acting skills irrespective of your acting level and where you are in your career. Everything mentioned in this article requires efforts and dedication. 

If you think it is impossible to strengthen your acting skills every day, I am going to prove you wrong. We will talk about working on movement, knowledge, text work, voice, and acting. All the elements mentioned above are crucial for you as a professional actor.

1. Voice

Some actors neglect the importance of voice; however, it is one of the essential instruments that an actor should work on. It includes your form of expression, articulation, breath support, and resonance.

1. Why Work on Your Voice?

Voice is one of the essential aspects of the character. If you want to get various roles, your voice has to vary, too. You cannot use your voice for all the roles you get. What if your character speaks twice as fast as you? You cannot develop a fast-paced speech overnight. It is long hours of out-loud reading and practicing. When my clients try to create various characters during the headshot session, they even change their voice, accent, and overall their way of speaking.

 

Los Angeles actors know how to make the headshot sessions fun. Professional photographers know that, too. So, for emerging actors, we use some of those techniques to help them relax and calm down. The professionals’ advice is to keep your voice flexible to embody any character you want. Collect as many “voices” and accents as you can. You have plenty of time now.

2. Voice Warm-Ups

If you google, you will find plenty of voice warm-ups for you to choose from. All shapes and sizes. You need to define which one works for you. The best option is to have a professional acting coach to select the best warm-up that will work for you. If you have a chance, try to schedule an online lesson with an acting coach. I am sure there are many acting coaches available online. Or, if you have done it beforehand try to remember what warm-ups you used to do with your acting coach. When you finish choosing the warm-ups now, it is time to schedule a 5-10 minute warm-up every day. As a professional photographer, I can tell you that consistency beats everything. When I was learning adobe photoshop, I would watch online lessons every single day. It would work for me better than a three-hour session just once a week.  

3. Articulation Exercises

Choose a literature piece that inspires you and start working on your articulation. Some actors often neglect this skill; however, it is vital to work on it. Don’t forget that every skill you are working on has to be on a daily basis. Add 5-10 minutes of articulation exercises to your daily routine of becoming a better actor. 

– Strengthen your Tongue

There are several articulation exercises that can help you strengthen your diction. Firstly, work on your tongue. Try to get more control over your tongue. You can do it by reading aloud or just talking to yourself whenever you are by yourself. 

– Work on your Articulation Muscles 

Learn tongue twisters and practice them as much as you can. Whenever I feel that my clients cannot relax during the headshot session, I ask them to say 3 pf their favorite tongue twisters. And here they are laughing. Besides, it helps them relax their facial muscles. Another good exercise is stretching the jaws and running the tongue around the walls of the mouth.

– Mirror Exercises

While doing all these articulation exercises sit or stand in front of the mirror. Choose a favorite story or a dialogue from a Hollywood movie and try to read out loud. If it is a movie dialogue, try to mimic their style and pronunciation. 

2. Move and Do Yoga

Every professional actor has to be able to move freely. Like with voice, being able to move and do any basic physical movement is essential for a good actor, not to mention how much more role opportunities get the ones who specialize in martial arts and other sports.

As we all have to stay home, and there is no hassle, it is the right time to do yoga. Find an online yoga course on YouTube and work on your body on a daily basis. Here is my favorite yoga channel. Day by day you will feel how flexible your body becomes. Like with any skill, you have to be consistent. Whenever I was fully booked for headshots, I would spare 5 minutes in between headshot sessions and stretch my body on my yoga mat in my photo studio. 

3. Enrich Your Knowledge

Quarantine is the right time to challenge yourself and expand your knowledge. Write down a list of books, scripts or plays you wish to read. Be realistic but don’t pity yourself. Ready at least 100 pages per day. It can be something about the Hollywood industry, acting skills, self-improvement. For example, I prefer reading books on photography business in Los Angeles, online marketing and psychological books as every headshot photographer has to know psychology as well. 

To improve your acting skills, some professionals advise reading drama plays and movie scripts. Most reading materials are available online, even for free. Reading helps you observe different characters, genres, language styles. After reading so much, you may start writing yourself. This is what some actors do after a certain time in the industry. If you don’t know what to start with here is a list of top 50 drama plays. 

Watch Online Movies, Theatre, and TV Shows

When you get tired of reading there comes another great way of expanding your knowledge as an actor. Watch a movie, or a TV show or an online drama play. Here is an excellent list of streaming theatres. Now, it is the right time to enjoy almost live performances. You have to engage in the industry to be able to get your niche in it. Challenge yourself to at least a movie or a performance a day. Even if you think some of those are terrible, you will also learn how you should not do and will be able to tell the good stuff from the bad stuff. 

4. Work with Text

Working with text is tied to your voice exercises. A good actor can bring any text to life and give it a unique interpretation.

1. Read out loud

Another thing that you can do while at home is reading out loud. This point is tied to your daily voice exercises and expanding your knowledge. It will help you become more confident with text, try various accents, voices, styles. Choose an article, a dialogue, a script, or just read the rest of my blogs. I have a lot of blogs on the acting industry in Los Angeles, networking in Hollywood, tips on how to choose the headshot wardrobe and get ready for a headshot session. Just make sure it is out loud. 

 

2. Learn a Monologue

As you have to stay home during this COVID-19 pandemic, it is the best time to learn a monologue. Some emerging actors think one cannot practice acting alone. In this case, it is not true. Pick at least two monologues a week and learn them. As you have a lot of time, you can record yourself and share them on social media and get comments. You can also send them to your acting coaches to get their professional feedback, too. Or, just send it to your headshot photographer who is sure to have some spare time to watch your video. In my practice, I always end up being friends with my headshot clients as they come back again and again with their friends and classmates.

 

Work on Your Acting Skills

COVID 19 has shut down all the acting schools. But it cannot stop you from improving your acting skills. Consider taking an online acting class. There are plenty now. My advice is not to just watch them as entertaining stuff. Take notes. The best thing about online courses is the opportunity to pause, to watch again or just to jump if it is too boring. From my personal experience, as once I was watching a lot of photography courses, I can say that Masterclass has the best stuff for online learning. Read more on Los Angeles acting career.

5. Keep Learning

The key to becoming a professional actor is to keep learning. Again, I’m not tired of saying that you have to learn on a daily basis. Don’t strive to be a perfect actor, just be better than yesterday. If your goal is to be perfect, it won’t work because none of us is perfect. Moreover, it may make you miserable. 

I may take you years to become a skilled actor. But hard work will take you anywhere. Use this time, and by the end of the quarantine, you will become a better actor, and you will not feel depressed or even lonely. Of course, nobody knows when this pandemic will be over, but we should not get miserable because we have no chance to do our jobs as an actor or, me, as a headshot photographer. Now, it is the right time to invest in yourself. If you had an idea to start an Instagram page or a vlog, it is the right time to do so. It will strengthen your acting muscles and improve your on-camera techniques. 

Organize online reads

If after all these you feel lonely and need some companionship, schedule a skype call with an actor friend and do dialogues with them. When you master the craft, you can do a live performance for your social media followers. Another motivating thing is to do all the mentioned above exercises on camera, record yourself and turn it into a success story that can become a movie or a YouTube vlog. Why not? Entertain your friends, family, and followers who are at home. Share the tips from this article with them with your samples. That will definitely be motivation not only for you but for the viewers as well. It can turn into a job as you get more views on Youtube and monetize them.

 

As a Conclusion

Now that you have plenty of time, you can plan your actors’ post-COVID-19 activities. Define what kind of actor you want to be. Comedy or drama? Stage or screen? The same is true for the photography industry. Nowadays, most of the headshot photographers in Los Angeles have turned into product photographers.

Consider taking an acting class. There is a huge selection of acting classes in Los Angeles. Google or ask your friends. Read the reviews. Explore their pricing. And make sure they are not a one-time or a one-weekend deal as it is crucial to keep the consistency even after the pandemic.

Read more on Los Angeles actors’ guide for filing taxes in 2020.

What to read next: How To Get Professional Realtor Headshots in 2022

Learn more about headshot pricing in Los Angeles.

Click here to book a headshot session in Downtown Los Angeles.

You can view more Professional Headshots | Los Angeles Headshot Photographer on our home page. 

Read More
Mirdon
April 9, 2020
How Successful Models Network in Los Angeles

Networking is one of the essential parts of a successful career in any sphere. This skill may help you to open a lot of doors and be one of the most useful tools for you. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles who does many affordable headshots for actors, I have already written an article about actors’ networking events in Los Angeles. This time, I want to talk about how models network in Los Angeles.

Today, the modelling sphere is also very competitive, and besides being beautiful and having the original appearance, you must even know how to network with people from your industry. You should know how to represent yourself in the best way, and get recognized by your communication skills. Of course, at first, this may seem scary because not everyone likes interacting with others, but believe me, if you master that skill, you will notice how it benefits you over time. So read carefully, and you will gain a lot of useful information on how models network in Los Angeles.

What is Networking?

Most of us know the meaning of this word, but it is crucial to make sure to understand the purpose and meaning of it entirely. Networking is communicating and building relationships with influential people from your sphere, which is an essential skill for a successful Los Angeles modeling career. One of the purposes of networking is to have connections with different people, who have passed a hard road in your field. Of course, this will not happen very fast, and you should know that you must put a lot of effort to build connections.

To start networking, you must be courageous to start a conversation with strangers and be confident enough. This may make you get out of your comfort zone. But you should take risks to enjoy the success fully. Try to be natural and create a friendly atmosphere. I am sure people around you will like to talk with you if they feel your positivity.

Where Should you Network?

