Tag: Los Angeles photographer

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
August 12, 2020
How to Capture Personality in Portrait Photography - Tips

We all faced the struggle of not being able to capture personality in portrait photography. There is always something that makes the picture not appealing. Whether it is the pose, the face impression, the background, or something else. And we have to retake the photo again and again until we take the best one.

Sometimes it may take a couple of hours to capture the right picture, which is both beautiful and unique. Most of the time, the problem of failed photos is the wrong direction of the whole process. That is why even the most beautiful model can seem unattractive in the picture. But there is a solution to anything.

As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I take many photos of different people. Through my working years, I understood that there are a couple of aspects that make the photoshoot great. One of the most important things that a headshot photographer in Los Angeles should do is to make sure that the model is confident. If they feel comfortable in front of the camera, you can be sure that the process will be successful. Try to motivate them, and after every shot, give them proper directions. This will help them to become better after each shot, and together you will create great results.

In the article, I will provide you the most helpful and essential portrait photography tips so that you can take magnificent portraits. Even if you are not a professional, you will be able to take control of the camera in a short time. As the photography rates in Los Angeles can be high sometimes, your skills can be useful for your friends. And I am sure you will amaze your friends and relatives with your skills. 

How to Capture Personality in the Pictures

When the camera is in your hands, you have to take responsibility and direct the whole process. Everyone wants to have a unique photo. And one of the ways to do that is to capture the model’s personality. So the idea is not only to take a picture but to show the real emotions, expressions, and movements. You need to be informed of all the features of your camera in advance. Also, examine the location thoroughly, so that you know all the beautiful angles. And continuously work and direct your model. Without it, your pictures will look the same, and not attractive. Below, you will find a couple of the most famous portrait photography tips to capture the model’s personality in pictures. Before continuing this article, I recommend you to read about seven tips on corporate headshots. If you are interested in photography, it will be very informative for you.

Capture the Movement

Movements are always beautiful in the photos if the photographer knows how to capture them. In the beginning, you can give ideas to your model on how to move. For example, they can move their hands, play with their hair, or just walk. You will be able to take in between shots and hence capture candid moments. Step-by-step your model will come up with ideas and work with the camera more comfortably. Another way to create a movement is to use some objects. For example, the model can take a specific object in the hands, and play with it. 

A great tool to create movement in the picture is to use music during the photoshoot. You can ask for the model’s favorite music, and then turn it on. They will enjoy music and even start dancing under it. Hence you can use the moment and take pictures of their beautiful movements. I recommend you create the playlist in advance so that you won’t waste time on that during the photo shoot.

Capture the Laughter

Of course, if you tell your model to laugh in the middle of the photoshoot, it will be awkward. The pictures will feel made-up and not attractive. So if you want to capture laughter, you have to create it naturally. While taking photos, you can tell funny stories or describe situations. You can even tell something funny about yourself or your previous experience. In this way, you will create a fun and happy environment, and models may also tell funny stories. You can even generate laughter from their poses. For example, tell them about an occasion that happened when someone did such a pose. 

Remember that laughter pictures are beautiful when it is made candidly. Don’t just tell your models to laugh. This will make them feel uncomfortable. So at first try to create an appropriate atmosphere, and then help your model to laugh. Such pictures are the most beautiful and appealing. 

Find the Best Angles 

I am sure each of us has the desired angle for pictures. The job of each professional photographer is to find those angles. Usually, models may tell you which are their favorite angles at the beginning of the photoshoot. You need to understand the purpose and the desired outcome of the picture. If the model wants a picture where the face is in the primary focus, pay more attention to it. You should work with light and shadows to capture the best photos. If you find the right angle, it will be easier for you to catch the light. 

Always direct your model, and be communicative with them. For example, you can ask them to move their head towards the sun or change a pose. Also, this will help them to know their best angles and become informed of the future. As a headshot photographer, I may take a couple of photos and then catch the best angles. Don’t stick to one place and always move. Sometimes, to capture the perfect picture, you may need to stand in very uncomfortable poses. But believe me, the result is still worth it. 

Follow the Body Language

Every person has a body language which makes us unique. One of the biggest jobs of the photographer is to work with the model’s body language. This is one of the main ways to capture someone’s personality. I believe that every picture has a specific message, and body language plays a massive role in delivering the message. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I highly recommend you to read about body language. You will find out a lot of useful information. For example, for portraits, people sometimes use the pose of crossed hands. It may help you look more professional, and the model can use the photo on Linkedin, for example. It may also help the model to control the hands and feel comfortable. There are a lot of small details which can help your pictures become beautiful and appealing. 

