When I started my photography business in 2016 actor headshots weren’t something I contemplated, since Baltimore is not a major film or video market. Fast forward a few years and actor audition headshots are now a significant part of what I do. There is a big market in commercials and corporate video, as well as opportunities when HBO or Netflix are filming in town. Finally, we have a lively independent film community that’s always in need of talent.
Most enjoyable are the sessions with young actors, ages 6 – 16. These performers are usually just starting out. They get a professional gig or two and find they enjoy it. The moms then contact a few agents around town and are told they need to provide professional headshots to be considered for any roles.
Both the moms and the kids are great to work with! The moms are so concerned about making sure the attire and poses are correct. The kids don’t care, they are full of joy at just being in front of the camera.
Nolan and Aubrey are two of my most recent clients. They are both in demand for a variety of roles. I wish them the best of luck and hope to see them again in the studio throughout their careers.
If you don’t have time to read the entire piece, here’s a summary:
I started my business in 2016 as an ‘encore’ career, after taking up photography as a hobby in 2009. The timing was perfect and I wouldn’t have done anything differently.
I’m most proud of the fact that I started from ground zero with photography, with no mentors and few teachers.
What sets me apart from other photographers is my marketing background. I actually enjoy marketing and promoting my services, and view them as a vital part of my business, not as dreary tasks.
Other people probably don’t realize that being proficient with technology is an enormous part of being a professional photographer. It’s great to hear “oh, you have such a good eye for photography.” But, technology, along with invoicing, scheduling, marketing, and digital file handling, is what makes the business a success.
In 2011 I took a workshop with an instructor who put down virtually every photo I took. I was demoralized and felt stupid. Though I was briefly tempted to put my camera away, I kept at it, taking more workshops (with different instructors) and practicing whenever possible. The support and encouragement of my friends, family, and colleagues are what gave me the confidence to continue.
My collection of mid-century glamour photos has a new home! I’ve launched www.VickieGrayVintageGlamour.com, where you can find all my fun and fanciful pinups and Old Hollywood-style photography. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to check it out and let me know what you think.
On April 22 Marian House celebrated its 40th anniversary of helping women move from dependence to independence. The organization wanted to showcase five alumnae — Connie, Kim, Earnestine, Tyona and Veronica. Having done other pro bono work for Marian House I was happy to create these portraits for them.
We did a couple of sessions at the Marian House location, one at R. House, the food hall in Remington, and one in my own neighborhood. The goal was to highlight these women’s success in achieving an independent life. They were all radiant. Some were a little nervous at being in front of the camera, but their pride and happiness overcame any temporary self-consciousness. Connie was decidedly not nervous having her photo taken. In fact, she mentioned that she is interested in working as a mature model!
Founded in 1982 as a joint project of the Sisters of Mercy and the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Marian House is a holistic, healing community for women and their children who are in need of housing and support services. The organization provides a safe, sober, and loving environment that challenges women to respect and love themselves, confront emotional and socioeconomic barriers, and transition to stable and independent lives. To see photos of the Marian House 40th anniversary gala, visit Marian House gala.
Was one of your new year’s resolutions to update your headshot? Are you tired of looking at the same old selfie you uploaded three years ago to your LinkedIn profile? Here’s your chance to get a new headshot at a great price. My monthly Saturday Sessions offer a chance to come in for a half-hour session for $250, which includes one free retouched image. Visit my booking page at the link to schedule: https://calendly.com/vickiejgray/saturday_session
