Some Personal Projects with Celeste

Recent eye surgery was successful, but I was restricted to the indoors for a bit. 

We're back at it now and ready to schedule your headshot session! 

Don't be concerned with the recent heat spell / we schedule our sessions early in the day before the heat and humidity take over.

This time indoors didn't keep me from the computer and I worked on some personal projects using some modeling photographs I made with Celeste before my surgery.  Celeste and I have been collaborating on creative photo projects together and she has been my photography muse for over 7 years.  Here are a couple of surreal images we created recently.

Until next time -

Best -  Steve

A Portfolio of Some of Our Recent Headshot Clients -

We have been amiss in updating our blog in recent months so I wanted to show you a few headshots that we've done for some upcoming actors and actresses in the past months. Hannah returned to us a few months ago to update her headshot portfolio. Hannah is home-schooled and keeps a busy schedule with acting classes with Steve Willmon at Ovations Studio, casting calls, tennis, and lots more.

Then there's Algernon. He lives in Deming, New Mexico and he also is a returning headshot client. Algernon is heavily involved in the acting scene in Southern New Mexico and is instrumental in establishing local theater down there.

Lenka is a medical professional who has been bitten by the acting bug. She had a small part in the upcoming Johnny Depp movie, "The Lone Ranger" and plans to go on a lot more auditions with the new headshots we created for her last month.

Lenka is versatile and able to emote for the camera, as she demonstrated in this sample card we created for her. (Click on the photo to see it enlarged)

And just a week or so ago we photographed Sasha for her third photo/headshot session. We first met Sasha back in 2010 and she returns on a regular basis to keep her photos timely so they show how she looks as the months and years go by. Sasha attends APS middle school and is very involved in Singing, dance, and sports. She has participated in local, State, and National pageant competitions for many, many years. We wish her continued success!

And if you've read my earlier blog entries, you know about Emily, our most recent headshot client! This was a fun image that gave Emily a great smile! My wife was fanning Emily's face and hair with one of our large reflectors to get a 'windblown hair' look.. and it worked!

Best of luck to everyone on your next casting call... Steve Snowden www.Route66Photography.com 505.401.6358 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> P.S. I saw these on a Tumblr posting. If anyone knows where they are available locally... please let me know!!

A Busy Couple of Months for Route 66 Photography

We've been busy the last few months and haven't given the time necessary to keep our blog updated. So, trying to place catch-up today and the coming week(s). We're still able to schedule a couple of headshot session each month. If you'd like to schedule a session, give us a call at (505)401-6358. Some of the projects we have been shooting include the recent Albuquerque Film Festival and the National Press Junket for Will Smith and his son for their latest Hollywood movie, "After Earth". The junket took place at Spaceport America in the Southern part of New Mexico. Will Smith was just as nice and gracious as you might have heard (or imagined). We were photographing Will and his son in the blazing, glaring New Mexico sun but he took his time posing for us and even took the time to stop and say hello and shake my hand as he was heading back to his limo.

The Albuquerque Film Experience also brought a bit of Hollywood to our city. We covered and photographed various events throughout the 7-day festival. Notables included Robert Redford -

80's musician Thomas Dolby -

And one of the stars from HBO's "The Sopranos", Frederico Castelluccio.

CASTING CALL ALERT - Castelluccio presented a short during the festival that he is planning to expand into a full length film... and he announced that he will be returning to New Mexico to shoot his new film. Check out Frederico Castelluccio on www.IMDB.com to see what he has coming up in 2013 and 2014. Have a great weekend! Steve Snowden www.Route66Photography.com 505.401.6358

It's Probably Time to Update Your Headshot Portfolio -

It is suggested that adults update their headshot photos if the photos they are using currently are more than 18 months old. But there are other factors to consider. Does the headshot you're using still 'look like you" ? 1. Is your hair a different color or noticeably shorter or longer that that on your current headshot? 2. Have you gained or lost more than 10 lbs. since your last head shot? 3. For men, is your facial hair now different than your current headshot... beard, moustache? For those under 17 years of age who are actively looking for roles and going to casting calls, it is suggested that you update your headshots every 6 - 9 months. We had a wonderful headshot session a couple of weeks ago with Emily. Emily is a student at Ovations Studio with Steve Willmon and this was her first professional headshot session.

We're scheduling Headshot Sessions at this time but we're limited to just a couple a month because of our other photography obligations. Give us a call! Best and good luck - Steve Snowden Route 66 Photography www.Route66Photography.com 505.401.6358

Senior Photos & Other Projects

(Lots of new photos below / Double-Click on

 any image to enlarge it)


Hello,

It has been a few months since our last update.  We've been kept busy with several large commercial clients, including shooting a NASCAR event at the Albuquerque NAPA Speedway, a first for New Mexico.  These images created a lot of interest in the racing world and several were published worldwide.

We've also found some time to resume our Senior photography work and some great local high school Seniors. 

For more information on our very affordable Senior Photography services and schedule, just email us at info@Route66Photography.com  or visit our website at  www.Route66Photography.com .   We don't charge excessive session fees or sitting charges.  And, we never sell you 'packages' and 'sets'.  You pick the images you like from your proofs and you'll receive the edited, retouched photos as high-resolution digital images for printing AND Facebook optimized versions on a CD along with a full Photographer's Release. 

