.jpg)
Written by Beya
It’s that time of the year (or in my case- every 3/6 months) when actors need to scrounge the pennies and invest in new updated headshots, which is hard and quite time-consuming, even when it comes down to finding the right photographer for you. This is why it’s so incredibly important to make sure you pick the right person that captures your personality, best sides, and can also have a laugh on set with. Getting your headshots done is an intimate process, potentially leading up to consistent collaboration with this photographer as they get to know your preferred angles, lighting, backdrop, and everything else inbetween.
Dock Street Studio understands this and makes sure to make lasting connections and contacts with all of their clients because they make sure the headshots they take go beyond the client brief, making sure to bring your unique personality onto the photos whilst still making it as polished, neutral, and professional.
Whilst every photographer works differently, main guy Mark Wheelwright (love him) works primarily through the process of collaboration. This is done initially with an informal consultation, talking about artistic vision, which backdrops to use, any outfit changes that may possibly affect lighting or backdrop options.
In terms of the studio and its equipment, Mark offers the use of the latest possible quality cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment. This helps create beautifully-captured RAWs that already have a lot to show to Casting directors, agents, and other professionals in the industry. Alongside this, the energy around the studio is nothing short of comforting, warm, and allows space to be vulnerable.
Mark understands that some actors, and just people in general, are not the most confident and comfortable when placed in front of a camera. Because of this, he finds that when doing headshot sessions, that everyone feels safe and relaxed to ensure that we get that perfect shot. As well as this, whilst at Dock Street Studio is great for directing people in terms of poses, Mark also values that individuals and their mannerisms showcase well through the lens, so he tends to observe individuals’ natural expressions to enable reaching that point of authenticity through the screen.
Throughout the session, Mark also values any feedback provided by the clients. This involves him taking breaks throughout to make sure the clients are happy with the outcome so far and if there is anything that they are missing visually.
Now onto the clients- the body language and expressions!
At Dock Street Studio, we heavily adore the bolder use of body language and expressions. I’m not saying that by saying the bigger the moves the better (no, no, no), I’m focusing on the solidity of it (if the client is really feeling it, i.e. a confident stance, the camera will pick it up within a heartbeat). And of course, the eyes. There is a reason that the saying ‘The eyes are a window to the soul’ exists- and we know it! Mark makes sure there is generous light that goes within the eyes, as actors it is a crucial tool for us to use them, and here at Dock Street, we make sure that we use them as the session goes on.
Once the session is finished, we make sure that the clients are happy with their packaged deal, and if there are any missing visionaries that we have yet to meet. We use a very straightofrward selection website for the clients to pick and choose which ones they like, as well as them being provided the option to ask how they would like each photo edited.