Create an Atmosphere

To make your photos even more appealing, you can create a unique atmosphere. For example, if you want to make retro-themed photoshoot, then use decorations for creating the mood. And in that case, the model will become part of the scene, making it easier for them to pose. If you want them to seem happy or thoughtful, then ask them to imagine a scene. Don’t just ask them to smile or look serious. This will help your pictures to be natural. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles who takes affordable headshots, I always try to create beautiful scenes. For every photographer, it is essential to have a lot of room for creativity. And hence use every moment of the photoshoot to show your creativity and use it in the process. 

Tools for Editing Portrait Pictures

Now it is time for some touch-up. After creating some great pictures, you should use tools to edit your photographs. Every photographer edits the photos for a better result. For example, you may cut something from the picture, or blur some little detail. Even if you haven’t done this before, you will quickly learn how to do that. There are many applications with hundreds of useful tools. It is important not to overuse the editing tools so that your pictures look natural. Sometimes people may edit too much, and in the end, the client may not be satisfied. Everything is beautiful when you do it in the right amount. Below I will give you some tips on how to edit. 

Clear Complexion

There are great tools that help to erase some undesired blemishes that every photo may have. For example, you may feel the need to delete some wrinkles or any imperfections. Sometimes models ask to correct some little part of the photo. For instance, models usually ask to erase the dark circles and make the look more awake. And you, as a photographer, can take into account their wants. But don’t overuse this tool as it may make the picture unnatural. But I highly recommend you to keep the uniqueness of the model. For example, if they have a birthmark, then don’t erase it. Such things make the look of the model different from others. And these are part of the personality of your model. 

Define the Face with Contouring 

Usually, makeup artists define the face with the help of contouring. It became popular, especially in the last few years. And many people use this trick to define their faces. With the help of contouring, makeup artists create light, shadow, and define some parts of the face. But today, it is possible to contour the face also with editing tools. As every skin tone is different, you should be careful to pick the appropriate colors. As a headshot photographer, I use this tool in some cases. This is especially helpful when I want to add some extra definition on the face and help capture personality in portrait photography. It can be handy, especially for portrait photography.

Define the Eyes

Sometimes the expression in the eyes can tell a lot about a person. Eyes are part of someone’s personality, and they are transferring a lot of emotion. So especially in portrait photography, it is essential to define the eyes. Eyes should be noticeable enough and be one of the main focuses of the photo. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I always pay attention to the eyes and try to enhance them. You can brighten the eyes and make them more awake. And even if the model didn’t sleep well at night, it will not be noticeable. So working with eyes can result in great photos. 

Whiten the Teeth 

This is a beneficial tool when the model is smiling in the picture. You can make the teeth of the model whiter, but at the same time, it will look very natural. But again, don’t overuse this tool. Just use the brush a little bit, and you will notice the better result immediately. I don’t always use this tool, but in some situations, it can be beneficial. Sometimes the clients ask the photographer to make their teeth whiter. But there are a lot of cases when the model has naturally white teeth, and this tool may not be useful. 

Conclusion

For every photographer, it is essential to talk with the model before the actual photoshoot starts. You should understand the needs of the model, and as a result, the work process will be smoother. Try to understand why they need pictures. For example, are the photos for professional needs or just for social media. To have a great result, you should explore the location, pick the best time of the day, etc. I recommend you choose the time of the golden hour because at that time the light is lovely. 

And remember that to become a master photographer, you should practice a lot. At first, the photos may not be the way you want. And of course, it is normal. After a short time, you will notice how each next picture becomes better than the previous one. In the beginning, arrange photoshoots for your friends and family, to master your skills. And then, after some time, you may start photographing clients. Enjoy the process and use these capturing personality in portrait photography tips to get the best photos.

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
June 5, 2020
YouTube for Actors in Los Angeles

The world develops very fast, and today it is a must to be aware of the new technologies. One of the main reasons is that they may create new opportunities for you. Many people dream about a successful acting career. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I know how challenging the road to success is. Actors in Los Angeles attend various Los Angeles acting schools and casting studios. They try to find different agents, producers, directors, etc. to market themselves and get their dream role in the movie. There are many stories in history when famous actors have been discovered in different places, such as streets or cafes.

But nowadays, many tools may help actors in Los Angeles to market themselves and gain an audience. And those tools have made the process of becoming famous, more simple, and quicker. One of the tools is YouTube, and there are many ways that actors can benefit from it. This platform can help you express yourself, get creative in filming videos, and gain attention from a lot of people. And maybe YouTube will open many doors for you. Below you can read about why you should start using YouTube and the main benefits that you can get from it.

