Online Dating Picture, Put Your Best Foot Forward

When signing up for an online dating site such as eHarmony or Match.com, the goal is ultimately to connect with another person who might not otherwise have been able to meet. Just as with a job interview, making the first impression can often single-handedly determine the outcome of the relationship.

When making a split second impression is so important, it is vital to do everything possible to make it the greatest impression. One quick and easy step to accomplishing this is to have a professional picture for a profile picture instead of an amateur photograph.

The difference between a professional photograph and an amateur photograph does not come down to one being a true reflection of a person and one being a doctored or edited image. It is merely the difference between looking the best possible and utilizing every advantage that a person in the professional field of photography can provide versus risking bad lighting, bad framing, or otherwise less quality.

Some of the most important aspects of a first impression are dependent upon the physical look of a person. A professional photograph will be able to communicate what hairstyle flatters the best, what lighting provides the best skin complexion, what framing provides a younger or older and mature look depending upon what is desired. All of these aspects are ones that would be very difficult or even impossible for the general person to fully take advantage of on their own. 

If there is only one split second chance to impress another person, why leave anything to chance than there already is? For the piece of mind it provides, paying to have a professional photograph taken is a very minimal cost. Additionally, once the perfect picture is captured, it can be used again and again on multiple dating and networking sites depending upon preference. This is because a professional photograph can hold up and better conceal the signs of aging than an amateur photograph can. A professional photographer will also take away some of the stress associated with finding the perfect picture. Instead of having to hunt through multiple amateur takes, a professional will quickly locate the best one and provide it.

Overall, the advantages of having a professional taken photograph greatly outweigh the disadvantages. Additionally, once a professional image is captured,  supplemental amateur photographs can be added as an afterthought. 

Take advantage of a professional photographer and allow them to provide the best reflection of an individual that they can. They are trained in all aspects of photography and are best able to use the tools and tricks of the trade to devise a perfect and real image every time.

Becoming an Extra in the Movies

Working in the film and television industry can be very exciting, and every year, thousands of hopefuls will move from their hometowns to Los Angeles or New York in order to pursue their dreams. Once they arrive, they may be confused about where to start. The reality is, it isn't always like the movies where new and upcoming stars are discovered walking down the street. It can take some hard work and determination in order to land those big leading roles, and there are ways to start out on the right path that can help to open doors in the future.

One way to break into the industry is by working as an extra. How to be an extra in the television and film industry is a question that many newcomers have, but it is actually easier than one may think. It just takes a little patience and perseverance in order to get good jobs on movie and television show sets. There are various extras agencies that take new people every day. Actors can register online by submitting a photo, or they can make an appointment with an extras agent that will take their photos and advise them on what type of work they will most likely be called in for.

Once an actor is registered in the extras database, they will be notified when jobs are available. They will either have to submit their own photos, or their booking agent will submit on their behalf. Once an actor is hired for an extra job, they are given a specific call time and wardrobe instructions, and what happens next is a fun and exciting day on set. One of the best data bases for extras and  casting agents is Casting Central who was recently the focus of a news story about casting agencies on CBS Sunday Morning Show.  

There are two types of extras in the entertainment business. Non-union, and Union. Union extras receive better pay, and they also have a great chance of being bumped up to a speaking role. Non-union extras receive slightly less pay and they may be subject to working conditions that are not as comfortable as a Union extra. The problem is, is that people can't just join the Union. In order to join the Screen Actors Guild, also known as SAG through extra work a person must obtain three SAG vouchers. These vouchers are often given to Non-union extras after they work on a set for three or more consecutive days. Once an actor receives the vouchers, they are what is known as SAG-eligible, and once they have paid their SAG dues, they are allowed to work under the Union guidelines. Extra work is a great way to break into the business, make new friends, and possibly receive that big break!

However to make that first step, Central Casting and every other casting agency will agree, your need an Awesome Headshot to get your foot in the door.

Is it Unhealthy to be a Fashion Model?

 We've all seen high fashion models on the television, in fashion magazines, in brochures, and in catalogues all of our lives. Fashion models are a big part of society. Society uses the way that fashion models look to say how everyone, especially women, should look. The average fashion model is much smaller than the average woman, but still society says that women need to look like these fashion models in their every day lives at home and at work.

