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Seda Stepanyan
October 4, 2021
What Do LA Working Actors Need to Know?

As a professional headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I see how many people wish to be working actors in LA but they never will be. And, it is not because of lack of hard work, luck or talent. It is rather because they usually have a wrong attitude. 

With plenty of hard work and the right mentors or teachers, many of you hope to become successful actors. But, merely talent and hard work are not all it takes. 

In reality, to become a successful professional actor, you need to view acting as a career. It means that you should gain the mindset of a working actor along with other skills and professional headshots. But how to think like a professional working actor?

Be Easy to Work with

Besides delivering good work, casting directors usually search for actors who are easy to work with. If you perform well, and are polite to the people around you, and are trustworthy, anyone would want to work with you again and again. Even I sometimes go the extra mile with a professional headshot session if the person is pleasant and polite. This is the most important thing in building a successful acting career in Los Angeles.  

Get into the Habit of Listening

Being able to listen is a key factor if you wish to work with directors, photographers, actors and other professionals in the Los Angeles entertainment industry. This does not mean that you shouldn’t have your own ideas and opinions. It rather means you listen to the directors and your fellow actors’ ideas and give them a thought. 

As you are trying to get into the film industry, you should remember that the director is the authority when it comes to the final decisions. And their decision is the final one. A failure to listen to the director’s instructions can get you blacklisted faster than anything.

Accept Rejections and Move on

Any actor in Los Angeles should understand that they are going to get rejected – a lot. It is the nature of the LA film industry: actors spend less time on acting than auditioning. You cannot control the casting director’s decisions no matter how perfect you think a part is for you, or how talented you are. You should learn not to crush any time you get rejected as it is more than normal. You should not take it personally, and you better develop a thick skin to take everything easy. 

Be Confident without Developing Huge Ego

It is important for actors to professionally achieve the right balance of humility and confidence. However, it is also vital to avoid developing a huge ego. Nobody wants to deal with a diva. You should remember that nobody is irreplaceable, especially in the Los Angeles film industry. Irrespective of how talented you are, the casting directors will find someone else if you are rude or miserable. 

No matter how successful or famous you are, always be respectful and polite to everyone from the director to the film crew, and your fellow actors. Remember, that everyone has their key role in the production and they deserve to be treated with respect. 

Learn Every Day  

You always need to remain open to learning new things if you wish to build a sustainable acting career in Los Angeles. The most important lesson you need to learn is that you can never know everything about acting. That means you should never stop taking acting classes, polish your skills, and develop new ones. 

As a headshot photographer, I’ve heard a lot of my clients say that every audition is not only an opportunity to get casted but also a great chance to learn. Have the attitude of improving your acting skills every day with every chance you get. Never underestimate the power of watching your fellow actors perform or taking people’s feedback. If you want long-term success as a professional actor, keep all these in mind. 

As a Conclusion

Remember that as an actor, you need to develop a strong mindset. Wherever you are in your career you will have to deal with criticism, insecurity, rejection, dream stealers, and the massive highs and lows. They are all just part of ‘normal’ life for an actor in Los Angeles. This is what I’ve heard from my clients as a professional headshot photographer. And, you will have to not just deal with all these but stay positive and focused through it all. 

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

Read next: Top Talent Agencies in Los Angeles

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Mirdon
August 14, 2020
Photoshoot Wardrobe Tips by a Los Angeles Photographer

Appearance is one of the most critical aspects of the first impression. There are many cases in life, like a photoshoot, when we think in advance about what we are going to wear. And usually, we try to analyze everything to find the best outfit for the occasion. And here come the photoshoot wardrobe tips especially by a professional Los Angeles Photographer. For example, when someone invites us to a job interview, we try to choose a professional outfit. It is essential, because the interviewer may get the wrong impression if we are not appropriately dressed. Of course, you may not wear the same outfit as you wear in your daily life, because the atmosphere is different.

As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I can say that appearance is crucial during photoshoots. Sometimes, there are cases when the client doesn’t like the result, because of the outfit. The whole mood of the photoshoot can change with your outfit. For example, you can wear retro clothes and create a vintage atmosphere. Or wear your daily clothes and create interesting street style photos. Clothing is essential, and you should pay a lot of attention to it. In this article, I will give you photoshoot wardrobe tips, which will help you choose outfits. 

