Stop Posing, Start Thinking
When I’m on a film set I never ask an actor to "look sad" or "look tough." I ask them what they are thinking. I ask them what they want from the person they're sharing the scene with.
So why should a headshot session be any different?
Acting for the Lens
During my sessions, we don’t just "take pictures." We work on character. I use my background as a director to give you specific internal monologues. Instead of "smile," I might give you a secret to keep. Instead of "look serious," I might ask you to visualize someone you’re trying to convince.
This subtle shift in your internal thought process changes the tension in your jaw, the focus in your eyes, and the energy of the shot. It creates a "decisive moment" that suggests a narrative.
Why Casting Directors Care
A Casting Director is looking for a "hook." They want to see a face that looks like it belongs in the world of the story and the script. When your headshot contains a genuine thought, it heps them to imagine you playing the part. It makes them wonder what you’re thinking - and that curiosity is what gets you into the room.
The goal isn't to show them your face; it's to show them your craft.