Tag: headshot photographer in Los Angeles

Seda Stepanyan

December 30, 2020

Actors' "Type" in Los Angeles 2021

Los Angeles actors will succeed if they know about the “type” of an actor before starting their career. What is it, and how can one know his or her exact type? Acting is like a business, where we can consider the actors as products and the audience as consumers. In order to sell your product efficiently, you have to know where it exactly fits and what characteristics it has. Actors in Los Angeles can understand their type based on the dimensions of age, sex, physical characteristics, personality traits, and job title. Knowing your type as an actor has lots of advantages, such as saving your time while looking for a job, knowing who will be interested in you, avoiding getting typecasted, etc. So, let’s understand whether everyone suits any type, how you can find yours, what exactly is typecasting, and other questions together.

Does every actor have a type?

It finds out that every actor has a type. Even the ones who are very versatile and flexible Los Angeles actors and seem to have played lots of roles have a type. In fact, the actors who just started their acting career will benefit from knowing their. They will find a language with casting directors and prospective agents easier. The reason is that the latter will take them more seriously. After gaining some credibility and visibility, it becomes easier to act against and delineate from your type. This is because knowing the roles you can play will bring you to the cast from the audition room. Then, you will do what you love. Experience shows that when you do what you love, you will grow really fast. Latter, eventually, will let you change your role easier as a famous actor.

Some common types

There are lots of “types” of actors that we meet very often in the movies and series. Each of them has its own characteristics. We have separated some of the common “types” below.

“Girl next door”

This role is usually someone who is easy to approach and young. She is crushable, clever, and the one who can make you laugh hard. However, this is not usually the “queen bee” and is someone, not the most popular or hottest.

“Bad boy biker”

This character’s appearance usually underlines his leather jacket and tattered jeans. He usually creates a feeling of mystery and resilience. Although, may sometimes be misunderstood. We meet this type, especially in high school dramas and comedies.

“Queen bee”

This one is usually the leader. She is cold-hearted and analytical. Eventually, gets what is coming to her, usually ends up being a CEO or occupying other high positions. While its difference from the “girl next door” proves the fact that the former would become a mother of three children.

How to figure out your type

The first thing which will help you understand your type is self-observation. Being self-conscious and knowing about your traits is always important, but be more attentive while determining your “type.” Stand in front of the mirror and examine your hairstyle, clothing, expression of your eyes, and overall appearance. Pay attention to whether you look older or younger from your age. Do you imagine real you with all your characteristics in a comedy movie or a serious drama? Sometimes it is really hard to accept ourselves with all our advantages and disadvantages. However, try to be honest and examine your traits honestly.

If you are not very well at self-observation, ask questions to others. This may be difficult because people who know you well will answer in a biased way. That is why you can ask your close people just to list several adjectives that they think describe you the best. And, it is better to ask questions to strangers or those you have just met. The questions might be: “How old do you think I am?” or “What role would suit me the best, you think?” And it is important to be ready for every answer and accept them with a smile.

If you are an actor in Los Angeles, you are probably participating in lots of headshots or photo sessions. You can benefit from it and ask your headshot photographer in Los Angeles these questions and explore how professional or artistic you look in front of the camera. And, again, be ready for every answer. Sometimes, what you think you do not fit with reality. If you want to grow as an actor, you have to accept yourself as you are at first.

Another way of exploring your type is by trying yourself in a process like during Actors’ networking event in Los Angeles, as experience brings the skill. Improvisation classes, where you will have to act quickly at the moment, will help you discover your hidden talents. Trusting your instincts, you will find out more things about your characteristics. Workshops for Los Angeles actors will give you diversity. You can try as many roles as possible to find out which suits you the best. On-camera classes will let you observe your play after the class. You will look at yourself from the side, which may be very beneficial.

There are some more ways to figure out your type. Even if you do not manage to attend lots of acting workshops and classes, you can take advantage of films, TV, and theater. Try to watch lots of movies, soap-operas, plays, and try to examine the characters carefully. Write down a list of the traits you think the characters have that are similar to yours. Also, write down the ones which you would like to have, but you think you do not yet. You may have productive discoveries about yourself through the comparison with others. And you can also improve yourself while thinking about the traits you would like to develop.