How to Prepare for a Show

I think everyone who attended a show for the first time, knows how nervous and emotional it can be. The first time is always hard, and as time goes by, you will become a professional. So, don’t be sad if you feel a little bit nervous. It is normal. But there are some aspects which will help you to overcome the stress. Sometimes because of the inappropriate outfit, the whole show can go in the wrong direction. And it is essential to do everything in order to choose the right outfit. It should be not only beautiful but also comfortable. 

As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I highly recommend you to choose comfortable clothes. Because I am sure, you don’t want it to take your attention away from the process. When you feel comfortable in your clothes, you will be more confident. Hence, especially if you are going to attend a show for the first time, you need to prepare well in advance. In this article, I will present you to the essential photoshoot wardrobe tips for preparing for a photoshoot. 

Do a Detailed Research Before the Show

Research before the show will be beneficial for you. For example, you can watch different episodes of that show. This will help you understand how other guests choose outfits and how the host is usually dressed. For example, if the host wears something casual, it will not be appropriate to wear an evening dress. Another important aspect is whether you will be seated or standing. There are shows when the guest is standing behind a desk. This will mean that you should wear comfortable shoes. So to avoid unpleasant surprises, you need to be well informed before the show. I know many cases when people haven’t researched before the show. And of course, in the end, they were in a bad situation. 

Colors and Style of Clothing

During the research, you should understand the atmosphere of the show and its style. As you understood, a lot depends on the type and style of the show. But there are specific rules which apply to every kind of show. The first rule is that it is not acceptable to wear striped clothes on TV. It may create a very unpleasant optical effect for the viewer. If you can’t decide the color, then try to wear something neutral. It is usually not recommended to choose a total white look because it may also be overwhelming for an eye. 

Green is one of the primary colors which you should avoid. You know that there is a green screen where different scenes are being projected. The whole green look is something that you should not take into consideration. Also, if you like playing with colors, do it carefully. Try to do it with taste and style. And of course, don’t forget about comfort. If you are wearing glasses, you can wear contacts instead. Lenses reflect the lights, so contacts will help you to avoid it. 

How to Choose Outfit

If you are going to choose an on-camera outfit for the first time, it may be difficult to orientate. I know that you may also feel very nervous before the show. To avoid it you need to wear the most appropriate clothes. You should understand which style and color are the most suitable for the shooting. It may vary from different types of shows. But there are certain useful pieces of advice that I would like to give to you. As a headshot photographer, I know that they may raise different issues because of the wrong outfit. So, it is important to know how to get ready for the photoshoot. Keep in mind all the photoshoot wardrobe tips that I will give right now. 

Comfort Should Be your Number One Priority

As I have already mentioned above, in choosing the outfit, the most critical aspect is comfort. Don’t wear a dress that is beautiful or appropriate for the show, but you don’t feel comfortable. Your face and movements will reflect that you don’t feel comfortable. Hence you will not like the result when you see your video. 

Body language is one of the most important things for everyone. If you are not feeling comfortable in your clothes, then your body language will struggle. For example, high heels may make your feet hurt, and your movements will show your pain. So pay huge attention to it, and don’t let anything distract you.

Pay Attention to Details

Details matter a lot. So I advise you to pay a lot of attention to every detail. I know many cases when the smallest wrong detail ruined the whole outfit. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles who takes affordable headshots, I try to capture every detail. And I always ask my clients to choose their outfits very carefully. The main reason is that people want to save pictures for many years. And sometimes, people don’t like their photos because of the outfit or a specific detail. 

For example, if you have chosen to wear a skirt, consider not wearing a short dress. It may be a little bit awkward on camera. This is important to avoid unpleasant situations. In case you are going to wear makeup, don’t overdo it. It is always beautiful to keep it natural. Remember that your real-life appearance may be different from your on-camera look. Try not to wear bright makeup, such as a red lip, etc. Red lipstick can be beautiful, but if you’re going to attend a show for the first time, I recommend keeping the makeup simple. 

What You Need to Bring to the Studio

You should not only prepare before the show but also go prepared to the studio of the show. There are a couple of necessary items that you should take with you to the set. It can be extra clothes, or a makeup set, etc. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should take a suitcase with you. But it will be smart for you to be ready for different situations. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I always take all the necessities with me to shootings. In addition to this, I encourage my clients to bring a couple of dresses with them in order to change. Below I will try to mention a couple of tips that will help you understand what to bring with you to the studio. 

