Preparing for actor photography can seem overwhelming and it’s hard to get out of your head. Even though you’ve worked on productions, directed other creatives and organised artist shows actually stepping in front of the camera takes guts.

Here are some simple strategies I use during my actor headshots to help people be more confident during their Spotlight headshots.

The first step to become self-assured in front of the camera is to practice or rehearse the movement or pose. The secret to the success behind my wonderful actor portraits is how effortless they look and this is achieved through muscle memory.

At the start of each set I put my camera down and:

• Explain what to do
• Show you exactly what I mean
• Talk you through it
• We practice the movement
• I explain again why it makes sense in a photograph or why it will make you appear more attractive

This may sound long-winded but it takes less than five minutes. After practicing the movement or pose a couple of times, your body naturally falls into place and that’s when I take my best actor photos.

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Mandy is a lovely, lovely lady, one of the friendliest photographers i have worked with, super easy to get along with and is definitely talented (I hope you know that Mandy). I cannot wait to work with her again (lucky me).

Feeling confident enough to be photographed and having faith in your ability to shine in front of the camera takes time (approximately 30 minutes into your acting portraits). So I always persevere patiently, because I understand it isn’t something that feels comfortable or real straight away!

It takes repetition and goes a little like this:

• Photo 1 test the lights
• Photo 2 get the composition right
• Photo 3 base pose
• Photo 4 talk to my client
• Photo 5 is the winning shot and I share this with you straight away

By taking time to get all the little details correct straight away and speaking gently to you during the process I allow your confidence to grow and your spirit soars when you realize you CAN take excellent actor portraits.

After seeing how beautiful the photographs are on the back of the camera, people very quickly start to teach themselves these skills (because they are learnable).

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Working with Mandy was a great experience and an eye opening one. Mandy has great sense of professionalism and a visionary eye. she gets the art(Model/Artist) out of you.She exhubes confidence and helps you relaxe while creating a smooth and confortable atmosphere. She knows what she wants and how to get it by pushing and going over boundaries. Did not want the shoot to end, Will love to definitely work with her again.

Fear can place a major role in cancelling, postponing or avoiding updating professional actor photoshoots. Deep down you know your hair is outdated on your current actor headshot, maybe you’ve got a noticeable change in the way you look (age; weight loss; surgery) or have been asked by your agent to book a new headshot session for your dream audition.

People often confide they were terrified the night before meeting me and put off getting their professional headshot taken because they just didn’t know what to do and worried that I might look down on them!

I work from my home studio in Seaview and create the workspace that’s right for you:

• You are greeted with a warm smile and handshake
• We get to know each other over a cup of tea
• You can share what outfits you’d like to wear and I explain which coloured backdrops work best for your audition
• Only when you are ready, will I show you my living room studio and I take time to go over any particular headshots you need for an actor’s portfolio
• Trust me to act in your best interests, I value honesty, integrity and straight-talking (most likely you do too)

The reason my actor portraits are so dynamic is that I remove all embarrassment and self-consciousness from the process. Yes, you’ll love your professional photos but the best part is, you’ll be taken care of, and will feel fabulous afterwards!

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I had my first shoot with Mandy and I must say I had a fabulous shoot. She was very good at directing and made me feel like a little superstar! I’d love to work with her over and over again because she is great at what she does?!  Absolutely Loving the pictures Mandy

As an Isle of Wight based professional photographer, I love to produce actor headshots that send out the right signals to casting directors and agents, speak of your professionality and experience, whilst also showcasing your personality and physicality.

If it’s time for an update, please contact contact the Isle of Wight Studio on +44 (0)1983 617383 or Mandy on +44 (0)7719316609, email [email protected] or fill in the form below and let me know why you need new photos!