Free Marketing

Creating an account and uploading videos on YouTube is free. Especially for beginner actors, this is an excellent opportunity to market themselves and not pay for that. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, who works with actors and takes affordable headshots for them, I know that marketing may be costly for actors. Of course, in order to have a quality account on YouTube, you have to put a lot of effort into it. If you get creative and spend some time making videos, I am sure you will gain your audience, and people will start to pay attention to you. In addition to this, if people like your videos, they will begin to share it with others. So more people will follow you. And maybe a producer will notice you and offer you a role in a movie.

The hardest part is to start, but I can assure you that the process will go smoothly once you begin. Here is a video on how to start a YouTube channel and grow it. I hope that this may help you to start your YouTube channel right now. 

Youtube Gives Freedom to Your Creativity

As I have mentioned above, creativity is one of the main parts of a successful and exciting YouTube channel. And what’s more important is that this platform gives you a huge room to express your creativity. If you spend some time researching and watching different videos on YouTube, you will notice that the content is diverse. People try to create videos about everything in order to stand out. In addition to this, you take the whole responsibility for your job, and you can control it as you want. You can decide when you want to post videos and what its content should be. 

As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, it is essential for me to control the whole creative process. Usually, I have many ideas and I want to make them into reality. I think this is a crucial part for creative people, and actors in Los Angeles can gain a lot of experience from Youtube. Hence have an opportunity to express themselves and give freedom to their ideas and creativity.

Gain Experience and Learn from Other Actors

You can also benefit from YouTube by watching videos of other actors and by learning from them. There are a lot of useful videos that may interest you. For example, you can watch how famous actors auditioned for their roles. It is always interesting to see how they developed their skills through years, and how they were acting at the beginning of their career. You can also follow other actors in Los Angeles who have their blogs on YouTube. Try to learn how they promote their accounts and what they do to grow it. Learning from others is one of the essential parts of becoming successful. Following others’ experience is critical. I highly recommend you to search for new people and pay attention to details. This doesn’t mean that you are copying from them. You just learn from people who have experience and can help you in the process of becoming successful.

Also, you can make new friends and be part of a big community. Provide your help to them as well, and share your experience. Remember, that you may know something which can be helpful for a young actor. As you may already know, networking is vital in your career, so pay attention to it. Here you can read some helpful information about actors’ networking events in Los Angeles.

A New Format of Casting

Another way that you, as an actor in Los Angeles, can benefit from YouTub is online casting. Maybe you are used to traditional casting methods. But with the help of YouTube, you can post your demo reels, and everyone will be able to see it. This gives you more chances that someone may notice you and call for an audition. YouTube makes your job more comfortable than it was before. Now, the chances of getting a role increase because agents search for talented people everywhere. Of course, YouTube is one of the most significant sources. As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I would highly encourage you to pay massive attention to your demo reels. It also may open many doors for you. You can show your talents in a couple of minutes. And believe me, it will be enough for directors or producers to become interested in you. 

This is a great tool, and try to use it wisely. High-quality videos grab more attention, and in addition to that, this will make you seem professional and prepared. So don’t forget to make a quality product and in some time you will see the result.

Upload Trailers of Your Movies

You can post the trailers of the movies on your YouTube account if you have already acted in different movies. This will not only help you to promote your film but also will show the audience your work. They will be able to see your skills in a real movie. Also, this will add to your professionalism and confirm that you are an experienced actor. If you have a couple of thousands of followers, then your audience will share your trailer with other people. Hence it will gain a lot of views. If the audience likes the movie, usually they want to see how the film was made, or some backstage videos. For example, if I like a movie, I always search for backstage videos or photos to understand the making process. You can post some interesting videos, and with the help of it, the movie will gain more attention.

These types of videos are not only exciting, but they also create a very warm feeling, because actors show themselves outside of the role. 

You Can Generate Income

After some time, when you gain an audience with a lot of followers and become trusted by them, you can start to earn money on YouTube. You can make money from views, advertisements, likes, etc. Nowadays, many YouTubers earn a lot of money because they have millions of followers. In time, they start to do ads, make contracts, have partners, and make a huge amount of money. Of course, this may not happen immediately, because you will not have a lot of followers from the beginning. And also, you should not start YouTube with the thought that you are going to earn a lot of money. Your biggest goal from YouTube has to be the desire to get noticed by others and gain an audience. Monetization comes second, but of course, it is an excellent way to earn money.

Personally, I have favorite YouTubers who make different advertisements in their videos. Still, they try to do it in a very balanced and creative way. So the audience doesn’t even get distracted from it. To conclude, everything is good if you make it with a sense of taste. 