As for women, many women feel as though they need to keep constantly dieting and not eating, as well as working out every single day for hours at a time in order to keep the figure that society says is the best way to look – the figure of a high fashion model. This is not healthy for anyone, not the regular women of society, nor is it healthy for the high fashion models in those magazines, photos, the runways, or catalogues.

Fashion models feel as though they need to starve themselves in order to get good feedback from their photographers and from designers who want to give them clothes to wear out on the town during the times when they aren't shooting photos or are on the runways. 

They feel as though if they are thin enough and look good enough, they'll get good reviews from their photographers and they'll get more work. Unfortunately, this is exactly how it works in the high fashion world of clothing and make up.

Basically, if these models keep their shapes thin and lanky, they can keep working in the fashion world. Photographers will keep working with them, designers will want them on their runways, and the regular population of people will want to look at them in their photos and magazines. The relationship between fashion models and their photographers is a very delicate one. The photographers have the upper hand in all of this because they can choose whether a specific person has the correct look that they want for the photo shoot.

Why Should You Hire a Professional Photographer

 It might seem like a wise idea to choose an amateur photographer over someone who has made a name for themselves with years of experience and happy clients. The amateur might just do the perfect job if they possess the latest in digital photographic equipment and editing software. Their equipment may even rival that of a professional photographer. 

The only difference may be in the price that the amateur charges. For someone looking into organizing a big event, price can be a huge deciding factor in choosing one photographer over another regardless of the number of years they have been working. There are pros of hiring a professional photographer and cons of hiring an amateur photographer, however.

Of course, it might seem like the professional charges much more for their work than the amateur. Yet, if the job the photographer is being hired for is something like a sunset wedding on the beach, their expertise may be what makes the extra expense well worth the money spent on their services. Also, a professional photographer may have more of a repertoire of skills behind them. They may have had experience shooting for newspapers, magazines or websites. 

In this regard, the professional can be trusted to do well under any circumstance. For anyone with doubts, they simply can ask to review samples of the photographer’s work. For a professional who has experience shooting numerous weddings, the proof may be found after only a few samples have been perused. An amateur photographer may, on the other hand, be capable of doing a good job but unlike the professional he or she may not have the experience to work under any type of lighting, weather or action which could dampen the results they deliver after the event no matter how affordable they were. 

As mentioned in past posts, ASMP's Find a Photographer is where businesses and individuals go to find a professional photographer with confidence and assurance, they know they're hiring a pro.

Turning Your Dream of Becoming a Model into a Part Time Job

Modeling has a notorious reputation for being extremely demanding work that has little reward. This may be true for full time models who work in the higher rungs of the industry, but it is not true for all models. Thousands of models work in more modest surroundings.

Freelance modeling isn't just for those who are looking to become big in the industry one day. These models are typically part time models who have full time jobs in another industry. Anyone who is looking for a little extra spending cash might want to consider part time modeling. There is a growing demand for models who may not meet the expectations of the high end fashion industry.

While your body type usually matters in a casting call you will not be completely discredited because you don't meet the ideals of a traditional model. Advertisers are more motivated then ever to show " real " people in their ads to better relate with their customers. 

 Now there are modeling agencies that specialize in placing everything from ethnic models to plus sized models. While on the subject of agencies it is vital to both your worker's rights and safety to work with a reputable modeling agency. Modeling is an extremely common industry for scammers and sexual predators to target. Working alone may be possible but it is extremely dangerous. 

A respectable modeling agency screens all of their clients for the safety of their models. Use the same resources for researching a traditional company for researching your modeling agency of choice. Finding little to no information about a particular modeling agency online is a definite red flag to a possible scam. One key note to remember, "you don't pay them, they pay you", unless you're paying a professional photographer for pictures or purchasing clothes or making a small investment in comp cards and your portfolio, "you" the model gets paid.

Once you've made up your mind on your career path and chosen a modeling agency you need to prepare for your first meeting with the agency. Preparation for a modeling job begins well before you step through the door. 

