Capturing a Headshot for an Actor: How I Got the Shot

Posted by: on Jun 04, 2018

Capturing a Headshot for an Actor: How I Got the Shot
The below article is from Alaina Lutkitz a headshot photographer based in Greenville, South Carolina. Follow her online at upstateheadshots.com and on Instagram at @alaina_lutkitz. We thank Alaina for pulling back the curtain on her latest shoot and contributing to the How I Got the Shot Guide: Women’s Edition!

CONCEPT

The concept of this headshot session was to get my client, Burke, a variety of shots to show the range of roles he can play as an actor.

SETUP AND LIGHTING

I use the Peter Hurley Flex Kit by Westcott. To showcase different looks for Burke, I used multiple lighting setups. My favorite look is what we refer to as triangle lighting where 3 flex kit panels are used to wrap the subject with nice, even lighting. I also separated the triangle to shadow the subject up a bit and used one of the panels as a kicker for a few of the shots. https://youtu.be/7Rd1wex4PBU

SHOOTING TETHERED

Shooting tethered allows me to see the light and make any adjustments I see necessary, but more importantly, it allows me to coach my client into the perfect shot. We analyze the different angles of the face and use tethering to select the shots that are genuine and real…no stiff, fake, cheesy smiles here.

CHALLENGES

My biggest challenge would be getting my clients to understand and apply the crazy antics I coach them through, but that challenge is eliminated with the ability to tether. Once my client can see the difference from pre-coaching to post coaching, they trust me completely. The trust is quickly established, and we can create magic together.

POST-PROCESSING

Very little post processing is involved. Minor color and exposure adjustments in Capture One.

LOGISTICS AND GEAR

I shoot most of my headshots in my studio and use the following gear to make it happen:

HOW I GOT THE SHOT: WOMEN’S EDITION

To download this guide and including 29 more articles, download the How I Got the Shot: Women’s Edition on TetherTools.com. Each educational article features a different image, behind-the-scenes video, and a detailed breakdown of how the shot was made.