If you wish to become a part of the Los Angeles modelling career, then you should know that it is a must to be aware of all the opportunities. Remember that even the dullest conversation can transform into something huge. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, who does affordable headshot, I know many cases when an elevator speech helped to make a great impression. The most important thing is to be confident. The best places to interact with other people from your industry are parties, fashion shows, and different events. I highly encourage you to be prepared before going to places like this. Do a little bit of research and get to know the ones who may attend these events.

Use social media, where the organizers of the event will probably post information about the events, and you’ll know the ones who may attend. Such kind of events always has its pages on Instagram or Facebook. Also, join different forums and other useful sites and try to be open and friendly during different jobs that you may do. So make sure to be informed and well prepared. This will help you to make a good impression.

Who Should You Start Networking with?

Models networking in Los Angeles may be hard because the competition is severe. Every model wants to be one step ahead of the others. But in every situation, if you show a friendly attitude to other models, then I am sure people around you will notice it. It would be great if you could have a good relationship with models. That’s because there will be different situations in life that you may need help from them, and also you may help them in response.

As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, who takes affordable headshots for many actors and models, I would highly recommend you to be in a good relationship with photographers as well. If they enjoy working with you, then I am sure they will introduce you to other photographers, designers, and influential people from the industry. You will notice that step-by-step, you get to know different famous people from your industry, with the help of your positive and friendly character. Here is a simple guide on how to behave while networking.

1. Get Acquainted with the Person

In the conversation, it is important to listen to what the other person talks about. Sometimes staying silent and carefully listening is better. Try to ask appropriate questions in order to get to know the other person better. Tell about yourself, also about your achievements and current projects. Always make connections, so that the conversation goes smoothly and in a fun atmosphere. I am sure you will have a lot of common topics with other people who are connected with the Los Angeles modelling career. So even in 5 minutes, you can have interesting and memorable conversations. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I know that in such a big industry, it may be hard to stand out of the crowd. But keep in mind that you are unique in your way, and it will be noticed.

2. Point out Your Uniqueness

As I have already mentioned above, the models’ network in Los Angeles may be quite hard. There are a lot of beautiful girls in the business, and you should bring something unique with you in order to stand out from the crowd. I am sure, right now, there are a lot of modelling agencies, fashion designers, headshot photographers in Los Angeles who are tired of ordinary appearances. They want to find someone who will bring something unique to them.

Today, if you want to be successful in your Los Angeles modelling career, you have to be natural and bring a new wave with you. And also, not only the appearance is important, but also what is inside of the person. Be smart, intelligent, kind, helpful, and you’ll see how the doors are opening for you. Because anything that is cliche is getting out of style. So find your uniqueness and represent it to others.

3. Choose Appropriate Dress 

When you make the first impression, usually, the way you are dressed is critical. Los Angeles modelling career is very much connected with the fashion industry. And many fashion designers will appreciate your sense of style and the way you are dressed. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I pay a lot of attention to how the model is dressed while I am taking affordable headshots. Sometimes many people ask me why Los Angeles headshot rates are high.

The most logical answer to that question is that headshot photographers in Los Angeles pay attention to everything in order to have quality pictures. Another important thing is that you should wear something in which you feel comfortable. During events you will not stay in one place, so choosing the most comfortable dress and shoes is the right thing to do. This will help you to concentrate on what is important during the evening, and not worry about what you are wearing.

4. Leave Alone the Phone

I know that sometimes it is hard not to get distracted by our phones. We are highly connected to our phones. But if you are planning to network during an important event, then a good thing will be not to pay attention to your phone for a couple of hours. Your biggest goal is to have conversations with people and make connections with them. If you sit in the corner and check your Instagram or Facebook profiles all the time, then people may think that you are not interested. If you want to be successful in the models’ network in Los Angeles, then you must fully engage in the process. Of course, it is not simple, but nothing huge happens effortlessly. So you must be very attentive and make your steps. Also, you should know that you are not the only one who is nervous during these events. There will be a lot of beginner models who came there with the same mission as you.

5. Be Confident

Confidence is the key to successful networking. In every situation, people will notice your confidence, and you will make a positive impact. If you want a little help during your first experience, you can ask one of your relatives or friends to join you. They may accompany you so that you know that you are not completely alone. I am sure when other models network in Los Angeles, they also ask their friends to come with them. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you must talk only to your friend for the whole evening. They are coming with you to motivate you and make you more confident, but you must spend your time getting to know other people. After some time, when you become more confident, you can already attend these events alone as you may know many people from the industry. 

6. Listen Carefully

As I have already mentioned above, listening is one of the main skills that you may need while networking. You should listen very carefully. In your industry, there may be a lot of professional and smart people who can give you precious advice. And even in a small amount of time, you can learn a lot from others. If you listen to what the other person says, it will make it easier for you to continue the conversation. And with the help of it, you will be able to keep the conversation smoothly. In addition to that, listening carefully is a sign of being respectful.

As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I always try to listen carefully to my peers, clients, colleagues, and other professionals from my industry. This helps to develop my skills day by day and make not only professional and affordable headshots, but also be aware of my industry. I highly encourage you to watch this informative video about listening. 

Continue Communicating after Events

You will network a lot during these events. And you will get to know a lot of different people. But after the events, it is important to continue keeping in touch with them. Because after some time they will forget about you, and by reaching to them after the events you will make them remember you. I highly recommend you to ask for their emails during your conversation. This channel is one of the most professional ways to get in touch with someone. Of course, there is also social media, but most fashion designers or photographers communicate via emails.

But with your peer models, you can also communicate through Instagram and Facebook. Also, you should always remember that most of the people that you may write to are very busy. It will take a couple of days and even weeks before they write you back. Even if you face a couple of rejections, then it will only make you work even harder and get your goals.

As a Conclusion…

If you are an introverted person, then networking may be scary for you at first. But if you want to reach something significant, then you should fight that fear. And after some time you will notice how you stop being scared. And you will start already feeling very comfortable while networking. The first thing that you must keep in mind is that you have to make a good impression. You will not make a deep connection with anyone during networking events, but because of your positivity, people will remember you. And it will be an excellent base to build up your relationship with them. If you want to have a successful experience while networking, then you should nurture your relationship with them. So don’t be afraid and start networking. Remember that you are not the only one on the journey. There are many models who start networking in Los Angeles.

What to read next: How To Get Professional Realtor Headshots in 2022

Learn more about headshot pricing in Los Angeles.

Click here to book a headshot session in Downtown Los Angeles.

You can view more Professional Headshots | Los Angeles Headshot Photographer on our home page. 

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Seda Stepanyan
March 9, 2020
10 Tips on Actors’ Career in Los Angeles

I am sure each day you listen or read a lot of advice on how to create a successful career. Me, being a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I also heard a lot of useful and important advice. But also in my career, I understood that being talented is never enough. Yes, if you are talented, then you will be noticed by many people. But besides talent, one of the most important things are the habits that you have as a professional, and how you develop them during your life. Habits can be a crucial part of any professional’s career, and more important is how you use and develop them step-by-step to become successful. I am sure every person has their own set of rules which are tested over time. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles who does affordable headshots for many young actors, I want to share the ten most important habits that can improve actors’ career in Los Angeles. 

1. Start Developing Your Listening Skills Right Now

Sometimes listening is better than talking. Knowing how to listen carefully is an essential skill, which helps you to orientate in many situations. It is not important what your profession is, if you are not a good listener, then I would advise you to dedicate time each day to master that skill. Because if you don’t know how to listen, then you will never become advanced as a professional. If you think that you are not a good listener, or you get distracted easily, then don’t panic, because it is possible to develop that skill. Have a goal to listen more and get as much information and knowledge as you can. Try to listen very carefully and keep eye contact, because it always helps. If you tell yourself that in front of you stands a person who can transform a huge amount of knowledge to you even in 10 minutes, then I am sure you will be able to listen and master your listening skills in a very short time.

2. Read More Books

Books develop the imagination of a person. As we grow older, we become busier in this quick life and don’t provide enough time for reading. But even if we read for ten pages in a day, it will make a great difference. If you read books, it will not only help you to become more developed and educated but also will help to understand how to create the character better. You can share your book with other actors, and they might also recommend you the new ones. This will help to develop networking with others and discuss the book with each other. If you are going to play a fictional character from the book, then it would be more useful to read the book rather than the script. Reading books will also master your language skills and will help you to express yourself more beautifully. And in addition to this, reading books is one of the most interesting and enjoyable things in the world. The one who reads books always stands out from the crowd.

3. New Mentors

It is hard to reach any success if you don’t have someone who will guide you and help during the journey. Each of us has at least someone in our life who motivates us and helps to move forward. Teachers and mentors are one of them. They help us to learn something new and acquire new information. And most importantly, it is always a pleasure to know that there is someone who wants to spend their time educating us. They may give very valuable advice which can be crucial in your career. But if you understand that you are not growing anymore with them and that there are no challenges for you, then you can always try to find new people who will create new challenges for you, and help you to develop. Being among the headshot photographers in Los Angeles, I also have important people in my life who play a very crucial role. But in addition to that, I always try to get to know new people who may bring something new with them, and I can learn many new things from them.

4. Follow the News

Our generation is lucky enough because we live in the 21st century, where many sources have been created for us to get more information. In one minute we can be informed about something new which happened on the other end of the world. In such a fast-developing industry, every actor must be informed about what happens in the world. It doesn’t mean that you must be an expert in every aspect, but being aware will never hurt. For example, it will help you with networking. You will always find a topic to speak to someone who is not from your industry. And this will help you to be a developed and interesting person. Successful actors’ career in Los Angeles is very much connected with the trends, so remember to be aware of them always. As I am one of the headshot photographers in Los Angeles, I always try to be aware of not only what happens in my industry but also all over the world. For example, in order to take affordable headshots, I examine what the new trends are, how to do something new, and create one-of-a-kind pictures. 

