THE BLOG

Most actors I photograph did not start with a speaking role. They started on a set somewhere around Newark or the outer boroughs at six in the morning, crossing the same twelve feet of sidewalk for four hours. The question that follows them out of that experience is usually some version of background actor vs […]

Quick Answer There is no single best age for a child to start acting. Children can begin at many ages, but readiness matters more than starting young. A child who enjoys performing, can follow basic direction, and handles unfamiliar situations comfortably may be ready to explore acting opportunities. Parents ask me about the best age […]

If you are figuring out how to make a slate shot that actually helps your Actors Access profile, start with the headshot it will sit beside. The goal is consistency. The mechanics of how to make a slate shot are simple, but the presentation choices matter. The person in the seven second clip should feel […]

If you have spent any time on Actors Access, you have probably seen the term slate shot sitting next to one of your photos and wondered whether it was something you were supposed to have. Most actors find out about it sideways. An agent mentions it in passing, or a submission screen asks for one, […]

Quick Answer Most actors should bring three to six carefully planned outfits that represent different casting opportunities while staying authentic. Most actors do not need a suitcase full of clothes. They need enough variety to show a few believable sides of the same person. For most sessions that means two to four purposeful actor headshot […]

Quick Answer Yes, but only lightly. Professional retouching should remove temporary distractions while keeping your appearance honest and recognizable. Many of the actors I photograph ask some version of the same question before we ever get to editing. How much should we retouch actor headshots before honest turns into airbrushed? It is a fair thing […]