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PHOTOGRAPHY- FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE CAMERA |
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It is said that ’the camera never lies’, however, today, with digital & computer enhancement, this can no longer be true! As an actor you want to always look your best, but the casting director wants to see the ’true’ you-warts an all! When you walk into a room the last thing you want to hear is ’Oh! You look nothing like your photograph’. It’s good to have a good repore with your photographer & they with you. Discuss what you want from the session & don’t be persuaded to have soft focus or flattering lighting, unless it’s for a fashion shoot. The photographer should concentrate on the actor’s eyes, for they are the windows to the soul! Listen to the photographer & they to you because input is vital. I remember on two occasions, having to pose for a multi shot while’s playing several different characters. What was vital was to help the photographer to remember my exact positioning so that the finished picture appeared without a flaw. I have worked both sides of the camera, setting up a shot & modelling. Sometimes angles from the lens can achieve interesting foreshortening effects & many shots in magazines e.g a workman using a hammer. It is often cheated to obtain the correct result, in this case the camera definitely lies! Finally, when going for a shoot, take a few changes of clothing & avoid fussy backgrounds. Both studio & outdoor shots are accepted by casting directors, agents etc. but make sure the end result is ‘you’. Michael Coghlan-Actor, model & former Art Editor. http://www.michaelcoghlan.co.uk
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Michael Coghlan 