Welcome Students!
My name is Matt, and I'll be photographing your student headshots this year!
I've been shooting professional portraiture since 2018, though I have a special connection with AFDA.
I've been shooting professional portraiture since 2018, though I have a special connection with AFDA.
You see, I am a trained theatre-maker and ran over 50 student productions at 228 on Lower Main road as a lighting designer and a technical coordinator back in the day.
I'm on a mission to help people of all walks of life put their best foot forward and present their best possible selves to the world.
And a photograph is a powerful tool to make a first impression and establish yourself on the professional stage.
And a photograph is a powerful tool to make a first impression and establish yourself on the professional stage.
I've prepared a short guide so you can feel confident and ready for our brief time together in the studio!
This is one of my favourite photos of dear Gerard Rudolf.
And I got it in one shot!
Why? Because Gerard can communicate with the camera honestly, and effortlessly.
He can just "be with a camera. Its like magic, man.
Why do artists need a headshot?
Headshots are your calling cards to the world.
Its your chance to make you stand out to employers, casting agents or clients, and make a meaningful impression that can propel you on your professional path.
Make them do a double take, dammit!
Its your chance to make you stand out to employers, casting agents or clients, and make a meaningful impression that can propel you on your professional path.
Make them do a double take, dammit!
THIS IS NOT a cheesy school picture, where I'm going to shove you in front of the camera, tell you to sit up straight and send me a smile that screams "I don't want to be here".
Screw that!
Rather its a chance for you to express a natural, welcoming and confident version of yourself to the camera, and have some fun while we're at it.
Like good acting, a good portrait comes from fun, spontaneity and most of all, good preparation!
Screw that!
Rather its a chance for you to express a natural, welcoming and confident version of yourself to the camera, and have some fun while we're at it.
Like good acting, a good portrait comes from fun, spontaneity and most of all, good preparation!
What do you get?
2 Black and White Headshots
All editing and blemish removals included!
The Live Performance Department will be making the choices for your headshots.
The Live Performance Department will be making the choices for your headshots.
When they're released, you can collect the digital copies from the LP Office.
AFDA will use these headshots during production cycles to showcase the class, so a consistent style is key!
These headshots are yours, and you may use them as your first headshots in the profession, and I hope they serve you well!
AFDA will use these headshots during production cycles to showcase the class, so a consistent style is key!
These headshots are yours, and you may use them as your first headshots in the profession, and I hope they serve you well!
The Actor Prepares
We're aiming to portray a natural and confident you, both in appearance and personality.
We want to give anyone watching your films and productions the best possible chance to remember your face and your performance, and give them a sense of who you are off set.
So let's not allow anything to compete with your face (aka, the money maker!).
What should I wear?
These are my recommendations:
These are my recommendations:
Garments that are simple, plain coloured, and textured are a great start!
Denim jackets, jerseys, knits and so forth are great additions. Bring along a layer!
AVOID branding and patterned clothing- they are designed to beg for more attention than your face!
And if you're going to be especially picky, know that anything blue will look darker in a black and white photo.
And if you're going to be especially picky, know that anything blue will look darker in a black and white photo.
We will only have time for one good outfit, so make it count!
How should I do my hair and makeup?
To achieve an accurate representation of your neutral appearance:
Use make-up *sparingly* and with natural tones.
Abnormally thickened eyebrows are a no-no.
Remove jewellery before the shoot.
Hair should be styled neatly but accurate to your day to day appearance.
Avoid tying your hair up high, as it can be tricky to photograph (it's all about composition!)
Remove jewellery before the shoot.
Hair should be styled neatly but accurate to your day to day appearance.
Avoid tying your hair up high, as it can be tricky to photograph (it's all about composition!)
Lads, if you are going to shave, shave the day before to avoid blotching on the skin.
If you're trying to grow a beard, rather shave if your facial hair is patchy.
If you're trying to grow a beard, rather shave if your facial hair is patchy.
Mental Prep
As with any good role, preparing the mind to be present in the space is CRUCIAL!
And that starts by being clear on which version of you are you bringing to the space? What do you want them to think when they see you? What do you want to communicate with them?
I rely on good ol' Stanislavsky to guide my clients in my professional shoots:
In the back of your mind, I want you to bring a goal, a dream, a person or thing (it might be chocolate ice cream for all I know!) that give you that spark of energy to take action.
Think about it like an actor preparing for a scene. What are YOUR goals and objectives? And how are you going to get there?
We will be working under a limited amount of time, so I will need your focus and feel ready and energised to jump right in.
Bring good vibes, get good sleep the night before, and most importantly...
And that starts by being clear on which version of you are you bringing to the space? What do you want them to think when they see you? What do you want to communicate with them?
I rely on good ol' Stanislavsky to guide my clients in my professional shoots:
In the back of your mind, I want you to bring a goal, a dream, a person or thing (it might be chocolate ice cream for all I know!) that give you that spark of energy to take action.
Think about it like an actor preparing for a scene. What are YOUR goals and objectives? And how are you going to get there?
We will be working under a limited amount of time, so I will need your focus and feel ready and energised to jump right in.
Bring good vibes, get good sleep the night before, and most importantly...
Don't be late.
Theres nothing that trows anyone off more than being late and feeling panicked and rushed.
You've got this, and I'm so excited to share the space with you!
Theres nothing that trows anyone off more than being late and feeling panicked and rushed.
You've got this, and I'm so excited to share the space with you!
Please arrive at the venue 10 minutes before your shoot is set to begin and check the schedule and groupings!
BREAK A LEG!
BREAK A LEG!