Hangin' with Mr. Hooper

 

Congratulations to Meredith Miles!

Appearing in Twyla Tharp's "Come Fly Away"

Jan 25, 2010

My recent client, fresh off the boat from my home state of Missouri, has been cast in Twyla Tharp's new Broadway show "Come Fly Away." Congratulations Meredith!

Meredith Miles

 

Bonnie Langford starring in Broadway’s Chicago!
Jul 3, 2009
My former client, Bonnie Langford is now starring as Roxie in Chicago on Broadway! She is playing the role through July 5th at the Ambassador Theater. Break a leg Bonnie!

Bonnie Langford

FAQ- “Why are your prices so cheap?!”
Jun 11, 2009
It is a common thought among NYC actors that a great headshot has to cost a lot of money. With some photographers charging over $1,000 plus makeup, they must be the best right? This is just NOT the case! You can get really excellent high quality headshots for an affordable price these days. Of course you can also get some bad headshots for a low price too- just not from us! Searching the internet for a headshot photographer you will find literally hundreds of photographers with prices from low to very high. There is a lot of competition out there, and a lot of choices when it comes to picking a headshot photographer. It is really important to me that we remain affordable and competitive in the hot market of headshot photography, especially in these uncertain economic times.

There are several reasons why my prices are what they are. As a former actor myself, I know what it's like to save up a week or in some cases- a months worth of tips from my waiter job to pay for new headshots, only to be disappointed in the end. When the cost is so great there is too much pressure to obtain the “PERFECT” shot. That pressure made it difficult for me to relax and be myself at the shoot. With a great photographer under most circumstances you will get a “pretty” or a “hot” picture, but if you are not truly relaxed and having fun- the shot will not be “YOU” and therefore not “perfect”. It is my goal as a photographer to keep the shoot as relaxing and fun as possible so that you are totally free to be yourself. Although the $300 or $500 price tag I charge is still a lot of money to most people- it’s much more affordable than my competitors.

Another reason I am able to keep my prices so low is that I build the out dated “consultation” into the shoot. Before the advent of websites, consultations were a must; it was the only way to see a photographer’s work and ask important questions about the shoot. My website has more information and more examples of my work than you would have been able to see during the old fashioned 15 minute consultation. I still think it is a great idea to get to know each other a little bit before the shoot to make sure it’s a good fit, I encourage all of my clients to call and ask any questions they may have and tell me a little about themselves, and also read my website to get an idea of how I work. It is our hope that our happy clients will return to us as often as they need new shots. While I always recommend the Unlimited Shot Package for first time clients, our $300 100 shot package is perfect for returning customers. At this low price you could get a new updated headshot every year as opposed to every 3-5 years which is more typical with people going to expensive photographers.

Low overhead also keeps my prices on the cheap side. I don’t have a big fancy studio in in midtown. I work from home in Hudson Heights Manhattan, one of New York’s best kept secrets. We have lots of space uptown both indoors and out, there is no better place in New York for outdoor or natural light headshots. Since I am not paying for an additional studio space my overhead is low, so I can continue to keep my prices affordable. As I stated earlier, I know that $300 or $500 is a lot of money for people starting out a career in the performing arts. I assure you that you will get your money’s worth if you come to us. Especially if you book an Unlimited Shoot- it really is the BEST deal in the business! For package details please check the pricing page. Thanks for taking the time to check out my website and read through my log. I look forward to hearing from you.

OUTDOOR HEADSHOTS and the WEATHER
Apr 13, 2009
Natural light, and outdoor headshots are really popular right now, and it’s possible to shoot out doors at almost any time of the year if you prepare for the shoot with the weather in mind. I can shoot outdoors unless the weather is extreme. If it’s too windy, rainy, well below freezing or unbelievably hot, it may not be possible but there are tricks to get by in the in-between times, because let’s face it, in New York the weather is rarely perfect.

Winter Cold:
long underwear can be handy! If you can wear long under wear under a pair of jeans, even if it’s not super cold outside, this can make it easier to stay out a little longer and make it possible to wear a top that would other wise make you to cold. Gloves are good too. In a headshot we rarely see the hands so having a pair of gloves will make an out door shoot on a chilly day a little easier for you. Camisole for the ladies. If you can find a camisole or tank top that works under a couple of different tops that you were hoping to wear, it will not only add a layer to fight off the cold, it will make it much easier to switch outfits during the out door headshot session. Also, since a headshot can just be head and shoulders, you can take your winter coat down just out of the frame and stay pretty warm.

Windy days are hard on hair:
This is for those who have long hair and are hoping for an outdoor shoot on a breezy day. Load up on the hairspray. Even if you never wear hairspray day to day, we would use a good amount even in an indoor shoot, but if you wanted to do an out door shoot and it is a little breezy, if you layer on the hair spray so it stays together and is a little heavier, it will help a lot. Even if it feels nasty it will look great in the shots, and then you can always go home an give you hair a good wash.