5. Decrease the Time Spent on Your Phones

Yes, I know what you may think. Above I have mentioned that you must follow the news every day. And most of us mostly do it with the help of our phones. But there are many other ways to get useful information. They become one of the most important parts of our daily life, and we can’t imagine our lives without them. Actually, the reality is that most of the time, we are just killing time with our phones. And the majority of the information that we get may be useless. And that distracts us from the important things. If you want to have a successful actors’ career in Los Angeles, you must know that your time is the most valuable thing, and you should take care of it. When I do affordable headshots for many actors In Los Angeles, I understand how they value their time, and they are very careful about how much time they spend daily on their phones.

6. Learn From the Best 

If you are a beginner actor, it is important to make sure that you learn from the giants in the industry. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should do exactly what they do. But when you watch a movie with a famous and talented actor in it, try to analyze and learn something from their acting. I am sure there are many techniques which can be useful for you and will help you to develop your techniques. In order to have a successful actors’ career in Los Angeles, you should learn as much as you can. And I am sure there are many people who can help you with their own experience and with their acting style. Headshot photographers in Los Angeles, also always try to learn. Because there are many people who have passed a tough and valuable road, and we can learn a lot from their journey. I highly recommend you to watch this fascinating and motivating TED talk by Adam Driver. 

7. Network

I have a separate article for this important topic, because it is too important. I’m not tired of saying that networking skill is the most essential skill in the actor’s life. And not only in an actor’s life but also in every professional’s career. You should always try to get to know different people. Try to attend events, classes or other places where you can meet interesting people. As I am a headshot photographer in Los Angeles who takes affordable headshots for actors with low photoshoot rates, I know many cases, when because of a certain person, an actor becomes successful. Of course, talent always plays a huge role, but imagine if you get to know a famous director who tries to find a new and fresh actor for his or her movies. Wouldn’t it be great if he would suggest that role to you? Of course, it would. So start mastering your networking skills, and be ready to meet new people. Here are a couple of networking dos and don’ts about which every actor must know. 

8. Explore Hobbies

Being in love with what you do is one of the best gifts that one can have. But dedicate time on doing something completely different than acting. Find new hobbies, and try to explore them. This will help to relax and clear your mind, and eventually, you’ll notice that your acting becomes better and better. I am sure there are many activities which might interest you. You can attend painting classes or do some sports etc. The most important thing is that it has to be different from your profession. Don’t be afraid of trying new things and experimenting with your abilities. For the actors’ career in Los Angeles, this is very important. Being a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I also have my favorite hobbies, which help me to turn off my mind and fully relax. And that helps to become more creative and create one-of-a-kind affordable headshots with low photoshoot rates in Los Angeles.

9. Don’t Compare Yourself with Others

As I have already mentioned above, it is important to take an example from other successful and talented people. But today, in such a fast-developing industry, it is crucial to understand that you must have your individuality. So, don’t try to compare yourself to anyone, and more importantly, don’t try to be like someone else. This may lead to jealousy, and eventually, you will easily lose your uniqueness. Many actors may face such a problem, especially when it seems that nothing goes right. In every profession, each person has his or her path, which is built over time. Sometimes it may seem that for others, the road is more effortless. But believe me, it’s not. And it is always interesting how everyone is creating their road to success. Work hard, and don’t let jealousy take over you. 

10. Become Confident

If you are an actor, then being confident is one of the most important things for a successful actors’ career in Los Angeles. You should be confident enough to present yourself, to talk with other people, to create roles, etc. If you are not confident, then people will notice it, and it will affect your acting. Of course, at first, it may not seem simple, but in time you will already feel comfortable in most of the situations, and hence you will feel confident. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, while taking affordable headshots of actors, I always understand when the actor is confident and when not. And I always try to create an atmosphere where it would be comfortable for them to pose for the camera. So, in every situation, you must be calm and try to feel and behave confidently. 

To become successful, at first, you must have a clear and focused mindset. You should develop habits, which will guide you through your acting career. As I have already said in the beginning, there is no specific rule for this, and each of us can develop our own set of habits. I am sure these habits will only help you to become a better version of yourself and be more powerful day by day. We have read many success stories of how people reached significant heights, and if we explore their journey, we will notice that most of it are because of the habits that they have. So in order to have a successful actors’ career in Los Angeles, develop your own sets of habits with the help of this list, which I have shared with you.

What to read next: How To Get Professional Realtor Headshots in 2022

Learn more about headshot pricing in Los Angeles.

Click here to book a headshot session in Downtown Los Angeles.

You can view more Professional Headshots | Los Angeles Headshot Photographer on our home page. 

Read More
Seda Stepanyan
March 2, 2020
Actors' Networking Events in Los Angeles

Every actor dreams about a successful career in Hollywood. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, who does many affordable headshots for actors, I know that many young talents work hard to be one of the most successful actors. But in this sphere, being talented and having a good portfolio is not enough. In order to stay in the game, you must develop your networking skills during your whole life. Networking is one of the essential skills that every actor must-have. It makes your circle of connection bigger and helps to get to know many people who may play a massive role in your life. Many actors fail at the beginning of their careers. One of the reasons, which explains this may be that there are many barriers, which are hard to conquer if you don’t know how to network. So, as a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I am going to share with you why networking is so important, and give you an easy guide on how to behave during actors’ networking events in Los Angeles. 

Why Networking is Beneficial for Actors

Networking doesn’t mean that this is the only way to get your desired roles in the movies or become successful. It means that in order to become one step closer to your dreams, you must meet people and get yourself known by other actors, directors, writers, etc. Maybe during one of the actors’ networking events in Los Angeles, you may meet a director who tries to find new and interesting talents for the upcoming movie. This is also an excellent opportunity to learn from people who may have been longer in the industry. Even if you talk to them for 5 minutes, you can get a lot of valuable information and use it for your future career. For headshot photographers in Los Angeles, 5 minutes is a whole eternity to capture beautiful pictures. So even in 1 minute, it is possible to make an impression. As I am a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I also try to learn from others and, at the same time, have an opportunity to share my knowledge.

How to Start Networking Right Now

For most of the actors, one of the first questions is “ How to start networking?”. At first, it may seem hard, because you may think that you don’t have enough experience. Especially when you are fresh to the industry, everything is strange for you. But once you start communicating with other people, you’ll notice how even the first experience helps you to develop your networking skills. If you are in Los Angeles, I can assure you that there are many ways that you can meet people from the industry. You may meet with someone accidentally, and then that one meeting can change your life. I am sure you have read or watched a lot of success stories like this. But let’s not rely on life’s fate and start creating your path yourself. So to be well prepared here are a couple of tips that every actor must be familiar with.

Attend Acting Classes

One of the ways to start your networking journey can be by attending acting classes. I will recommend you to get involved in an acting class which has a good reputation. Such courses arrange their events, and many people from the industry attend those events. This will help to meet other actors, agents, directors, and get to know many talented and well-known people. Those classes will not only be a source of new information but also you will have an opportunity to communicate with other beginner actors. I am sure that they also can recommend some events or places which you must check out. And it is always useful to talk with people who share the same path as you do. They may tell you about things that you have never heard or thought about. Here you can find a couple of best acting classes in Los Angeles.

Find Special Events

As I have already written above, those classes arrange their events. The best acting classes may organize huge events for special holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.), so you don’t need to miss those events. But there are also other ways to find actors’ networking events in Los Angeles. You can ask other people from the industry for some recommendations. But if you don’t know whom to ask, you can use the unlimited amount of information that the internet provides. If you search, you’ll notice that many events get published in famous publications. Even if you find a huge event that is far from where you live, I highly recommend you to do your best to reach that place and attend the event. For example, Los Angeles is one of the centres of such events. Of course, big cities may host more significant and more influential events, but if you are from a small town, that doesn’t mean that you are unable to attend those events. 

Social Media

And of course, today, one of the best ways to get new information is social media. With the help of social media platforms, it became more comfortable and faster to connect with people and find what you want in a couple of minutes. I am sure there are many groups which are posting things that actors like you may need. Try to join those groups, and you’ll get a massive amount of information. There are many blogs that will also be very useful. In one of my articles I wrote about them, so you can check it out here. Don’t be afraid even to start your small group. You can create a group that will connect with other beginner actors, and this will make it easier for you to acquire useful information. You may post questions, and I am sure many people will give you their answers. So make sure that you follow certain pages and keep yourself updated. 

How to Behave at Actors’ Networking Events in Los Angeles

As I have already said, networking events are full of influential people in the industry. Many producers, directors, writers try to find new talents who will be part of their stories. They try to find people who are new and who will bring fresh waves with them. This doesn’t mean that you need to look extravagant or do crazy things to get noticed. There may be many people in the game, so to stand out from the crowd, you need to be open and communicate easily. Don’t try to be fake; just be who you are and try to feel comfortable. Nowadays, people appreciate honesty more than fake things. Start a conversation with people, and you’ll see how smooth it will go forward. Grab your favourite drink, and just enjoy the evening and appreciate the opportunities that you have. For taking beautiful and affordable headshots, most of the headshot photographers in Los Angeles also try to find people who are not ordinary and have their unique energy. 

