Route 66 Photography

Cheap Lenses Aren't Always a Bad Thing -

2011-05-14T09:55:00.005-06:00

Shot with my back-up Nikon D-300 using a specially modified, $10 HOLGA (cheap, plastic camera from China, infamous and desired by many for its low quality and known manufacturing defects) FIXED FOCUS, f/8 50mm LENS.

Conventional wisdom says get the best (most expensive) glass you can afford. But in the real world, food and mortgage payments need to come first.

Challenge yourself. Leave the Nikon, Sigma, or other DSLR at home and stop by Walgreen's. Pick up a $7 disposible camera and walk Old Town, Zoo, or the BioPark.

Develop and print some 4x6s and see what you captured. Scan the best of the negatives and play with them in Elements, Lightroom, Photoshop, or your choice of editing programs.

This could be a fun and challenging theme and exibition for your camera club!

Keep Shooting -

Steve Snowden

http://www.route66photography.com/

Some Things Are Better Indoors -

2011-04-18T22:26:00.008-06:00

We generally do our Headshot sessions outdoors using New Mexico's great natural light. But due to the Spring winds, we've been spending more time indoors in our studio working with some talented area models in improving their modeling portfolios.

One of my all-time faves is Celeste. We enjoy working with her for a lot of reasons. She knows makeup and hair and does a great job on both. Celeste can leave the studio for 10 minutes and return with an entire new look just by putting up her hair and changing her eye makeup. We've been working together for over 5 years and so has gained a lot of experience and confidence in that time. She's always ready to assist me in trying out some new studio lighting or locations. And, she uses Bare Escentials Mineral makeup because it photographs so well and applies so easily.

Celeste spent a few hours in-studio with us last month and we created some magazine and catalog-quality images for her. She's moving to California in about 6 weeks so we're builidng a strong portfolio for her to shop around when she gets to Los Angeles.

Here's an image we made with Celeste last October on location in the Cerrillos area.

Unlike our headshot sessions, we have a 3-hour minimum for modeling portfolio work.
If you're an experienced model wanting to update your personal or professional portfolio, email us for more information.

Till next time -

Steve

http://www.Route66Photography.com/

http://www.SteveSnowdenPhotography.com/

A Successful Studio Session

2011-04-15T00:00:00.004-06:00

We usually do our headshot and portrait photography outdoors in the natural light but the New Mexico weather has been so windy lately we decided to do a studio session with a client we've worked with before. We photographed Sasha about a year ago but her hair and overall look had changed quite a bit in that time. Her Mom called and scheduled some studio time with us and we're all pleased with the results.

Sasha has participated in pageants and other events over the years and is very graceful in front of the camera. Her ability to take direction and her range of expressions is impressive.

Towards the end of our session we pulled out a box of props and hats and Sasha tried out a floppy sunhat for the camera. With her Mom volunteering to step in as an ad-hoc lighting assistant, we got some very nice images.

Some of the photos we made will be used in upcoming competitions, auditions and casting calls and we wish Sasha and her Mom the best of luck!

Steve Snowden

www.Route66Photography.com

Updated Headshots for Another SAG Actor Working in New Mexico

2011-02-17T23:04:00.012-07:00

Another Good Reason to Update Your Headshot Portfolio

James Burnett contacted us a couple of weeks ago about updating his headshot portfolio. James is a working S.A.G. actor represented by THE APPLAUSE AGENCY. He has appeared in front and behind the cameras in a number of national TV productions including BREAKING BAD and IN PLAIN SIGHT.

James Burnett is a great example of an actor who realizes the importance of training and working toward his goals. He has his SAG card and plenty of great credits on his resume, but he wants more and he works for it. James is a a student of Steve Willmon at Ovations Film Actors Studio where James continues to study and hone his craft.

He was successfully being cast in 'clean-cut' roles like EMT, police, etc. James decided he would prefer to play roles with more character and grit. He grew out his hair and beard and contacted us to update his headshot portfolio with his new look.

Both James and his agent loves the new look and we're all planning on seeing James in some exciting new roles very soon!

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It's advisable for all working (and aspiring) adult actors to update their head shot portfolio...

