mc mark, You may be the only other actor in NY on this board, but I've got a question for ya. What do you know about Robert Kim? I'm thinking about going to him for headshots, as I desperately need new shots before I can really start hitting the pavement hard and auditioning. I've heard mixed things. My reasons for choosing him are these: He's gone to a completely digital format. With that, you get as many shots taken as you and he feel are necessary. You get your three shots you want to keep on a CD, which makes the reproductions cheaper, and posting your resume on the internet that much easier. He's known. A friend of mine does the touch-up work for him, and will do it for me for free. What I'm worried about: A lot of his shots seem a little "posey", if that makes sense, and I've always preferred a shot that looks a little more natural. I hear he's really eccentric, which can be good or bad depending on how they react to you. It's not a decision I'm taking lightly, as $600 dollars is a fortune for me that wasn't easy to get together. What do you think?
Well you certainly seem to know a lot more about him than I do. And to be honest, I don't know his work. But you can always ask to see his book. I took a look at his website and his shots are a bit "stagey" but that's not really a bad thing. Depends on what you're going for. It looks to me that he is geared more toward TV/film than stage photography. The price is very reasonable for what you are getting. A few of the photographers I do know charge in the $750-$1000 range. I'd say go for it! If you want to try and save some money; I do know another photographer that did mine a couple of times in the past. He's really nice and does a good job and he would have no problem letting you look at his book. He's more of a fashion/art photographer but he does a good headshot too. I think his prices are around $350 these days. But he keeps the negatives so I'm not sure if that's a way you would want to go. I can recommend a good reproduction company if you need one.
Thanks, I think it's the norm for the photographer to keep the negatives. I'm definitely interested in trying to get film/television work, the money's just too good to pass up. My real love is for the stage, but I think someone like Kim who, at the very least, takes a good photo will be fine for stage auditions. Plus, his work is recognized and I think most casting directors will take it more as "a Kim photo" rather than a "stagey" photo. At least I hope so. Besides, I can always ask and see if he'd be willing to go for a more "natural" kind of look. It's the eccentricity that worries me there. Oh, well. I'm gonna give it a shot. Thanks so much for your input.
Welcome to NYC, Gascon. I just started assisting at a talent agancy, and I am getting advice as well as to where to get some decent headshots. Two of my friends recommended Tim LAmpson, he does outside/natural light photography and that seems to be very popular right now. mc mark, I need to e-mail you. this is crazy, but are you represented? I think I might have just started at the agancy you are with.
Thanks, 110. I'm actually a little wary of the "outside" fad. I'm spending enough money that I'd like something a little more permanent. I will look into it, though. Thanks for the tip! ps Make sure to tell your agency you know someone brilliant that they should look at. I mean me. No seriously.....