Build Up the Relationship

Attending actors’ networking events in Los Angeles and communicating with people is not enough. You should try to keep in touch with them even after those events. This may be a little bit hard at first, but when you start communicating with other people, you’ll see how many topics you can share. You can suggest they meet and talk about the actor industry, your profession, etc. Networking doesn’t mean that only you need to have a good relationship with others. Other people also may need to communicate with you. So your professional relationship may be beneficial for everyone. This process is not simple, but it gets more exciting and easy in time. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I always try to build relationships with other photographers, clients, and people from my industry because there is always a place to learn from them, share my knowledge and just have a great circle of connections. 

Become More Confident 

I know that it is tough to get out of your comfort zone and start to try new things that you have never tried before. But as you are an actor, you need to know that confidence is the key to your success. You must be courageous enough to talk to strangers and introduce yourself to them in a proper way. But if you feel shy at the beginning, you can ask someone to come with you to actors’ networking events in Los Angeles, so that you don’t feel alone. Suggest one of your parents, siblings or friends to accompany you. But remember that this doesn’t mean that you must talk only to your friends. They are there to help you to be more confident, but you should try to communicate with other people and introduce yourself. This is what you should do in order to survive in the industry, so start to master your skills beginning from today. 

Quality not Quantity

At the actors’ networking events in Los Angeles, you’ll meet many people, but it is important to understand that you don’t need to get close to everyone. This will disturb you, and others may build a wrong idea of you. For example, I know a lot of cases when someone made fast relationships with others, and after a short time, they started not to talk to each other. When you attend actors’ networking events in Los Angeles, try to make deeper and quality contacts with the ones to whom you speak. Nothing happens quickly, so you will work hard and try to nurture your relationship with others. Your biggest goal is to step-by-step become closer to your dream career, so be wise in your moves. If you talk to someone, and suddenly understand that he or she is not the one with whom you would like to have contact, then it is not shameful to stop talking to them. It is essential to be patient and flexible.

Provide Your Help to Others

Remember that this industry is full of people who may also need your help. The truth is that for many people, it would be important to know how you can help them before they help you. It is crucial to listen to people carefully and understand their needs. If you go to those events, only for satisfying your needs and only for finding people who will help you, then I want to tell you that you are not on the right path. You should try to offer them your help as well. For example, if someone is filming a movie and he or she needs a particular prop which you have, it would be very useful if you could offer it to them. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles who does affordable headshots, I always try to help the ones who may need my professional advice, skills, or something else. This is very important in the professional world, so I advise you to be as open as you can.

In Conclusion…

In every industry, you need to work very hard to achieve your goals. You can’t effortlessly reach any kind of heights. Especially if you are an actor in Hollywood, you must be aware that each year thousands of people try to make their steps in Hollywood, and you should move forward in a persistent manner. As you saw, one of the most important skills of this journey is networking. Even if you are the best in industry, knowing how to network will lead you forward in many situations. If you can’t communicate with others, then it may be impossible to attract the attention of many famous people. There are no specific rules for this. All you need to do is to be natural, open, and easy to communicate with. Be ready to meet with different people, and don’t be afraid of diversity. So I highly recommend you to start mastering your networking skills right now and discover actors’ networking events in Los Angeles. 

What to read next: How To Get Professional Realtor Headshots in 2022

Learn more about headshot pricing in Los Angeles.

Click here to book a headshot session in Downtown Los Angeles.

You can view more Professional Headshots | Los Angeles Headshot Photographer on our home page. 

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Seda Stepanyan
February 13, 2020
Valentine’s Day Photoshoot Ideas - Part 2

Air is already full of love, which means that one of the most beautiful and romantic days of the year is around the corner. And we all know that Valentine’s day is the perfect day to have a romantic photoshoot and save memories forever. In my previous article, I have already shared a couple of unique Valentine’s day photoshoot ideas. But as I am a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I always search for new and inspiring ideas to make them a reality. The truth is that there are hundreds of ways to have a photoshoot and experiment with ideas. You can have great and affordable headshots anywhere, and It doesn’t matter if it’s a park, your home, or a photo studio in Los Angeles. So here are more ideas on how to make Valentine’s day photoshoot even more memorable. 

1. Photoshoot with Balloons

Balloons may seem too simple, but they always bring too much joy to everyone. And on each holiday besides gifts, people also give balloons to each other. There are many ways to experiment with them and eventually get creative photos. One of the advantages of balloons is that you can get beautiful pictures with them in any location. It doesn’t matter if your Valentine’s Day photoshoot takes place in the park, at home, or in the photo studio in Los Angeles, balloons add character to every place. Also, you can play with them in many ways. Being a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I recommend you to choose balloons in different colors, shapes and with different writings on it. You can also match your clothes with the colors of the balloons. This will help to capture more interesting photos. You can be sure that balloons will be a great prop for Valentine’s day photoshoot, and will help to take affordable headshots. 

2. Make a Gift with Your Photos

I am sure you would like to have a calendar for the year with your photos on it for each month. Valentine’s day is a perfect opportunity to make this idea a reality. You can have a themed photoshoot for each month and then allocate every picture for the corresponding month. For example, for December, you can have a photoshoot in the characters of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. This is a great way to get creative because there are 12 months, and a lot of ideas can be generated. In addition to this, there are many photo studios in Los Angeles, which provide low photoshoot rates and where you can do this type of photoshoot. So, you don’t need to spend time on choosing a location. But if you enjoy exploring and finding different places, then this idea can be turned into reality everywhere. Headshot photographers in Los Angeles like when clients share their ideas because in that way, the result is always better.

3. Interesting and Unique Accessories

Holiday photoshoots are the perfect time not to be afraid of experimenting. You can use themed accessories to make your look even more festive. For example, big heart-shaped sunglasses or funny hats. On other days you may not want to have a Valentine’s Day photoshoot with a funny hat or something else. But Valentine’s day is all about creativity, love and fun. So instead of having a regular photoshoot, you will have a fun and interesting one. If you want to make the preparations for the photoshoot more exciting, then you can make DIY accessories. Today, there are a lot of useful tutorials that will help create fast and easy accessories. So, this would be a perfect way to spend time together. After the photoshoot, you can keep the accessories as a souvenir. 

4. Go to the Countryside

If you are tired of photos taken in the cities, and you don’t want to go to the photo studios in Los Angeles, then this is a perfect option for you. Pick a place where there is a magnificent nature, and you can enjoy both the view and photoshoot. Headshot photographers in Los Angeles can recommend beautiful places, but you also can do some research and find a place which you like the most. Because of the behavior of light, you can have photos in different styles, with beautiful views. This is a good opportunity to have a rest and enjoyable photoshoot at the same time. If you want to make your pictures even more beautiful, then you can find a place with a breathtaking view during the sunset. In that case, you will have one of a kind pictures. And even after years, you will look at the pictures with excitement. 

5. Photoshoot of Your Hobbies

Most probably each couple will have a hobby which they both like. If you are one of those couples, then you can use this idea for your Valentine’s day photoshoot. For example, if you both like playing tennis, then you can ask a headshot photographer to take pictures of you while you are playing. Or if you both like painting, then you can paint together a picture, and at the same time, the photographer will capture the most beautiful moments. In this case, you can also play with the paints, and maybe also paint each other for funny pictures. As this is Valentine’s day photoshoot, don’t forget to add something connected with that special day. For example paper hearts or balloons. This is not only an opportunity to take affordable headshots with low photoshoot rates in Los Angeles but also do what you love together. 

6. “Follow me” Photoshoot

It may seem that this type of pictures are everywhere on the internet, and it is no longer a creative idea. A couple of years ago, this became a trend, and everyone started to take pictures like this. But there are many ways to make this type of photos magnificent, and if you show your love in then, I am sure that every type of picture will be perfect. For example, if you have a favorite location in the city, you can take “follow me” pictures there, and then combine them. In addition to this, if there are interesting places in your city, then the pictures will be even more appealing. This is also a great way to avoid high photoshoot pricing in Los Angeles, but at the same time enjoy Valentine’s day photoshoot. Every couple has its unique approach to any idea, so don’t be afraid to create your signature. 

7. Create Backdrop at Home

At first, this idea may seem a little bit scary, but even at home, you can make a place that looks like photo studios in Los Angeles. If you don’t want to go to crowded places and don’t want to pay high photoshoot rates in Los Angeles, then photoshoot at home will suit you. And also, at home, you will be more confident, so it is the perfect place to create a backdrop with your significant other. Find some interesting ideas for making a quick and beautiful backdrop, and then make it together. For example, you can create a backdrop from your pictures, hearts, balloons, etc. Even at home, you can effortlessly make a photo studio. Just follow a simple guide and step-by-step turn the room into a real photo studio in Los Angeles. As I am a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I have shared my tips for a perfect photoshoot at home, which you can find here. 

8. Photoshoot with Lights

Garland lights add sparkle and romance to any type of photo. For a romantic atmosphere, you can turn off the lights of the room and grab garland lights. You can hang them from somewhere, or even put it on yourself. In the dark atmosphere, it will create a special ambiance, and every ordinary photo will immediately become unique. You can make a heart shape with your hands and wrap the lights around them. Garland lights add magic and romance to everything. Also, this can help you to take affordable headshots because this idea can be made into reality even at home, and with simple lights left from the Christmas tree. But of course, if you want more professionalism, then you may go to photo studios in Los Angeles. Garland lights will look perfect with the lighting of photo studios in Los Angeles. Photoshoot rates may be higher, but the quality and service are worth it. 

9. Search for Adventures

If you like taking risks, feeling adrenaline, and just trying new things, then this is exactly for you. Valentine’s day is a perfect day to try new things, which you have never tried before. For example, if you have always dreamed of riding a parachute, then don’t be afraid and try it with your significant other. Find this type of activity in your city, and choose one of them with your loved one. Photoshoots in this type of condition may be hard, but headshot photographers in Los Angeles are professionals who love capturing moments on every occasion. The photoshoot rates may be high for this kind of photoshoots, but you can be sure that this will be a lifetime experience. Also, I am sure most of us wanted to try something like this at least once during our lives. Adventures will add a lot of emotions to your picture and be fun to look at. Don’t forget about safety and chase adventures. 