Take your CD to any photo printing facility in town or simply upload them to one of the many high quality photo printing facilities around the country like www.mpix.com  and order only the sizes and number of prints you actually want, anytime, from large 16x20 inches to wallet sized to trade with friends and family.

Your Senior photos will be made using the very latest,  NIKON D800E,  Full-Frame 36MP DSLR for the highest possible resolution, quality, and color capture. 

We're looking forward to hearing from you and working with you on your Senior Photos or modeling portfolio!

Best,

Steve Snowden
www.Route66Photography.com

We've also been busy as we continue our celebrity and performance photography at several area venues.  Glen Campbell, Comedian Anjelah Johnson, and Crosby Stills & Nash are just a few we've photographed this year.

Update - AVOIDING SCAMS

A friend went to one of the agency sites that I mentioned in yesterday's blog.  The agency was mentioned on page 61 of the May 2012 issue of New Mexico Magazine.  In that article about getting work as a movie/tv extra, they clearly say "There is no charge".


But,   WWW.ONLOCATIONCASTING.US  told our friend that she needed to sign up with agency pro talent website (and pay a yearly fee to be seen by talent agencies).  People are apparently submitting all of their info and photos to On Location Casting and are NOT being told they have to pay a yearly fee until AFTER they complete the web registration process.

As I've mentioned in previous blogs on this subject,  go to this site -
http://www.modelingscams.org/upfrontfees.html
and read and learn about how legitimate agencies operate.  They make their money by finding work for YOU...  not by having you write them a check. 

UPDATE - On Location Casting sent the following reply to my friend when she asked WHY they were requiring money.  Apparently from their reply,  they claimed that THEY aren't asking for clients to pay, it's their SOFTWARE company who stipulates you'll have a better chance of getting hired IF you pay THEM money.

 This was their reply - You be the judge.
*********************

If you read the disclaimers on both our website FAQ and our Facebook page it will explain very clearly that it is absolutely FREE to register with OLC and to be included in our database as eligible for work & bookings and to access/update your profile 24/7. It outlines that all accounts are listed as 'not-active' (which is all that is required to be booked) however due to our contract with our software provider, Agency Pro, you will be sent bi-monthly marketing emails suggesting that you pay for the OPTIONAL (NOT required) 'active' Agency Pro upgrades. If you would like the added marketing benefits that a paid Agency Pro account offers (listed in their marketing material) you are welcome to sign up for the 'active' account. If you don't feel you need them, we don't require them and don't book talent based on what type of account they have. 

On another note, we are not a Talent Agency which represents Clients. We are a Casting Company and Casting Directors. We are paid directly by the productions that we are hired to cast so do not take a percentage of talent earnings, however we also do not represent you by going out and finding you work on projects that are not cast by our company.

********************************
 


Steve Snowden
Route 66 Photography
www.Route66Photography.com

How to Be a Movie Extra - AMENDED (see 5/10/2012 blog)

Most New Mexico casting for movie and television extras is handled by just a few Albuquerque companies.  And, small background parts do not require SAG membership.  But being timely and dependable is required!

There aren't any "Talent Scouts" roaming the streets of Albuquerque and Santa Fe looking for you. To get started and to be considered for roles, you'll need to take the first step.  You'll need a high quality headshot to upload to the various extras casting company's websites.  Then visit their websites and fill out their personal information forms.

Be truthful and complete the information forms accurately.  If you list your waist size as 28" when you're actually a 34", you probably won't be called or considered if they happen to be looking for people with 34" waists.

Think about your talents and experiences when completing the forms.  If you horseback ride, own and/or ride a motorcycle, do yoga, or own an unusual vehicle, put that on the form.  If you have long hair and are willing to cut or color your hair, let them know.  The more varied and flexible you are, the more likely you'll get called.

You should also dedicate some time and effort to studying and taking acting classes and training to help get you to that next level and out of the 'background' in movies and television.  As with any learned skill, expert instruction and practice is what separates those who 'want' and those who 'get' what they want.

Many of the students at Ovations Film Actors Studio have appeared in national television and movie roles as well as national advertising campaigns.  You can give Director Steve Willmon a call at 505.319.7780 and read more about his classes by visiting www.OvationsFilm.com .

Some of the area companies specializing in casting movie and television extras are...

www.EGCasting.com
www.OnLocationCasting.us
www.A1StarCasting.com

There is no charge.  NEVER pay to be listed or represented by any agent or to be listed on any casting or modeling site.  No legitimate company charges or demands money up front to represent you.  They earn their money by being paid by the movie and television companies and/or a small percentage of the money you earn from jobs they get for you.

If they make their money by having you write them a check to have "their" photographer take your headshots or for a promise of future work.... that is unethical and in some places illegal. 

For examples of the kinds of head shots that get noticed, remembered, and can help get you hired, visit our website at www.Route66Photography.com .  Give us a call at 505.401.6358 to schedule your own headshot session. We will work weekends and holidays to fit your school and work schedules.

We are now using the very latest release and highest resolution Nikon professional DSLR, the brand new D800.  And beginning in late June, we will also be offering High Definition video test reels.  Email us for details.

Get new head shots or update the old ones you have and have some fun this Summer!

Steve Snowden
owner / www.Route66Photography.com
www.SteveSnowden.com