SHOOTING WITH SHAWN
This page provides information on the following services offered:
Headshots, HOTshots, Theater Fliers/Postcards, Events, Still Shots, Editing/Retouching & Graphic Design
Locations: WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA & NEW YORK, NY
Phone: (818) 261-5025
Email: Shawn@ShawnBarberPhotography.com
Headshots, HOTshots, Theater Fliers/Postcards, Events, Still Shots, Editing/Retouching & Graphic Design
Locations: WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA & NEW YORK, NY
Phone: (818) 261-5025
Email: Shawn@ShawnBarberPhotography.com
HEADSHOTS
EYE-CATCHING HEADSHOTS THAT REALLY LOOK LIKE YOU!
-INFO TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE YOU BOOK A SESSION WITH ANY HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHER-
Headshots are a very particular form of photography and are not the same as fashion and editorial prints. Certain guidelines apply in order to make them effective in the casting submission process. I've seen some incredible photos that just do not function as headshots because they make you doubt what the actor will look like in person, and I've seen some really boring photos that are fine, but will not get anyone's attention. Some common mistakes found in headshots are too much lighting, not enough lighting, poor cropping, too much make-up and over-editing (I'm sorry, but noone's eyes actually glow like an alien).
While I can't tell other photographers how to operate, I CAN say that I would never book multiple clients at the same time, unless they choose to do so with friends or siblings. But who wants to share their session with strangers?! You deserve all the attention. I would also never sell sessions in terms of time slots or amount of images. That makes no sense whatsoever, because the time it takes for preparation and to get the "money shots" is different for each person, and you should not rush the process. Plus, you should go into the session with specific ideas, and not waste time by just shooting randomly. Also, it's silly to limit the amount of images a client receives when using digital cameras. The number of images for each person is going to be different depending on how many shots it takes to give them what they need.
***Avoid photographers who refuse to discuss pricing with you unless you come in for a consultation. It means they're overpriced and they have an aggressive, pre-rehearsed sales pitch to pressure you with once you're in the door. A photographer's work should stand for itself, along with the referrals and recommendations of people who actually know what they're talking about in this business.***
Unless you are just doing one look, make sure there's a bathroom or changing area with a sink and mirror available so you can check your face, hair and makeup, and so guys have the option to shave in between looks.
When looking at photographers' prices, be sure to factor in whether or not edits/retouches are included. Otherwise you'll have surprise additional costs that make what seemed like a great deal not such a bargain after all. And while the photos should be useable without edits, the fact remains that most people have their photos edited to get that competitive edge. Most photographers will not post pictures to their websites without editing them first.
I book sessions in terms of the amount of looks you want, regardless of the amount of time it takes. I don't limit the number of images you get--I shoot until we get everything you need. I also include retouches/edits with each look, so you won't be surprised at the end with additional costs.
At one point I lived in Latin America, where I learned one of my all-time favorite phrases: "Lo barato te sale caro," which means "what's cheap will turn out expensive." When I started acting, I'd get suckered in by the ads for dirt cheap headshots, only to find out that there's a reason why they're so cheap (and I still see those ads). It was a waste of time and money because they always sucked and never got me any work, and I'd wind up having to go to a better photographer anyway. So I quickly learned to do it right the first time. While my rates are VERY reasonable and competitive, you CAN find someone cheaper, but ask yourself if those shots will be as good as you need them to be. I know the value of my time and talent, and I'm not looking to crank out an assembly line of sessions. I take my time with each actor and get the best headshots possible, so you can walk away knowing that you've got YOUR best tools to market yourself with.
-WHY SHOOT WITH ME-
I’m a Photographer, an Artist, an Actor, V.P. and Director of Bookings for a production company, & I’ve worked in multiple casting offices and have pow-wowed with agents, managers, C.D.’s, and C.A.’s on the topic of headshots. So, not only do I know how headshots need to be taken for today’s submission process, but I also know how to make them stand out while maintaining the most effective format. Together we'll plan and design a custom session that fits your needs. My goal is to give you eye-catching headshots that bring out your personality and expressions while capturing you as yourself AND the roles you could play. You’ll get plenty of choices from which to select, but I’m a total perfectionist who’s very specific about each shot that I take. Some people have a natural ability to make others feel comfortable, and I’m one of them--I'm fun, easy to talk to, and I know how to get you to relax in front of the camera.
-NATURAL VS. STUDIO LIGHT-
Anyone looking at your headshot should know from the lighting and positioning that you would look just like your picture in person. C.D. Danny Goldman said that when he looks at your headshot, “it should look like you’d walk right in off the picture.” I use natural light, because it’s the most honest and the most flattering, in my opinion. With natural lighting you’ll look like yourself, and you’ll look good!!!
-DIGITAL VS. 35MM FILM-
I shoot digitally—it’s instant gratification! You get your photos at the time of the session and they can be immediately edited, shared, and posted to your online profiles. Plus, the images will not look washed out as they often do with film CD images. While film can be softer on skin, I have an amazing digital camera that has settings that lend natural texture and rounded feel to skin, which basically means it’s not harsh on your face and results in a nice complexion.
