Headshots for actors by London photographer Vincenzo Photography: BLOG

How long will my headshot session last?

2011-09-02T05:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome to todays BLOG posting by Vincenzo Photography...

A common mistake that a lot of actors often make is not asking their headshot photographer: "How Long will my session last?" I know so many headshot guys that are doing the session in an hour! Not good for anyone, unless you are a pro model of course and have the confidence of modelling. The time it takes to say hello, and get comfortable and have a coffee and get changed can take a huge amount of time out of YOUR session! Don't be fooled, you are an actor not a model and actors need time to get settled and ready for a shoot.

The good news is that my sessions last a good 3 hours. So we have lots of time for a coffee and to chat about what it is you/agent needs from your portrait session. An informal chat about anything and what type of shoot is gonna be for you. An outdoors, Studio shoot or both? I always try and get both as long as its not raining or too windy. I want you to feel like you've popped in to a friend apartment to have a nice relaxing fun meeting. That's what I believe is the key to getting started to getting great headshots.

"I'm spoilt for choice, thanks to Vincenzo! A lovely guy, who makes you feel welcome from the first phone conversation. Money well spent and VERY reasonably priced. I had a great time, and walked away with too many beautiful photos to choose from. A very enjoyable experience...He even let me listen to Beyonce :D Fantastic photographer, and will definately be working with him again. xXx P.s. He makes a good cuppa as well!"
Grace Gray

Much ado About Nothing

2011-06-01T04:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to todays BLOG posting by Vincenzo Photography...
Wishing all my colleagues a very good press night this eve with David Tennant and Catherine Tate. The show looks great and the reviews should be out and about on thursday this week.
The Wyndham Theatre is a great space in the heart of London's West End. The stage door is always full of fans that love the show and good news is that is sold out within in days
Been fun working on the show, more to follow when I have Blog time!!!

The web site for Much Ado About Nothing is here: http://www.muchadoonstage.com

Free Headshot competition

2011-01-18T02:32:00.000-08:00

Free heashots for actors, singers and dancers?
Yep, I like to add a bit of spice at Vincenzo photography studio with the odd competiton. Sometimes offering a facebook fan discount and other bits. It's a tough world out there being an actor and as I can afford to why not?
Check out the SPOT THE DIFFERENCE HEADSHOT link on my facebook page and enter to win a free headshot session.
The session includes: an hour slot in March, with studio time and some other bits. But hurry the offer closes v soon. Good luck and make sure you read the notes on the Vincenzo photography facebook page.

Rachel Philp gig at The Regal Rooms Hammersmith

2011-01-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to todays BLOG posting by Vincenzo Photography...

What a great night of live music at The Regal Rooms in Hammersmith, especially singer songwriter Rachel Philp. (Got some nice shots during the gig). Check her out on My Space. Her songs are available for download on The my Space site too... "Summer Days" is such a cool acoustic track. The other are too, but I kinda wanna be driving down Route 66 playing this one.

Check out more of Rachel Philp' later in 2011 at the following venues:

Bar Vinyl, in Camden: 23 Jan
The Troubadour, in Earls Court: 9th Feb
Bar Babalou, in Brixton: 25 Feb

Gonna be there for another vocal treat if time allows with my camera cos she's such a lady!

Rachel's web site is launched by We are Everyone later this month.

Ordering and selecting from you on line contact sheets

2011-01-14T04:45:00.000-08:00

The great thing about having online proofs means that family and friend can help you select your headshot images, from your client area, but even better: your agent can save favourites and so can you. Casting directors can also share your password to help you select and order.

Time has come to bin the old fashioned hard copy contact sheets! They are expensive and nothing but hard work, plus the postal system mean it takes even longer to get that all important headshot on the casting directors desk. The good news is that with the Vincenzo Photography proofing system you simply view images from a password protected system in colour and black and white, make retouching notes and make the order. A simple easy to use online contact sheet system that gets your headshot prints to you and your agent with no fuss at all.

Dancers and actors portfolios

2011-01-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

I love doing headshots for actors, but I also love doing the portfolios for dancers. I have a studio in north London but I also work from a large studio in Holborn for larger projects. I have a couple of "boy band" sessions later in the year which needs a larger space but my studio in North London has a cosy intimate feel which lends it self to getting great headshots that actors like!

I pride myself on taking time and getting to know the actor before a shoot, none of this factory style headshot shooting. Check out my reviews from actors and agents on my web page and on facebook page too.

