Meet Ms. Chassidy Luke, a Las Vegas-based glamour model I had the pleasure of shooting last weekend while I was staying at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
I wanted to take the opportunity to shoot a talented model that brought more to the table than being heavily tattooed, so that I could focus on a more commercial lingerie look. We only had time to shoot after sundown, but this proved to be a blessing in disguise as the photos have more of an evening lingerie appeal.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted a blog article, mainly because I’ve been laying low with shoots and trying to remap my creative direction for 2013.
However, I’ve got fresh goals and focus for the new year, including diving straight into filmmaking!
Also, I’ve discovered that making trips to Las Vegas are extremely easy and affordable for me, so I may head out that way once a month or two. In fact, I just returned from a weekend vacation during the AVN Awards where I had the luxury of staying at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino!
I had the opportunity to shoot a few tattoo and glamour models while I was there; I’m currently editing some of the top shots for magazine submissions. In the meantime, take a look at some fun Instagram shots I took during my travels. Feel free to follow me if you’re on Instagram: @justingillphoto
Meet Karin, a Swedish model recently moved to Los Angeles to push her modeling career. I thought it would be great to grab some bikini/swimwear photos out on Venice Beach, as a final goodbye to the Summer weather in LA. We wanted to get some photos with a sexy commercial appeal, and Karin really brought it with great poses, golden locks, and a bronze tan to boot.
Megan Renee is quickly gaining popularity in the tattoo modeling world. I’ve recently seen her grace the cover of LA Weekly! Here are a couple natural light photos I shot of her in celebration of the sunny summers we have here in Los Angeles
Remember my blog article Getting Great Headshots: Commercial vs Theatrical? Meet Cris, an actor just starting out here in Los Angeles. Cris approached me in desperate need of having professional headshots, as he was doing scenes with the legendary Betty White for a new series called Off Their Rockers!
Cris opted for getting 3 different looks, to ensure he had a variety to pitch to prospective agencies and casting directors. Even though he had a nice, albeit straightforward All-American look, we were able to showcase range with a few different looks for his headshots. Each look was addressed both commercially and theatrically. Check out how differences in outfits and expression and lighting give visual cues to different roles he might be suited for:
College drama heartthrob, or funny best friend?
• • •
Hip downtown office worker, or shifty racketeer?
• • •
Boy-next-door, or heroic lead?
As you can see, with variations to clothing choices, facial expressions, and lighting scenarios, one person’s headshot session can incorporate a wide, dynamic range and open up possibilities for getting called for a variety of roles and gigs!
So JGP.com has been on a hiatus of sorts, as I’ve been busy relocating my photography services to Los Angeles!!
I’m currently getting settled in to my new surroundings, but I try to take my camera with me when I can, to help me location scout and document the overall scenery. I’ll maybe post updates in the near future, but here’s a collection of photos loosely narrating my flight from O’Hare, layover in Phoenix, landing in Long Beach, and making my way through Los Angeles and Santa Monica!!
Meet Martina, a young burgeoning Public Relations woman starting her own company. She approached me for photos to help put a face to her services, to help market herself and build a clientele.
Though she had never gotten headshots in the past, she was a natural and brought lots of warm personality. She asked to have some fuller-bodied and 3/4 shots, and I was happy to accommodate that as well. I want to point out, too, that she had her hair and makeup professionally done. This made a huge impact on how her images came out, and she looks much more professional and put-together.
I’ve decided to addendum my earlier post on Getting Great Headshots to best address further details pertaining to the types of headshots you should be going for.
Here I’m going to discuss differences between commercial and theatrical headshots, and the types of roles they’re geared toward.
First, you should have a clear idea about the markets in which you want to work, and strive for headshots that cater to those markets. Are you looking for TV commercial spots or print ads? Then you need commercial headshots. Are you the successful office worker? The all-American suburban mom? Bobby Blue-collar? One or more of these types should be suggestible in a commercial headshot. Take a look at the lead-in photo above. The model is flashing a gorgeous smile, sparkle in her eyes, and a pink sweater for that extra “pop.” She could probably sell most anything from toothpaste to car insurance.
Bear in mind commercial headshots should have a generally broad, national appeal. They shouldn’t be too edgy, sexy, or in-your-face. It has to appeal to a wide spectrum of roles and markets, to ensure your accessibility to all of them.
But how about film, TV shows, and theater roles? Those call for a theatrical headshot. A theatrical headshot — also sometimes referred to as a “legit” shot — defines the character and qualities that a person projects. Are you portraying a flirty seductress love-interest? Or the trustworthy best friend? Do you work best as a specific type, like the edgy bad boy, or something more general, like the next-door romantic lead? Are you a complex jazz musician? A quirky comedic type?? Unlike the commercial shot, the theatrical headshot is mainly to convey nuances that show you’re the best fit for a more specific role. You’re more likely to land gigs when casting directors or potential clients don’t have to stretch their imaginations that you’ll fit the part.
Theatrical (Legit) Headshot
Take a look at the above theatrical headshot. The expression, location, lighting, angle, colors, and wardrobe all combine cohesively to suggest a cool, edgy, urban role. Something you might expect from the CSI franchise, college drama series, or similar.
As a general rule, it is best to showcase both with every look, but of course certain looks can lend themselves to being one or the other. But most importantly, make sure you find a photographer that is able to successfully get you the shots that cater to the specific markets you are after.
Feel free to take a look at my headshot gallery to see the range of commercial and theatrical headshots I can provide!
Sometimes, all you need is a reflector and really good light.
Meet Manchester, a model traveling through Chicago while on tour through the States. It just so happened that she stopped in on the First Day of Autumn, so we did an outdoor glamour shoot to usher it in. A few more (NSFW) shots after the cut:
I love abandoned buildings. There’s nothing more exciting to me than exploring places long forgotten, or unknown, or just plain not allowed.
Actually, there is: Taking photos while doing it. This is an abandoned mental asylum out in the middle of rural Ohio. I took along one of my favorite models — the lovely Sophie King — and we spent the day shooting away.