The heat of summer:

Wear shorts and flip flops, whatever is coolest. Unless you want a 3/4's shot or a full body shot it doesn’t matter what you are wearing on the bottom half. This will make it possible to wear a top or shirt that would otherwise be to warm on a humid Summer day in NYC. Also drink lots of ice cold water.

HAIR FOR HEADSHOTS
Apr 13, 2009

Katie Adam's from Broadway's Wicked

“I basically found how to do [this hairstyle] by trying to figure out a more current hairstyle and everyone was sporting that sexy longer layered mussed head of curls so I played around with my curling iron and found it by accident. I have always been good at hair because when you have fine hair like mine you have to do a lot to it to make it really look full.” -Katie

In your headshots your hair should look like it does when you walk into the audition room, it's as simple as that. So I always recommend that clients come to their headshot session with their hair done as they would wear it to an audition, or a nice occasion. This is easier said than done. In person fly always aren’t as noticeable. The way you tuck your hair behind your ears, the way it moves and adjusts when you move doesn’t make much difference in the over all impression of the hair style. But in a headshot it is one moment in time, and suddenly the way you tuck your hair behind your ear, makes the viewers eye go to your ear. Or your long hair falling behind your shoulders looks like you have a shorter hair cut. Or if you are used to wearing your hair pin strait everyday, suddenly in your headshot you’ll feel like it looks to flat. First of all it’s important to have a hairstyle that you love, and that you feel good about. If you have no idea where to begin, look at magazine, TV, movies, people on the streets of New York. As an actor in New York’s competitive market it’s important to have a look, and a style that says something about you, and the types of roles that you can play. Look at working actors that are your general type, and while you shouldn’t copy their look, you could take ideas, and adjust them to what might work for you. Play around with different styles and see what works best with your overall look.

Don’t forget your LIPS!
Apr 13, 2009
Guy’s especially seem to over look this detail in day to day life, and it makes a big difference in a headshot. If you have chapped lips, you’ll want to try and take care of that before your headshot session. A great last minute trick before a shoot, I learned from reading one of the the late, great Kevin Aucoin’s books on makeup.

-Cover your chapped liberally lips with Vaseline
-let them sit for 15-30 minutes and then

-brush them with a tooth brush.

It sounds weird, but the Vaseline will soften the dry, dead skin and then the “brushing” will exfoliate them leaving behind fresh new, photogenic lips. Before it gets to this point a little Vaseline on your lips every night before bed, and then as needed through out the day will help make sure that when it’s time for your headshot session, your lips are as ready as the rest of you.

EYEBROWS!
Apr 13, 2009

SARA’S CORNER

Sara Melton Ugino is the full time makeup artist for Taylor Hooper Photography.

A Quick Note on Eyebrows…

Ladies, if you get your eyebrows waxed or threaded, please do so at least 2-3 days prior to your headshot shoot. Gentlemen, if you normally get your eyebrows groomed, be really careful to instruct your groomer to make them look as natural as possible. Try to get them done a week before your headshot shoot. If you do not get them done, I can pluck a few unruly hairs if necessary or Taylor can erase them in Photoshop, but if they are overdone- there is nothing we can do.

SKIN CARE TIPS from Sara
Apr 13, 2009
SARA’S CORNER

Sara Melton Ugino is the full time makeup artist for Taylor Hooper Photography.

Some thoughts on skin care…

As most of you know, I’m sure, good skin is essential for careers on stage or in front of the camera in New York City or Los Angeles. Makeup can do a lot to cover all kinds of blemishes and imperfections, but if you have ever seen a television show in HD you can spot troubled skin a mile away. It is extremely important to have a solid skincare regimen in order to keep your skin looking great through long days of shooting and layers upon layers of makeup. The same rules apply to getting headshots. Makeup and airbrushing can cover most skin issues, but the better your skin looks naturally, the better your headshots will look overall. If you are not taking good care of your skin, now is a great time to start! Here are a few tips-

* If you are currently washing your face with Ivory soap- or anything resembling ivory soap or hand soap- STOP right there!! That abrasive soap will dry up your skin causing more dull, dead skin and breakouts. Instead try using a gentle moisturizing cleanser like Cetaphil. I am also a fan of products by the brands Oil of Olay and Neutrogena. Ladies don’t go to bed with makeup on! That is skincare sin #1. Gentlemen, if you can wash your face once a day in the shower that is a great start. In New York City is it especially important to wash your face everyday due to the air/street/subway pollutants.