Bring a Couple of Clothes

As I have already mentioned above, it is essential to prepare before the shooting. So try to always bring other clothes with you in case of an emergency. For example, the studio of the show may be unexpectedly cold. In that case, you may need to wear a jacket in order not to freeze. Or you may go to the show, and notice that there is someone who wears the same clothes as you. I am sure the second outfit will help you to avoid unpleasant surprises. That is why in advance, you should pick 2 or 3 outfits. And hence bring the other two outfits with you to the set. You can leave it in a separate room, and it will not disturb you. 

Don’t Forget About Your Makeup Bag

During a day comes a time, when a little touch up of makeup is quite necessary. That is why, if you have done makeup, then you should always have your makeup bag with you. Sometimes studios may be too hot, and in addition to this, you may be nervous. Hence, you may sweat a little bit. So, in that case, your makeup set will help you to perfect your makeup. You can also bring tissues with you. 

You can bring a convenient bag with you. There is usually room for people’s stuff, and you can put your bag there. If you are not going alone, you may ask your friend to hold your bag while you are shooting. Having a bag, with every necessity, is one of the most critical photoshoot wardrobe tips. 

How You Should Behave on Camera

So, now we have reached the most important part. Everything mentioned above will help you to behave confidently on camera. Remember that you will be nervous, especially if you are going to be on camera for the first time. Each next time, you will feel more comfortable, and you will be more professional. The key is to act naturally and not let your emotions ruin everything. I am sure you heard this many times, but always try to keep it in mind. People love honesty, and if you behave naturally, others will value it. 

Act Naturally

One of the main and big mistakes that people make on camera is smiling all the time or not showing any emotion. Everyone has a unique personality, and you should try to show your personality. If you smile all the time, people will perceive you as a fake person. You should show different emotions in a very gentle way. Take a breath, and focus on your speech, body language, and facial expressions. Avoid very sharp movements, and don’t speak very loudly. Don’t touch your hair and face too much, as it districts a lot. I recommend you to practice at home a little bit. For example, you may ask one of your friends or relatives to ask you questions. Answer them, and imagine that you are in the studio. And then ask your friend to give you feedback. Or you can even film the process, and then look at you. 

As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I always encourage my clients to act naturally. It is a vital part of any successful photoshoot. There are times when I can feel that the client is not comfortable. I try to create an atmosphere where they are not shy and pose however they want. The most beautiful pictures are natural ones. So, when you go to any type of shooting, keep in mind that there are people who are professionals in their job. And in any case, they will help you to overcome your fears and stress. 

Conclusion

Above, I tried to include all the essential aspects that you need to know about the preparation of shootings. Sometimes, it is hard to remember everything when cameras are on. But remember that these are only shootings and you need to enjoy every moment of it. I know that there are some people who are more comfortable on camera than others. But if you work hard and practice a lot, you will start feeling comfortable on camera. So be relaxed and don’t let the stress disturb you. Understand which behavioral aspect you should work on before the show. I hope that these photoshoot wardrobe tips will help you and that you have gained a lot of new information. 

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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Mirdon
April 30, 2020
Los Angeles Actors’ Guide to Filing Taxes in 2020

Paying taxes may not be one of your favorite activities to do. Everyone who has earnings pays taxes. Paying taxes is a responsibility, and although it may seem scary for most of us, anyway, it is something that we have to do. I know that the number of documents may seem scary, or the process may not seem very simple for you. But I am sure in time you will get used to it. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles who takes affordable headshots for actors, I would like to give a Los Angeles actors’ guide to filing taxes because I know that in this season, it is one of the essential things on your mind. Successful Los Angeles acting career is a dream for many actors. However, most of the actors struggle when the tax season shows up. It is essential to know that you are not the only one, and in some time, paying taxes will become a very usual thing for you. Take a deep breath, relax, and read my guide on how to make tax season less stressful.

About Taxes

Most probably, you already know what taxes are. But to keep everyone on the same page, let’s briefly recap. Taxes are an amount of your income which you pay to the government. The tax season is from January to April 15th each year. During that time, you, as a taxpayer, must prepare all the necessary documents about your earnings during the previous year. The records should include your financial statements. It is always essential to prepare the right financial reports so that later no other problem rises. This will make the process smoother, and in addition to that, you will be more relaxed.

For the Los Angeles actors’ guide to filing taxes, this is one of the essential parts.

Each year you may pay different amounts of taxes because it very much depends on the income that you get during the year. And maybe you will not need to file a tax. In order to understand whether you need to file tax or not, it would be very helpful to check out this IRS website. This is the Internal Revenue System (IRS) site, where you will answer a couple of questions and understand if the filing is a requirement, or not.