1. Every 12-18 months

2. Women - If you substantially change your hair style or change your hair color more than a couple of shades. Blond to a Redhead? Definitely get new headshots!

3. Men - If you substantially change the length of your hair or grow or cut a beard or moustache.

4 . If you gain or lose more that 10 pounds.

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It's advisable for all working and aspiring child/teen actors to update their head shot portfolio...

1. Every 6 - 12 months

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The weather is getting warmer and lots of new productions are getting ready to come to New Mexico! Now is a great time to update your old headshots with a fresh new look! Be ready for the next set of casting calls.

We are scheduling into early March right now. Visit our website at http://www.route66photography.com/ and then call us to schedule your session.

We also work weekends and can work around your busy school and work schedules.

Thanks -

Steve Snowden

www.Route66Photography.com

505.401.6358

Kevin Spacey - Advice to Aspiring Actors & Actresses

2010-12-15T21:25:00.003-07:00

If you consider yourself to be an aspiring actor or actress, or if you're a working actor or actress -
Watch this clip from Kevin Spacey and see if you are doing what it really takes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-stA68drYSk

Steve Snowden
www.Route66Photography.com

Headshots for working actors, actresses, and models.

Modeling Scams

2010-12-10T22:50:00.003-07:00

Thought I'd follow up yesterday's blog posting with a link I found while surfing around the Screen Actors Guild website.

http://www.modelingscams.org/modelingconventions.html

If you're an aspiring model and/or actress, there is lots of valuable information on the web that will educate you on how to avoid the many scams out there and the people who run them.

Don't be rushed into paying thousands of dollars for a crash course in acting or modeling. You don't need to pay thousands of dollars to travel across the country to attend a modeling convention to maybe 'win' a plastic trophy.

There are wonderful actor and modeling agencies right here in New Mexico. Get a nice portfolio of headshots and start sending them around. Read the local casting calls and go to some auditions. Try your hand at local theater.

There are several reputable acting schools in Albuquerque that are owned and operated by experienced actors and models who are now sharing their knowledge about the business. Many welcome you to sit in at no charge to classes that interest you.

Here's the bottom line. The hard cold truth... A legitimate agency only makes money when YOU make money. They earn a commission / a percentage of your earnings. That's the ONLY way a legitimate agency can stay in business. So, they have a reason to keep trying to find you work. That's how they earn their commission.

If they make their money by having you write them a check for a promise of future work.... that is unethical and in some places illegal.

Do your homework. Take advantage of the Google search engine. And stay smart -

Best,

Steve Snowden
www.Route66Photography.com

Info from SAG / Screen Actors Guild

2010-12-10T01:43:00.003-07:00

According to the Screen Actors Guild, a legitimate talent agency does not charge an advance fee for registration, resumes, public relations services, screen tests, photographs or acting lessons.... consumers should always pay the photographer and the printing company directly for any work done.

This is excellent advice!

This is traditionally a slow time of year for filming but don't let that slow you or your goals down. Keep up with your acting lessons and practice, practice, practice!

Also some good news for fans of "IN PLAIN SIGHT", filmed here in Albuquerque. It has been renewed for 2 more seasons... and they will be shooting both seasons back-to-back starting in January 2011, about a month away. That means shooting on "IN PLAIN SIGHT" will go on for almost ALL of 2011. Lots of opportunities for local actors and actresses.

I'll be posting links to upcoming casting calls as they are available.

Happy Holidays to everyone and we hope to see you on the tube or screen soon!

Best,

Steve Snowden
Route 66 Photography
www.Route66Photography.com

Rising Star Hannah Contrucci -

2010-10-29T23:29:00.007-06:00

Hannah recently signed with A&M Agency. Congratulations, Hannah!

Read more about Hannah and see her resume at -

http://hannahcontrucci.nowcasting.com/

Route 66 Photography recently updated Hannah Contrucci's Headshot Portfolio during a morning visit to Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico.

A former student of Steve Willmon at Albuquerque's Ovation Actors Studio, Hanna is an experienced SAG actress whose Hollywood credits include "MONK". After working for several years in Los Angeles, Hanna and her family returned to Albuquerque to attend to some personal and family obligations.