* EXFOLIATE your skin. Exfoliation is crucial to having a fabulous, glowing complexion. By sloughing away the dead skin, the makeup will go on smoother and your skin will have a natural glow. Gentle is a key word here. The simplest way to achieve this is to use a washcloth to gently scrub your skin as you are washing with a moisturizing cleanser. There are also many products on the market that you can get at the drugstore. St. Ives Apricot Scrub is a good and inexpensive option. I am a fan of Bliss Pore-Perfecting Facial Polish that you can get at Sephora. Origins and the Body Shop also have great facial scrubs that work well. Taylor and I also recommend Loreal Advanced Revitalift Micro-Dermabrasion Kit as a more comprehensive option. Try to exfoliate your skin at least one a week. Or the day before your come in for your shoot. DO NOT, however, use a product you are NOT familiar with for the first time the day before your shoot. You want to test products like this, and read the labels and warning fully, especially if you have sensitive skin.

* Moisturize. Keep your skin moisturized by using a good facial lotion that suits your skin needs. Again, I really like the Olay products. Especially the Complete Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15. If you have oily or acne prone skin get an oil-free moisturizer. As an actor, model, or performer of any kind it is very important to wear SPF every day. It is the only true, proven, non-surgical way to prevent wrinkles! (In addition to not smoking!!)

* Water water water! Guzzle the water. If you are drinking tons of water- you WILL be able to see a difference in your skin.

* Sleep. Try to get lots of sleep the whole week prior to your headshot shoot. If you tend to have dark circles under your eyes, sleep is especially important.

* Acne- For acne spot treatment I love Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion. It is amazing and is available for purchase online or at Nordstroms Department Stores or at Henri Bendel in New York City. Proactive Solutions is also a great over the counter product for more serious acne issues. If you have really serious acne we recommend seeing a dermatologist.

Thanks for taking the time to look this over, I hope that it is helpful to you prior to your headshot shoot.

Recommendations: Helpful books, stores and websites for actors
Apr 13, 2009
Clients often ask me advice on all kinds of different subjects. Below is a compilation of websites that are great resources for actors in any stage of their career. There are countless books on the business aspect of show business. I think one of the best is Acting As A Business by Brian O’Neil. http://www.actingasabusiness.com/ Not only is it a great book but you can make a one-on -one appointment with him, and get solid and personalized advice on your career. The Drama Bookshop. They have nearly every play ever written as well as a huge selection of books and videos on all aspects of acting from the technical and artistic to the business side. If you are on a budget or just don’t want to pay full price, you can find used copies of nearly all these books on Amazon.com. and Alibris.com.

As a book junkie, I am always using these websites. The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is a great place to go for so many reasons. They have a huge selection of Plays, books on Acting Technique, Theater History, Musical Theater History, The Business of Acting, etc. But they also have a video of almost every Broadway and Off-Broadway Musical and Play for the last 30 years. Subscribing to Backstage.com is a must for anyone who is in the acting business, or at least starting out. If you don’t have an agent or a manager, this is one of the only ways to know what auditions are coming up. They also have lots of great articles on the business. Speaking of Agents and Managers The Ross Reports Online is a great resource, it is now owned by Backstage, so you can get to it on their site. It’s basically the yellow pages for the acting world. It has every talent agent, and casting director listed with their contact info. It also has information on what TV shows and films are shooting, where and who casts them. It is the best resource if you plan on doing a mass mailing of headshots, etc.

One of the best ways to keep your finger on the pulse of what is going on in the theater world in New York is the the New York Times Online, Theater Page. Seeing Theater is a must if you want to be competitive in the acting business and one of the best ways to see shows, and save a little money is through TKTS through the Theater Development Fund which in it self is a great little website with lots of helpful info.

A great resource for Musical Theater actors are sheet music download sites. On all of these sites you can download sheet music, and on some you can have it transposed into different keys. It makes getting sheet music almost too easy! Check out these sites: Freehandmusic.com Musicnotes.com Musicforte.com

Other Related Websites you should know about:

• Playbill.com News and articles on and about Broadway and actors, producers, etc.
  
• Telecharge.com Tickets for all kinds of performances.
  
• Broadway.com News, gossip, and more, all about or related to Broadway.
  
• Imdb.com Database of nearly every movie ever made with full cast, individual bios and headshots of every actor.
  
• Ibdb.com Same idea as above but for Broadway.
  
• Netflix.com Everyone knows this site – but following their recommendations can be a great way to discover movies, directors, and actors you might otherwise ignore.
  
• Actingbiz.com This site has thousands of articles on every aspect of the Acting Business including articles on headshots and getting started. Also information on Acting and Audition classes.
  
• Actorsfund.org A wonderful organization that benefits people in all aspects of show business.
  
• Citidex.com The yellow pages of the New York acting world.
  
• Actingsource.com Additional online resources for actors.
  
• Godaddy.com Very affordable URLs, if you are putting together a website.
  
• Yourtype.com Additional online resources for actors.
  
• Fracturedatlas.org a non-profit organization that provides services and support to artists and arts organizations.
  
• Exploretalent.com provides audition info and other resources for actors