-HAIR & MAKEUP-
Hair and makeup IS available, and I work with the best makeup artist ever! But remember, these are your headshots, NOT print jobs. You need to look like yourself on any given day, How YOU would make yourself look for that audition is how you should look in your headshots. This is coming from the mouths of MANY agents and casting directors! So if you're comfortable doing your own makeup, I’ll advise you on how much to apply according to the look you’re going for. For GUYS, it's preferable not to wear makeup at all unless you'd wear it in person or you just really need to conceal something. But don't stress over your skin because any pimples, dehydration lines, and skin discolorations can be retouched.
Although you will have time to adjust hair and makeup before each setup, please arrive ready to shoot and bring whatever hair products and styling tools you may need if you're doing it yourself. And ofcourse, I'll adjust your hair for the camera, if necessary (I'm reallly good with hair.)
For those of you who prefer professional hair & makeup, the artist I work with is phenomenal! He just "gets it" and he understands the importance of looking natural and like yourself in headshots. He knows exactly how to bring out your eyes and features without making you look overly done up. Plus, his rates are very reasonable...what more could you ask for?!
-HOW MANY IMAGES WILL YOU GET-
There is no set amount. I shoot until we get everything you need. Sometimes I'll take shots in addition to what we planned because a cool idea will pop into my head while we're shooting. But basically, I’ll shoot until we’re both satisfied.
-PRICING-
Amazing headshots, great packages including edits*, reasonable prices! Photography is my passion, and I specifically love capturing actors on film. I know how hard it is to get ahead in this industry and your headshots are sooooo important. So, as a headshot photographer who understands the plight of an actor, I want to help you get ahead without charging you an arm and leg. And if you’re already ahead, good for you…let’s keep it that way with awesome current pics!
Since I do different types of shoots, it's easiest if you CALL FOR PRICING. Ask about my unbeatable "Unlimited Looks" package that includes 5 edits!
*Edits include eye and teeth whitening, removal of skin imperfections, contrast adjustment and color correction (if necessary). Additional Retouching/Editing available.
Fees due at the time of photo session. PAYPAL or CASH only. Email for Paypal instructions.
GET NOTICED WITH "HEADSHOTS DONE RIGHT!"
-INFO TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE YOU BOOK A SESSION WITH ANY HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHER-
Headshots are a very particular form of photography and are not the same as fashion and editorial prints. Certain guidelines apply in order to make them effective in the casting submission process. I've seen some incredible photos that just do not function as headshots because they make you doubt what the actor will look like in person, and I've seen some really boring photos that are fine, but will not get anyone's attention. Some common mistakes found in headshots are too much lighting, not enough lighting, poor cropping, too much make-up and over-editing (I'm sorry, but noone's eyes actually glow like an alien).
While I can't tell other photographers how to operate, I CAN say that I would never book multiple clients at the same time, unless they choose to do so with friends or siblings. But who wants to share their session with strangers?! You deserve all the attention. I would also never sell sessions in terms of time slots or amount of images. That makes no sense whatsoever, because the time it takes for preparation and to get the "money shots" is different for each person, and you should not rush the process. Plus, you should go into the session with specific ideas, and not waste time by just shooting randomly. Also, it's silly to limit the amount of images a client receives when using digital cameras. The number of images for each person is going to be different depending on how many shots it takes to give them what they need.
***Avoid photographers who refuse to discuss pricing with you unless you come in for a consultation. It means they're overpriced and they have an aggressive, pre-rehearsed sales pitch to pressure you with once you're in the door. A photographer's work should stand for itself, along with the referrals and recommendations of people who actually know what they're talking about in this business.***
Unless you are just doing one look, make sure there's a bathroom or changing area with a sink and mirror available so you can check your face, hair and makeup, and so guys have the option to shave in between looks.
When looking at photographers' prices, be sure to factor in whether or not edits/retouches are included. Otherwise you'll have surprise additional costs that make what seemed like a great deal not such a bargain after all. And while the photos should be useable without edits, the fact remains that most people have their photos edited to get that competitive edge. Most photographers will not post pictures to their websites without editing them first.
I book sessions in terms of the amount of looks you want, regardless of the amount of time it takes. I don't limit the number of images you get--I shoot until we get everything you need. I also include retouches/edits with each look, so you won't be surprised at the end with additional costs.
At one point I lived in Latin America, where I learned one of my all-time favorite phrases: "Lo barato te sale caro," which means "what's cheap will turn out expensive." When I started acting, I'd get suckered in by the ads for dirt cheap headshots, only to find out that there's a reason why they're so cheap (and I still see those ads). It was a waste of time and money because they always sucked and never got me any work, and I'd wind up having to go to a better photographer anyway. So I quickly learned to do it right the first time. While my rates are VERY reasonable and competitive, you CAN find someone cheaper, but ask yourself if those shots will be as good as you need them to be. I know the value of my time and talent, and I'm not looking to crank out an assembly line of sessions. I take my time with each actor and get the best headshots possible, so you can walk away knowing that you've got YOUR best tools to market yourself with.
