George Sheldon Photography Blog
Lancaster's Top Headshot Photographer
Special Events Photography Today
Sep 2nd
What is special events photography?
It’s coverage of an event. A wedding, a party, or news event are special events. An annual sports banquet, a monthly town hall meeting, or the school’s graduation are also special events.
These examples demonstrate that there are really two kinds of special events: milestone (or one time only) and reoccurring.
Photography coverage for events can often be challenging, just because of the number of people involved in the event. Some are easy to cover, such as an awards banquet. A race with thousands participating is quite difficult for a photographer – getting the right position, trying to be in the action but not interfering, and the fast pace action present unusual challenges.
One thing that is constant is a group shot. Most special events offer the opp
How to Become a Model – Step 5
Aug 31st
This is the last of the “How to Become a Model” posts here on my blog. But it might be the most important. The advice is simple: market yourself.
That means you got to get out there … and market yourself is the only way to do it. Get those comp cards out of the box they came in and put them in the mail. Send them to art directors, modeling agencies, and others that are in the position to hire you.
Send them out – with a well written letter – requesting a meeting to show your book. Be professional. Be business-like.
Your comp cards won’t work if you hold onto them. Get them out there – and use them for they are designed to do – get work. To do that, you have to get them in front of key people that hire models.
– George Sheldon
How to Become a Model – Step 4
Aug 30th
The next step is to get your comp cards. Using only your best images, order your cards from a regular comp card printer. Expect about a two-week turn around time.
Order a smaller, not larger quantity. The smaller quantity will force you to reevaluate your cards when you need to reorder – plus the smaller amount will simply cost less.
Here is a list of comp card printers for your consideration.
Comp Card Printers List Now Online
Aug 29th
I have placed my list of comp (ZED) card printers online.
Click here to access this new page on my Web site.
Fixing the Shine
Aug 28th
Sometimes there is a bit of a shine on a face. It happens because of lighting, lack of makeup, or perspiration.
In this example, you can see some “shine” on the model’s face, particularly on her left cheek, chin, and above her right eye.
While I am not a fan of heavy Photoshop use in portraits, here is an example where Photoshop does make an image better. With a little touch up, the shine on the skin is gone, and the image is improved:
Minor touch ups can be a good thing!
Don’t Print Out Your Headshots on Your Printer
Aug 28th
I just saw some horrible headshots – and what made the so bad? They were printed out on a Deskjet printer. That’s a big no-no!
He are some of the places I recommend you check out. Look to Reproductions for high quality photographic reprints:
Reproductions
70 West 40th St.,
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10018
Tel: 646.502.3700
For large run lithographs (promotional materials)I recommend ABC Photo.
ABC Pictures, Inc.
1867 E. Florida Street
Springfield, MO 65803-4583
Tel: 888.526.5336
There are others, and I am working on building a longer list for my clients. Whatever you do, don’t give a booking agent or an agency your photo that you printed yourself from a printer connected to your computer!
Getting Ready for Your Photo Shoot
Aug 27th
To achieve the best possible from your photo shoot, here are some of the tips I share with my clients before their photography session. Adhering to these suggestions will produce the best possible photos – memories that will last you a lifetime and ones that you will be proud to share.
- Have eyebrows cleaned or waxed a couple of days prior to your session.
- Trim the ends of your hair.
- Have hair roots touched up a couple of days prior to your session.
- Do not arrive with wet hair. (For a pageant-style shoot, ladies should arrive with hair in rollers.)
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink lots of water
- Clean your nails or get a manicure
- Do not over tan
- Bring your favorite music or i-pod
- Parents should feed children before the schedule shoot. Remember that a hungry child is an unhappy (and cranky) child and that mood will reflect in the photos.
- And plan to be happy…have fun! Photo sessions can be work, but they are also fun!
These tips work for model or actor portfolios, as well as family and children portraits.
How to Become a Model – Step 3
Aug 27th
This might be the biggest secret of all – even though it is so simple: build your book.
The “book” is perhaps your most important marketing tool. Don’t overlook its importance to your marketing career. This is what you will take with you on interviews.
Your book should have about a dozen great images. These are what the person booking you will use to decide if you get called back or hired.
Don’t scrimp when buying your book. They come in various sizes. Some models prefer 5”x7”, but I prefer 8”x10” or 11”x14” Get a leather album. You can find these online by searching for “Art Photo Portfolio Case”. Don’t be cheap – and don’t even think of using a three-ring note book binder that you can get at a dollar store.
Remember this is what you are placing on the table at the time of your interview. Your images have to look great, and you have to look and act like a professional. Your presentation of your “look” in your book is a critical step in getting modeling gigs.
Actors Invited to Tri-State Labor Day Parade in Philadelphia
Aug 26th
The following announcement was made to Pennsylvania Actors:
You Are Invited to March in the Tri-State Labor Day Parade on Sept. 6
Start: 09/06/2010 – 8:00am
End: 09/06/2010 – 3:00pm
End: 09/06/2010 – 3:00pm
Join Your Fellow SAG, AFTRA and AEA Members in the 23rd Annual Tri-State Labor Day Parade and Family Celebration on Monday, September 6, 2010
8 a.m. Tri-State Labor Day Parade gathering at the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 19 Union Hall
1301 S. Columbus Blvd. (at Columbus Blvd. & Washington Ave.)
Philadelphia, PA 19147
9 a.m. Program
10 a.m. Parade to Penn’s Landing Great Plaza at Columbus Blvd. and Market Street
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO family celebration.
Food, refreshments, kids’ activities, make and take crafts.
Music featuring the Urban Guerilla Orchestra (UGO).
RSVP to: Please reserve your space to march by calling Lynn Koenigsberg at the AFTRA office at (215) 732-0507.
Co-sponsored by the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO and the Tri-State Labor Day Parade Committee.
How to Become a Model – Step 2
Aug 26th
Decide which style of modeling appeals the most to you. There are various types of modeling – and you may not want to be involved in all areas. For example, some models work as business ambassadors or spokespersons, and primarily work at trade shows. The “look” you need – and want to project for this kind of work – is totally different than the style you would need for fashion or runway work.
Make the decision as to what kind of model you want to be, then go for it!