Featured Photos - November 2022

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While November clouds wrap a gray blanket around Portland, it's always sunny in our minds and bright and colorful in our studio. Here's a sample of the beautiful pictures we took of beautiful people in the month of November.

Amanda, Way Too Fun

To quote her agent: “Holy cow, you two! I'm glad I don't have to narrow it down (to the finals). Love, love, love!” What else can we say?

Amanda’s represented in Portland by TMM Talent and is a master student at Acting for Kids and Teens. See some more teen portfolios here.

Tiffany, Because

One of Portland’s best known and most successful models (as if you couldn’t tell) as well as an actor on the rise, Tiff came to us for new acting headshots because, as she said, “you’re the headshot guy in Portland.” And then we took a few modeling shots, too, ‘cuz we just couldn’t resist.

Tiffany is represented by The Option Agency.

Mya, Colorfully

We’re in love with warm yellows and apple greens these days, just like we’ve been in love with Mya for as long as we’ve been taking pictures. And the blue nails with the blue hair and the maroon pants is just the best.

Collin and Kristen, Coincidentally

We’re posting Collin and Kristen together because a) they’re good friends who’ve work together on a number of productions, b) they both shot new headshots with us on the same day and c) they both work really fast. (We think it took about 20 minutes to shoot Collin, start to finish, All-Star pro that he is).

Jorja, Perfectly

Range, range, range. That’s the name of the game with teen headshots and Jorja just kills it: serious girl, smart girl and fun girl looks that are all uniquely HER.

Alli, Not Awkwardly

Alli came to us to get new headshots and “not be awkward in front of the camera.” We’re not exactly sure what she was talking about ‘cuz she crushed it.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

7 Headshot Looks to Include in Your Portfolio

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In Portland, commercial bookings are the bread and butter of most working actors. For that reason, agencies will tell you a strong commercial headshot should be the core component of your portfolio. And we definitely agree!

We also know depth doesn’t hurt and, especially if you’re planning to expand outside the Portland market, having some additional looks in your book is a good idea.

Here’s a brief check-in on what a well-rounded headshot portfolio looks like:

Commercial

Commercial looks are bright and shiny and colorful and happy. You’re selling yourself as someone who can sell a product. Clothing is simple, smiles are big and eyes are bright. It all about “selling cereal and cell phones,” as we tell our clients, and this look is indeed your most important look when working in the Portland market.




Theatrical

This is the next logical look to have in your book. Some actors equate “theatrical” with “serious” and, as such, practice their most serious stare for this image. In fact, you want your theatrical image to be as approachable and engaging as your commercial look. Perhaps a little less bright and shiny and smiley but, still, connected and enthusiastic.



Procedural

Procedurals — shows about lawyers and cops and firefighters and nurses and doctors — are another key category for working actors. Are you a Sopranos-style wise guy? A button-down lawyer? Working class hero? Look at shows in production, figure out who you are, style an outfit that fits the bill (but doesn’t look too much like a costume) and make yourself marketable in this category.

Family

The befuddled dad, the datebook-juggling mom, the wise grandmother, the cool uncle with all the tats, the goofy aunt with all the crystal necklaces. Or maybe something simpler, like an easy-going girl next door in a nice cardigan over a white T-shirt. Think about how you’d best fit into an on-set family and consider a look of this sort.

Bully/Edgy/Gritty

For kids, it’s called the bully look. For young actors, it’s edgy. For older actors, the word ‘gritty’ comes to mind. Whatever you call it, it’s a look that’s a bit darker and more aggressive (and can look pretty cool in black and white.) Here’s where you get to use that serious stare you’ve been practicing.

Glamorous

If you’re a leading man or leading lady (or just clean up nicely), having a “glamorous” image in your book never hurts. More and more agencies are saying “thumbs up” to adding half and full body shots to your portfolio. This can be a great spot to put on a nice dress or a sharp suit and make that happen.