YouTube is Available for You Every Day

When you post a video on YouTube, it stays there as much as you want. So that means that people can watch it 24/7. YouTube will not take the video away from the platform (unless it doesn’t contain any privacy problems). This will help you to promote yourself and track how your audience is reacting to your videos. For example, you can see which video got more views, likes, comments, etc. With this, you will understand which type of content is more enjoyable for your audience and interests them the most. Hence you will post more content like that. It is always important to listen to the needs of your audience because they are the ones who follow you. As the videos stay on your account forever, people will be able to watch them later and get to know you.

Step-by-step, you will notice how the number of subscribers is increasing. In addition to this new people will visit your account in order to get to know you. Also, after a couple of years, you can look back at your first videos. You will see how time changed you and that each next video is even better than the previous one.

Film Your Small Movies

If you don’t get role offers for a long time, or the ones that you get are not appropriate for you, then you can start to film your own small movies. You can write a small interesting script and start filming according to that script. This will help you to show your acting skills, and many directors and producers may get interested in you. If you can’t find a role in movies, in the beginning, don’t give up and start finding alternatives. This is a perfect way to illustrate your creativity and also to gain an audience which is important for actors in Los Angeles.

For example, if you start filming a mini-series and post it weekly, people will be interested in the next episode. You can invite your friends or family members to help you with filming. You can even ask them to play a role in your small movie. This will not be expensive, and also you will have a great time with the people you love. And they will enjoy the process. YouTube gives room for a lot of creativity. If you open your imagination, I am sure you will come up with some great ideas. People always search for new content, so be sure that your content will find its audience. 

As a Conclusion

As you can notice, there are many ways that YouTube can help you in your career. In reality, it is one of the best tools for not only actors in Los Angeles but everyone. The internet has become an enormous source of information. People started to search for different information and people on the internet. Technologies have made the life of people a couple of times more comfortable. If you examine the road of success of other people, you will notice that they didn’t have as many resources as you have today. So you should be wise enough to use those resources and take opportunities. Today many people become famous and start to build their successful careers from YouTube. And it is always interesting to watch them and see how they develop their careers day by day. 

As a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I highly recommend you start your YouTube account and try to grow it. It will take time, and of course, the process will not be effortless, but as you already understood, it is worth it. So move forward and build your career as an actor in Los Angeles with your everyday hard work.

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 11, 2020
Valentine’s Day Photoshoot Ideas - Part 1

Valentine’s day is near, and couples are already counting the days until February 14th. This is the perfect day to show your loved ones how special they are. Each day of the year must be a celebration of love. But we all know that February 14th has a unique energy, and we always want to make that day memorable. Most of the couples plan their surprise ahead of time, and others just wait until the last day. But remember, it is essential to be creative so that your significant other always remembers that day. It is the perfect time to make memories and capture them forever in order to look at them after many years. If you think that Valentine’s Day photoshoot rates in Los Angeles are high, then I can assure you that there are many ways to take affordable headshots. Doing a photoshoot on Valentine’s day is not only super romantic but also a great way to spend quality time together. As I am a headshot photographer in Los Angeles, I have selected a couple of unique and romantic ideas for Valentine’s day photoshoot.

Outdoor Photoshoots

One of the most important advantages of outdoor photoshoots is the opportunity to choose from dozens of locations. It gives room for creativity, which is a must for Valentine’s day photoshoot because I’m sure you don’t want to have ordinary pictures. You can go to the park, to a rooftop, to the seaside, or just walk in the street and have street style photos. This is a perfect way to take affordable headshots, which at the same time, will be beautiful and original. As photoshoot pricing may seem high at the photo studios in Los Angeles, this option is a good substitute. Here are some ways to make outdoor photoshoot even more appealing. 

Capture the Golden Hour

los angeles headshot photographer

The famous “Golden Hour” which does magic in the world of photography. Every headshot photographer in Los Angeles tries to capture beautiful pictures during the golden hour. It doesn’t matter where you have chosen to take pictures- the golden hour will add warmth and romance to it. But to make your photos even more breathtaking, I highly recommend choosing a beautiful place which has a stunning view. For example, a rooftop, where the whole city can be visible. Or if you are able to go to the seaside and catch the golden hour there, then I assure you that your pictures will be magnificent. You just have to catch that magical hour and be fast, since it may last only a couple of minutes. Although it’s duration highly depends on the season and location. So make sure to know every detail about the golden hour and enjoy it. Here you can find a guide on how to take a perfect picture during golden hour. 