-WHY SHOOT WITH ME-
I’m a Photographer, an Artist, an Actor, V.P. and Director of Bookings for a production company, & I’ve worked in multiple casting offices and have pow-wowed with agents, managers, C.D.’s, and C.A.’s on the topic of headshots. So, not only do I know how headshots need to be taken for today’s submission process, but I also know how to make them stand out while maintaining the most effective format. Together we'll plan and design a custom session that fits your needs. My goal is to give you eye-catching headshots that bring out your personality and expressions while capturing you as yourself AND the roles you could play. You’ll get plenty of choices from which to select, but I’m a total perfectionist who’s very specific about each shot that I take. Some people have a natural ability to make others feel comfortable, and I’m one of them--I'm fun, easy to talk to, and I know how to get you to relax in front of the camera.
-NATURAL VS. STUDIO LIGHT-
Anyone looking at your headshot should know from the lighting and positioning that you would look just like your picture in person. C.D. Danny Goldman said that when he looks at your headshot, “it should look like you’d walk right in off the picture.” I use natural light, because it’s the most honest and the most flattering, in my opinion. With natural lighting you’ll look like yourself, and you’ll look good!!!
-DIGITAL VS. 35MM FILM-
I shoot digitally—it’s instant gratification! You get your photos at the time of the session and they can be immediately edited, shared, and posted to your online profiles. Plus, the images will not look washed out as they often do with film CD images. While film can be softer on skin, I have an amazing digital camera that has settings that lend natural texture and rounded feel to skin, which basically means it’s not harsh on your face and results in a nice complexion.
-HAIR & MAKEUP-
Hair and makeup IS available, and I work with the best makeup artist ever! But remember, these are your headshots, NOT print jobs. You need to look like yourself on any given day, How YOU would make yourself look for that audition is how you should look in your headshots. This is coming from the mouths of MANY agents and casting directors! So if you're comfortable doing your own makeup, I’ll advise you on how much to apply according to the look you’re going for. For GUYS, it's preferable not to wear makeup at all unless you'd wear it in person or you just really need to conceal something. But don't stress over your skin because any pimples, dehydration lines, and skin discolorations can be retouched.
Although you will have time to adjust hair and makeup before each setup, please arrive ready to shoot and bring whatever hair products and styling tools you may need if you're doing it yourself. And ofcourse, I'll adjust your hair for the camera, if necessary (I'm reallly good with hair.)
For those of you who prefer professional hair & makeup, the artist I work with is phenomenal! He just "gets it" and he understands the importance of looking natural and like yourself in headshots. He knows exactly how to bring out your eyes and features without making you look overly done up. Plus, his rates are very reasonable...what more could you ask for?!
-HOW MANY IMAGES WILL YOU GET-
There is no set amount. I shoot until we get everything you need. Sometimes I'll take shots in addition to what we planned because a cool idea will pop into my head while we're shooting. But basically, I’ll shoot until we’re both satisfied.
-PRICING-
Amazing headshots, great packages including edits*, reasonable prices! Photography is my passion, and I specifically love capturing actors on film. I know how hard it is to get ahead in this industry and your headshots are sooooo important. So, as a headshot photographer who understands the plight of an actor, I want to help you get ahead without charging you an arm and leg. And if you’re already ahead, good for you…let’s keep it that way with awesome current pics!
Since I do different types of shoots, it's easiest if you CALL FOR PRICING. Ask about my unbeatable "Unlimited Looks" package that includes 5 edits!
*Edits include eye and teeth whitening, removal of skin imperfections, contrast adjustment and color correction (if necessary). Additional Retouching/Editing available.
Fees due at the time of photo session. PAYPAL or CASH only. Email for Paypal instructions.
GET NOTICED WITH "HEADSHOTS DONE RIGHT!"
HOTshots
This section is for 3/4 & body shots, fashion/editorials, and pictures that don't necessarily qualify as headshots. Also, If you're not a model or an actor but you'd like to have professional pics taken of yourself, give me a shout and we'll take some "HOTshots!"
THEATER FLIERS
I'll conceptualize a photo shoot for your production and incorporate it with graphic design onto a flier or postcard which can be emailed to you and your printing service. Alternatively, you can email me the actors' headshots and I'll use them in the design. See the THEATER FLIER Album for samples.
STILL SHOTS
For TV, film, music video, & theater production stills, call for pricing.
EVENTS
Available for events. I really have a knack for capturing people during the most candid moments! Call for pricing.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Call for pricing on any graphic design needs.
FEATURED ACTOR: Kincaid Walker
Born in Des Moines, Iowa, KINCAID WALKER graduated Magna cum Laude in Theatre from Northwestern University. She is a classical and jazz pianist as well as a trained dancer in ballet and jazz, who began dance lessons at five years old. Her training consists of On-camera Acting with Richard Courtney, Commercial Acting with Michael Donovan, and Improvisation with Derek Miller at Improv Olympic West. Co-starring TV credits include "George Lopez," "Monk," "Life," "Cold Case," "My Name is Earl," and "CSI: New York." Managed by Jeff Ketcham/Pander Productions.