Beginner actors will provide an array of twenty or more studio photos taken of them as their portfolio. This is a common mistake and foolish. Your portfolio will be most constructive when it is a compilation of your experience within the industry. Shots that actually represent the work you have done as an actor.

The most useful pictures for an agent or casting director are those which show you in a variety of ways including full length and close up shots of you.

Check out my Site www.vincenzophotography.com for more info.

Rachel Philps at the Regal Rooms in Hammersmith

2011-01-14T03:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to todays BLOG posting by Vincenzo Photography...

I am so looking forward to taking some concert pictures of Rachel Philps at The Regal Rooms in Hammersmith this evening. I did some promo photos for Rachel new web site that is being designed by We Are Everyone, a fab web design company that offer a very personal approach.
More posting to come...

It's been a busy time but I will do my best to do more bloggings

Agent advice and the waiting game.

2010-09-24T01:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to todays BLOG posting by Vincenzo Photography...

I didn't really understand that this Blogging was going to take so long. Facebook, Twitter, and general web site updating! I need another 10 hours per day just to think about the next day.

The last few months I have had so many nice actors coming through my studio door for head-shots. They include drama students, theatre actors, film and television actors, radio actors; it doesn't matter they are all actors with the same goal, just a very different type market that they happen to fall into. I hear it all the time: "My agent only gets me musical theatre auditions" or "My agent only works with so and so commercial casting director", even "I would love to do more musicals". On the other hand so many actors are really lucky enough to be able to go from a television series to a west end musical to a award winning movie and back to doing a regional rep job. WHY? You have to be careful with the work YOU choose. If you get 3 musicals in a row, turn down the 4th musical job until it Is THAT DAMN TV JOB that you really want. (Not easy I know. You need to make money and so does your agent).
You have to a mixed variety on that CV, of course some people are simply lucky that they have a very good variety of work in print on that CV, but some times you have to work hard towards your own personal goals and carve the way into a section of that industry.

Jessie Buckley Pizza on the Park by Vincenzo Photography

2010-05-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome to todays BLOG posting by Vincenzo Photography...
Sorry folks not had chance to BLOG at all of late, been so busy with headshots and portraits but will try and update a wee bit more when poss!

Saw Jessie Buckley at Pizza On the Park this weekend and had such a great eve. Packed to the brim, great atmosphere with with an amazing voice from Ms Buckley. So hard to get too close in the venue but I got some nice shots for her. with the 70-70mm lens. Will add others when I have a slice of time to do so.

Jessie has an amazing confidence and quality of someone so young. I haven't enjoyed a live performance so much since I saw Tony Benett at the Albert Hall. Sat next to Jessie's family too which made the evening even more special.

Wayne Smith headshots By Vincenzo photography

2010-03-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

WAYNE SMITH was one of the eight Danny finalist in television programme Grease Is The Word. Grease Is the Word was the UK version of NBCs Grease: You're the One that I Want!. It aired during Spring/Summer 2007, and was produced by Syco TV (the production company of Simon Cowell).

The judges were David Ian (the producer of the stage show and the 2007 Broadway revival), David Gest, 80s star Sinitta, and American Dance Icon and former The X Factor judge Brian Friedman. The main ITV show was presented by Zoë Ball, and Holly Willoughby presented Greased Lightnin on ITV2. Greased Lightnin shows extra unseen auditions, behind the scenes gossip and exclusive interviews with the judges and contestants.

Unlike the NBC series, the ITV programme was not based (at least directly) on the How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? format, which is owned by the BBC.

Wayne has recently finished Dreams and petticaots and is due to star in the leading role of Laughter in the rain as Neil Sedaka!

I really enjoyed meeting Wayne and it was nice that his talent agent International Artistes sent him along to me for his headshots! More news as soon possible on theis very talented young fella when I can.
Look forward to seeing the show very soon! It opens on the 4th of March at The Churchill Theatre, Bromley.

Jessie Buckley will be performing at Pizza on the park

2010-01-22T02:50:00.000-08:00

My headshot client JESSIE BUCKLEY, star of BBC1's I'D DO ANYTHING and recently seen on the West End in the Menier Chocolate Factory's production of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC in the role of ‘Anne', makes her Pizza on the Park debut with a week of intimate, romantic performances celebrating Valentine's Week, February 9th, 10th, 11th and the 13th. For more info see the link below:
http://www.pizzaexpresslive.co.uk

George Georgiou Headshots by Vincenzo Photography

2009-12-01T06:29:00.000-08:00

GEORGE GEORGIOU is the only Greek (Greek Cypriot actually) that was cast in Mamma Mia! George played The Gardener to Donna (played by Meryl Streep), George Georgiou still lives in London, but he is getting ready to go off to Hollywood and “get his career off the ground". By all accounts the DVD for Mamma Mia! is the UK's best selling DVD. Nice work.

