As a working actor, it is imperative to have a headshot. A good headshot is essentially a modern day calling card for a performer. Everywhere I audition, I need to have a headshot so the director has a visual when casting. Since the whole point of auditioning is to get a job and a good headshot helps me land a job, it's a pretty important item in my bag of tricks. I can belt until the roof falls in, dance like a prima ballerina and act with the passion of an angry hedgehog but if I have a picture that looks nothing like me...Well that's bad news bears. I hadn't had photos taken professionally since high school. Although it worked at the time for college auditions, I'm no longer blonde or 18. Thank goodness.
Today, I had the privilege of getting all dolled up and getting my picture taken by photographer Simon Hurst. I thought it would be fun to do a little photo journalism throughout the day to illustrate the different steps of the process.
First Step: Outfit Selection
Simon instructed me to bring 5-6 different looks. I tried to pick out colors that worked with my skin color. (I've determined that I'm not white but actually transparent... Also I may or may not glow in the dark.) Because I'm very pale with dark hair, I went with primarily black and neutral although I also brought my green sweater (Thank you Summer Clifton!) and my blue "date night" dress. (Thank you men of St. Francis Parish!) I put everything in my car as well as a few random essentials. Hair spray, lint brush and jelly beans.
Driving to the hair salon down 23rd Street. ----->
Oklahoma City University's Chapel is on the left. Go Stars!!
Yes, Mom, I was at a red light when I took the picture.
Second Step: Hair
Per Kelly O'Hara's video post on broadwayworld.com, actresses who keep their hair long tend to get cast more. It's also important, when you walk into an audition, to look like the person in the picture. Following those dictums, I kept my hair long and the style simple and easy to re-create. Ashley with Hair Rage Salon always does an excellent job and today was no exception. With the help of lots of product and a magic straightener wielded by Ashely, my mane was tamed and picture perfect.
Ashley Terry @ Hair Rage Salon
1915 North Classen Blvd. OKC
405.528.4445
Third Step: Makeup
Jeanette with Lancome came to my rescue and did my makeup. My makeup almost never turns out well when I try really hard and I decided to leave it to the hands of a true professional.
She used special photogenic foundation that is designed specifically for photography lighting. I was very happy with the results and appreciated all the detail she put into working with my very pale skin.
Jeanette Burchard @ Lancome
Penn Square Mall, OKC
405.840.8495
Fourth Step: Lights, Camera and ACTION!!!
Admittedly I was a little nervous. I had already devoted a lot of time and money to this project and I really wanted this to be a good experience. Simon met and exceeded those expectations. He came highly recommended and I will continue with that trend. It's so important to find a photographer that makes you feel comfortable... It truly needs to be a working relationship. If both the photographer and the person being photographed aren't onboard the pictures won't turn out well. Simon instantly made me feel comfortable. Oklahoma wind made an extensive outdoor session impossible but Simon was flexible and spontaneous. To complete my photo journal I decided to include a picture of his studio and a picture of Simon photographing the client after me. Sadly, I do not yet have the finished product yet. I'm truly excited about my new headshots and I'll be sure to update my blog when I get them. Cheers!
Simon Hurst Contact Information:
405.204.0999
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