Amusement Park Photoshoot

There’s always a fascinating atmosphere at the amusement parks. If you think that photo studios in Los Angeles are not for you, then this option may be one of your preferences. This place will allow you to have a stylish photoshoot and have a lot of fun. Since there are a lot of different lights in those parks, the pictures will be even more beautiful. In the evening that lighting creates a special mood, which will be transferred through the camera. Walk around the park, play games, buy cotton candy, and ride the attractions. All of this will create honest emotions, and the pictures will be beautiful and creative. Enjoy your day, and the hours spent in the park. You’ll see how alive are all the photos, and that both of you had a great time. Try to get pleasure from every moment. 

Photoshoot on the Rooftop

As I have already mentioned before, catching the golden hour while being on the roof is a blessing. But with the help of imagination, we can think of many ways to make a rooftop photoshoot even more exciting. For example, in the evening when the city lights are on, you can capture a lot of beautiful pictures with the view of the city. You can also decorate the rooftop the way you want and create a unique ambiance. Use different props, and don’t be afraid to make your imagination a reality. It is possible to create your photo studio in Los Angeles wherever you want. And besides being very romantic, this is also another way to take affordable headshots during Valentine’s day photoshoot.

Indoor Photoshoots

If you are not a fan of outdoor activities, then don’t be sad because indoor photoshoots can be as creative and interesting as outdoor ones. Especially right now, when it is winter, and the weather in many places may not let you do any kind of outdoor photoshoot. So, in this situation, indoor photoshoot ideas save the situation. Photo studios in Los Angeles are one of the best, and photographers always make sure that besides having beautiful pictures, you also enjoy the process. In addition to this, in many photo studios in Los Angeles you can take affordable headshots. But If photoshoot rates in Los Angeles seem high, remember that even at home, it is possible to make a small studio. This may take time, but a few easy steps will help you to create your dream studio. Step-by-step, you’ll see how an ordinary room transforms into a real photo studio in Los Angeles. It is possible to generate many ideas, the only thing that you need is space and creativity.

Stay at Home and Have Fun

You can think of so many creative ways of arranging home photoshoots. You don’t even need to set up or decorate something. The most beautiful pictures are the ones that express honest emotions. You don’t always have to pose or stare at the camera. Valentine’s day photoshoot at home is an excellent idea because you can be yourself in the most comfortable way, and get affordable headshots. Wear matching and comfy sweatpants with your partner, and just stay at home. Order a pizza, lay on the couch, watch TV, have a pillow fight, wear funny socks, and ask a photographer to catch all the emotions. This is an effortless way of arranging a photoshoot, but I am sure for many couples, this option would be more enjoyable than any other. 

Return to Your First Date

There are some days, dates, and locations which stay in mind forever for couples. One of the most important memories is the first date, and where it happened. The place where you first went on a date is full of emotions because, for every couple, it is one of the most responsible days. So, imagine how romantic it would be to recreate everything connected to your first date and have Valentine’s day photoshoot at that place. You can order the same dish that you have ordered that day, and even wear the same clothes (if you still have them). This will not only be an opportunity to take affordable headshots but also to have dinner and have fun in one of your favorite locations. For every headshot photographer in Los Angeles, it is important to catch simple moments that contain thousands of emotions. 

Professional Photoshoot at the Photo Studio

Today, there are a lot of photo studios in Los Angeles, which are one of the best. Having a photoshoot in such kind of photo studio is a memorable experience because the quality and the level of professionalism is very high. You can be sure that the setting, lighting, and overall atmosphere will be organized most fabulously. Because of this, the photoshoot rates in Los Angeles are sometimes a little bit high. The photo studio and each headshot photographer in Los Angeles try to provide the best service. But I am sure if you search, you’ll find places where you can get affordable headshots. At Stepanyan Photography, one of the most important parts is the quality and to make sure that clients enjoy the process. If you desire a high level of professionalism, then photoshoots in the photo studios in Los Angeles is the best option. Here you can get acquainted with the services and photoshoot pricing at Stepanyan Photography. 

Photoshoots with Props

People like to experiment with the props because it adds character to the pictures. It doesn’t matter where you are; in the studio, in the park, at home or somewhere else, props help to make images even more enjoyable. Headshot photographers in Los Angeles may use a couple of different accessories during a photoshoot. And with each accessory, they may change the style and also the lighting of the picture. You don’t need too much stuff, moreover, you don’t need to spend too much money on buying props. I’m sure you can find things at home or borrow from someone and still be able to take affordable headshots. In the case of Valentine’s day photoshoot, there are many romantic ideas, which will perfectly complement the photoshoot.

