Since the MRP team will be hitting up the Big Apple next month, we found it only appropriate to broach a subject that has everything to do with you talented folks in New York and the correlation between headshots and casting. In short, let’s get real: there is a big difference between LA style headshots and those you may acquire in NYC. There are elements that are often unaccounted for in the NY style of headshots, but it’s not because LA photographers are just sexier, more talented, and have that je ne sais quoi (even though we might think so) – it has everything to do with the entertainment industry’s bicoastal climates and attitudes.

Anybody who has lived in LA for even a month understands that the grind is relentless, the competition is constant, and roles are always available – ranging from back alley hooker #3 to Angelina Jolie’s rugged accomplice in the next blockbuster heist movie. Despite the alleged decline in LA-based productions, truth still holds that the majority of actors live in the LA area and several out-of-state shows are still casting in Los Angeles. New York’s casting industry certainly boasts its strengths, but LA casting is still the busiest, most competitive, and most heavily saturated market.

So! Headshots. Why is this relevant to what we do? Why should we care? Essentially, the LA style headshot is more stylistically conscious. It contains more elements and aims to boost your chances of getting booked. LA headshots take more time and finesse to capture RANGE; they’re tailored to capture the essence of a role, and purposefully showcase an age/character range. They are simply in-sync with a more competitive market. A lot of the time, the NYC headshot is a representation of your face to remind producers what you look like. This style of image composition is based on a smaller, quieter market so competition isn’t as aggressively accounted for. Yes, performance is what ultimately gets you the job – but looking the part is half the battle. The aim is to be more than recognizable.

“Is he the guy with the mole? Oh, there it is! Yup, got it. Is that the girl with the Beyoncé eyebrows? It IS! Now I remember. Cool.” – but then what?

We’ve been in the game for quite some time – we know the struggle is real here in Los Angeles, but we also know what we can do to help scoot you through the door. As you’ve heard, the Michael Roud Photography team will be in NYC the weekend of February 28th and we are BOOKING! Give us a call or e-mail and let’s talk about getting you some LA style headshots. We want to show you New Yorkers what we mean.

CLICK HERE to get in touch!