George needed some pictures for his web site - so I took some lovely landescape portraits that fill the screen to give it it a deeper looking image. For more info Check out Georges' web site at: http://georgegeorgiou.info

"Never had so many great head-shots to choose from in one session, that both my agent and myself found it very hard to narrow it down. Well worth it. Thanks Vincenzo"
GEORGE GIOURGIOU at Kate Feast Management

Seanette Garcia headshots by Vincenzo Photography

2009-09-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

SEANETTE GARCIA is a student at Guildford School of Acting and originally from California. Seanette reminds me of a modern Mona Lisa. Such a calm cool actress. I love talking about California, so it was nice to meet her and take some headshots for her final showcase for the end of September.

It was hard for Seanette to choose her selection of headshots from her se
ssion, but she finally narrowed it down and now has two fantastic colour photographs which show her beauty. Being from LA she was used to the colour that so far the British have yet to embrace!

"The best photographer I've had the pleasure of working with. He took so many amazing photos it was hard to choose my favorite".

SEANETTE GARCIA at Guildford School of Acting

I think the reason black and white headshots have been popular for so long is just unspoken tradition. However, Now that at almost every photographer is shooting digitally, and there are NO film processing costs. I don't think anyone is shooting movies or tv or commercials in black and white, and casting directors might want to know what you look like in the world in which they are shooting (colour). And colour can be easily converted to black and white.

Converting black and white to colour.... not so easy. My opinion: go to a photographer that shoots digitally, not one who just shoots with black and white film - that is archaic. You get many more options that way, and the quality is just as good if not even better (don't believe the photographers who say it isn't - they are wrong).

I used to shoot on film but I find that Canon 5D Mark II is even better than any film camera!

Claire Storey headshots by Vincenzo Photography

2009-09-17T04:54:00.000-07:00

CLAIRE STOREY reminds me of a young felicity Kendall - not a bad look I say! Claire and agent Jane Hollowood were so pleased with the headshots, and finally narrowed it down to four different looks.

"My agent loves the pics- so many to choose from- I think we've got a nice selection. Thanks!

CLAIRE STOREY at Jane Hollowood Associates.

I have seen Claire's fantastic work in both theatre and television many times in the past, and it was really good to catch up and take so many great photographs of such a fabulous lady!

Claire recently played Maria in Twelfth Night at Stafford Castle Open Air Festival. Recent credits include Judith Bliss in 'Hayfever', Liz in 'September In The Rain', Sheila in 'Relatively Speaking' and Olivia in 'Twelfth Night' at the Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch and Queenie the Cat and Maureen the Moorhen in Honk at The Watermill Theatre, Newbury.

Other recent work includes Muriel in Animal Farm for the Peter Hall Company, and Carol in a National Tour of Girl's Night. She received much acclaim for her role as Lily the Nun in Blonde Bombshells of 1943 (which won the Manchester Evening News award in December for Best Production) at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Bolton Octagon and the Hampstead Theatre and as Luciana in Comedy of Errors, a Northern Broadsides Tour.

Rhodri Meilir heashots by Vincenzo photography

2009-09-17T03:44:00.001-07:00

RHODRI MEILIR won the role of Alfie after appearing in the My Family Christmas special in 2005. He was encouraged to try out for the part doing a West Country or Yorkshire accent, but he tried the part out with his North Walian accent and the producers loved it - so much so, that Welsh lines were then added to the script.

I love the heashots I took of Rhodri. He has such a warmth of character. It's all in his eyes, especially in the colour photographs. We were both pleased with the shoot with so many to choose from which is no bad thing as far as I'm concerned

‘Having thoroughly enjoyed my relaxing afternoon in the company of Vincenzo and his camera, I'm very pleased with the results. He made the sun make me cry to get the best out of my eyes. God bless him.’

RHODRI MELIER at Regan Rimmer Associates

Rhodri, whose family still live in Mold, went to the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, having been awarded a scholarship to study drama.

He has played some interesting roles, including that of the aborted foetus (Daniel 2) in ITV1's supernatural series, Afterlife.