Powdery Paints

In order to have one of the brightest and colorful Valentine’s day photoshoots, you should use special powdery paints. Play with those paints as much as you can. You can throw them in the air and let them pour on you. Use different colors and be quick, to capture the best shots. This type of photoshoots will not only be entertaining, but also, it will help to create one of a kind pictures. You can find paint like that in stores or order online. But be aware that this option will be good for an outdoor photoshoot. Because I’m sure you don’t want to have a powdery paint all over your house or other location. Many headshot photographers in Los Angeles may use this type of paint during photoshoots in photo studios, but of course, it needs to be cleaned very carefully. 

Experiment with Looks

One of the best ways to create unique pictures is to try on different looks. Try on different outfits, or recreate styles from different movies or cartoons. For example, if you both love movies about superheroes, then try to be one of those characters for the photoshoot. You can also try to create different moods. For example, you may decide to form looks inspired by the 1920s, 30s, 40s, and so on. It would be exciting because those times had extraordinary hairstyles, makeup, etc. If you have vintage stuff at home, add them to the picture too, to create a unique atmosphere. Old suitcase, vintage typewriter, a book may be a great supplement. Most of the headshot photographers in Los Angeles enjoy playing with the looks, so suggest to them your ideas. It doesn’t matter if you are going to have Valentine’s day photoshoot at the photo studio in Los Angeles, at home or outdoors, this idea can be made into reality anywhere. 

Ride Together

Using any means of transportation as a prop during a photoshoot is not only creative but also adventurous. You can take a bike, and ride in a beautiful park or on a beautiful road. At the same time, a headshot photographer can capture fascinating pictures. It would be better to choose an uncrowded place so that you could enjoy your ride alone. You can also rent a vintage car and get creative with it. Fell yourself as a movie star for a day, and try to make different exciting pictures with your loved one. You can ride a car and go on a small journey, and at the same time, take photos in beautiful locations. To make it even more attractive, you can take additional props with you like lights, sparkles, etc. You will explore different places and, at the same time, have beautiful pictures captured by a headshot photographer.

It doesn’t matter where you choose to have a photoshoot. Select any place, wear your favorite clothes, take with you a couple of props and just enjoy the process. As you saw there are many ways to avoid high photoshoot rates in Los Angeles, so even with a small budget, you can have a great photoshoot. When you are with your loved one, especially on Valentine’s day, everything makes you happy. Having a photoshoot on this special day is a great way to save memories and have something to look at after many years. There are many times when we experience something beautiful with our favorite people, but there is no one to capture the moment. Well, now, with the help of these unique ideas, you can be sure that Valentine’s day photoshoot will stick in the memory forever. 

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
January 28, 2020
Ideas for Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles

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

1. Photoshoot in Los Angeles

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

Studio Photoshoot 

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

Outdoor Photoshoot

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

Hiring a photographer to Follow you Everywhere in Los Angeles

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

2. Romantic Dinner in Los Angeles

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

Dinner on the Rooftop

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

Picnic at the Park

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

Dinner Night at Home

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

4. Road Trip

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

Palm Springs

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

Las Vegas

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

Joshua Tree National Park

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

3. Gifts

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

Scrapbook

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

Gift Cards 

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

Personalized Gifts

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

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

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

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

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

1. Too many Headshots

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

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

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

2. Outdated Content

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

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

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

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

According to Backstage magazine, 

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

So, take care of your own future. 

3. Auto-Playing Video

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

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

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

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

4. Inconsistent Navigation & Design

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

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

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

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

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

5. Where is your contact information?

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

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

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

6. Paying too much or too little 

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

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

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

7. Mixed-up Purpose

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

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

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

8. Boring design 

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

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

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

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

And Finally…

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

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

Learn more about headshot pricing in Los Angeles.

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

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

Read More
Seda Stepanyan
October 8, 2019
10 Halloween Photo Shoot Spots in Los Angeles

It is fall already, and you maybe thinking about doing something cool and memorable. Obviously, there is nothing more exciting than Halloween, right? Yes, it is. What about a Halloween photo shoot in Los Angeles? Everybody looks forward to this date impatiently and starts preparing a costume on the very first day of October, or maybe even earlier. 

A truly cool thing to do on this special day is to organize a photo shoot in Los Angeles. You may want to make this day a memorable one by getting great photos taken by a professional photographer in LA. The very first thing you should consider is the location of your photo shoot. Los Angeles is a huge city, and there are numerous beautiful places here. But which ones are the best for Halloween?