What You Should Report on Tax Return

One of the essential parts of this process is making sure to report on your tax return the right amount of income that you have earned during the previous year. You should pay massive attention to this part because the amount of tax that you should pay relates to your income. You should file from which type of job did you earn your income and other details about your job. In addition to that, you must also report interest income, dividend income, alimony income, Social Security income.

And if you have any other income from other sources, then you should report it. In this process, you must keep in mind that you must report everything honestly. Because otherwise, you may face some kinds of problems. If you are filing taxes in 2020 for the first time, then you must keep up with the updates, because there are things that may have been changed about what you should report concerning your income. Today, the most reliable source is the IRS website, so I am sure you will find everything you need there.

The Required Documents for Filing a Tax Return

The essential documents that you will need with you are your tax ID or Social Security number, a document which shows your income and any deductions. You will receive different kinds of forms depending on if you are an employee or an independent contractor. In addition to this, your form may vary depending on a couple of aspects of your income. In order to be more aware of the list, I highly recommend you visit the IRS website.

This website is beneficial for you to understand which documents are required in your case. I’m sure during the tax season. This website will be a Los Angeles actors’ guide for you. It is important to know that for each individual, the documents may be different. So if your actor friend has collected a certain amount of types of documents, it does not mean that you must also collect those types of documents. So, do your research.

The Importance of Receipts

I highly recommend you to pay a lot of attention to keeping receipts. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I always keep the receipts that have to do with my business. In Los Angeles, actors guide on filing taxes, this is an essential part to keep in mind. I understand that it may be hard to keep all the receipts that are related to your career, but in time it will become a habit for you. There are a couple of ways of keeping the receipts.

One of the methods is to have a special electronic program and, with the help of your telephone, scan the receipts into that program. Collect them in the folder, and be careful not to lose anything. This will prevent you from losing the receipts, and you will be sure that they are in a safe place. It may not be effortless at first, because you may forget about it, but I highly recommend you to make this a regular part of your life.

Other Essential Documents

You may not use them, but in order not to have any kind of problems. You may also have a copy of last year’s tax return. Maybe it will be useful, so it is a good thing to be aware ahead of time and be prepared. Of course, there is a chance that you may need a piece of particular information from there, which may be required for the process. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles who takes affordable headshots for actors, I know a couple of cases when an actor did not have last year’s tax return with him. And, it was needed in the process. And eventually, because he didn’t have it with him, different problems rose. This not only makes the process more complicated but also spends your precious time. So even if there is a slight chance that the government requires it, then you should take a copy with you. It is better to be prepared for every situation. I am sure during your Los Angeles acting career, you already understood how important it is.

Amount of Money That You Earned 

I am sure that many actors, especially the ones who are at the beginning of their career, may ask themselves, “What if I haven’t earned enough money?”. You have to step-by-step read about filing requirements and learn it. And, if your income meets the requirements, then you have to file a tax return. So, filing a tax is not a decision that you have to make; there are specific rules that apply to everyone. Everyone has to follow those rules, and if your income meets the requirements, then your responsibility is to file the tax return. So, even if you think that you didn’t earn much, I am sure this will be a motivation for you to make more next year. This may be difficult, especially at the beginning of your Los Angeles acting career. However, I am sure that hard work will pay off. You should start working hard right now. Here you can find useful tips on your Los Angeles acting career. 

Are Actors Self-Employed?

There are some actors who are self-employed, and there are others who are employees. If you are a self-employed actor, then that means that you are not working for someone else. For example, you can be a sole proprietor. There are also other conditions under which can be considered as self-employed, you can read more about it in the IRS site.

Considering President Trump marking the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), you might be thinking about whether it bodes well to enlist as an LLC, as the new expense conventions appear to be more business-accommodating than craftsman benevolent. That is something you’ll need to decide for yourself. For instance, in case you’re a worker and have representative costs, you won’t have the option to guarantee a finding for these costs—which fall under the classification of various separated derivations—under the TCJA until at any rate the year 2025.

Deductions

As a result of deductions, your taxable income will be reduced. Hence the tax that you should have paid will be lower. I am sure this will be helpful in your Los Angeles actors’ guide in filing taxes in 2020. There are two types of deduction, itemized deductions, and standard deductions. Each year the IRS sets the standard amount of deductions. You will not need to show some additional forms for that deduction, and it is a standard amount.

