After visiting both my agents (theatrical and commercial), the decision has been made to go with the following photos:
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The first two will be used for theatrical submissions and all of them will be used for commercial submissions.
The first three photos will be reproduced and duplicated as 8×10’s for my agents and all the pictures will be posted to my profile on LACasting.com.
LACasting.com is a farily new online service which stores actors resumes and photos so that casting directors can search the database and look for specific people for projects. The basic service is free for actors in agencies associated with LACasting. Actors incur charges when changing their initial photo on the site or adding additional photos. There have been many start-up companies trying to digitize the casting process but LACasting seems to be the only one gaining significant momentum in Hollywood. Both my agents insist that all talent must register and keep current updates on the service. I’ve also started to see notices in casting offices encouraging actors to keep their profiles current on LACasting. The website itself has its quirks and security holes but should get better as time goes by.
David,
I’m an actor new to L.A. looking to get new headshots. One of the photographers that I’m considering is David LaPorte. When I googled his name, your website came up.
Which of the pictures (if any) on your headshot page are his? (They all look very good, by the way) You said you used him for 5 years and then switched to your new photographer; why did you switch?
Anything that you care to tell me about either of your photographers that might help me in deciding who should take my pictures would be very helpful and appreciated.
Thanks,
Paul Buxton
The picture at the top of the page was shot by David LaPorte. That was my first photo session with him in 1996 and the pictures turned out great. I shot with him almost every year for the past couple of years and I have not been able to re-create the magic that was in the first photo shoot.
I like David a lot. He’s a really nice guy and the photo sessions are very free flowing. He tries to pull your personality out of you and put it on film. His preference is for outdoor shots and natural light. Guy Viau on the other hand was a model for 15 years and has an eye for details. He doesn’t shoot a frame until he thinks the picture is perfect. He also does a lot of posing and positioning. He also prefers natural light as well.
When looking for a photographer take the time to meet with them and get a sense of what their personality is like. Ask them what a typical session is like, how long the session runs, how many wardrobe changes they allow, whether or not they release the negatives, and anything else that comes to mind. Also remember that expensive does not equal better. My first headshots I had done in LA cost me $500 for two rolls of B&W film. I didn’t get to keep the negatives and the makeup artist made me look like a drag queen. Also beware of the plethora of amateur photographers and actors/photographers who are trying to make a buck.
Best of luck!
Hello David,
I just want you please give me the email of your great photographer Guy Viau, I met him 12 years ago in my country Dominican Republic, where we shoot a commercial fashion film together, My name is soraya Franco, I’m a dance artist, I will really apprecciate your help to contact him, by the way your pictures are great! I wish you the best luck in your career.Thanks
Soraya
Cool site!!! Wanted to get in touch with you. If you get this, send me an email. I’d love to hear from you. If you don’t get this, let me know and I’ll resend it.
Hey, I was also looking up David LaPorte, because a friend in my acting class (which just happens to be Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio) had gotten her headshots done by him and I loved them. She couldn’t find his number, so I was wondering if you had any of his info that you could give me.
Thanks,
Nicole