Hannah is staying busy with Disney Channel casting calls and auditions and has most recently been working on the new movie BLOOD BROTHERS.

If it's time to update your head shots or modeling portfolio, give us a call. We can accommodate and work around your school and work schedule.

Follow your dreams!

Steve Snowden

505.401.6358

http://www.route66photography.com/

Great News for Fans of BREAKING BAD

2010-06-21T14:07:00.006-06:00

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We just got word yesterday that BREAKING BAD has been renewed for a 4th Season! That's especially great news for all of the local cast and crew of the series.

And BREAKING BAD has now taken over AMC's #1 spot beating out MAD MEN.

Congratulations to Bryan and everyone associated with the show!

And as a side note, we're especially proud to have help create the Headshot Portfolios for over ½ dozen cast members of BREAKING BAD.

Steve Snowden
Route 66 Photography
http://www.route66photography.com/

Headshot Portfolio Session for USC Film Student

2010-06-21T13:45:00.007-06:00

We worked with University of Southern California Film Major Lupita this morning in building her first professional Headshot Portfolio.

Lupita is back in New Mexico for the Summer and is spending some of her time continuing her writing and studying her craft. She plans someday to both direct and act in Hollywood films.

Best of luck to Lupita with her studies and future career both behind and in front of the camera!

If it's time to update your actor / actress headshot portfolio or take that first step and create your first one, give us a call and let's get it on our schedules. If you've lost or gained more that 10 pounds, or cut or colored your hair since your last headshots, give us a call at 505.401.6358. We can schedule your headshot session and make it fit with your work and school schedule. And, if you call now and schedule before July 15th, you'll lock-in our current rate of just 100.

Thanks!

Steve Snowden

Route 66 Photography

http://www.route66photography.com/

Current Casting Calls!

2010-06-07T00:15:00.001-06:00

There are several upcoming casting calls posted at http://www.crewnewmexico.com/moviejobs .

Good Luck!

Steve Snowden
www.Route66Photography.com

A Great New Talent for New Mexico's TV & Film Industry

2010-06-06T23:28:00.008-06:00

We had a great head shot and modeling portfolio session last Saturday with Veronica Wilson of Albuquerque. Veronica is a college-level music educator nearing completion of her PhD. She's got a great look and energetic personality and has been encouraged by friends and family to investigate New Mexico's growing film industry.
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Veronica contacted us and in addition to creating a great headshot portfolio for her, we also shot a clothing catalog-style modeling series. Several of the larger national mail-order catalogs will be shooting in Albuquerque this year and it's good to be prepared with some photographs showing a variety of poses.
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Now Veronica has a great assortment of photographs to mail and email around to agencies in the area.

And BONUS - she's got beautiful new photos of herself for her Facebook account!
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Aspiring actresses and models need current photos so they 'look like their photographs'. If it's been more than 6 months since your last photo shoot; if you've gained or lost more than 10 pounds or if your hair is longer or shorter or a different color than your present promotional photos - give me a call here at Route 66 Photography. If you've been sending out the same photos for more than 6 months, they've already seen you. Give them a fresh new look! Schedule an appointment to update your portfolios. We can schedule to fit a session around your school and work schedule.

If you already have headshots, update them. If you've never had professional headshots taken, take the first step and call now to schedule an appointment.

Best of luck to Veronica. If she does the necessary leg work and starts making contacts, I predict one of the larger agencies in New Mexico will sign her before Summer's end.
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Steve Snowden
http://www.route66photography.com/

Good Luck to Mrs Albuquerque - Adriane Callinan

2010-05-28T21:59:00.010-06:00

We had a great time last weekend roaming the streets of Old Town with and photographing Mrs. Albuquerque 2010, Adriane Callinan. Adriane is married to a career U.S. Navy officer and is mother to an 11 year-old son.

We were working with Adriane in updating her modeling and head shot portfolio. Albuquerque has the perfect representative in Adriane! Turns out that she was a 'natural' and we got some beautiful poses and photographs with her.

