Generally, a model's portfolio contains photos of various poses and outfit. However for casting purposes, a modeling agency or designer is interested with the model's actual/true person in body. This is where a model will have portraits in basic figure hugging black/dark outfit and headshot(s) without makeup / bare face (or no-makeup makeup look). These are also useful in representing the model's possibilities in beauty shots. Its also natural for headshots to give information on hair colour and type, complexion and eye colour just so modeling agencies/designers/advertisers/etc can plan for makeup and outfit accordingly. A full makeup look can always be represented in another headshot within the portfolio.
For actors, producers/director/casting agency are also interested in the realistic look of the actor and this also means headshots that is a realistic representation of the actor in real life. That also usually mean natural makeup for the ladies. I really do go for natural photo retouching at the end of the day for any kinds of portraitures/headshots but this is especially important for actors' headshots because producers don't want to look at a headshot and then meet an entirely different looking person in real life. So, it its wrinkles, scars, freckles or whatever flaw there is, an actor has to proudly represent his/herself as it is.
What are the similarities? They both focus on the face, they are both minimalist when it comes to makeup and flaunt their best features (like beautiful eyes, smile or amazing cheek bones). But for me, most importantly if the headshots can 'talk' on behalf of the owner, its a winner! So it better talk about confidence, values and potential!
Just last week I had to opportunity to take headshots for a double whammy - Lateisha Rae from the US. Omaigash, I just realize we have similar initials (at least the first two though) - LR! She does both modelling and acting and is currently in Busan, South Korea but we will never know where she ends up next, so I was fortunate to catch her in my very own LR Photography homestudio in Haeundae, Busan. She was so much fun to work with and she knows her stuff. Is there a word for both fun and professional like funfessional? Well, if there is, Ms Rae brought it! I recommend getting her for jobs whenever she lands in your country! Her website is here. Her Facebook is here.
Frankly, there were so many great shots but here are my top picks from the photoshoot.
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| If I didn't take this shot, I wouldn't be able tell from her face whether she just flipped her hair or an industrial fan was turned on at full speed into her face. |
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| Zero degrees Celcius on January in Busan, don't care. It's red hot lipstick in my studio that day. |
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| With the makeup chops of Alia, we see the transition from nude/natural look to 'drama' look. Oh, that also reminded me we are both Kdrama geeks. Thank heavens I met someone who understands me! *tearful hugs* |
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| Last but not least, a look at an actor's headshot. I couldn't decide whether the colour one is nicer but I like the black and white equally to show that actor/models headshot may also include black and white ones. Usually what it does is convey the actor's neutral self and open possibilities for the actor/actress to play any kind of character. IMO, it also just calls one to see past the colour palette and look deeper into a person. I mean, if its a strong headshot, the image can linger and that is helpful for the actor/actress in a casting process. Totally need an autograph for this Ms Rae! |
