Alex Mitrovich
Zampano Photography's head photographer is Alex Mitrovich, a successful portrait and commercial photographer in Los Angeles. He lives in Sherman Oaks with his girlfriend, Megan. Alex has dedicated his craft to insuring success in yours and welcomes all inquiries, comments and questions. You can reach him by email or phone via the contact page.
Alveraz Ricardez is the founder, former head photographer and operating owner of Zampano Photography. He is a professional screenwriter and lives with his wife and two children in Westwood. He is represented by The Bohrman Agency and Silvera Management.
HEADSHOTS F.A.Q.
My smile always looks artificial in photos, any tips?
Here's the trick; the smile is in the eyes... really! A genuine smile comes from within and stimulates the muscles in the entire face, including around the eyes. An artificial smile is generated without emotion or internal dialogue. This leaves you with limited muscle reaction around the lips and a lifeless smile. Look at any photo you have where your smile is the real deal. Notice how the eyes light up and every part of your face is alive but natural.
Most professional actors that come through our door simply close their eyes for a moment between each exposure and react internally to something funny, maybe a joke they've heard, or that one uncle who makes them laugh at reunions. The secret is to giggle when you open your eyes. Vocalizing a brief chuckle stimulates your internal memory functions and triggers a natural smile, every time! Try it, you'll be surprised. This may feel awkward at first, but it's the sure fire way to get you loose, open and smiling with your eyes!
What should I wear?
Most actors choose three looks. The standard is one commercial look, one professional/business look, and one more theatrical or dramatic look. Any combination of these usually works well. Solid colors work best, however if you have that special look you want, we'll make it happen! Please avoid white, logos and busy patterns.
Start thinking about the desired roles you want to audition for. You can always substitute one of your looks with a specialty look you may excel in or aspire to audition for. For instance, if you want to land more studious type roles, then bring along more conservative selections. If you aspire to land more antagonist roles, break out the dark stuff! Bring a few more selections than you need so we can help you choose what works best for you.
Do you shoot with studio or natural light?
We shoot with a little bit of both! We see no reason to limit ourselves with one or the other. Instead we prefer to blend natural light flooded into our large, comfortable studio. We mix in some studio lighting if needed, but it's rare. If the mood strikes us or our client, we do a little shooting outdoors as well! This is an organic experience between the client and photographer, we never limit our experience together and always provide a unique session customized to our clients needs, no cookie-cutter headshots here!. Images of our studio can be found HERE.
What form of payment do you accept?
Cash, Paypal, Check or Money Order. Payment must be made in full immediately following our session. Sorry, credit cards are not accepted at this time.
What about Make-Up?
Our MUA specializes in photographic make-up and can be hired for an additional rate, please visit our rates section for details. As for hair, keep in mind your face is the hi-lite of the shoot, try to keep the hair simple and out of your face. This does not mean you need to tie it back, just remember your face is the centerpiece, not the hair.
If you decide against hiring our MUA please follow the industry headshot mantra, "look like you!" I can't stress this point enough. When you walk through that agent or casting director's door it's vital you look like your headshot. So please keep the make-up simple, soft and basic. If you opt-out of using our MUA please show up camera ready, we want to maximaize our time together, so please have your make-up and hair done when you arrive.
Can I bring different looks?
Of course! Whether it's commercial, theatrical, doctor, lawyer, or clown, you bring the wardrobe and energy, and we'll make it happen! Prices for additional looks can be found in our "Rates" section.
Where do I get my headshots printed?
Zampano Photography works exclusively with "Argentum" in Hollywood. They have the best quality reproductions and more importantly the most affordable headshot printing I have found in Los Angeles. Your session will be hosted online by Argentum for free, 3 days after our shoot. You will also have the free option to pick-up a CD of your entire session at their Hollywood location. I recommend getting your shots printed while there.
I have my headshots, now what?
That depends where you are in your career path. If you do not have an Agent, that would be the first avenue to explore. This is under the presumption you already have acting and training experience behind you. If you do not have the experience I would suggest exploring the countless acting programs and teachers in Los Angeles; simply google for a list.
Then try your hand with the hundreds of student films casting around town to get your feet wet. If however you do have the acting chops and experience, then what are you waiting for!?! First thing's first. Swing by Samuel French Bookstore off Sunset Blvd. and pick up all the casting publications you can handle, they have an incredible amount of literature on the craft as well, this is a great place to start. Even if you have an Agent already, they will expect the same amount of energy and drive to find jobs on your behalf as you do theirs, so start plugging away!
Get your shots printed and start submitting to auditions, or Agents, depending on your goals. Keep in mind the industry has changed dramatically over the last ten years and many CD's cast from various online sources now. The three most reputable and well known casting websites to post your headshot and create profiles are "Actor's Access", "Now Casting" and "LA Casting", part of Casting Networks, Los Angeles. You can google each one for a link. The obvious caveat is, "buyer beware"!
Always do your homework and find out what is right for you, choose your online casting websites carefully. So, with your headshots available online and in print you can now begin your journey to that Oscar!
What if I need to cancel?
Here's the not-so-fun part of the FAQ. If you are not going to make your appointment please, please give me enough notice to book the empty slot. This is a simple matter of professional courtesy and ethics. I lose money when you don't show up! Keep one thing in mind, butterflies in the stomach is a natural part of the process, it's nothing to worry about. In fact, having a little bit of nerves can help keep the shoot fresh and exciting!
Many actors pull out at the last minute due to nerves. I can promise you we'll have a relaxed, kick-back experience and five minutes into the shoot you'll forget all about those butterflies and simply be relaxed, and on your way to some fabulous headshots!
Where did the name, "Zampano" come from?
Zampano was a character played by Anthony Quinn in the 1954 Fellini film, La Strada. I was a fan of the boisterous spirit of the character and masterful work of Fellini, not to mention the name is just kinda cool!
Questions, Comments, or to book a session: jameyperry@mac.com
We look forward to meeting you!
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