We thought Adriane has a striking resemblance to TV actress and Golden Globe® Winner Kyra Sedgwick from "The Closer" as did some of the tourists who happened across our photo session!

On June 19th Adriane Callinan will complete against dozens of other New Mexican women from across our state for the title of Mrs. New Mexico. Mrs. New Mexico 2010 will then go on to the national competition for the title of Mrs. U.S.A. I hope you'll join Route 66 Photography on June 19th to cheer Adriane on to the State title.

Best of luck to Adriane Callinan!

Albuquerque is #1 in MovieMaker Magazine

2010-01-20T18:18:00.004-07:00

As you may have seen in this morning's Albuquerque Journal, MovieMaker magazine has named Albuquerque the best place in the nation to make a film. MovieMaker magazine is targeted at independent filmmakers across the country.

Albuquerque outranked all of the other cities in the U.S. in their annual listing of the Top 10 U.S. cities to live and work in the film industry. We've made MovieMaker's Top 10 for the past four years but this is the first year that we've been in the #1 position.

Keep working and studying - there are a lot more film projects coming to New Mexico this Spring!

Steve Snowden

Route 66 Photography

http://www.route66photography.com/

Lucky for You, Most Actors and Actresses Don’t Become Successful.

2010-01-18T20:04:00.011-07:00

There are hundreds of actors and actresses in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area, but the reality is most of them are sitting on their hands thinking they are going to be "DISCOVERED".

The movie and television industry is a business, and you have to market yourself accordingly. You and your talent are a product that you have to merchandise, improve, and sell everyday.

Most hopeful actors and actresses don’t budget ANY of their time merchandising themselves. Lucky for you, most actors and actresses don’t become successful. There are too many other easier and rewarding careers in the world. If you aren't committed to your acting career, then you might as well choose a different career instead of wasting your time, waiting to be discovered while you walk around the mall.

If you really want a full or part-time career in the Albuquerque / Santa Fe movie and TV industry, you need take it seriously. You've got to want it more than the 100's of other men and women out there who want the same thing.

The lucky thing for you is, most of them will not take to time to sign up for acting classes. Most of them won't practice their facial expressions in front of a mirror for 15 minutes a day. Most of them won't volunteer at local theater groups for a chance to be on stage and improve their presence. Most of them will rely on a Polaroid or a cheesy shot from their MySpace page instead of taking professional 8x10 glossies to their casting calls.

So get to work! Call and get information on acting classes. Steve Wilmon at Ovations Film Actors Studio www.OvationsFilm.com offers a variety of both evening and day and weekday and weekend classes.

Visit my website at http://www.route66photography.com/ and see a sampling of my headshot work. Call me today and schedule a head shot session. I can accommodate your budget and your work and school schedule.

Make 2010 the year that you take yourself, your dreams, and your aspirations seriously!

Steve Snowden
http://www.route66photography.com/

Another Satisfied Headshot Client

2010-01-14T22:59:00.006-07:00

We recently updated the headshot portfolio for actress Jenna Brooks.

Jenna is perfecting her craft at Steve Wilmon's Ovations Film Actors Studio here in Albuquerque. Give Steve a call at 505.319.7780 for a complete schedule of the classes he offers.

We offer friendly, unrushed head shot sessions that include 5 high resolution edited/retouched images along with web-optimized versions for email and web site use, all for $95. Your edited images are given to you on CD along with a signed Photographer's Release. Print and distribute your images without restrictions.

There are a lot of exciting new and continuing film and TV projects now in the area. Set building is underway for the blockbuster new movie THOR up North of Santa Fe right now. Check out the local casting calls and start 2010 with a great new series of headshots.

Give me a call anytime at 505.401.6358 to schedule a headshot session that will fit YOUR family, work, and school schedule. Visit our website http://www.route66photography.com/ to see more headshots of Jenna and other recent clients.

TTYS,

Steve Snowden

Route 66 Photography

FinePix REAL 3D W1 Digital Camera on the way!

