It’s been an amazing year.
Along with publishing a half dozen gorgeous editorials, photographing a host of beautiful people at the beach and updating numerous modeling portfolios, we also shot a ton of headshot sessions. In fact, we did headshots for more than 50 Portland actors in the second half of the year alone.
While we don’t play favorites — we love all our clients — we did capture a few headshots that really stand out in our eyes. Here are our 9 Favorite Headshots of 2019, in random order, along a few words on why we like them so much.
Steve Marshall (Ryan Artists)
This handsome young man is a former LA radio programmer and screenwriter who is now a working actor in Portland. He created the world’s first soft rock radio station (KNX-FM) back in the 1970s and was a screenwriter for, among other shows, WKRP In Cincinnati (which automatically makes him one of our heroes).
Leah (Puddletown Talent)
We met Leah just a few months ago when she and her brother, Isaac, and her sister, Naomi, came to the studio for headshots. Leah is an avid dancer and athlete (her Dad is a former pro football player) and, as you can see, a natural beauty. We love how this picture just jumps off the page.
John Kersey (Art House)
We’ve known Jonah since he started acting way back in high school. Not only is he a fine actor, he’s an adept screenwriter, producer and director and is quite possibly the most generous person we know. And this is a darn good theatrical headshot.
Alissa Bagan (Sports + Lifestyle Unlimited)
This picture is from our very first shoot with Alissa, who is an actor, model and improvisational comedian. There were so many good images of her from this session, we had trouble choosing our favorite. We like this one because it’s direct and to the point and shows a certain quiet confidence.
Piper (Puddletown Talent)
What can we say about Piper? She captured our hearts from the minute we met her and makes us smile every time she steps in front of the camera. She’s spontaneous and confident and full of life, which is to say she’s a stellar example of exactly how everyone should live.
Riley (unsigned)
If we had to pick a favorite of all favorites, it would likely be this picture of Riley. The session, in fact, was pretty much finished. But Riley was so at ease and free spirited — and we were having so much fun — that we kept on shooting. For this one, I simply asked her to stare right through the camera. And there you have it.
Mubarak Raoof (Sports + Lifestyle Unlimited)
This shot of Mubarak (or “Moobie,” as his friends call him) was taken sitting on the couch of a coffee shop in SE Portland. I asked him to think about a badass character from a 70s movie and this is the shot we got. The fact that he’s really a super nice, easy going guy makes us like it even more.
Sarah Assumma (Lovestone Agency, LA)
If you’re a fan of Shameless then you probably recognize this gorgeous girl as the actor who plays Sissy. She’s also a world-class soccer player and one of our first and most cherished champions down in beautiful LA. Any time we can shoot pictures of Sarah, we’re on a plane and ready to go.
Lilian McNeil (Zuri Model and Talent)
Last, but by no means least, is this beautiful headshot of the amazing Miss Lilian. We get to work with Lilian regularly over the course of the year and every single time it’s a blast. We have to resist the urge to curl those beautiful blonde locks but, no matter what we do, we always get an amazing picture