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.
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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.

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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

Another Success Story!

Route 66 Photography Congratulates Albuquerque's Catharine Pilafas for landing another National TV role!


Catharine is another of our successful headshot clients. She is hard working and dedicated and just keeps getting roles. She appeared in IN PLAIN SIGHT and has a lead role in FATAL ENCOUNTERS on the Discovery I.D. Channel this Monday evening (April 30th) at 8pm.


In the episode titled WICKED, Catharine plays Angela Sanford, a 30-year-old social outcast
practicing Wiccan. Sanford meets up with 52-year-old family man Joel Leyva. He's a devout
Christian yet they develop an unlikely friendship that ends in a mysterious murder.


The episode is based on an Albuquerque, true-crime story you may have read about in the Albuquerque Journal.

Watch the episode trailer here...
http://investigation.discovery.com/videos/fatal-encounters-the-wicked-friendship.html

If it's time to update your head shot portfolio, give us a call at Route 66 Photography / 505.401.6358 or email at     Info@Route66Photography.com


The weather is beautiful this time of year and it's a perfect time for a photo session in the magical Albuquerque light.
 
Set your TIVO for Monday night at 8pm and see Catharine in her latest television role!
 
Steve Snowden
www.Route66Photography.com

Head shot photos from our session with Katharine -

                                  Route 66 Photography

Cheap Lenses Aren't Always a Bad Thing -

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 -

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

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

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!

*************************************************

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.

************************************

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

1. Every 6 - 12 months

************************************

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

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

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

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 -

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

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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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Thanks!

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Steve Snowden

Route 66 Photography

http://www.route66photography.com/

Current Casting Calls!

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

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/