Even though this is part time work you must approach it like any other job. Your looks are much more of a factor here then anything else you may offer, so look your best! Make sure that your hair, nails, and makeup are all top notch. Wear respectable clothing of a neutral color. Most importantly, you must bring a portfolio containing photos of yourself at various angles. These photos should be professionally done by a photographer that specializes in this type of photography. Do not use pictures that you or your friends have taken! Having professional photos shows the agency that you are serious about becoming a model. 

This is part two of a two part series on Turning your acting or modeling dream into a part time job.

Turning Your Acting Dream into a Part Time Job

In today's economy, who doesn't need a little more green in their wallet? Many individuals with full time, respectable jobs are finding ways to earn a little more spending money during their down time. From tutoring, to online gigs, to playing in the theater, to signing up with actor casting agencies, there are masses of people finding enjoyable ways to make some extra money. 
  
In some locations in the US, there are part time actors who have regular day jobs who act in theater, television and movies as extras and small parts who make a good living on the side. 

Many creative, artistic past drama club members find the amateur theater or casting call line ups a great place to enjoy themselves, and make some cash. Weeknight rehearsals and weekend shows make for a great social setting and a win/win situation. Theater minds enjoy each others company while others find networking opportunities in audition lines and casting calls. Rehearsals make for great social fun, while after show drinks on the weekends can allow one to still feel like they have some down time. 

Often times, one feels like their career does not feed their creative side. A side job as an actor can help the most successful professional feel like they still have a fun side to them. Acting can help one escape and enjoy the world of what if; allowing individuals to be someone else and forget about the daily pressures of work and personal life. Acting on the side can be therapeutic for your wallet and your emotional health. 

Many times, one may find that part time actors originally begin acting to earn more money or find a way into full time acting. You will notice that often acting and modeling run parallel seeing actors on commercials and print ads and models in soap operas and TV shows. After time, many actors continue working part time, not as much for the money, but for the added enjoyment of the lifestyle. 

Managing your time at work can be cut down by quick and random Internet searches. Auditions and casting can be found while surfing the web at SF Casting and Variety web sites. These offer acting, extra, stand-in, voice over and theatrical opportunities. 

Most of the acting work will be found in Los Angeles, however, local Bay Area Casting agencies such as Beau Bonneau  and Blackwell Files can offer nine to fivers an easy to manage schedule to attend open auditions and castings. As any casting agent will tell you, it all starts with an Awesome Headshot.

This is part one of a two part blog series. The second part, to be posted soon will focus on part time modeling and how to fit the dream of modeling into your day job.

The Importance of a Professional Portrait

All people form opinions. This is an innate quality of human life. Oftentimes, a first opinion of another person is found on his/her physical appearance. How this other person looks is one of the easiest sources of information and because analyzing is an inescapable characteristic of mankind, this incoming information will inevitably be analyzed.

A photograph of a person conveys what he/she looks like, which provides information for someone else to judge that individual. While physical attributes of the photographed person yield facts that enable the viewer to formulate an opinion, the quality of the photo is paramount.

Unprofessional photographs indicate that the person feels casual about the impression he/she is making. To some viewers, this can imply that he/she is easygoing and relaxed. These are generally attractive traits in a person and thus can intrigue the viewer to make contact with the photographed individual. Unprofessional photographs can also make the viewer feel more comfortable with approaching him/her because this informal presentation suggests that that he/she will not be aloof or strict. An amateur photograph can be appealing to some types of people.

However, some will be more serious and expectant when viewing head shots on a social media marketing site. A poor quality photograph can symbolize sloppiness or lack of sophistication. These characteristics are usually unattractive and unwanted. Dingy surroundings can imply unsafe habits or distasteful interests. Blurry features can indicate self-consciousness, a suspicious desire for secrecy, disregard, or lack of beauty-sense. Other unrefined aspects of the photo can also provide support for the analysis that this individual has some unseemly qualities. These could range from carelessness to dangerousness to crudeness, all of which can repel others from approaching.