The role of age you think you can play

Very often, the casting directors ask the actors what age they can play. If your answer is “Better you tell me” or “Something between 18 and 60,” you will not be taken seriously, for sure. The directors may think you are not a professional, as the professional would surely know that crucial detail about his or her acting. An important point here is to know that actors can usually play a role within the range of 5 years. And, in order to find out exactly which 5 years, you can use the methods mentioned above: self-observation, asking questions, gaining experience, etc.

It is often better and more accepted to play for an older role even if you look younger than the contrary. When you choose the age range, it is essential to come into the field of reality. If you are not quite that young, forget your wrinkle-free or in shape times. You should accept yourself as you are now, not 10 years ago.

How your type affects the time in the audition room

You have to know your type in order to have an appropriate wardrobe and clothing for it. That is because when the directors call you to the audition room, you will already know what appearance to appear with. For example, imagine you know your “type” will suit the lawyer’s role, and you have heard that it is one of the suggested roles by the directors. Now, you will choose the corresponding clothes from your wardrobe. But the thing to highlight is that your acting is the most important part. The appearance is not the most crucial thing in the audition room. Hence, you do not need to add any extra or heavy or any kind of detail to your clothing, which may disturb your acting.

Another importance of knowing your type is how you will present yourself in your resume. It is not a secret that we try to adjust the information about ourselves to the job or the role we want to get through our resume. And, we include our headshot photos in it very often. Discuss the role you are willing to apply for with your Los Angeles headshot photographer. Consider Los Angeles headshot rates and photoshoot rates because you may need lots of headshots in order to find the best photo. Decide how you are going to present your “type” in order to get the role you want. However, do not get too far, because you will need to show yourself in an honest way. Do not forget that they will find out the reality at the end working with you.

What about standing out and showing your uniqueness?

We already said that you will have to know how to introduce yourself in order to get the role you want. And we already mentioned that, before that, you have to know your type and be realistic in your role choices. Very often, actors in Los Angeles hear “be yourself” in the audition room. So, how to overcome the contradiction of introducing yourself in a needed way and being yourself? The key point here is that you will always have to take into account all your unique characteristics and traits as a Los Angeles actor and not to hide them. The role you are applying for should not be totally different from your essence. It should just be your characteristics extension. And, indeed, it should save your specific and unique descriptions, which make you a differentiating actor. Just extend and modify them for a little.

Typecasting and how to avoid it

Knowing your type has lots of benefits, as we already mentioned. You will probably play the same “type” roles during your path to success and growth and will be accepted according to that one exactly. Typecasting, which is changing the “type” may become difficult over time. And here may emerge the hardest problem: if you are enough professional and experienced but want to try new things in a new role, how can you do it? It will be very difficult to convince the directors that you are more suitable for the role you want to try than for the one you have experience in. The process of convincing may be difficult, but you can find some tips to succeed. Indeed, the changes in your acting style may be beneficial.

Another good way maybe, again, how you will present yourself via photos. If you are a professional and famous actor, you would have probably already participated in lots of photo sessions in Los Angeles. During your next Los Angeles photoshoot, you can try to present yourself in another way. For example, if you have always played good roles and presented yourself in a positive atmosphere, but now want the devil role, try to present yourself as a bad guy.

Another option to avoid typecasting is not being afraid to start acting “against the type.” The beginning is always difficult, but do not overthink it. You may have to choose places for changing that are not very glorious or famous. However, that is what will make you succeed. You can start acting against typecasting in web series or indie, which are very comfortable for the beginning. Then, you will have more proof to convince the directors that you are suitable for the “against-type” role you want. So, be attentive to taking the opportunities and chances you are given.

Conclusion

If you are going to become a Los Angeles actor and have not known a lot about an actor’s “type,” I hope this was helpful and will help you to succeed in your Los Angeles acting career. To sum up, we looked through the type of actor, whether it refers to everyone, the most common types, and how you can find yours. We also concentrated on how knowing your “type” is connected to the audition process or whether you need to highlight your unique characteristics or not. In the end, we talked about typecasting and how to avoid it.

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.