2009-09-28T13:27:00.006-06:00

After almost 9 months of waiting for the latest in 3D digital camera technology, my wait is about over. The brand-new FinePix REAL 3D W1 Digital Camera from FUJI will soon join my collection of stereo 3-D cameras and surely relegate them to the back of my camera storage cabinets. Cameras in my collection like the vintage Russian Sputnik, the LOMO 3D, my (4)KODAK Stereo cameras, and my collection of over a dozen Stereo Realist cameras will finally get a rest as my new FUJI 3D joins my stables.

The FUJI FinePix REAL 3D W1 Digital Camera is the first digital 3D camera manufactured by a major camera manufacturer, ever - so I HAD to have one. In addition to the incredible still images I've seen produced by the the new W1, it'll also record video footage in 3D.

I've got several 3D books greenlighted and have just been waiting for delivery of the FUJI W1 3D Camera to start shooting and editing.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta www.BalloonFiesta.com opens this coming weekend, October 3rd and I hope to be on the field with my new FinePix REAL 3D W1 Digital Camera for the Mass Ascension on opening day.

The new FUJI FinePix REAL 3D W1 Digital Camera has the capability to display 3D images and 3D video WITHOUT needing any special glasses. But, you'll need to get your red/blue glasses ready and watch this blog site for anaglyph versions of 3D photos from the 2009 Balloon Fiesta.

I'll also be using the FUJI FinePix REAL 3D W1 Digital Camera in my work with Route 66 Photography and offering 3D photography for celebrity, real estate, product, and special event photography.

Thanks again to the folks at FUJI for giving us 3D capability in a digital format!

Best,

Steve Snowden

http://www.route66photography.com/

http://route66photography.blogspot.com/

(photo of the FUJI W1 3D Camera courtesy FUJI)

Another Good Site for Casting Call Info

2009-08-18T07:19:00.004-06:00

Hope everyone is staying busy as more film and TV projects are coming into New Mexico.

Here's another nice link with info on Casting Calls, Auditions, Calls for Headshots, etc.

http://www.crewnewmexico.com/moviejobs

Check back every week or so for updates to their listings.

Best,

Steve Snowden
www.Route66Photography.com

Wynn Rowell Success Story!

2009-07-10T08:14:00.005-06:00

We received an exciting email this morning from one of our Albuquerque headshot clients, Wynn Rowell.

Wynn wrote - "I'm playing the Defense Attorney in "Jailbait," an episode of "In Plain Sight" this Sunday, July 12th on the USA channel. Take a peek if you get a chance."

Since several of our clients have gotten roles on "In Plain Sight", it is already on our TIVO Season Pass List!

Wynn is an experienced stage and film actor. You can read more about Wynn Rowell on his IMDB page.

Congratulations and continued success to Wynn Rowell and all of our friends in the Albuquerque, New Mexico portion of the movie and TV entertainment industry!

Steve Snowden
http://www.Route66Photography.com/

Another Client Success Story!

2009-07-10T07:51:00.010-06:00

We got a call from Sasha's Mom, Leslie the other day letting us know that 9 year-old Sasha WON First Place in the Photogenic Catagory at America's US Miss Pageant in St. Louis last weekend. Sasah is a recent headshot client of ours and exclusively used the photos we made for her portfolio presentation for the competition. Here's a photo of Sasha (courtesy of Leslie Butcher) immediately after the announcment in St. Louis last weekend.

One of the headshots she used in her competition portfolio is shown below in this earlier blog posting.

http://route66photography.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html

Congratulations to Sasha and her Family of Albuquerque, New Mexico and continued success!

Steve Snowden

http://www.route66photography.com/

Latest Child Headshot Client -

2009-06-27T14:19:00.004-06:00

We just got back to the studio from a fabulous on-location photo session with 9-year old Sasha. Sasha is a singer and budding actress. Leah Snowden and Sasha's Mom, Leslie -assisted with lighting and props.

She and her family are flying to St. Louis this week to complete in a national talent competition. They'll be taking a portfolio of the photos we shot today to help to promote Sasha and her talents.

Give us a call at 505.401.6358 to inquire about headshot or modeling photography for yourself or your child, or visit our website at http://www.route66photography.com/ .