Smart/Quirky/Nerdy

This one should probably be higher on our list because “smart” in all its variations is a pretty marketable look. As you can see from the pictures, a change of clothes and a change of expression can take you from edgy to glamorous to smart in just a few minutes.


Other Looks To Consider

If one of the looks we’ve covered doesn’t quite match your character (or if you just love taking headshots), you might consider some of these variations:

Comedic: In the immortal words of Evil Knievel: “Don’t try this at home.” If you’re funny, you know it and you should have a comedic look in your book. Maybe even at the top of your book. If you’re not funny (or don’t look funny) this one might not be for you.

Business Professional: A variation on the procedural look, this one dials you into a more specific niche, which can range from the power suit politician to the young tech-savvy intern. This is especially helpful to have in the Pacific Northwest, where there can be a lot of institution/industrial work. It’s not glamorous work (and you may never even see it) but it typically pays well. Like the cop/procedural look, the right category for you depends on your casting type.

Dramatic: The word “dramatic” can mean a lot of things, depending on who you are. It can mean grizzly old guy or teenage goth girl. And, of course, these subtle shades of character can fit under a larger umbrella: a teenage goth girl may or may not look “edgy.” Look at a dramatic headshot as an opportunity to go even deeper into how you’re typically cast or characters you just love to play.

Need some additional help? At Michael Verity Photography, we include pre-shoot wardrobe consultation with every session. If you’re in the market for new headshots, take a look at our headshot pages and shoot us an email to start the conversation.

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Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Featured Photos - October 2022

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Fall colors and colorful photos are the highlights of our October collection of featured photos.

Kaci, We Guess

Inspired by the Guess? Jeans ads of the 1990s, we shot these awesome pictures of Kaci in our backyard. We’re particularly proud of how were made the tree-filled Pacific Northwest look like the Old West.

Ayah and Jordyn, The Sisters

It should be no surprise that this sister team, whom we visit every time we’re in Phoenix, work in the industry all the time. Beyond being completely cute, they are consummate professionals!

Catch up with everything Jordyn on her Instagram and see what’s up with Ayah over here on her Instagram.

Calvin and Chloe, Together

Calvin and Chloe are another set of sibs who just rock the camera. This image is from the first of what we hope are many more sessions!

Calvin and Chloe are represented by Sports and Lifestyle Unlimited.

Sophie and Bowie, At The Best

Sophie and Bowie both joined us for the first time to shoot their first kid modeling portfolios. Sophie legitimately knows what to do with a basketball (and a soccer ball and just about every other ball) and Bowie is just plain cool in every way. With a name like Bowie, it’s no surprise.

Sophie is represented by Ryan Artists while Bowie is part of the Sports and Lifestyle Unlimited roster.

Jack and Keegan, With Confidence

Teen portfolios were big on our schedule of fall sessions, with long time client Jack getting some environmental shots for his update and Keegan coming to the studio for, among other things, some awesomely artistic black and whites.

Both Jack and Keegan are represented by Ryan Artists.

Kaitlyn, On The Move

Another of our favorite folks from down Phoenix way, Kaitlyn is headed to school in Nevada in the fall and, hopefully, to Portland on the regular as she was just signed with TMM Talent based on this beautiful set of portfolio pictures.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Featured Photos - September 2022

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September is the season for headshots as actors of all ages get ready for fall and winter castings. But, first, some of our favorite kid portfolio pictures from the last month.

Lizzie, The Loveliest

We don’t play favorites but, if we did, Lizzie would be at the top of our list. Ever since she moved to Portland from Austin, TX, she’s been a regular in front of our camera. She’s one of the sweetest people we know and SUPER talented.

Lizzie is represented by The Option Agency.

Charleigh, Rhymes With “Sparkleigh”

This little gem sped around Portland’s Pearl District last month to make one of the cutest portfolios of the year.

After she got her pictures, she was signed almost immediately to the wonderful TMM Talent.