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 24, 2020

Romantic Spots for Photoshoot in Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles is one of the most photogenic cities in the world. It has a lot of beautiful locations, where you can have affordable headshots, and at the same time, admire the scenery. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I always try to find new places. And I always wonder how many appealing locations there are in this city. In my previous article on amazing locations for headshots in Los Angeles, I have already made a list of interesting places for photoshoots. Now I have decided to make a list of the most romantic spots. I am sure that many couples have already done a lot of photoshoots in photo studios in Los Angeles. So if you want to find a new place, which will be completely different from the photo studios in Los Angeles, you need to start to explore this beautiful city. There are many places where you can do photoshoots with low photoshoot rates. The weather here is always sunny and warm, which is another advantage of doing photoshoots in Los Angeles. So, here are a couple of the most beautiful and romantic spots in Los Angeles, which you definitely should check out.

1. Universal Studios Hollywood

Many people who think about Los Angeles, the first thing that comes into their minds is Hollywood. Today, one of the most famous destinations of Los Angeles is Universal Studios Hollywood. Each day hundreds of people go there to explore the backstages of their favorite movies. Even if you don’t have any connection with cinematography, I am sure in childhood you had your favorite movies and dreamed about being in one of them. You can explore all the locations that you once saw in a movie. And a headshot photographer in Los Angeles can take pictures of you in those places. I am sure it will be a fascinating experience to feel like a movie star for a day and capture those moments forever. This is one of the most magical and interesting places for doing a photoshoot in Los Angeles. You can get more information about Universal Studios Hollywood here.

2. Disneyland Park

Most of us grew up watching Disney cartoons and movies. Our childhood is connected with most of them. Disneyland has a specific atmosphere that transforms us into our childhood. This place is definitely not only for children, and everyone can have a wonderful time there. In order to make the photoshoot in Disneyland even more appealing, you and your loved one can dress up as a prince and princess from your favorite cartoon. You can pose in the themed places of Disneyland, or in front of the castle. This is the simplest way to become a prince and princess for a day. Imagine how interesting the final result will be, and in the future, you can show the pictures to your children and tell them how that magic happened. Photo studios in Los Angeles also arrange these types of photoshoot at a very professional level. But the photoshoot will be better if it is done in Disneyland. The entry price of Disneyland is around $90.

3. Gondola Ride

Venice is famous for its gondola rides, and many couples go there to feel the romance of those rides. But fortunately, you can experience gondola rides not only in Venice but also in Los Angeles. This is one of the few ideas, which can’t be made into reality in the photo studios in Los Angeles. So, right now, it’s the best time to arrange this photoshoot. You can take your loved one to Redondo Beach, where you can have a gondola ride and have a photoshoot in such a romantic atmosphere. Take with you your favorite wine, and enjoy the time spent together. This is a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your significant other. It is also an easy way to relax from your daily life. You can go there in the evening, when the sun has already set, this will help to catch magnificent pictures and enjoy the breathtaking view. This is one of the most romantic ways to do a photoshoot in Los Angeles.

4. El Matador State Beach

One of the most popular beaches of Malibu is El Matador State Beach. It has beautiful rocky surroundings, and the water is very clear. Many couples visit this beach because it has a special and very romantic atmosphere. You can just lay down on the sand and listen to the sound of the water and enjoy each other’s company. But as the view is breathtaking there, it is a perfect place not only to relax but also to do a photoshoot. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I would recommend you to go there during the sunrise or sunset, because at that time you will most probably get the best pictures. There are a lot of guides on how to choose the best hours of sunlight, so I am sure you will manage to catch the perfect lighting. Los Angeles always welcomes its visitors with warm and sunny weather, so the weather will help your pictures to be magnificent. It is possible, with very low photoshoot rates, to have a very romantic photoshoot in Los Angeles, take affordable headshots and enjoy your loved one.

5. Exposition Park Rose Garden

Another romantic spot for couples in Los Angeles is Exposition Park Rose Gold. If you are tired of fast, crowded and dirty city life, then this place is what you need. Most of the headshot photographers in Los Angeles will recommend you to go there in spring because, at that time, flowers bloom, and the colors will let you have one of a kind pictures. You can implement different ideas there, and with the help of a headshot photographer, get affordable headshots and eventually, your desired result. Take your significant other and hide in this place full of colorful roses and romance. Although in the photo studios in Los Angeles, you will get a high level of professionalism and great quality, but there are certain things that are impossible to arrange indoors. Besides doing a photoshoot with low rates, you can also visit the museums which are located in the park. You just need to check the open hours and days. Be ready to explore the park and take affordable headshots in such a beautiful place.

