Change is inevitable. This does not exclude headshot trends that have had a lot of breakthroughs in the recent past. I like to bring forth this blog not only once but many times because of its trend changes. The images in the blog also change as the trends change.
Here is a short history of headshots Los Angeles trend changes:
Film came first, long before digital. Film was more or less unknown to many, and it was limited to black and white, without the same artistic freedom that digital allows photographers today. Due to the long length of time it took for a single photograph to be recorded, subjects had to sit very still for the entire length of the portrait. Back then, it was a must to frame the subject matter tighter, which eliminated the ability to use the subject’s body as a means of expression.
On the other hand, using only black and white photos made the skin of every person look smooth, blemish-free, and perfect. For most clients these days, the appearance of clear skin is very important, but because of the high photo-quality that most photographers use, every flaw is captured and must be covered with makeup or digital editing.
During those days there was no such a thing as a thumbnail; that made the head look too small. Instead, even a 3/4 image was very well accepted all over.
Between the years of 2003 and 2004, digital reproduction machines made it possible for color shots to be accessible to anyone who wanted a headshot. Before this, laboratories used to make an 8x10 print photo from a film negative. They then used the large negative to produce images. Due to the high cost of reproduction of colored images from negatives and the complexity involved in the process, headshots were produced in black and white.
Reproduction of color headshots became affordable with the introduction of digital machines that evolved headshot trends for eternity. LA Casting, Casting Networks, and other major directories were then born shortly after this color headshot was introduced. Headshots were specifically reduced to online thumbnails that were used for casting so that directors could look through them efficiently and in a short time. This is because the directories brought about the end of 3/4 images that were used to incorporate the environment and the body.
It took some time for many photographers to shift their gears to digital images but we quickly realized that if we needed our images to be popping online now and then and also be serviceable for actors, we had to shoot traditional portraits.
Today, headshots have to be photographed so that casting directors who study these sites can view your face before they decide to move on or go ahead to click on your thumbnail. The digital cameras are capable of shooting upwards of 22 megapixels that include HD film-with every little detail on the face being visible.
This implies that both men and women require makeup. Photographers also have to work with makeup artists who have a lot of skills. These talented makeup artists will apply the makeup generously to makes you look natural.