In the case of itemized deductions, it is approved individually for each person. For the Los Angeles actors’ guide in filing taxes, it is essential to know which are the criteria you can deduct expenses. These criteria are as follows: the costs are connected to your acting, it is necessary, and it is not absurd or wasteful. As an actor, you have to be honest and record only the expenses which are related to the criteria mentioned above. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, below, I will introduce to you which deductions you can state as an actor. 

What Deductions an Actor Can State

There are certain deductions that actors can state. The deductions are the same for every actor. An example of a deduction can be, business travel, and in this case, the transportation and staying expenses can be deducted. Another example can be the fee that you pay to your agent or manager. This type of expense also will be deducted. If you took any kind of acting classes, for the improvement of your skills, then that is also a type of expense that will be deducted.

Any type of property which you bought and was needed in your acting can also be deducted as an expense. If you need to have your makeup and hair done for a job or a headshot session that is related to your Los Angeles acting career, then the costs of it will also be deducted. This list is very long, and you need to carefully examine it and understand which can be applied to you.

What Will Happen in the Case of not Paying Taxes

If you do not pay your taxes, then there will be very harsh punishments. You may get financial penalties and even end up in jail. Of course, prison is the severest punishment, and it is a rare thing to end up in jail. But there have been cases, so I am sure you don’t want to be one of them. Not paying taxes on time can also result in punishments. You will face penalties that can be very harmful to you.

For example, your bank accounts will be levied, or your properties may be seized. So, the cost is very high, and the time to resolve the problem is very long. And it is every taxpayer’s responsibility to follow all the IRS rules very carefully. I am sure you will not want to have challenging problems. So get informed about the process and pay your taxes on time.

As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I tried to include all the necessary information for you. Make sure to follow all the instructions and find out information about the process. At first, it may seem quite complicated, but after some time, you will get used to it. Follow this Los Angeles actors’ guide to filing taxes in 2020. I am sure the process will be easier for you.

What to read next: “Coronavirus in Hollywood” or “How to Choose an Acting School 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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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. 

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Seda Stepanyan
February 25, 2019
8 Amazing Locations for Headshots in Los Angeles

Where to go for a great headshot session in Los Angeles? What is the best photo session location in Los Angeles?

Dear actors, models and photographer, we have picked our top photogenic spots in LA.

The usual locations for headshot sessions are either parks or urban areas. Beaches are also an option, however, it could be challenging to get the best light.

If you are looking for an urban location it is preferable to schedule the session early in the morning to avoid distractions and groups of passers-by.

We recommend the newbies to photography to arrive early to be able observe the lighting, the location and the background options.

We have made two lists of locations paid and free ones.

FREE Photo Session Locations in Los Angeles

1. Pasadena City Hall

headshot in los angeles
Source: https://hoodline.com/

One of the most popular locations for photography in LA. Weekend mornings are recommended to avoid crowds of people.

2. Santa Monica Beach and Pier

photo session locations

If you are looking for various backgrounds like the ocean, the surf, sand and the Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica is irreplaceable. Again, you will have to go there as early as you can or just before the sunset. Beware of heavy traffic during the weekend.

3. Walt Disney Concert Hall

headshot in los angeles

If you are looking for a location with amazing architecture and lighting, go there. Preferable times are 8am and before sunset.

4. Old Town Pasadena

headshots locations los angeles
Source: https://www.oldpasadena.org/

Here is another urban location for headshot session in Los Angeles. It is one of the most picturesque places with its museums, old but well-preserved buildings, cultural institutions, rose gardens, unique coffee shops. You can get any type of background for a photo session here.

5. Travel Town Museum

photo session
Source: reddit.com

If you are looking for a vintage train setting, Travel Town Museum is a great choice in LA. There are no fees however you need to call them prior to the photosession to get a permit for free.

Paid Photo Session Locations in Los Angeles

6. Arboretum of Los Angeles County – Fee $50+

headshots Los Angeles

This is a perfect location for portrait photography in Los Angeles. Many actors prefer getting headshots there because of the perfect lighting and an amazing garden setting.

7. Arlington Garden – Fee $100+

photo session locations
Source: westcoaster.net

It is an amazing location for mini headshot sessions. However, you should be aware of all their rules and regulations. Amateur photographer is allowed free of charge, however you cannot use professional equipment like lights, reflectors and props.

8. Descanso Gardens – Fee $300+

Source: descansogardens.org

Here is another great location not only for headshots but also for engagement sessions. If you can afford it, I would definitely recommend it.

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