Best -

Steve Snowden

Recent Advertising - Commercial Photography for Weck's Restaurant

2009-06-25T10:16:00.010-06:00

The storyboard / layout for the new Weck's advertisment is now complete, incorporating some of my recent commercial photography. Route 66 Photography was contacted by Weck's Restaurants to photograph some delicious menu items for their current and upcoming advertising campaigns. A few weeks ago I went over to Weck's Corporate Headquarters, accompanied by food stylist and photographer assistant Aaron Snowden .

We photographed their incredible pancakes, papas, and omelettes for upcoming ads for Red Plum and elsewhere.

The creative design and layout was done by Albuquerque's Myriah Landolfi. She's dependable and full of fresh ideas.

Here's the ad that will be appearing in Red Plum.

Be watching for the Weck's advertising and coupons, but you don't have to wait for that. Check out any of their Albuquerque locations for an incredible breakfast or lunch.

Don't forget to tip your wait staff!

Cheers,

Steve

Photo Opportunities Were Everywhere

2009-06-21T20:48:00.005-06:00

Back in Albuquerque now and beginning the photo editing process. So many contacts in the U.K. and I'm excited to edit & distribute their photos.

Photo opportunities were all around on our trip to England. The essence of Great Britain all came together quite serendipiously one sunny afternoon in this candid street photo of Anne as she strolled back to work after lunch; a traditional red double decker bus, a London taxi, and Victorian buildings in the background.

I wish we could have made time to do a proper headshot session that day. Perhaps on my next visit -

Cheers,

Steve

Casting Calls

2009-06-21T18:48:00.000-06:00

For many years we've been listed on the official New Mexico State Film Office website .

The New Mexico State Film Office website maintains an up-to-date listing of casting calls and information on movie and TV projects coming to New Mexico and the Albuquerque area.

Our Albuquerque headshot clients include Rodney Rush (Breaking Bad, speaking role)
Nicole Gramlich (In Plain Sight, speaking role), and

Nicky Sanchez (Terminator Salvation, speaking role)

Be prepared for the next time a casting call is announced that you "are perfect for!" See more examples of our headshot and modeling photography at http://www.route66photography.com/ .

See you at the movies -

Steve

Route 66 Photography Visits England

2009-06-21T18:27:00.000-06:00

We visited London and Liverpool last month and returned with over 4,000 digital images to review and sort. We met and had a great (East) Indian dinner with long time friend Tony Newman and his two sons, Barnaby and Daniel. We photographed several lovely models in Liverpool and took photos and headshots of many of the wonderful people we met as we traversed the country. Also photographed the iconic & abandoned Battersea Power Station, which is probably best known as the building featured on the cover of the Pink Floyd LP/CD, Animals. I'll be posting many headshots and Battersea images as the weeks go by.

And, what would a trip to London be without a visit to Harrods Department Store?!

We're back in town and scheduling Headshot appointments now for July. The SAG contract dispute has apparently been settled so the movie and TV productions will be back in full swing soon. Now is a great time to get started so you'll be ready when the casting calls begin.

Visit our website at www.Route66Photography.com or give us a call at 505.401.6358.

Best,

Steve

Latest Albuquerque Headshot Client

2009-06-21T11:22:00.001-06:00

We had a wonderful headshot & modeling session in Albuquerque Old Town earlier this month with aspiring Albuquerque actress and model PRISCILLA ALVIDREZ.

Priscilla is a lovely young woman with a beautiful look and glowing personality. I expect great things for her in the movie and TV industry.

She has a huge opportunity coming up in the next couple of weeks and we will be following her successes here on this blog.

And thanks to Bob Buhl and his daughter Allie for all of their assistance with the lighting and suggestions.

You can see photos ofsome of our other Albuquerque headshot clients at http://www.route66photography.com/.

Best of luck to Priscilla and all of our Albuquerque headshot clients!

Steve Snowden

Blog for Albuquerque Headshot Clients

2009-06-21T11:01:00.001-06:00

I wanted a way for actresses and actors in Albuquerque to get quality headshots at an affordable price. For more information and pricing, please go to my website in Albuquerque at www.Route66photography.com or give us a call at 505.401.6358.

Thanks, See you at the movies!

Steve Snowden