Josie, To Cool For School

This is the perfect kids headshot portfolio: a bright and smiley commercial image on the left and an edgier “too cool for school” image on the right. Perfection!

Steph, With Range

We love this collection of acting headshots from our friend and TMM Talent actor Steph Ayako. The edgy black and white image in the middle was something of an afterthought and is one of our favorites.

Brandon, Completely

Brandon wins the award for the most prepared headshot subject in the history of Michael Verity Photography. He came with every outfit perfectly dialed-in and a list of all the looks he wanted to accomplish, which is why we accomplished so many great looks. What’s that they say? “Proper preparation prevents poor performance?”

Hailey, Well, Perfectly

OK, we’ll use the word “perfect” one more time because that’s what this teen headshot collection is: the perfect mix of smiles and serious, commercial and theatrical.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Featured Photos - August 2022

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A last grasp at summer before the colors of fall start to fall in place.

Kaci, At The Beach

From the day we met her, as a teenager, when she came to a shoot with her friend, we’ve been enamored of Kaci. We can says it’s because of her beauty or her skills as a model but, when all is said and done, it’s really about her smile and the warmth it comes from.

Paulina, Beautiful

Our session with this gem, who’s represented by The Option Agency, was nothing but a treat. Fun, energetic, easy to work with, the three most important traits of a kid model.

Abbey, Thoughtfully

We got to shoot with Abbey a couple of times this year, the latest being in August at the beach. That thoughtful look you see here is exactly what she’s like in real life: focused, centered and kind.

Brad, Also Thoughtfully

Brad is an author and chairman of the non-profit organization Rockwood Community Development. He came to us for a headshot for his Simon and Schuster book, The Flourishing Community, scheduled to publish in January. Along with some wonderful suit-and-tie images, we captured this great shot on my front porch.

Weston, Happily

There’s a reason why this kid works all the time. Because he steps in front of the camera and BOOM!, it’s done. Can’t beat that!

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Featured Photos - July 2022

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Summer is about being outdoors and making wonderful pictures while Mother Earth is in full sunshine mode.

Grace, Amazingly

Check out our kids headshot page and see if you can find the adorable headshot we did of Grace several years ago. Then come back and look at what she brings to the camera today for her teen modeling portfolio. The love continues!

Luke, Home Alone

OK, so he was actually standing on the sidewalk in downtown Portland but, with an awesome character like Luke, you have to give the Home Alone vibe a little play. Luke’s a long time client and a member of the youth acting roster at Ryan Artists.

Actors and Models and Business People, Oh My

One of our favorite people to photograph is that handsome fellow on the left, Mr. Matt Berger, who is a Portland-based actor and comedian. To the right, is the up-and-coming model, Tyler Posey, with the engaging businessman, Bryan Becker, sandwiched in between. From wherever we start — acting, modeling or business — we always finish with great headshots.

As Always, Piper

What can we say about Piper that hasn’t been said already? One of the smartest, most intuitive young actors in Portland and one of the sweetest, kindest people you’ll ever meet. Here are more wonderfully beautiful images of a wonderfully beautiful kid.

Devyn, In A Breathtaking Way

Speaking of beautiful, have you ever seen a more captivating face? We’ve known Devyn since she was just a wee babe and we lose our breath every time we get to see her in front of the camera.

Olivia, With Character

Speaking of kids we’ve known for awhile, this beautiful shot of Olivia comes to us many years since we first worked with her. Those eyes and that smile, though, have always been there.

Piper, For A Moment

This Piper reach out to us while in town this summer, vacationing from the heat of Phoenix, Arizona. With clothing styled by Carson Verity and hair and makeup by Karina Talaro, this session just rocked. And, as you can see, we had a little fun while we were doing it.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

10 Favorite Beach Sessions of 2021

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Kyra

Throughout our time with Kyra at the beach — in fact, anytime we’re with Kyra at any location — we experience a person who’s always so genuine and open and authentic that any picture we take feels like it was meant to be. Such is the case here with this classic ‘ballet-on-the-beach” shot. What could have been a total cliche feels so free and natural because, well, Kyra is always so free and natural. We’re watching Kyra enjoy a lot of success in the acting and modeling business and we know the secret reason why.