10. Photoshoot with Smoke

One of the most popular props of photoshoots is smoke bombs. They not only add creativity to the picture but also create a specific type of mood. With different colors, in different locations, and with various poses, you can make magnificent pictures. They will make your photos more alive and will help to have a unique photoshoot. The smoke will help to achieve effects, interesting background, and atmosphere. Choose a place which will not be too crowded, so that the smoke doesn’t disturb anyone. To have a great experience with smoke bombs, here are some tips on how to use them. Most of the headshot photographers in Los Angeles use smoke bombs a lot so you can rely on their experience. But to be well prepared, do some research before the photoshoot, so that it would be easier for you to cooperate with the photographer. 

11. Create a Retro Style

Another way to take affordable headshots is to recreate different styles with your partner. Valentine’s day is a perfect day to dress-up. I think most of us dreamed, at least for once, to look like the characters from old, retro movies. Those movies had so much romance in them that it would be ideal to be able to recreate the styles from them. Usually, headshot photographers may use black and white style, or other techniques to transform the retro mood. In addition to this, you can use different accessories, which will complete your retro look. These types of photos are always stunning, and the process of making them is very enjoyable. 

12. Dance Together

Dances help to take out all the energy and express real emotions. I am sure you don’t want to have just an ordinary photoshoot with ordinary pictures. The most important thing is to show emotions and be happy together while doing a photoshoot. You just need to choose your favorite music, dance, and catch the beat. If you think that you are not very good at dancing, then you can look at different tutorials on the internet, and try the same during the photoshoot. Right now, there are no rules on how to dance, so you can even create your dancing style. Dancing will help to create dynamic photos and have a lot of fun. This is another option to have affordable headshots everywhere. 

Even the smallest detail can be a perfect addition to the photo. You need to test your creativity, and not be afraid to try crazy and various things. As you saw, it is possible to have any type of photoshoot. So even if you think that many options may have high photoshoot rates, then there are also a lot of options to take affordable headshots. The only thing that you have to do is to enjoy every moment of Valentine’s day photoshoot, and value each day spent with your loved one. 

Read next: “Ideas for Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles” and “Valentine’s Day Photoshoot Ideas – Part 1″.

What to read next: How To Get Professional Realtor Headshots in 2022

Learn more about headshot pricing in Los Angeles.

Click here to book a headshot session in Downtown Los Angeles.

You can view more Professional Headshots | Los Angeles Headshot Photographer on our home page. 

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Seda Stepanyan
February 4, 2020
How to Do a Professional Photo Shoot at Home

Wouldn’t it be great if each of us could arrange a professional photo shoot at home? For example, when there’s a need for a new profile picture for Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, and we want it to be fabulous. Or maybe you want to become a professional photographer, and experimenting at home on different models and subjects will be the right thing to do. Besides being affordable, this also allows feeling like a headshot photographer in Los Angeles for a day. You can be your director and get creative as much as you can. There are a lot of places in Los Angeles where you can do affordable headshots. But photo shoots at home can be more interesting. You just need to be patient, and you’ll see how step-by-step each next picture comes out better than the previous one. As a headshot photographer, I want to share these simple tips which will guide and help you to create masterpieces. 

1.Simple Ways to Create the Right Setting

The setting is the base of professional photo shoots. If you have ever gone to photoshoots in Los Angeles, you probably have noticed how professional everything is organized. And that’s one of the logical reasons why the photoshoot pricing in Los Angeles may seem high. The right angle, lighting, location, and attributes can completely change the final result. At first, it may seem hard to have the perfect setting but believe me, it’s worth the time and nerves. There are a lot of cases when because of the wrong setting, the photoshoot failed. So it is better to spend some time in the beginning than fail at the end. Keep in mind those tricks and try the same at home.

Select the Location

Find a place at home where there is a natural light coming from the window. Remember, there’s no need for a huge room. Most of the headshot photographers in Los Angeles may prefer large places because working with light and space there is more comfortable. But even in a small room, you can create a perfect setting. You just need to use the capacity of your room wisely. To make a studio atmosphere, find a white wall in the room. If there’s no white wall there, don’t worry, this also can be fixed. Ask someone for blank white sheets, and hang it from the ceiling, and now you already have a white background. Professional photographers also may use white sheets to do photoshoots in Los Angeles. This is one of the few secrets of getting affordable headshots. You’ll see how the simple room is transformed into a studio quite effortlessly.

Lighting and the Style

Light and style are interconnected with each other. Best headshots in Los Angeles are taken when the photographers know how to control the light. At first, choose in which style you want your photos to be and then match the lighting. How you work with lighting determines what will your final result be. Many photographers prefer to work with natural light. It helps to create stunning pictures with no other additional element. During the day, at different hours and weather conditions, natural light behaves differently, hence the images come out in various styles. If you want to have a professional photo shoot with the help of sunlight, then you must try to control the sunlight, which fills the room. You can play with it in different ways. For example, with the curtains or with additional sheets, etc. Be creative and don’t be afraid to try. 

Another way of lighting is lamps. Headshot photographers in Los Angeles, when do actors or other types of headshots, may use different lights for achieving their desired lighting. You can use one, two or even more lamps. In the case of professional photoshoots in Los Angeles, especially actor headshots, sometimes headshot photographers may need different types of lights. But in the beginning, you don’t need too much. If you don’t have one, then I am sure one of your friends may have one. If no one has, you may buy a small lamp, which you can use in different ways in the future. So it will be a wise purchase.

Ambiance

Now it’s the time to accommodate everything in the room and work with the light. To have a soft glimpse on your subject from above, place a light facing the ceiling. You’ll see how the reflection does the magic. To lighten the shadows of the photo, put another light in the distance from the subject. It may be located in the back of the room. And of course don’t forget about the natural sunlight, as it can accompany the lightings mentioned above. But while working with the natural light, you must be fast and careful, because in different hours it changes. You’ll see in how many ways you can play with it. Use your imagination, and be quick; it will only help you.

Necessary Elements

Adding a little interest to the photo will be very beneficial. Of course, at first, you must carefully choose the style and then decide what you need to add to the photo. Headshot photographers in Los Angeles work with different objects very carefully, in order not to ruin the photo. For instance, sometimes while doing actor headshots, it is better not to use any props. But thoroughly selected items will add character to the photo and make it even more beautiful. You don’t need costly staff. Try to make affordable headshots by selecting from things that you have at home. In the case of a male or female model, you may add a chair. They may sit on them or use them as support in different ways. Or if you are taking a picture of your dog, you may give him his favorite toy. It would be quite interesting to take photos while he is playing. So, experiment with props, and the pictures will become even more appealing.

2. Choose the Models 

Now when we finally have the perfect setting, it’s time to think about whom we are going to take a picture of. It can be anyone: a friend, relative, or professional model. Choose someone with whom it will be easy for you to work. It is better to work in an atmosphere where you both enjoy the process. Because the exciting part of photo shoots is that not only the final result is important, but also the process. The best headshots in Los Angeles are created when both the model and the photographer feel comfortable. Now before rushing to take the camera, there are several very important things to know.

The Appearance 

A picture tells a lot about a person. The way someone poses, smiles, dresses are important parts of any picture. Details matter, and even the smallest things which may seem not very important, can change the whole image of the end result. Once again, think about the style of the photo shoot. What should the model wear in order to correspond with the mood? If you have time, you can experiment with the looks. For example, try on different clothes and change styles from casual to classic, from sporty to more dressy. This will help to have more interesting and diverse pictures. Professional photo shoots like professionalism in everything. So pay attention to the makeup and hairstyle. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I know that there are a lot of mistakes that people make regarding pre photoshoot preparations. To be well prepared, here are introduced some common mistakes which everyone should avoid. 

Posing

Professional models, of course, are experts in posing, and they know how to work with the camera. But if you are working with non-professionals, then ask them to feel free and try various poses. If they don’t feel comfortable, you can help them with different props, as mentioned above. For example, hand them something so their hands can be occupied. Or, ask them to sit on the chair or maybe on the floor and try different poses while being seated. Be clear on what you want, and try to express your thoughts as simple as you can. Make a comfortable atmosphere for the model so that they can feel more relaxed. You can even turn on some good music, it always helps.

3. Now It’s Time to Shoot!

The setting is ready, and the model is already waiting. Now it’s time to take the camera in your hands and try to make your first masterpieces. As I am a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I know how it feels when you start taking pictures. Even if you have done it thousands of times, working with each new model, setting and lighting is a whole new journey. If you love photography, then I am sure that you are curious about the different types of cameras. Today, there are a lot of advanced cameras. Most of the professional photographers use the best cameras, and hence the photoshoot rates in Los Angeles become higher. Remember that for the beginning, you don’t need the best one. With the experience, you’ll try different cameras, and each time you’ll have a better one. In order to be well informed, here are presented some of the best cameras. 

Set the Camera

Every work needs patience. There’s one thing that still needs to be prepared before the professional photo shoot starts. Before clicking the shutter release button, you need to regulate the settings of the camera. While doing it, take into account the lighting that you have already set. So maybe you’ll need to turn off the flash. In order to work properly with lighting, you need to find the right angle. This part also needs experimenting. Choose a couple of angles in the room, and try your best to make the perfect picture. If one angle doesn’t work, then try another one. It’s all about trying and exploring. 