6. Greystone Mansion

If you want an elegant and classic location for your photoshoot in Los Angeles, then you must head to Greystone Mansion. It is not only a historic place but also a spot with interesting architecture. A lot of movies were filmed, and festivals were held here due to its loveliness. You can have a fairy tale photoshoot there, and enjoy the beautiful garden. This is a perfect option for you if you want to take affordable headshots with a great backdrop. The mansion is located in Beverly Hills, which is one of the most popular places in Los Angeles. To correspond with the style of Greystone Mansion, I would highly recommend you to wear something classic. In this way, it will be easier for you to choose your look for the photoshoot. In the garden, there is a beautiful balcony, where a headshot photographer can take pictures of you during sunset.

7. Runyon Canyon

If you and your significant other love adventurous activities like hiking, then keep in mind Runyon Canyon. A photoshoot in a place like this will be quite unusual, but the final result will be very original. Headshot photographers in Los Angeles, often encourage their clients to experiment with different ideas and try new things. You can hike with your partner to the top, and enjoy the magnificent view with each other, and take a lot of pictures with the view of city lights. Remember that the city lights are one of the most beautiful backdrops. You can take great pictures also on your way to the top, which I am sure will be full of emotions. This will also be a good way to work out together. So, with a low photoshoot rate in Los Angeles, you can get affordable headshots and spend fun time together.

8. Wayfarers Chapel

Wayfarers Chapel has amazing architecture and design. Its surroundings have a beautiful nature, where everyone can find peace. To have a photoshoot here, you need to book in advance and examine the rules of the Wayfarers Chapel. There are certain days and hours when you can do a photoshoot there. A lot of couples arrange their wedding photoshoots there, but I am sure a regular photoshoot will also be very appealing. Most of the headshot photographers in Los Angeles would recommend you to investigate the area and understand where you want to capture pictures. This will help you not to waste time, and fully enjoy the process. I am sure you want pictures, which will be lovely even after many years. So, the photoshoot in Los Angeles will be easier if you know the place quite well.

9. Sunset Ranch Hollywood

This is a perfect opportunity to take your loved one to a great horseback riding. Even if you haven’t tried horseback riding in your life, you will remember this for the rest of your life. This is one of the most romantic and fun things to do. You can do a themed photoshoot here by trying a cowboy look and trying to ride a horse. At the same time, a headshot photographer in Los Angeles will catch creative pictures of you. There are a lot of tours available, you just need to choose your favorite one and enjoy the day. If you are a fan of activities like this, then this is a perfect option for you. You will not only take affordable headshots but also enjoy the breathtaking views. There are different tours available, and mostly they vary from $50-$125.

10. Palm Springs

Palm Spring is known for being a perfect vacation destination. It is a great way to combine a photoshoot with a vacation. There are a lot of beautiful spots in Palm Springs, where you can have a magical backdrop and effortlessly capture beautiful pictures. In Palm Springs, you can enjoy the gifts of nature, and add them to your photoshoot. For example, there are appealing mountains, sandy beaches, etc. There are no rules on how to arrange a photoshoot there. You can decide any theme, and a headshot photographer in Los Angeles will take great pictures. Photo studios in Los Angeles, of course, can’t provide such kinds of backdrops. So you will not only take affordable headshots but also have some rest with your partner.

11. The Broad

If you love unique architectural design, then The Broad is what you are searching for. You will not only capture beautiful pictures but also enjoy the museum, and see many appealing things. The exterior is so beautiful that both at night and during the day, you will have one of a kind pictures. If you check The Broad’s website, I am sure you will want to go there immediately. This is a unique place, which will guarantee unique pictures.

Los Angeles is full of romantic locations. It doesn’t matter what is the occasion of your photoshoot, because in every place you will manage to take great pictures. There are certain tips that you must follow, and you’ll notice that step-by-step each next image comes out better than the previous one. You just need to remember that the most important thing in every picture is the emotions, so don’t try to take quick photos, and don’t forget to enjoy the process of a photoshoot fully. After all, when you look at those pictures, you will remember all the memories from that day and how special it was. Pick with your loved one your favorite spot, and don’t be afraid to get creative. Trust the photographers and collaborate with them, because they are professionals, and know how to satisfy your needs. Decide the photoshoot rate together, and have your dream photoshoot in Los Angeles. If you are more into films read about filming locations in Los Angeles in my blog.

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 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.

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.

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.

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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