Heather

We’ve done a half dozen sessions with Heather since we met a few years ago and we’re so impressed with how her modeling skills continue to grow. She’s always had the right moves and a wealth of confidence but, lately, we’ve watched that evolve into the kind of stuff you see from A-level models in cities like New York and Paris. This picture from last year’s session at the beach was, to our eyes, a moment when she owned her beauty and her style in way we’d never seen before. She’s truly a joy to photograph.

Some Dude on a Boogie Board

What can I say? I was waiting for a clothing change, saw this guy doing his thing in the shallows and asked if I could take his picture. It took a few takes but we managed to capture him mid-air. (I used to do sport photography so, truth be told, it wasn’t that hard.)

Mya

We’ve been photographing people at the beach for the better part of 8 years and Mya has been with us the whole way. We love this picture because it so different from what we typically shoot in the sand, from the pink glasses (that match her hair) to the sparkly denim jacket to the ‘crybaby’ necklace. Her skin against the gold sand, her jacket against the blue skin, the light falling across her face. Yeah, it’s pretty perfect.

Amara

To us, this feels like a poster for a coming-of-age movie set in the Hamptons or at Cape Cod, sometime in the 80s. There she is: looking to her future. Cue 80s music and that’s a wrap.

Lilian

To us, Lilian is the consummate beach girl. Maybe it’s the way her sparkling blue eyes and golden blonde hair jump out from the beach blue and tan background. Maybe it’s the way she grabs the camera and makes you pay attention (s0mething she’s been doing since we started working with her years ago). Or maybe it’s just because she’s Lilian and she’s fabulous.

Eva

Many a musician has been quoted as saying “writing about music is like dancing about architecture" (or, as Martin Mull once said, “talking about music is like singing about economics".) The same can be said for photos: sometimes they should be left to speak for themselves. And so this one does exactly that. Our only regret about this session was that it had to end.

Kloe

It’s never a question of whether Kloe’s beach pictures will be included in a “best of” collection, it’s a question of how many and which ones. We hate picking just one but, with those rules afoot, we always come back to this one. It is for us a remarkable blend of beauty and innocence with strength and power. It reminds us of the Claudia Schiffer Guess images from the 1980s and, for that we say: cool.

Good News and Positive Vibrations - Summer '22 Edition

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We start our summer edition of celebratory hugs and high fives with congratulations to one of our favorite clients, Kyra Wisely (Ryan Artists), who stars in a new music video by Portland singer, songwriter, producer and Other Lives frontman, Jesse Tabish. The past few months have been busy ones for Kyra, who recently worked with our friend Kate Woodman on the film The Thieving Wood while simultaneously completing training as a Pilates instructor.

While we’re on the topic of music, let’s get props out to our new friend and client, Matt Putnam, on his upcoming album release, Oregon. He’ll be releasing singles throughout the summer with the full album dropping in September. We totally dig his music (and we’re definitely music snobs) so take our advice and hit up his IG or his website and take a listen.

When we connected recently with actor and comedian Matt Berger to schedule headshot updates, he shared news that he scored a commercial booking on a new spot for Freightliner trucks. He’s also taking classes with the folks over at Kickstand Comedy.

It probably seems like we talk about Piper Evenhus (ZT Agency) all the time. All we can say is: when she stops booking we’ll stop talking about her! This past month, along with celebrating her birthday, Piper added a commercial for Langer’s Entertainment Center (see below) to her resume. We’re losing count but we think that makes three commercial bookings for Miss Piper this year.

Piper Evenhus, at our studio, 2021.

Down in Los Angeles, big things are brewing for one of our all-time favorite human beings, Kyra Bissett. Along with being a talented actor, model and clothing designer, Kyra recently styled actress Xochitl Gomez for the world premier of Jurassic World. Hit up Kyra’s IG, scroll down a couple of boxes and see the amazing dress she styled for the occasion.

