Performer Headshots from Both Ends of the Camera
Two things make up a great performer’s headshot. One is the performer, posing. The other is the photographer, snapping. Dallas photographer Mark Oristano works both ends of the equation.
As a 30-year stage veteran, Oristano has appeared in over 50 productions, in works from Shakespeare to David Mamet. And as a portrait photographer, Oristano has helped the Dallas-Fort Worth theater community with quality headshots at a very affordable rate.
“Once they know that I go through the same stuff they do as an actor, it’s pretty easy to get people to relax for their session,” Oristano says.
Once you get the subject to relax, you’ve got half the session battle won. And even though actors and other performers are used to being in public, the camera can always become a barrier.
“The final shot usually never comes out of the first 20 or so pictures,” says Oristano.”Since I speak their language, the language of the stage, we can compare notes on roles and things and build a good rapport.”
Mark works in studio with hair/makeup stylist Kari Engelbrecht to create the proper look for each subject, which changes with age, coloring, wardrobe etc.
Kari is superb at judging hair, makeup and coloring. I bow to her knowledge completely and I let her set the pace as far as styling goes.”
And how much does he trust himself as a photographer?
“I take my own headshots,” Oristano adds, “using a remote shutter release. I’ve even taken the book jacket photo for my new book, A SPORTSCASTER’S GUIDE TO WATCHING FOOTBALL.“
Oristano also shoots in an old-style black-and-white fashion, which he calls “Hollywood/1935.” Shots reminisicent of the great Hollywood photos of the like of George Hurrell from the 1930′s.