Democracy

There are times when it seems like the heavens smile on you. This picture is one of those times.

I was again lucky enough to be asked to do the publicty shots for Eclipse Theatre. It's for Romulus Linney's Democracy. A comedy set in the late 1880's, I was sort of dreading this shoot. I wanted to do something that looked like it belonged on my grandmother's wall and when I described my idea to Nat, he seemed reserved in his enthusiasm. I think it had less to do with my idea for the picture and more because I said that it would take some time to get it right. Because everyone is very busy, these shoots are always done on a tight schedule. So, Nat said, "We'll see."

The shoot was set for the plant conservatory place in Lincoln Park. I'd only been there once before, and to be honest I preferred to shoot outside. But it was blessed cold on Sunday morning. We arrived at the conservatory just as it opened and the security person told us we could shoot as long as we didn't block traffic or use any props.

We tried several different things, but they all came out looking flat. The conservatory was filling and getting any kind of shot was becoming increasingly difficult. That's when I saw a patch of light. I pointed to it and Rebecca found it. With almost no coaching Jon and Rebecca found the pose and I clicked. It took less than a minute. With the exception of removing a little sign, this is pretty much how the shot came out of the camera. I couldn't be more pleased. It's exactly what I wanted.

It' Match-Up Time

For the third year in a row, I'm proud to be a supporter of the Seventeenth Annual Saint Sebastian Monologue Match Up. Last year an Archetype Images session was the prize for the People's Choice Award an Rina Sobel was the lucky, lucky young lady who won!

If you haven't done the Match-Up, even as just a spectator you really should. Actors have so few opportunities to see how other actors handle a monologue in a pressure setting. An audition class is not the same thing at all! If you're watching, you get to see what works and what doesn't. And if you're participating, you get to go into a relatively high-pressure situation that is also very supportive. Everyone there that evening is there for one thing -- to see good monologues.

The event is Monday, November 2 at 7:00 and there are only 40 competitive slots. Sign up now!

Mike

Mike Caden Ross came to me for portfolio shots. He's based out of Austin, but needed to refresh his portfolio before he goes to Milan and Paris. He wanted tear-sheet worthy shots that looked like they were from a Banana Republic Shoot.

I love models who are this clear on their goals.

My Favorite Meal

Yesterday I decided to do a photo safari, and as everyone knows you can't go hunting without a good meal to start your day. Lately, I love nothing more than a bagel with chive cream cheese and lox from the corner cafe, Charmer's.

The plan for the safari was really much more ambitious than I was ultimately able to carry out. I thought I would walk from Milennium Park to Rogers Park and take pictures along the way. I managed about half that before nearly collapsing. Still, it was an amazing day and over the course of the next few weeks I'll share shots from the journey.

But the thing that I rediscovered is just what an amazing city Chicago really, truly is. As I walked up Michigan Avenue, I came across street performers and great art. This city is literally teeming with culture. If you haven't done it lately, go out and see the city the way a tourist sees it. It's magnificent.

Congratulations Archetype Alums!

Congratulations Larry Neumann, Jr. and Laura E. Taylor on your Jeff nominations!

I've known Larry for years. I saw his Oedipus. He was a flawless Iago. The man doesn't work enough. Or to put a finer point on it, he works plenty. He doesn't get paid enough. PAY HIM MORE! HE'S WORTH IT.

If there's a film or TV show that comes to Chicago, if the casting people haven't considered Larry for a role, it's probably not worth doing.

Laura was one of the first people I shot. I've met very few actors who had such a laser focus about her career. She know exactly where her niche in the industry is. This is only beginning of great things for her.

Archetype Discount Cards

Discount tickets are being sent to agents this week! Look in their offices for a postcard with Krissy's picture and redeem it for a $50 discount on your next photo shoot! If you don't find the card in your agent's office, ask. They're all getting them.

A Testimonial from the Field

Sometimes, your clients say it best:

Good morning Scott, Thanks for the update and your new site. I noticed that a friend of mine (Joette Waters) is one of the photos you have online. I was at an audition at Columbia last fall and happened to have the same shirt that I wore when you did my photo and a photo student stopped and recognized me from your web site. Also one day I was on the red line and photographer said that he thought he had seen me on a web site but could net remember where and we discovered that it was a photo that you took. I am still working with students mainly from Columbia and Art Institute on film and photo projects. It is really interesting what ideas they can come up with and being part of it with them. Thanks Jerry Heller

Proving my point that a headshot is not about "capturing an essence." A headshot is your visual branding. It's the image that you want people to carry with them.

Jerry is a part-time actor who is happy doing small films. His archetype is "Grandpa." That's how he wants casting directors to think of him: a warm, loving grandpa. The distinctive shirt, done in a bright color serves as the memory key. Now, when Jerry walks through the door, even if the casting director doesn't remember exactly how, she feels like she knows Jerry. By making the casting director comfortable with him, Jerry's work in the audition is more than half done.