Big congratulations to another one of our favorite peeps, Neil Green, on his role in Em Weinstein’s film In France Michelle Is a Man’s Name, which recently appeared on Showtime as part of their Spotlights short film series.

Karissa Hamilton

Matt Putnam, entertaining us in the great big field in front of our studio

One of our favorite new clients, Chris Brantley, has been crushing it in his (somewhat new) adventures in acting. He just wrapped the lead role in Twilight Theater’s production of Harvey Fierstein’s Casa Valentino. There’s no rest for Mr. Brantley, though: next month he heads to Montana to film a new TV show, details about which we will share in due time.

Since graduating from CalArts last May, our friend Tristan Boesch has been cast at Classical Theatre Lab, done a Jack In The Box commercial and recently closed work on a show at Experience Theatre Project. Recently signed with ZT Agency, he’s also working at Northwest Children’s Theatre.

Kyra Bissett, Los Angeles, December 2021

It’s been a minute since we’ve seen Option Agency actor Jessica Geffen in front of our camera and now we know why. She’s currently rehearsing the role of Sandy Cho in playwright, director and ‘theatrical violence designer’ David Bareford’s Don Quixote de La Center. The play, which is a semi-finalist in the Market House Theatre’s 2022 New Play Competition, opens locally on August 11. While she’s not busy on the big stage, she’s busy in the small booth, doing voiceover work for an animated series called American Kintsugi.

Over in our kid’s community, our friend Jude Matero has signed with an LA manager while actor Karissa Hamilton has signed with MMG NY and WHO Management and was selected to compete in the California IPOPS (International Presentation of Performers), a singing, acting, and modeling competition. 

Back here in Portland, Michael Morrison, who recently signed with Ryan Artists, booked a feature film called I Need You Dead and is in pre-production on a film called Sol Date. Our friend, Kylie Rose, has been busy co-writing the musical Bad World (produced by Crave Theater Company).

Rounding out of long list of high fives and celebratory hug, big props go out to Kaleigh Macchio, who’s working on the feature film, Somewhere in Montana, with Graham McTavish as well as the pilot for Tavern Brawl.

Our friend Signe Olson (The Option Agency) was recently cast in the short film Further In and longtime client Olga Kratsova, along with her theater grad work in Seattle, spent this past winter producing and performing in Heart of Stone, a “coming-of-age story of famed Russian choreographer Alisher Khasanov, who also directs the play and leads the ensemble theatre group.”

Have some good news and positive vibrations to share? Send us an email here and we’ll shout it from the rooftops.

Featured Photos - June 2022

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Spring is here, summer’s on the way and Portland is ready for new headshots and portfolios.

Katharine, For Fun

Katharine is actually a sales engineer in the medical field but you wouldn’t know it from looking at her pictures. She checked in with us for a portfolio shoot because it was something she always wanted to do. Bucket list item complete. Check! Pictures awesome. Check!

Terri, Parth and Tracy, Moving Forward

Terri, Parth and Tracy are unsigned actors who came to us for new headshots, knowing that a quality image is a key tool in their marketing profile. Each picture feels uniquely personal to them and that means we’re hitting all the cues.

Samantha, Playfully

Ryan Artists talent Samantha came to visit us for a new portfolio as she expands her young career as a model and actor. You can tell from her pictures that she has great range, from fun to serious, that will pay off boldly in the months to come.

Lizzie and Versula, With Sunshine and Rainbows

We photographed these kiddos on the same day and in the same place. For Lizzie (The Option Agency) we did a custom Rockstar Session to celebrate her upcoming birthday. For Versula, it was time for her yearly portfolio update. We learned from Lizzie, a budding singer and songwriter, that she’s way too talented to be so young and, from Versula, we learned all about Little Red Riding Hood … in French!

