Do Photographers Outside Of LA Know How To Take Acting Headshots?

It’s true that Los Angeles, CA is the ideal place to be in when finding a photographer to shoot your acting headshots. Namely because we’re immersed in the film industry and we have to know the latest trends, what casting directors are looking for, and what is working for actors that are going from set to set on a daily basis. Today you can enter any coffee shop in Los Angeles, and you can be sure to find at least a handful of people who are working in some aspect of the entertainment industry.

When you live in the entertainment capital of the world, you are more in tune with the industry standards and expectations. However, in a post Covid-19 world and with streaming competition becoming popular, perhaps that can change, as other markets around the United States have become more appealing locations for studios to shoot their productions.

The more streaming services there are, means the more content that is being created, which means more opportunities for actors. Even though Los Angeles is historically known to have the best weather conditions for productions, the politics of California have put a strain on everyone living here. In fact, other states are starting to offer tax incentives to movie studios in order to lure them to their cities and film new productions. Who doesn’t want to save more money? After all it was Hollywood that coined the term, “time is money.”

Headshots Outside of Los Angeles

Even though production studios may be opening up branches in other smaller cities, how does the rest of industry personnel follow? Will the local cast and crew live up to the quality of talent developed in Los Angeles, where they spent years immersed in production and training? More specifically in regards to headshots, will these local photographers know how to take industry standard headshots for local talent that can compete with the quality produced in Los Angeles? Remember- it’s not like these photographers moved to that town following these production studios. Rather, these are the local photographers.

Honestly, after having traveled to Phoenix regularly over the last two years, working with the local talent agencies, and actors who come to me for my “LA eye,” I have seen that finding a decent photographer in that market (or any market outside LA) who understands what an acting headshot is, is near impossible.

Headshots in Phoenix, AZ

For example, even so much as a simple google search for “headshots phoenix” or “professional headshots phoenix” gives you what would be, in my opinion, the top photographers who you should NOT hire for actors headshots in Phoenix. Why do I say that? Well, for the most part it is clear that these photographers are portrait photographers. That means they know how to technically take standard portraits of people, like an author that needs a portrait for a book cover, or a local corporate business professional for their company’s website. Acting headshots are a totally different art form that requires such a unique understanding of the industry that far exceeds just basic photographic compositional training.

Simply, a great acting headshot photographer must understand actors, but in order to understand actors you must live among them, know their struggles, know their aspirations, and anticipate their needs. It’s not merely a transactional experience.

This is why when I come to Phoenix and offer my headshot sessions, the smartest actors are quick to book a session with me. They understand that what I am bringing to the market is very rare and they would otherwise have to travel to Los Angeles to find the similar quality.

Trusting Your Headshot Photographer

I’ve humorously told my clients many times that my sessions are about 5% that actual headshot photoshoot, and 95% conversation. This is why I have nearly 100 5-star reviews and why my clients feel comfortable with me. They can trust me because the majority of the time I know what they need more than they do, and I know how to get them there.

So unfortunately, if you live outside of any of the biggest markets for acting like Los Angeles or New York it is going to be difficult finding a decent headshot photographer. If you do, they will more than likely be expensive, as they should be, since they will be rare. Fortunately, if you live in Los Angeles or need professional headshots in Phoenix then you can book a session directly with me.

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Brandon Andre - Headshots Photographer in Los Angeles & Phoenix

If you are in the Los Angeles or Phoenix area, and need acting headshots, please contact me to set up a photo session. I am 5 star rated, and considered one of the best headshot photographers in town. If you want more information on pricing and how to book a session with me click HERE.