Jeremiah is in the building!! But seriously, this guy was a joy to have in front of my camera. Right off the top, he warned me he was awkward in front of the camera. I told him not to worry, most people are and that that's where I come in; to loosen you up a bit! Now I don't know if that's just something he tells himself or people with cameras or whatever, because the Jeremiah I had workin' the camera, was not the Jeremiah he had warned me about!

Most people when they come in for headshots, need a few frames to loosen up, get comfy; totally normal. From the very word go however, Jeremiah seemed to be in the zone. Sure I could find a few tricks of mine that dialed it up even more, but in terms of relaxing or getting comfortable in front of the lens? No break-in time required.

I've known Jeremiah for a couple years now and when he came to me wanting headshots because he was getting back into the theater game, I was so stoked. For one, he's a great personality and I was excited about capturing that personality, but I was also excited because I do know him so well. I love photographing people that I know because I know if they're lying to me right off the top. What do I mean by lying to me? Well, for my clients I don't know prior to their headshot session with me, theres a lot of discovery that happens over the course of the shoot. It's just natural that the camera brings out someones real personality. Clients who I don't know personally, can sneak a few fake shots by me before I start to pick up their tricks. By the 10th picture or so, someone has shown me their personality and what their perceived weaknesses are. After I learn those, I can really start to coach my clients and build up the confidence they need in order to get out of their own way...which is all a good headshot boils down to, really. Whether the actor can get out of their own way and give real performance for that split second.

After Jeremiah's headshot session, he found himself pleasantly surprised at the shots he was able to deliver. That, to me, is the sign of a great headshot session. When, after its all said and done, you look at the shots we JUST did and you can be surprised by them? You know we got gold. With his natural ability and my coaching on emotion, micro-adjustments, and subtext, Jeremiah got a lot of great headshots. He has a look that will allow him to play a broad range of charaters and we got every single one in his shoot!

Bravo, Jeremiah! Now go take Los Angeles by storm!

Headshots are my bread and butter in my photography business. As a working actor myself, I pride myself in talking to and directing actors in a way that they are both used to, and can relate to. I also have a unique insight as to what casting directors and agents are looking for in a headshot. I've been shooting headshots for almost 10 years and its great fun to see how the industry changes with respect to headshots.

A session with me is very noisy. In the sense that I usually don't shut up. I'm constantly trying different approaches and different techniques to get the best out of my clients. A good headshot requires great skill from the actor in front of the lens. A GREAT headshot is only possible when both the actor and the photographer are in it together. A great headshot photographer must be able to pull the emotions and subtleties out of their clients. It's an awkward thing, being in front of the camera. Even (maybe even ESPECIALLY) for actors. My job is to get the best out of my clients and then be able to capture that.

I'm big on micro adjustments. The slightest change in a few key areas of the face can DRASTICALLY change the entire mood of the shot. I want to give my clients a variety of moods and looks. You will have a shot you can submit to Disney shows, shots you can submit to crime dramas, and everything in between! Below is an example of 3 images from Johnny's shoot in a composite. They convey 3 completely different feelings and the only thing that has really changed, is his expression. Johnny is the ideal actor you want as a headshot photographer. He was willing to try things. Willing to look silly. Willing be vulnerable in front of the camera. He took direction extremely well and together, we were able to inspire each other to try different looks and new motivations neither one of us had thought about yet. I can't wait to see all the successes that lie ahead for Johnny. Any directors or CD's out there reading this; look no further for your next leading man. He's right here!

Johnny goes from dangerous and confident to boy next door charm!