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Why Your Headshot Session Is Just Like a Meisner Exercise
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So many actors have horrible headshots. Casting directors look at thousands of photo’s a week. Getting them to pause on yours takes a real understanding of how to manage your shoot. The biggest mistake you can make while getting your headshots is the same one made by any untrained actor, thinking any of it has something to do with you. It doesn’t. None of it does. Understanding that the other person is more important than you is a fundamental that any serious Meisner training program should instill in you. This needs to translate to your photo shoot.
Meisner Technique Headshots – Michael Cinquino
Sandy Meisner knew that self-conscious actors are boring. In our heads is the last place we want to function from as artists. This applies both to what happens on stage or screen, and also your headshot session if you truly want outstanding photos.
As someone that’s been through the Meisner training myself and have had the opportunity to professionally photograph hundreds of actors, I can tell you that what you are taught in any first rate Meisner training program will serve you well in your headshot session. You just have to know how it translates.
Apply Meisner Training To Your Headshot Sessions
The Meisner technique fundamentally grounds the actor’s ability to put their placement of concentration where it needs to be, either on what you are doing or on the other person. These serve as anchors to keep you out of your head and help you live spontaneously from unanticipated moment to unanticipated moment. The great thing about your partner is that they give back to you. You are always working off them. Add a circumstance, a point of view about your partner, an objective and you’re off to the races. But what happens when you get that camera pointed at you during a headshot session?
What I see happen 90% of the time, is that actors gets self-conscious during their photo shoot. Their attention goes inward. Self-consciousness and insecurity become very easy saboteurs. What you must understand is that your acting partner is now the camera, and it doesn’t give back. So what do you do?
Meisner Technique and Headshots – Michael Cinquino
You create a relationship with the camera in the same way Meisner training teaches you to craft with a script. You simply need to focus on how you want to make that person feel. Inspired, sexy, safe, intimidated, etc. There’s no limit to this. Remember acting isn’t about words it’s about behavior. There’s always something you want, and you use your behavior to get it. When you get specific about how you want to make the camera feel, and really work to achieve it, the results are stunning. When you approach photo shoot this way, then ultimately, whoever looks at your photo is going to feel something. And when an agent, manager, casting director, etc. stop at your headshot, they will be moved and interested in you. Moved to do what? To make sure you wind up in that audition room.
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“Maggie Flanigan has been one of the most important people in my artistic life. I want to work with Maggie trained actors. As an actor myself, she is my first source. I do not say this lightly, if you are serious about acting, and willing to work very hard, then go to Maggie.”
“Maggie helped me find my sense of truth, an actors greatest asset. Maggie is an expert at instilling that vital ingredient, which allows an actor’s potential to become limitless. My work will forever be rooted in the clarity and honesty she helped me develop.”
“After working for ten years, I did the 2 year program, and now feel that I have the tools I need to become the actor I’ve always dreamed of being. Maggie Flanigan instilled in me a clear sense of truth and a standard of perfection. I am a better actor because of this studio.”
“As an actor, the core of what you have to rely on is your sense of truth and humanity. Maggie allowed me to discover and embrace mine. Trusting my sense of humanity and truth has given me the ability to take risks in my work and my career decisions.”
“Maggie Flanigan has the unique ability to get an actor to the essence of what is true in a moment. She creates a safe and caring environment in which to work.”
“Maggie Flanigan introduced me to my own spirit and my own sense of Truth. Her passion for teaching and ability to communicate are rare gifts to any actor looking for a technique to set his or her talent free. Maggie’s voice has been the one constant guide in my career.”
