As you can see by the image on the left, Kate is having a lot of fun with the client. It does really make a difference to have an expert advise on wardrobe, assist with hair (not style) and either do touchup makeup or provide full blown start to finish makeup help. Don’t get me wrong, as the photographer, I do provide advice on clothing and I coach the client during the session. However, as the photographer, I don’t do hair and makeup nor do I take the clothing consultation to the level that Kate does as a color expert.

The image on the right is the final edited result in the same outfit with the same client as you see Kate working with. The end result is based on the client being ready, Kate’s expertise and involvement, my photography coaching during the shoot and lighting techniques and Brenda’s post production editing. This is an example of a complete, full on team effort to yield the results that the client was after.

It is possible to do a successful acting headshot session without Kate in the mix, but don’t make that decision based purely on an additional $100 to $150+ investment direct to Kate. You should only make the decision of not using Kate because you are completely clear on what you want to achieve, know that you have it all under control and can work direct with me as the photographer to get it done. Otherwise, Kate should be seriously considered for maximum impact on the final images.

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The shot on the left was taken for acting and the one of the right was taken for business.

I shot the images above in my North Raleigh Studio using a Canon 5D Mark III with a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 USM II Lens.

The one on the left is for an acting portfolio and the one on the right is for business use. They serve two different purposes which is why my approach to lighting and cropping are different for the two different scenarios.

Lighting The Acting/Modeling Headshot:

I used a 27 inch beauty dish just out of view of the camera lens in the center of the subject as the main light source with a silver reflector below the models face. I had the camera set up on a tripod and shot between the beauty dish and reflector. In addition, I lit up the white background to make sure the background came out white not gray. I also shot the image tighter than I did the business headshot. After post editing, I decided to go with an even tighter crop slightly off centered. The acting/modeling headshot is also straight on which is often a little easier to get by with than an executive in a coat and tie.

Lighting The Business Headshot:

I used a dark gray background with a back light on it to help create a different look. I had a 24 x 24 softbox off to the subjects right to add a little hint of light on the side of his face. In addition, I used a reflector on the subjects right to help bounce light back on the face from the main light that was to the subjects left. The main light was a 31 inch octabox. I had more of the subject in the shot and centered everything up well. This particular business shot is more of a classic studio look. Like the acting/modeling headshot, the business headshot serves a completely different purpose.

For a wide variety of headshots, check out the main headshots page and for headshots that are more acting/modeling style be sure to check out the acting/modeling headshot page.

You can reach me at 919.723.8453 or by using the online web form.

The post Acting And Modeling Headshot Photography Is Different Than Business Headshots first appeared on .