Rhodri also took on the role Bilious, Oh God of Hangovers, in Terry Pratchett's Hogfather, the 20th Discworld novel, which was made into a TV programme for Sky in December 2006.

Tom Hudson headshots by Vincenzo photography

2009-09-06T10:45:00.001-07:00

TOM HUDSON is best known for his role as Paul Clayton in ITV's Coronation Street. In February 2008, 10 months after landing the role of Terry Duckworth's son, it was announced that Tom would be leaving Coronation Street in May 2008. Other roles have included a part in the film Love and Hate and a small part as Jamie Coldwell in Casualty. He has also starred in Knight School, Heartbeat and The Royal.

I shot lots of different looks including landscape and portrait headshots, of which Tom and his agent at Narrow Road were very pleased with. I love the landscape portrait, which is more of an American headshot style, but is so useful for movie castings and they look great on a personal web site too.

"My photo session with Vincenzo was fun, relaxed and enjoyable. He gained a variety of images and produced emotive but clear headshots. A successful day with a very capable photographer".

TOM HUDSON at Narrow Road

Tom has a such a great look. He kinda reminds me of James Dean! Nice look to have we both agreed with that one.

Check out Toms web page here at: www.tomhudson.info

Paul Nicholas Headshots by Vincenzo Photography

2009-08-01T02:49:00.000-07:00

PAUL NICHOLAS was one of my headshot clients last week and what a great guy! Very interesting chap to get to know. It always takes me by surprise how much you can get to know someone in such a short space of time when taking photographs of them.

"Vincenzo. Agent very pleased with the shots and is promoting you round the office".
PAUL NICHOLAS at International Artistes

Paul Nicholas began his pop career as early as 1960. Adopting the stage name Paul Dean, he formed Paul Dean and The Dreamers who were booked to support The Savages, the backing band for the British rocker, Screaming Lord Sutch. It was here that Sutch first noticed the young Nicholas, who was soon to become vocalist and pianist with The Savages.

In 2007 Paul and his business partner David Ian took part in a search for Danny and Sandy in the ITV1 show Grease is the Word. David Ian was a judge and Nicholas the acting coach to the contestants, as well as West End producer of Grease, Saturday Night Fever and many more great musicals!

Paul also has a great acting school to give children the chance to reach their full potential. For the Paul Nicholas School of Acting and performing arts web site: www.pnsa.co.uk

Ken Stott headshots by Vincenzo Photography

2009-06-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

I was so pleased when KEN STOTT asked me to take his Spotlight headshots. What a guy!

He is one of my favorite actors! Such a warm, generous, talented and funny man.

I love his head shots and once his agent made the final choices we were all very pleased with the results. Even his lovely lady Nina loved his headshots!

Ken didn't want the typical head shot. Looking off camera really worked well for Ken, and I must say they looked a treat! Looking bang into camera is great too, but as I try and get a good all round mix of styles and feels we had lots to choose from.

'Vincenzo's portraiture combines the highest of technical standards with

an actor's intuition to reveal the spirit of his subject[s]'

KEN STOTT at MF Management.

Ken recently starred in the West End production of Yasmina Reza's God of Carnage, alongside Tamsin Greig, Janet McTeer and Ralph Fiennes at the Gielgud Theatre He is also narrating the BBC TV series, Trawlermen, a documentary following North Sea trawlers. He starred in a revival of Arthur Miller's A View From The Bridge at the Duke of York's Theatre in early 2009. We all agree that Ken Stott was born to play Eddie Carbone!

I will be adding some other of Ken' other shots later in the month.

Jessie Buckley headshots by Vincenzo Photography

2009-06-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed my session with JESSIE BUCKLEY. The result a fab range of headhots that were unique and so her at the same time. What a fab, beautiful, clever, funny and talented lady. We were both really pleased with the shots, especially Jessie!

"Thank you so much for today - I had such a great day and your photos are just brilliant. It's gonna take me a while to just choose one".

JESSIE BUCKLEY at United Agents Ltd

Jessie is currently appearing in "A Little Night Music" at the Garrick Theatre in the West End.The critically acclaimed, sell out Menier Chocolate factory production of Stephen Sondheim's musical is directed by TrevorNunn.

Jessie is the eldest of five children and comes from a musical family. Buckley's mother, Marina Cassidy, encouraged her to sing and coached her. She has a brother and three sisters. Buckley went to Ursuline Secondary School, an all-girls convent school in Thurles, County Tipperary where her mother, works as a vocal coach,where she performed in school productions.