Take Pictures

I am sure you have been waiting for this moment. Everything is already ready. The camera is in your hands, and the model is in front of you. The lighting is perfect, and there’s no need to wait. It’s finally time to do the professional photo shoot. Be creative, make sure that you work with the light, the model, and the space of the room. Don’t be afraid of the quantity of the pictures. Take as much as you can because you have spent a lot of time on preparations. Ask the model to change poses and facial expressions. If you feel that it’s time to change the clothes, then ask him or her to do so. Although you have already set the settings of the camera, you can switch to a different setting in the middle of the photo shoot. 

4. The Final Result

Congratulations, you already have a lot of pictures from which you can choose the best. I am sure, one of the favorite parts of most of the headshot photographers in Los Angeles is looking at the final result. While scrolling through them, choosing the best ones, and editing, we remember how the photos were being created. Photoshoots in Los Angeles are not only about the final result but also the process and all the emotions. With the experience, every next photo shoot will be better than the previous one. Don’t stop working on yourself and developing.

Editing

In the end, every photo needs a little editing. When you choose the best ones, you need to edit them. Use the photo editing tools on your computer. Those tools allow you to make your final result even better. There are a number of ways to do so. For example, you can crop the picture, change the colors, and clean some imperfections. Every photo needs a little help. But be reasonable, because if you try too hard on the editing, then you may make it worse. Just fix a little bit, and enjoy what you have got. After editing, you already have your desired photos, and they are ready to be shared with others. 

As you can see, everything is possible, even with the minimum necessities. A little while ago, you may not have imagined that even at home, it is possible to make professional photo shoots. All you need is to practice as much as you can and try different styles and techniques. And as I have already mentioned, this is also very affordable. Headshot rates in Los Angeles may vary from $100-$600 and maybe even higher. Sometimes photoshoot rates in Los Angeles may be very high, and not affordable for everyone. Every headshot photographer in Los Angeles was once a beginner. And before starting to do actors headshots in Los Angeles studios, they also were practising at home with their friends and family members. I am sure that these tips will help you to get one of the best headshots in Los Angeles. So start trying right now, and do your first professional photo shoot at home. 

What to read next: How To Get Professional Realtor Headshots in 2022

Learn more about headshot pricing in Los Angeles.

Click here to book a headshot session in Downtown Los Angeles.

You can view more Professional Headshots | Los Angeles Headshot Photographer on our home page. 

Read More
Seda Stepanyan
January 28, 2020
Ideas for Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles

 We’re halfway through winter, which means that one of the most romantic days of the year is near. Many couples are already professionals in planning Valentine’s Day and choosing the right gift, but for some, it is still really hard to choose something special for their loved ones. Sometimes it may seem that there are no ideas at all, and at that exact second, the panic starts. Take a deep breath, and remember that in spite of everything, you must enjoy that day with your significant other. Whether you are planning to have a fancy dinner or have a photoshoot in Los Angeles, it is crucial to make February 14th a special day for both of you. To do so, start planning ahead of time with the help of these unique ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles.

1. Photoshoot in Los Angeles

Special moments need to be saved. It may seem that only the result of photoshoots is important, but in reality the process of creating pictures together should be as enjoyable and exciting as looking at the images after you receive them. So, photoshoots can be a great way to spend quality time together. For me, as a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, it is crucial to make sure that people are sharing my passion and enjoying the process as much as I do. 

Studio Photoshoot 

During the day, we enjoy taking dozens of pictures with our loved ones in our phones, and we like scrolling through them from time to time. We ask our friends, family members, and even strangers to take a picture of us. And when there is no one around, of course, selfies save us. But sometimes the lightning, background, and overall quality of images taken by someone may not be as good as we imagined that it should have been. Having a professional photo shoot at the studio on a special event like Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles can be a great way to show and celebrate your love, and be sure that the camera is in the right hands. At Stepanyan Photography, it is always a delight to be part of any special day and be able to help you create exceptional memories and save them forever. 

Outdoor Photoshoot

Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles is always beautiful and full of a tremendous amount of love, which you can feel everywhere. Even when you walk in the streets, you can see couples who hold each other’s hands, dance, kiss, and enjoy their day. Outdoor photoshoot in Los Angeles allows feeling the atmosphere and at the same time, have gorgeous pictures. It gives room for creativity and several options for photogenic locations. And of course, as lightning is one of the essential parts of a beautiful picture, there is an unlimited source of sunlight and shades during outdoor photoshoots. So, pick beautiful locations in Los Angeles with your partner and get creative in creating stunning pictures. And remember, the sky’s the limit!

Hiring a photographer to Follow you Everywhere in Los Angeles

Do you remember the place where you first met your loved one? Or where you confessed to each other, your love, and kissed? For each couple, there are places where memorable and meaningful things happened. And whenever you go to the same place, you go back in time and feel the same emotions as you felt years ago. Valentine’s Day is the right day to recall all the memories by revisiting each important place. You can organize a tour where you can pick a couple of places where something memorable happened, and plan a special surprise there. A professional photographer in Los Angeles can follow you through the day and save all the beautiful and valuable moments which you definitely will have. The most beautiful pictures are the ones that contain a lot of honest emotions, and those are the ones that make you smile every time you look at them.

2. Romantic Dinner in Los Angeles

Sometimes the simplest things are the most worthwhile. Having dinner, eating your favorite food, drinking some fine wine, and just having conversations for hours sometimes is better than anything else. Don’t forget that you should also plan and organize dinner in a careful manner. Still, luckily there are several options to prepare an unforgettable dinner on Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles.

Dinner on the Rooftop

Isn’t this romantic? Pick a roof which will have a breathtaking view of Los Angeles. The sky and the stars will be the ceiling. Have dynamics with you, and on the background turn on your favorite songs, spend time and decorate the rooftop with a couple of beautiful decorations, with your pictures, flowers, balloons, etc. To add even more romance to this, you can make a Valentine’s Day menu and name each course with a unique name. The romantic atmosphere can be made in different ways, get creative, and enjoy the moment with your loved one.

Picnic at the Park

Valentine’s day in Los Angeles is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Even nature celebrates love, and it seems that everyone carries a massive amount of love in themselves. Spending this special day in nature will allow you to enjoy the impressive view, breathe fresh air, and rest with your loved one. You can lie down on the grass, look at the sky, and enjoy the presence of each other. Close your eyes and recall all the fantastic months or years that you have spent with each other, and imagine that many more beautiful moments are still waiting for you two.

Dinner Night at Home

Especially on Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles, most of the restaurants are very crowded. If you want to have a comfy evening alone with your partner, then spending quality time at home would be the best option. And instead of ordering food from somewhere else, you can choose a recipe and cook together. This option will also be affordable, and in a small budget, you can have a great day. Even if you think that your cooking skills are not efficient, don’t worry, because together you can create a masterpiece. A romantic movie will complete the evening, so pick a good one and enjoy your meal while watching the movie. Here are some interesting films from which you can select.

4. Road Trip

Get a car, a map, and plan an exciting road trip from Los Angeles with your loved one. Pick places that both you have never visited before, and discover them together. One of the ways to enjoy each other is to travel. Road trips help connect, and it is an excellent opportunity to talk about things that you have never talked about before. At the end of the road trip, you will feel how much you have discovered in each other. Turn on your favorite music and sing together. Even if you can’t sing, don’t be afraid of it. Here are some interesting places to consider as a destination.

Palm Springs

The distance from Los Angeles to Palm Springs is approximately 106 miles. You can have a calm weekend there by simply resting in the hotel and sunbathing alongside the pool, or you can visit a couple of fascinating tourist attractions. The beautiful nature, tasty restaurants, and exciting attractions of Palm Springs will always stay in your mind, and you will want to come back again and again.

Las Vegas

The best way to travel to Las Vegas is by car. Even though flying would be faster, but it would not be as enjoyable as the road trip. The distance from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is about 270 miles. But you will not notice it with the right companion. Las Vegas is full of fancy restaurants, luxury hotels, clubs, concerts, shows, etc. You will have a long list of activities from which you can choose the best option for celebrating Valentine’s Day. Just make sure that you have done proper research before going there, so you can be well prepared. Plan everything ahead of time and enjoy Las Vegas!

Joshua Tree National Park

If you enjoy magical and exciting places, then Joshua Tree National Park is the right place for you to go on a road trip. It is an open-air museum, where you can enjoy picturesque scenes and nature. If you enjoy camping, then keep in mind that there are places where you can camp here and have one of a kind experience. And if you do so, then you will experience Joshua Tree National Park in a completely different way. Every Los Angeles photographer knows that February is one of the peak seasons for camping, so you need to plan weeks before to have a great campsite. Do your research in order to get familiar with this place, be prepared, and wait for the adventures.

3. Gifts

There is a list of classic gifts for every occasion. Flowers, balloons, chocolates, teddy bears, and the list goes on and on. But thoughtful and unique gifts will definitely make your loved one feel that they are special and valued.

Scrapbook

Today, in this kind of a digital world, receiving a scrapbook from someone important, can be very impressive and touching. And the process of making the scrapbook is as enjoyable as the final result because while you combine all the valuable memories, you feel all the emotions again. This is a great way to think creatively and show your significant other your love and how much you treasure every moment which you have spent together. Thinking outside of the box helps to create one of a kind gifts. 

Gift Cards 

Gift cards are always a great idea when you hesitate and can’t make the final decision. For example, if you know what your partner’s favorite shop is, then giving a gift card from that shop would be a wise decision. Another option could be giving them a gift card to attend some classes in Los Angeles, for example, painting, cooking, pottery making, etc. In Los Angeles, there are a lot of exciting courses which may be very interesting. And of course, on every occasion giving someone a gift card for a photoshoot, especially in Los Angeles, is an attractive option. Being a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I know how people get excited when they receive such a gift.