Chaudrey, Perfectly

We worked with Chaudrey (SLU Agency) on some headshots a while back so we knew when he said “portfolio” we would say “perfect.” This is a preview of what we got: bold and colorful pictures of a handsome, athletic model and actor.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Featured Photos - May 2022

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A collection of our favorites from the month of May, from kids headshots to modeling portfolios to our favorite fashion editorials.

Kyra, Confidently

The most important information an actor brings to a headshot session is knowing where in their face they tell their story. For some people, it’s their smile. For others, it’s the turn of an eyebrow. For Kyra, it’s in her eyes. Once she realized this (and started to believe that she takes a good picture), this amazingly confident headshot came to life.

Matt, Artistically

Music is a huge part of what we do. (Remember The Rockstar Sessions?) So we were thrilled when Matt came in for publicity pictures for his upcoming EP. Not only do we love his music, we love the range of these images.

Emma, In Many Ways

Speaking of range, how about these headshots of Emma? She came to us for 4 different and distinct looks for her agency, DDO, in NYC: commercial, “bully,” nerdy and one that captures a little of her unique personality. And I have to say: we nailed it!

Jamie, Naturally

Yeah, so we’re huge fans of Jamie Mack (seen our IG lately?) and this, our last fashion editorial before she heads off to college, is one of our best. We already did one Shooting Stars feature on her already and you can be sure there will be another in the future.

Mya, Beautifully

On the same day we shot Jamie, we also did these images of the incredibly beautiful Mya Van Koten at one of our favorite places to work: Merrywood Farm. No matter what she wears or where we shoot, we’re stunned by how beautiful she is.

Kloe, in Black and White

OK, so we’re just overloaded with good fortune to be working with such beautiful and interesting people. And at the top of our list is the amazing Kloe Armstrong. These images, taken in downtown Vancouver, WA and in collaboration with Most Everything Vintage, were inspired by Mondino and Bowie, but without the cigarettes.

Hair and makeup for Emma, Jamie, Mya and Kloe by Karina Talaro. Wardrobe styling for Jamie and Mya by Claire Verity in collaboration with Most Everything Vintage. Wardrobe styling for Kloe by Michael in collaboration with Most Everything.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Shooting Stars: Natural Woman

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Shoot Title: Natural Woman

Model: Jamie Mack

Team: Claire Verity, wardrobe; Karina Talaro, hair and makeup.

Inspiration: These pictures were inspired by a fashion editorial we did with Jamie about six months ago called American Beauty.

In American Beauty, we combined our love for Ralph Lauren clothing with a pastoral beauty of Jamie’s family farm. For Natural Woman, we stayed even closer to home, taking pictures next to her living room fireplace and in her atrium, where she often sits at her grandmother’s piano and writes music.

The title, Natural Woman, actually came after the fact, while editing a promotional video for the session. Carole King’s “A Natural Woman” came to mind as background music and Aretha Franklin’s version ended up on the soundtrack.

How many shoots we’ve done together: 12, with hopes of a couple more before she skates off to the frozen tundra of upstate New York for her first year in college.

Time of year: Spring 2022

Location: Jamie’s house in Oregon.

Shoot music: Sarah Vaughan’s 1971 album, Feelin’ Good, which actually has a sort of Carole-King-meets-Aretha-Franklin vibe.

Shoot munchies: Our jack-of-all-trades wardrobe stylist, Claire Verity, also does a killer job on craft services, with everything from vegan treats for Jamie to lots of cheeses for yours truly.

Most unexpected turn: The shot through the window wasn’t planned but there it is.

My favorite part of the day: “This shoot was all about great people, great clothing and a great atmosphere coming together and organically offering us beautiful pictures. It’s not the most secure way to do a photoshoot — building a framework and leaving the rest to the artistic spirits hanging around the set — but it’s the ‘letting go of the result’ that makes the magic.”

Camera: Sony A7rIII

Lens: This session was shot with a variety of Sigma ART prime lenses, ranging from 35 to 105mm, depending on the situation.