For those types of people, a professional quality portrait would allay many of these worries. A planned and refined photograph clearly demonstrates that the individual has spent effort on his/her image and suggests attention to detail. Professional photographs are also usually more pleasant to see, which inherently makes the viewer feel more favorable toward the individual. This positive inclination, combined with other qualities of the photograph and viewable characteristics of the person, can prompt others to make contact with the person in the photograph. Thus, a professional photograph can impel others to approach the individual.

Professional photography will probably be more expensive than amateur photography but is worth the price tag. It will probably be more time-consuming because multiple photos will have to be taken and deciding which photograph to use will also be necessary. Additionally, editing the photograph will require more time. The photo's lightning, contrast, borders, and other aspects might have to be adjusted before the finished product is produced. Furthermore, all this effort may be wasted if the viewer is not pleased with the result. Others can still feel unimpressed despite these efforts.

The effects of different quality photographs cannot be decisively predicted because the response of the viewers depends on multiple factors. Who the viewer is and how he/she is feeling are enormously important but so is his/her environment and how he/she encounters this photograph.

Both professional and amateur photographs have their benefits and setbacks, so each person should decide on his/her head-shot's quality independently. Deciding either way cannot guarantee any particular result, but knowing the possibilities makes choosing more justified than if the individual had been ignorant.

To find a reputable professional Photographer in your area, check out the ASMP Find a Photographer website. Photographers on this site have all been published in major magazines and are sponsored to join the site by other professional Photographers.  

Internet Modeling

The internet modeling industry has exploded over the past decade. Rather than having to go to a major city with a portfolio in hand, an aspiring model can submit a portfolio over the internet to any one of a number of sites that are part of the modeling industry.

Fashion Model for Women's Business

Many websites in the internet modeling industry offer a number of resources, from articles to platforms and opportunities for models and photographers seeking to earn some money in this field. One must be a bit cautious, though, as there are often more scams in this industry than legitimate offers.

In addition to scams, another thing to be wary about is the purpose of some of the websites. Often, because of fewer restrictions online, places are looking for models who are willing to pose nude, or do sexually explicit scenes for money.

By doing some careful research in the internet modeling industry, it is possible to find legitimate work, as there is often a need for all types of models for various sites on the internet. Sites like Model Mayhem and One Model Place are free model portfolio sites where new models can post pictures to receive critiques and network with Photographers, Make-up artists and industry professional. 

Lingerie Model for Hollywood Lingerie and Accessories

It can offer a chance for those who lack the knowledge and connections to break in to the modeling industry successfully. By checking out credentials, and legitimate affiliations with the industry, it is possible to find a legitimate site to help assist one's chances for a career in modeling.

ASMP and PPA are highly accredited photographer websites. Photographers can not just join ASMP, they need to be sponsored by other professional photographers and they must have had their work published in at least 2 different and familiar magazines.

Commercial Photography

Commercial photography involves taking pictures for commercial use: for example in adverts, merchandising, and product placement. Commercial photography is also used in corporate brochures and leaflets, menus in cafes and restaurants, and similar commercial uses where photographs enhance a text.

Commercial photography is used to promote or sell a product or service. There are a number of ways that photographs can be used to better market products and corporations. For photographers who excel at commercial photography, it can be a very lucrative market, and the field of commercial photography is broad, with room for traditional and alternative photographs.

Businesses may want to use commercial photography to promote themselves, or particular aspects of their work. There is a difference between commercial photography, which is often performed in a studio or isolated environment, and industrial photography, which often takes place on the site or factory floor.

Trashy Romance Novel Photographer

Ever been perusing a book rack looking for a quick read to make that flight a little less boring? Have you been wondering who is the photographer taking the pictures of these fantasy covers?

The ones where a buff guy has stepped out of the gym to wheal a giant sward slashing barbarians breaking into a castle while holding a damsel in distress in his arm.

Well, to make a long story even longer, I'm one of those photographers. I have been photographing Jason Baca for about 3 years now, in various blue and green screen poses for trashy romance novel covers. Jason's been on more covers than most models.

His camera presence and marketing ability makes for a great fantasy role model.

Not just the guy with the sword, but the cool model as well.

The other side of our photo shoots are of Jason in exercise positions and workout routines published in Men's Heath and Fitness Magazines.