Photography project. Initial ideas. Plan.

I am a student in a Performing Arts course this term, and for my final project, I plan to shoot a headshot portrait. Initially, I wanted to create sharply-focused social photos that could highlight social problems. However, after consulting with my tutor, I decided to make headshots as they will be more useful for my future profession. To complete my project, I needed help from my classmate who is also in the Performing Arts course. Luckily, she agreed to help, and we decided to help each other as actresses.

Actors headshots

As an example I choose photos of 2 different actors to compare the style and idea of their headshots.

Headshots with Gjermund in Brooklyn

Acting headshots are an important aspect of an actor's portfolio as they only have a few seconds to impress the viewer. This particular acting headshot was taken by photographer Nechama Leitner in Brooklin. As we can see from the picture, the photographer focused on highlighting the actor's eyes and making them sharp and captivating. I like how the direct eye contact and blurred background create a contrast that catches the eye of the viewer. The clothing in the picture also adds a unique style, giving a more informal feel. However, one negative aspect of this headshot is that the photographer cut off half of Gjermund's head and didn't place him in the center of the picture.

Yellowbelly

This portrait is a stunning work of art, taken at the New York Studio Yellow Belly, which was founded by two highly skilled and accomplished photographers, Jackson and Ross, six years ago. Their motto of opening up a space for people to be seen and heard has been translated into this portrait, which exudes honesty, truthfulness, and dynamism, with a timeless and cinematic feel. Among the many captivating headshots on their webpage, this one stands out for its ability to evoke a sense of emotion in the viewer. The picture is not merely a headshot but rather a meticulously crafted composition, replete with intricate details that create a compelling mood. The model is wearing an exquisite black dress, sunglasses that are positioned on the nose, revealing her eyes, and a matching black manicure. These elements work together in harmony to create an atmosphere that captivates the viewer and leaves a lasting impression.

Acting headshot photography is an effective way for actors to display their talent, personality, and unique qualities to industry professionals. By combining visual storytelling, emotions, and beauty, actors can create a lasting impression that can help them secure opportunities in the acting world. I have a project in mind where I plan to produce headshot photographs that showcase my abilities and leave a positive impact on the viewers.



References:

 Portraits. (2023, November 27). Yellowbelly. Available at: https://www.yellowbellyphoto.com/portraits/ (accessed on 29.01.2024)

  Leitner, N. (2018, December 23). Why I mainly photograph in portrait orientation for actors’ headshots. Fstoppers. Available at: https://fstoppers.com/composite/why-i-mainly-photograph-portrait-orientation-actors-headshots-320629 (accessed on 29.01.2024)


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