Halloween Photo Shoot Spots in LA

Paid Locations

For getting Halloween photo shoot in Los Angeles, you will need to spend some money. However, it is more than worth doing that as you will have unforgettable emotions besides the fantastic photos your professional photographer will provide you with. 

Any of these places will be a perfect choice for a photo shoot in Los Angeles. Undoubtedly, it will be the best investment of the season. You will get amazing new photos, thrilling emotions and of course, wonderful memories. 

1. Pumpkin Nights at Pomona Fairplex

This can be a fun place for both an individual and a family photo shoot. Going there, you will appear in a real world of pumpkins. You can get photos with pumpkins of different sizes and with different faces. The 3000 pumpkins created by talented designers will guarantee you cool Halloween themed images and outdoor headshots. The event will take place from October 10 to November 3 at Pomona McKinley Avenue. The price of the tickets ranges from $14-$60. So you can just schedule a date with your LA professional photographer, and go to Pomona for getting unforgettable emotions. 

2. Santa Monica Pier

This is one of the popular Halloween photo shoot locations for tourists. Can anything in the world be compared to an amusement park? Your photo shoot here will be a combination of joy and fear. Actually, you can get photos with different themes here. 

The lights in this place will be a fantastic supplementation to your photos. The atmosphere of the park is already holiday-themed. Besides, you will not have to take care of the equipment. There will be dozens of pumpkins and other Halloween decorations provided by the park. Everything will correspond to the holiday atmosphere and the only expense you should make is to get a ticket for the park. 

So, the only thing you will need is a crazy Halloween costume. If you choose to get joyful images, you should probably not choose a tragic costume. The best Halloween costume idea for this place is probably a movie character. Even though Santa Monica is not a theme park, your character will fit well with the atmosphere. Scary costumes will always match the environment. A witch in front of a Ferris wheel sounds really cool. And above everything, an amusement park is a worthy place where you can have amazing photos. So, why not combine it with Halloween?

3. Madame Tussauds Museum

The Madame Tussauds museum of Hollywood introduced a new exhibition named ILLUSIONS OF HORROR. Here you can find large and photo-centric installations of famous personages as well as other scary figures. You can feel yourself in a horror movie while the professional photographer you hired in LA captures the moments of your delight.  

Now it is time to get wonderful photos walking through the horrifying attractions that perfectly correspond to the Halloween atmosphere. You can pose next to vignettes and wax figures in an environment that is truly horror-inspired. You get get a picture with Dracula, Frankenstein, and various monsters. For incredible images in this atmosphere, a professional headshot photographer would recommend dressing either into monsters like these or into their victims. 

The location of the Madame Tussaud Museum is 6933 Hollywood Blvd. You can go there on the day of Halloween, October 31. The prices for the tickets start from $16.99. 

4. Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

One more scary place for a Halloween photoshoot in Los Angeles. The Haunted Hayride in Los Angeles takes place in the most haunted spots of the city. There are numerous opportunities for a real Halloween photoshoot here. If you prefer the scary component of Halloween, then this is the best place for you. 

In the Haunted Hayride, you will find figures and silhouettes of ghosts, monsters, Dracula, and everything connected to vampires and psychs you may even imagine. 

The fact that the Hayride is in the place of the Old Zoo is a real plus for your idea of Halloween photoshoot. You can go for searching resident ghosts and your photographer will spot spontaneous images of your feelings. 

The Hayride is located in Griffin Park, which itself is known to be haunted. It is open from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Depending on your budget and special wishes for a photoshoot, you may choose tickets at different prices. They range from $39 to $120 per person. Don’t forget to get a ticket for your professional headshot photographer, as well. 

5. Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights

Another location to have the greatest movie-themed Halloween photo shoot. Every every year, Universal Studios comes up with new attractions related to famous horror movies, and they are becoming bigger each year. Isn’t it a terrific idea to get a Ghostbuster photo shoot? 

You will enter a thrilling atmosphere with the best possible equipment for a Halloween photo shoot. On every single step, you will meet a place to get a photo. 

You can put on any costume as it will fit the whole park. You can have a real nightmare themed photo shoot.

Universal Studios is a place where you have been at least once for sure. However, do not hesitate to go there once more for a Halloween photo shoot. You will also have some great time with your professional headshot photographer during the marvelous shows that are going to be held there. The ticket price is from $65-$97.