Personalized Gifts

Items that are made only for him or her are as significant as it sounds. This shows that you have put ideas in your gift and that it is made solely for one person in the whole world. How romantic is this? If you think that giving jewelry as a present is cliché, then when you add her name to it or the initials of your names, it will change the whole meaning of the gift. Even flowers, balloons, and chocolates can be customized and transformed into something different. This kind of gifts also require a lot of creativity, so don’t be afraid of experimenting and make your imagination a reality.

“You can’t blame gravity for falling in love”-Albert Einstein.

Love is not a science, and there are no specific rules and theories that can explain it. Each of us has our formula, and hence only we know how to make our loved ones happy. There are thousands of ways to celebrate February 14th. You can have a fancy dinner at the restaurant or buy a simple gift. But in every case, the most important part is to enjoy the day as much as you can and make each other happy. It doesn’t matter if you spend $50, $100 or $500 during that day. Without any doubt, even with the smallest budget, you can have an unforgettable day. At the end of the day, both of you will only remember all the emotions and how fortunate you are to have each other. So begin to plan right now, enjoy every moment of organizing. And in the end, fully enjoy Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles with your significant other.

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Seda Stepanyan
December 26, 2019
8 Common Mistakes on Actors' Websites

The resume, the headshot, and the demo reel are an essential part of the marketing of emerging actors. However, as online casting has become a popular concept today, actors have to take specific measures to adapt to this situation. In the fast-moving era of technologies, neither a terrific resume nor a headshot made by the best Los Angeles headshot photographer can guarantee you success. Having a website is no longer a luxury but a necessity for an acting career in Los Angeles. You may say, “OK, what’s the deal? Let’s create one.” Do not rush; it is not as easy as it seems. There are numerous nuances you should take into consideration when you create a website for yourself. The following are the 10 common mistakes of the actor’s website that you should try to avoid making. 

1. Too many Headshots

The fact that you have a website does not mean that you can post every single photo or headshot you have taken so far. Let’s set a basic rule. The site has to reflect your professionalism primarily. The opportunity of having multiple galleries on your website makes it possible for you to post headshots, set photos, and red carpet photos. However, your job is to choose only the best pictures. 

As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I understand that you have difficulties with choice. That is natural. However, remember that you are an actor and not a model. Casting directors are looking for one or two headshots at most. They don’t want to see every single look you have done but rather the best headshots that demonstrate you as a professional actor. 

Do not make casting directors waste their time when they get to your website. Make it easy for them by providing your best headshot that just shows who you are. This way, you will seem professional and concerned about your career rather than your appearance. Be modest, and that will be appreciated. 

2. Outdated Content

One of the common mistakes of an actor’s website is keeping old information. If you have relocated to Los Angeles, your website should not state that you live in New York. We live in a modern world right now, remember? This means that with every new day, yesterday’s information gets old and becomes unnecessary. Therefore, you should follow this principle on your website to help your acting career in Los Angeles proper. 

Your website should contain your latest credits, including the most recent resume and a fresh headshot by a skilled headshot photographer in Los Angeles. It would be a failure if the last update on your website if from 2015 today. Casting directors will immediately consider you unprofessional. 

Instead, you should take the time to keep your website up to date. Don’t forget that your website is an excellent tool for your development as an actor. Show the casting directors that you are active in your job and that you are always looking for new opportunities. No agency will cast you if they see that you are not engaged in your professional domain. 

Even if you have gone through a period with no new roles, never leave your website without updates. You can post content about your personal life, or you can write blogs to keep your website updated. If one sees a gradual stop in your updates, they will think you quit acting.

According to Backstage magazine, 

“If you can’t update your website with new photos, videos, bios, and/or news on your own, you’re going to have a heart attack .”

So, take care of your own future. 

3. Auto-Playing Video

It is indescribably annoying when you visit a website, and a video starts to play without your command. This is an essential point for you to consider in order not to make one of the most common mistakes of an actor’s website.

This point mostly refers to the videos or the demo reel page. Make sure to embed any videos you upload on your page so that they do not start playing automatically. Just check the default option. 

For you to understand why this is extremely important, let’s get into a casting director’s shoes. Imagine a casting director reading your resume when suddenly a video starts playing. The director will be annoyed by the function and may decide to leave your website as he/she has many other candidates for the role. 

About the quantity of the videos: keep in mind the same as we discussed the headshots. Even if made by a professional headshot photographer in Los Angeles, many headshots are excessive and even give low quality to your website. For the videos, however, the quality is something more actual. If you have many videos on your page, it may start loading slowly. This is one more source for the casting directors’ annoyment and the potential to leave your webpage. So, try to keep it simple and don’t do risky things. 

4. Inconsistent Navigation & Design

Any website loves easy navigation. People love it when everything is clear on a website, and it does not require much effort to find the necessary page. 

Make all the pages of your website similar. If each new page is entirely different from the previous one, it will be very confusing for your visitors. They may need to take time to find specific sections, and they may essentially get lost on your website. But what if one does not have that time and what if your visitor is a very busy casting director? The answer is obvious: he/she will leave your page immediately.

Therefore, give an easy organization and a logical sequence to the sections of your website so that your visitors are not frustrated.

Make the front page with a brief description of you. Afterwards, give a logical follow to the section about the first steps of your acting career in Los Angeles. Then, get them to your resume, headshots, and demo reel section. Leave the video sections to the final part of your website.

Not following these standards is one of the most common mistakes of an actor’s website that you may wish to avoid. It is not enough to have a website; it should be attractive for the vie as well!

5. Where is your contact information?

Many actors get fantastic websites for developing their acting career in Los Angeles using great tools and systems such as WordPress. Their websites have beautiful designs and look very professional. However, surprisingly, having all of this, they forget about the most important thing. That is the contact information. Believe it or not, people do not pay attention to how their contact information page looks like. 

You should provide all the conditions so that it takes a little time and effort to contact you. Therefore, link to all your social media profiles so that people can access them immediately. Also, try to make your telephone number clickable as well. This way, the ones who visit your website with a smartphone are able to call you just by one click. 

The contact information of your agent and manager should be easily accessible to the visitors of your website. Make their social media page link clickable so that people can find them fast. As a reminder, agents are the most critical people for actors. Agents and managers are the ones who look for opportunities for you to build your acting career in Los Angeles. They are the ones who organize photo sessions with Los Angeles headshot photographers and book auditions for you. When casting agencies to consider you for a particular role, they first find out whether you have a manager, and if you do, they look for his/her contact information. Therefore, don’t make one of the most common mistakes of an actor’s website: don’t forget about contact information.

6. Paying too much or too little 

Today, there exists a common opinion that a good website is something very expensive. You may think that you should hire a specialist and pay him a lot of money to get a terrific website. However, that is absolutely not necessary. Furthermore, excessive investment in a website may seem an unnecessary luxury. An essential function of a website is just serving as a tool for building an acting career in Los Angeles. Therefore, your website should first and foremost care about providing quality information about yourself.

On the other hand, paying too little is also a common mistake on the actor’s website. Spending just a few dollars will give you low quality and poorly composed website. It will be noticeable that you decided to save money. Your mission is to seem as professional as it is possible, so it is not a solution to pay very little. Your marketing shows casting directors how serious you are in relation to your future acting career in Los Angeles. 

Taking all of this into consideration, your primary goal should be having a simple, quality website and nothing more. The finances you allocate for this purpose should be neither too big nor too little. A perfect solution would be paying monthly services such as Squarespace for creating your own quality website.

7. Mixed-up Purpose

This is probably the worst among the common mistakes of actor’s websites. Since the second person enters your website, it should be clear to him or her what is your website for. Is it a website with information about a professional actor, or is it just a personal site that has some information about acting as well? There should be no mixed-up purpose if you plan to have a successful acting career in Los Angeles. 

If the purpose of your website is to promote you as an actor, you should include only the information corresponding to that purpose. 

As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I always ask my clients what the purpose of their headshot is. Where is it going to be used? Depending on the answer, the headshot will have specific characteristics. Moving on, the videos you post should have merely acting content. This way, the casting directors who visit your website will know for sure who you are and what your purpose it and most importantly, they will consider you a serious candidate for their project.

8. Boring design 

The final common mistake of actor’s websites is their boring design. As mentioned before, it is not obligatory to pay tons of money for a website. You can use the available templates on the internet. However, make sure to edit the premade templates. Your website should not look like any other. It is your professional territory where you are free to express yourself. 

You are an actor! Therefore, the words cliche, default, and template should have no connection to you. When visiting your website, casting directors can evaluate your creativity and individuality by the external look of your website. 

You can change the fonts and the colors to make it characterize yourself. You can insert any backgrounds and shapes that will make your website unique, among others. However, do not forget to stay in the scopes of professionalism. The design of your website should communicate to the visitors and make them remember you as a persona with no similarities. 

Pay close attention to the design of your website. Try to make it memorable so that after reviewing the website of other actors, the casting directors memorize yours and return to it. 

And Finally…

A website is an essential tool for the development of your acting career in Los Angeles. Having a quality website, however, has many nuances, and there are many mistakes many actors make. Focus on the purpose and the content of your website. Include only necessary information and take good care of its appearance. Don’t forget to post the details that casting directors look for: a resume, a headshot made by a professional Los Angeles headshot photographer, videos, and a demo reel. Take the information of this article into consideration and don’t make the common mistakes of the actor’s website.

What to read next: How To Get Professional Realtor Headshots in 2022

Learn more about headshot pricing in Los Angeles.

