YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER At the start of any shoot, whether it be straight headshots, or commercial body, there are moments of insecurity that I prefer to acknowledge and discuss, rather than acknowledge and ignore. 9 times out of 10 you have not met the photographer before. As soon as the camera is lifted, the most intense subtext fills your brain and thoughts are changing rapidly. I’m aware of this because like you, I was an actor once. There is an urge to feel like you want to perform, yet at the same time every muscle in your face feels new, and if the world could swallow you up, you would happily allow it. Everyone has areas of tension. Forehead, eyebrows, jaw are very common and to accompany this, there is a general air of panic that every actor feels, no matter how accomplished they are. It is my ( Your Photographers ) job to not only be aware of this, but to discuss it so we can move on. From my own experiences, I remember not being able to have this dialogue with the photographer and feeling pressured to somehow encompass my entire being that would ultimately be my calling card for the next year, within the strict hour said photographer was allowing, for vast amounts of my hard earned, out of work cash. I would walk away feeling like a frustrated douche that had parted with a lot, yet gained not very much, apart from a bigger despondent feeling towards my self worth as an actor. I don’t want anyone to feel that with me . My objective, after discussing the above, is to be working together to create an image of the actor we want to employ. I want to see a certain level of intrigue that stops me in my tracks and makes me want to meet that face. When we see an actor walk on the stage or even when we see someone in the street, we make an instant judgment on whether we like them. Of course, this magical presence cannot be taught, but it can be guided. Actors are getting new headshots because what they have currently is essentially not working. It is a very fragile area to be feeling totally positive with this photographer that you’ve only just met who is supposed to capture you at your very best . This is why things are forced initially. Without a photographer like myself or many other great photographers that I know acting as your director you will continue to try too hard and give off a desperate misrepresented version of yourself that even you don’t recognise. Instead of the hunger, find the stillness and trust the internal to come through in the eyes. Less really is more. Change the subtext to a personal thought of strength about your own worth as a performer. I couldnt give a shit whether you employ me or not, but this is me and Ive decided to be an actor for the rest of my life Let the camera come to you and document the moment. Don’t force a moment that you think is right ….. It won’t be. I wish you all the best of luck in your careers. London is a beautiful place for creatives if you find your place within it. Let it all come to you and just be. Garry Lake Photography For other great photographers I like please look at the following Sasha Gusov Anna FowlerMug Photography John Clark Claire Newman Williams Faye Thomas
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 17:13:00 +0000