A Limited-Time Offer from InstantCast & Celebrity Headshot Photographer Paul Gregory

- Exclusive $295 Headshot Package Deal!
- Includes 1-2 Looks to Showcase Your Unique Star Qualities
- Available at Paul Gregory Photography Studios in New York City and Los Angeles

Insider Tips from Headshot Photographer Paul Gregory

Did you know a headshot is your number one tool for self-promotion? A great headshot can make your career. So what’s just as important as having a good headshot? Having a good headshot photographer!

InstantCast understands that it can be overwhelming to choose from the plethora of headshot photographers out there, so we decided to share with you one of the very best headshot photographers, Paul Gregory!

Paul Gregory is a nationally acclaimed and naturally talented headshot photographer. Unlike many headshot photographers, he used to be an actor. He understands an actor’s passion and appreciates the importance of the headshot. He realizes his job isn’t to “just take a photograph.” Rather, he says, “my job is to have the intuition when to click.”

Indeed, Paul Gregory has good intuition! His stellar headshots have helped unknown actors break into the business. Take Ben McKenzie, who went to Paul as an amateur actor. After Paul took his headshots, he landed the lead role on The O.C.! Paul has helped many “green” actors turn golden. For example, Shiri Appleby landed a role on Roswell and Jay Paulson began acting on October Road after having their headshots taken by Paul. These are just a few examples of careers Paul has helped to launch.

Paul has worked with a wide range of stars varying from soap stars to TV stars to film stars to Broadway stars. Freddy Rodriguez (Ugly Betty), Amy Adams (Enchanted), James Snyder (Cry Baby), and Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars) are among the many star-names he has worked shot.

I asked Paul to share with me his top three “do’s and don’ts’” for headshots.

DO's:
1. Do be present. The most important thing for the actor is to be present during a headshot session. He said “Being present must always supersede everything; you must be in a state of nothingness, yet be alive in the moment.” The camera will capture what’s going on inside of you, so it’s crucial to be calm, but aware. He said you shouldn’t have a question on your mind (about those bills you have to pay, or the job you want to land) because the camera will read this.

2. Do reflect the image you’re aiming for. Your physical image in your headshot should reflect the range of life you’re aiming for. Your hair, makeup, and wardrobe are key pieces to the headshot puzzle, but they should not reflect your daily life. For example, Paul says if you have curly hair and don’t use products in real life, then you probably should use products for the headshot. When you’re on-set or onstage performing you will almost always be wearing makeup and have a polished appearance; therefore, your headshot should be the same.

3. Do know how to cast yourself. Finally, he said you must have a general idea of how you’re going to be cast. You must know your type and your age range so you “fit in, but retain your own individuality."

DON'Ts:
1. Don’t let your clothes overpower you. If you’re wearing prints, they should be subtle.

2. Don’t over-think your look. You want one, solid look that will convey range. Look to the headshots of Amy Adams and Matt Dallas as examples. Both headshots encompass opposites. They’re edgy, yet show the actors’ vulnerability too. “Amy is smart and sexy all at once,” Paul says. From this headshot, she could play a good or a bad girl.

3. Don’t forget how to cast yourself. This reiterates the importance of your ability to “fit in, but retain your own individuality.” Your look shouldn’t give everything away, but it should let the viewer see the layers of your individuality, which imply your versatility as an actor.

Paul is a bi-coastal headshot photographer. When on the West Coast he works out of his home-studio in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. When on the East Coast he shoots in a beautiful NYC studio with natural sunlight and the NYC skyline as its backdrop. Unlike some headshot photographers, Paul assures me that no one waits more than three weeks for an appointment with him. Paul is also offering an InstantCast exclusive headshot introductory package, which includes two looks and hair/makeup, which he does himself!

When I asked Paul what he finds most rewarding about job he replied “I feel like a spoke in the wheel that gets people closer to living their dream. I’m really looking for that spark that will ignite everything and get you where you want to go.” After chatting with Paul, I realize that he is the spoke and the spark that InstantCast members like YOU need to launch their careers!

Paul Gregory has been in the entertainment industry for thirty years. He graduated a musical theater major and moved to NYC and got signed with a manager. The manager then offered him a partnership and they worked together as talent managers for six years. Next, Paul became a makeup artist, which he still is today. (He does all the hair & makeup for his headshots). Although he never studied photography, he worked alongside one who didn’t know how to direct actors. Paul helped the photographer direct the actors and was basically “doing everything but pushing the button.” So, he decided headshot photography was something he could make a living off of and here he is today! He knows what’s marketable about a person and can capture the magical part of the person that lights up in them. His first client was Blake Lindsely and eighteen years later the two still work together. Paul has headshot photography studios in New York City and Los Angeles.

Isabelle Dungan is the Editor of InstantCast.com. Isabelle, an aspiring actress herself, works with the team at InstantCast to help provide support and content for aspiring actors and models, and hosts monthly InstantCast LIVE! events with casting directors and other industry professionals. She can be reached at castingconsultant@instantcast.com.

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