Click here to book a headshot session in Downtown Los Angeles.

You can view more Professional Headshots | Los Angeles Headshot Photographer on our home page. 

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Seda Stepanyan
December 19, 2019
Christmas Gifts for your Actor Friends

Your best friend tells you in March that they are going into acting. You congratulate them, wish them luck, and move on with your life. But suddenly it’s December, and you have no idea what to get that one friend, what the best gifts for actors are. You want to get something practical, a gift that will show you recognize and appreciate their career path but not something that your friend will throw away the next day. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I have had my fair share of experience with actors and am here to share my tips with you.

1. Gift Cards and Certificates

These types of gifts offer a whole variety of options and can be suited according to what your friend would prefer. Gift cards can be used later when needed and are what most actors say they prefer.

Accent and Dialects

For actors, using a new voice can be a fun experience, but it also takes some work. Fully acquiring a dialect takes time and is not an easy task. There is pressure to respect a culture by accurately portraying their way of speaking. The way an actor portrays this can be imperative for their craft and reputation. While sometimes productions have a dialect coach to help you with the dialogue, other directors expect actors to do the preparation themselves. Many accent coaches in Los Angeles offer one-on-one session and audition preparation, and you can purchase gift certificates online. Even if your friend doesn’t have an audition for a german character role tomorrow, mastering of a dialect is an excellent skill to have and may attract casting directors.

Headshot Sessions

A headshot session is definitely the type of a gift your actor friend will be most grateful for. Headshots aren’t cheap, and they need to be updated frequently. A headshot is what an actor must always have on-hand and is the first thing casting agencies will ask for. It will lead to problems if the actor’s headshot is old or doesn’t represent their current look. I have heard of many qualified actors not getting a role because their headshots weren’t up-to-par. You do not have to spend too much on this and can buy a session from an experienced and affordable headshot photographer in Los Angeles here. With Seda Stepanyan as your headshot photographer, you will never have to worry about how your photos will turn out as all her reviews are full of praises. 

Casting Websites

Having excellent headshots and demo reels will be useless if the actor has no place to submit them. Getting a casting agency or a rep is difficult. Websites for open calls are designed specifically with lone actors in mind and are the perfect place to get started. Buying your friend a subscription to backstage or IMDB Pro will surely make them happy and may even get them their next role. For more location-specific sites for Los Angeles, check out L.A. casting or Actors Access. Most casting website subscriptions will cost under $100 annually, so this gift will not put a dent in your personal finances. 

Acting Classes

Your friend may act like they know everything there is about acting, but deep down, they know that you can always learn more. Acting classes aren’t cheap, and no one can afford to go to many as much as they would like to. Acting Technique, Scene Study, Cold Reading, Improvisation Classes, Voice/Vocal, and Body Movement are only a few of the types of acting classes that acting schools offer. Try to check which one your friend has been to and get them to try something new with your gift. An acting class as a gift for an actor will be a fun experience, will help them perfect their craft and put in work towards their next role.

Transport

This may not be an obvious gift for an actor friend, but it is very useful. Being an actor is not cheap, all the classes and workshops cost lots of money. Imagine also having to pay to get from one end of the city to the other for an audition. Hollywood is big !! A gift is a perfect opportunity to help out with some of their dues. If your friend has a car, try to find a way to gift your actor friend a card or certificate for fuel. In case your city has a decent transport system, consider buying your friend a bus or metro pass. This pass will make their life significantly easier as they won’t have to worry about getting to the audition and instead on the audition itself. Another option is gifting an UBER card or a similar taxi service card.

Spa Day

Being an actor in Los Angeles is exhausting. It’s classes, workshops, and auditions all day. All this can really take a toll on someone’s body, so why not gift your friend a spa or massage session. It isn’t an industry-related gift, but they are sure to appreciate it. A day of pampering and relaxation is sure to get them back on their feet and get their mood up.

2. Hands-on Gifts

The only downside of giving a card or certificate is that the price is shown, and for most people, that is okay. But if you are gifting it to someone who you would prefer not to see the money you spent, I am here to offer you some other options. 

headshot photographer in Los Angeles

Books

As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, any actor I have spoken to at my headshot sessions is always reading something. It may be a book on acting, on the industry, a book of tips from an agent, or something similar. Books may seem outdated in this modern age, but they are one of the actor’s most excellent tools. Take some time to research what book your friend might need. There are many resources online which will help you choose a book. If you really have no options, just go to your local bookstore, find the “Drama” section and fill your shopping cart. You can even get copies of plays for your friend.

Slippers

This idea may seem funny to you, but it really is a big help. Imagine you’re in a cold marble-floored dressing room or trailer all day. You would be very grateful for a pair of soft and fluffy slippers, wouldn’t you? A pair of slippers really isn’t the main gift but more of an add-on to the other options in this list. 

Clothing

For this option, you will have to do some snooping around your friend. Ask around and try to find out what type of roles they frequently audition for. If they are auditioning for the role of a bad boy or girl, buy them a nice leather jacket and shirt to go with it. Or if they’re auditioning to be a cowboy, get them the hat and the shoes. You get the idea. If your friend doesn’t usually concentrate on one type of role, you can always gift them formal clothing they can wear to auditions. This will undoubtedly take a load off their mind, so they will always have their outfit ready to go. 

A Printer 

This is a more expensive gift, but if you’re ready to splurge, this is the place to do it. Actors always have to have their resumes on hand; you never know when the need will arise. They also need to print scripts to take notes on and plays to practice. As a Los Angeles headshot photographer, I know that many actors I know spend a fortune each year printing all the documents they need, so a good printer will surely come in handy. You can also get an actor a box of office supplies such as pens, highlighters, staplers and so on. This gift may sound more like something you would get for a non-actor, but believe me, acting can become a desk job sometimes.

Demo Reel Tools

Most actors prefer to film their auditions and demo reels at home, as shooting elsewhere can be expensive. Many parts go into this process. If you know your friend shoots at home and you are willing to spend a good amount of money, get them some equipment. A good camera, a new backdrop, or a microphone will always be much appreciated. You can also buy them editing software, as it takes many tries to get that final perfect clip. Good editing will show casting agencies that the actor has put time and effort into their product. 

An Acting Kit

This suggestion is a cute gift which you can make on your own, so I recommend it for closer friends. You can get a nice case or bag and start filling it with items. You can put in eyeliners, hairspray, gum, coms, brushes, baby wipes, pens and highlighters, bobby pins, band-aids, make-up remover, face powder, and a book. Of course, you can add more items you find to be suitable for your friend. Maybe stick a photo of you two together in it for that extra boost before a role.

You can get a case with a built-in mirror, which will come in handy for spontaneous make-up situations. Every Los Angeles headshot photographer knows that. This kit is a gift that shows how much effort you put into creating it. Alternatively, you can make a make-up kit and include the essential items in it. You can also get a small kit with a few things and put a Sephora/Ulta gift card in it so they can get exactly what they need. 

A Big Bag

During a full day of classes and auditions, the last thing an actor needs to worry about is where they should put their things. Look for a functional bag with lots of pockets, sturdy straps, and enough room for a pair of shoes. Actors burn a lot of calories and always need to keep up their energy, but eating out is not a cheap option. So, you can also include a lunchbox with this bag, and it’s the best way to keep your friend fueled up. 

Workout Gear

All professional actors practically live in their workout clothes. And not only at the gym. Acting class, dance calls, rehearsals, and auditions are a good reason to get your friend comfortable clothing. An actor’s life is already hard enough; there’s no need to spend so many hours in jeans. Look for clothes that feel comfortable, but don’t turn too many heads on the street. Avoid flashy colors and designs, and opt for a one-colored look. 

3. Invites and Tickets

Acting is performance art. And to get big in this industry and be different, you must immerse yourself in all types of art. It will help you get perspective and understand your position more. To help with this, you can buy your friend all sorts of tickets. 

Christmas gifts for actors

Movie Tickets

Movie tickets is an obvious answer, but it still is a really good gift. To make it more special, you can try to get a ticket to a movie premiere. Los Angeles is the heart of the industry, and there is a premiere here every week. The premiere will give the actor a chance to network, meet new people and enjoy a new film. You can also look for early screenings, more exclusive and smaller-scale events.

Theatre Tickets

Theatre is a way to enjoy facial expressions and live acting. Your friend might also learn a few tips for improvisation from this experience. It is also an all-around enjoyable time and a great way to spend an evening.

Networking Event Tickets

Networking is truly one of the most vital parts of an actor’s life. To make it in Hollywood, actors must make themselves known and establish working relationships. Any headshot photographer in Los Angeles will state that any party in Hollywood is a place to network. But, there are also special events designed for networking, with an invitation list full of big names in Hollywood.

One of the biggest networking events in Los Angeles is called ” The Acting Experience.” Actor Dijon Talton covers many topics from the industry. It is a high-rated event, and tickets start at $499.00, so this will be the gift of a lifetime. Another big networking event in Los Angeles is called “The National Achievers Congress.” This one is a much cheaper, yet still a prestigious event. You can also find other networking events happening around the time of your friend’s birthday and buy a ticket. Make sure not to buy too close to the date as your friend will need time to prepare for the headshot session.

As you can see, buying a gift for your actor friend isn’t a hard task. Of course, it is preferable if you know their needs and can get something from this list that is better suited to them. But, even if you have no idea what they do in their acting career, these tips will still be useful. So don’t waste any time and get your shopping on!!

Learn more about headshot pricing in Los Angeles.

Click here to book a headshot session in Downtown Los Angeles.

You can view more Professional Headshots | Los Angeles Headshot Photographer on our home page. 

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