Free Locations 

Who said that everything should be paid? You can absolutely have a free Halloween photo shoot variant in Los Angeles in places no worse. You can get fantastic photos and headshots by a professional photographer in places that you could have not even imagined. Trust your photographer in this sense. Photographers are people who notice something unique when our eyes see the regular. Photographers know places perfectly appropriate for photo shoots and headshots in LA that you have not even thought about. Here are some locations from the professional point of view where you can get perfect photo shoots with a Halloween theme. 

halloween photoshoot locations Los Angeles

6. Laurie’s House

The famous house from 1978’s mystery by John Carpenter “Halloween.” Located in Oxley St., South Pasadena, this beautiful house with its surroundings can be an original and meaningful place for a photo shoot on Halloween. 

At first glance, it may remind an ordinary house. However, the real fans of this movie will recognize the house immediately and will certainly appreciate your choice. This place is a classic in Hollywood movie history. A place to which real movie lovers have attachment and memories. A place, which itself means Halloween. A real embodiment of scare and ghosts. 

By the way, this is a place where you can do a professional photo shoot both in the evening and in the afternoon. The place is so recognizable that it will remind you about Halloween, even without the darkness. In the evening, however, your photographer will be able to create a real thriller photo shoot. 

This is a privately owned house, so you will not have to deal with any formalities to get a photo shoot there. Just make sure to have a plan B, in case anybody appeared to be as creative as you and took the area for a longer photo shoot. 

7. Marina del Rey

Pirate costumes are extremely popular at Halloween. Have you decided to put on one? If yes, then the haunted pirate ships at Marina del Ray are the best choice for your Halloween photo shoot. You can dress like a real Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean and get a photo on a real boat. Another variant is to be Jim Hawkins from the Treasure Island. 

The best thing about this place is that it will be very fun to go there both in the afternoon and in the evening. 

The event will take place on October 26th and 27th in Mindanao Way, Los Angeles, California. The admission is free. So just schedule the photo session with your photographer asap. 

8. Hollywood Walk of Fame

There truly is some sense to take advantage of the fact that that this famous place is free. Why not choose the company of Hollywood stars for a Halloween photo shoot? Going there with no special occasion may seem boring, but going there for a professional Halloween photo shoot is truly a good idea. 

Imagine dressing up into Charlie Chaplin and taking photos next to each star with a different grimace. You will both have fun and get wonderful photos. 

Above everything, Hollywood Walk of Fame is a special place for Los Angeles and it really does make sense to have one of your best photo shoots exactly here. Obviously, you will need to take some requisite with you. The thing you should look here for is the atmosphere, and famous views. Photos with those views will be cool not only with a Charlie Chaplin costume, but some scarier ones as well. 

9. Rodeo Drive

Too cliche? It may just sound so. Imagine dressing up into Miranda Priestly from “The Devil Wears Prada” and taking a photo next to the Prada boutique with a pumpkin in your hands. It would be the most unique thing one could do at Halloween. Miranda Priestly is an elegant monster, so putting on her look, you will absolutely correspond to Halloween requirements. You will be scary yet elegant. 

However, any other costume will look wonderful at Rodeo Drive. This is a place where LA headshot photographers have huge experience of taking photos. Trust her and she will find perfect views for your special Halloween photo shoot. It may not even be necessary to take requisite as the street will be decorated accordingly. Rodeo Drive will be equally perfect for group photo shoots. However, LA professional photographers would highly recommend choosing early evening hours for a photo shoot here. 

10. The Cemetery 

Scary after the previous one, right? But what Halloween without ghosts and dead men? 

In case you and your photographer are not too anxious, a cemetery is a great place for a Halloween photo shoot in LA. Even if you have goosebumps, isn’t it even better on Halloween? This is a brave and incredibly unique idea.  

You should probably not get headshots here, but Halloween themed photos will be fantastic. Photos with a ghost costume in a real cemetery. It will be the photo shoot of the year. 

Hollywood Forever Cemetery would be a perfect choice for a professional Halloween photo shoot. You may feel a little more comfortable here, as besides being a cemetery of famous people, it is also sightseeing place in Los Angeles. The access is free here from 8:30 a.m. to 5 or 5:30 p.m.

In the end, quoting Black Widow, “Too shy or too scared?” Too excited, probably! Overcome your fear, and you will get a crazy photo shoot from a headshot photographer in LA.

As you can see, photo shoots in the free locations of Los Angeles can be no worse than the ones in special places. You can surely enjoy your time and get fantastic photos as well. 

Halloween is one of the most beloved holidays in Los Angeles. There are numerous events all over the city. An exclusive way to pass this year’s Halloween is to get a photo shoot by a professional headshot photographer in Los Angeles. Halloween is truly the best time to get a terrific photo shoot. So, don’t hesitate. Pick a location and contact me – your professional photographer.

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