by Vickie | Nov 11, 2019 | Uncategorized
If you’re from Baltimore you have probably seen David Keltz perform as Edgar Allan Poe. David has been bringing Poe to local and international audiences for nearly 30 years. As you can imagine, he’s been photographed many times, but there was one image that became his trademark. Taken in the 1990s, the photo is truly iconic. The only problem is…well, it’s over 25 years old. David needed a new photo, in the style of the previous image, that showed his maturity but kept the intensity and mystery intact.
When he contacted me, I was thrilled to take on the challenge, but also a little nervous. This is not just an actor headshot, it’s a portrait that would be used to promote David’s performances for years, and literally used as his logo on his website and in all his marketing. I am so proud of this image, and so happy that we were able to produce a photo that will continue branding David as the one and only Edgar Allan Poe in the coming years. PS October 7 marked the 170th anniversary of Poe’s death. Raise a glass to David Keltz and others who are dedicated to keeping his memory alive. And check out some of David’s upcoming performances: https://lnkd.in/ezNwT8T.
by Vickie | Aug 11, 2019 | Acting Headshot Prep, Prep Room
Actor headshots are the most significant type of photography I do. Why? Because the photo needs to communicate the actor’s personality, intensity and character, all at a glance. The photos usually appear on the websites or portfolios of casting directors and talent agents. When a producer or director is looking for actors for certain roles, the photos need to stand out, and scream “pick me!” Your photo truly helps get you the job.
The type of clothing you wear to your actor headshot session makes a big difference. There are industry standards for color and style. If you vary from those standards, you run the risk of looking unprofessional or “minor league.” Here are a few guidelines for what to wear for your headshot:
- Solid colors only, no patterns
- All items should be in good condition and fit well
- Long sleeved shirts only, or layer a jacket or shirt over a camisole or tank top
- Bright, medium hued colors are best
- No graphics or decals on t-shirts
- V-neck style t-shirts are preferred
- No jewelry, or only minimal jewelry
- No ruffles, sequins, or sparkles
- No obvious buttons, zippers or trim
- Clothes should be pressed and unwrinkled
For full body shots, make sure the clothes you bring have a flattering fit. You may look great in skinny jeans in real life, but in photographs they emphasize any bulges or creases, especially around the knees or if you have “saddlebags” at the thigh. Full body shots are supposed to show casting directors your body type. Your attire should not be too loose, too baggy or too fussy. We should be able to see your build and body structure easily. What looks good in real life often does not photograph well. Avoid the urge to bring your favorite outfits just because you like them. You should be dressing for the parts you want to be hired for.
Select your clothing well in advance of your photoshoot. Pick out the items you think work best for your character. Take pictures of them with your phone and send them to your photographer. He or she will be able to tell you right away if they will work. If you (or your character) wear glasses, ask to be photographed with and without them.
Visit my Actor Headshot gallery to see examples of head and shoulder, three-quarter, and full body actor headshots. Good luck!
Learn More About Actor Headshots With Vickie
Contact Vickie to Schedule Your Photoshoot
by Vickie | Jul 30, 2019 | Uncategorized
I was frantically preparing to leave for a three-week vacation when I received an email from a London-based photography agency. They were looking for a Baltimore business headshot photographer for Citywire, a financial services industries publisher. I almost didn’t respond — for one thing, I wasn’t sure it was legitimate. But I went ahead and sent my rates and examples of my work. And put it out of my mind. Four days later I was hired! I packed my gear and drove to Hunt Valley, MD to the headquarters of Verdence Capital Advisors.
Leo Kelly is the CEO of Verdence. One of Citywire’s publications, Registered Investment Advisor magazine, was doing a profile of Leo and his firm. They needed photos for the cover and internal spread. As instructed, Leo came prepared with several suits, shirts, ties and accessories (we ended up using about three of them). We quickly proceeded to shoot in several locations throughout their offices. Bonus: they have a video studio! Leo and his marketing director could not have been more friendly or professional. I downloaded the images and sent them off to the magazine. The entire process was seamless and incredibly pleasant.
The moral of the story: you never know where your next job will come from. I try to respond to all legitimate inquiries, though these days it’s getting harder and harder to distinguish real inquiries from spammers and hackers. This reinforces my belief that every inquiry is worth a reply. To see more of my business headshots and portraits visit Business Headshots.
by Vickie | Jul 2, 2019 | Uncategorized
I’m thrilled to announce that I was just selected as one of Baltimore’s 10 Best Fashion photographers by Peerspace! Peerspace is a nationwide organization that describes itself as the “Air BnB for Production, Event and Studio Spaces.” They describe my work as: “Vickie Gray is a Baltimore glamour photographer who works with both models and everyday people to create refined, one-of-a-kind photos, which are alternatively retro or else futuristic. Her photos are impeccably styled, of course, and capture more than just glitz. They capture the joy and deep human longing of her models, all while set in scenes that are styled and designed with a touch of genius.”
Check out the full list and see why Baltimore is a great place for creatives. And also check out Peerspace if you are looking for studio space or unique shooting locations in Baltimore. https://tinyurl.com/y5h6ue2f And check out my Vintage Glamour gallery to see more of my fashion photography.