Propers: Jamie, who is truly a muse; Jamie’s mom, Barb, who supports our artistic endeavors; wardrobe stylist, Claire Verity, for making the vision happen; and makeup artist Karina Talaro, who knows me so well she doesn’t even have to ask.

Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Featured Photos - April 2022

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Spring is the time for new professional headshots and modeling portfolio updates. Here’s a selection of new work from the past month.

Avery, Simply

Sometimes, when the vibes at a session are particularly cool, we’ll shoot a few extra frames at the end, just to see what happens. This image was taken at the very finish of the headshot session with our new friend, Avery. There’s something about the old soul behind those knowing eyes that just captivated us. Add a little black and white magic and you have an image worth featuring.

Hudson, Energetically

Without question one of the sweetest (and most polite!) 3-year olds we’ve ever met, Hudson came to our studio this past month to get his first portfolio for his agency, Ryan Artists. He was so easy and fun to work with we captured his full portfolio — 3 outfits — in the snap of our fingers. Kids portfolios are our jam and kids like Hudson are the reason why.

Alexa, Artistically

For years, we’ve told actors: “If you want what successful actors have, do what successful actors do.” And success actors, like the Damons and the Robbies of the world, do a lot of editorial sessions. So we were totally “chuffed,” as our British friends say, when Alexa said she wanted to do a fashion editorial. We rented out a big studio, put together some great outfits, did some beautiful hair and makeup and crushed this wonderful session.

Jamie, Athletically

We’re both super excited and a little sad that our dear friend, Jamie, will be headed to the other side of the planet for college this fall. So we’re gathering up as many sessions as we can with her, including this wonderful couple of ath-leisure shots, made right in our studio.

Theron, Classically

Theron came to us looking for some senior pictures with a bit of a classic twist. So we took him and his Grandma’s chair out into the field in front of our house and kicked off this wonderful senior session with a wonderfully organic vibe.

Nicolette, Rebecca, Kaylee and Ryan, Creatively

These four people are all actors with Portland ties who posses a variety of skills and experiences, from just starting out to extensive work in film and live theater. One thing they have in common is they know how important it is to have a high quality acting headshot. All four joined us in April to create some new headshots and we’re pretty darn pleased with the results.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

How To Create A Modeling Portfolio

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Great visual presentation is essential in all professions. But when it comes to modeling, looking fabulous is a must and it all begins with your portfolio. As an aspiring model, your portfolio is your resume; it is often the first impression a client or an agency gets of you. 

Creating a modeling portfolio is so much more than putting together a collection of images. Unlike a collection, a portfolio conveys a story about who you are, showcases your talent and versatility as a model and tells the client why you are the best person for the job.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a fantastic modeling portfolio for a great first impression on clients and agencies.

How Do You Create A Modeling Portfolio?

A modeling portfolio is a series of professionally taken shots that showcases your abilities as a model. It’s a critical part of marketing your skills to clients and often makes the difference between landing a modeling gig or not. In short, you must make it count. 

Before we get into how to create an eye-catching portfolio that will boost your modeling career, it’s important to know that a modeling portfolio is not reproducible. Each model, including you, has distinct physical and psychological features to showcase. Instead of emulating another “more successful” model’s portfolio, focus on showing what makes you stand out from the other models.

1. Determine Your Modeling Type

The first step of building a great portfolio is deciding what specific type of modeling you are best suited for or prefer. Although the modeling industry has been actively embracing diversity and breaking stereotypes, your facial structure, body type and general appearance still play a part in the assignments you get.

Understanding the type of modeling you are best suited for can increase the chances of success in landing jobs and make creating a portfolio easier. Fortunately, there are many different types of modeling you can get into. From commercial modeling, fashion and runway to fitness modeling. 

Selecting one type of modeling will help you understand the expectations your clients will have for your portfolio. It also helps potential clients to easily assess your skills and suitability for a specific role. Research the different types of modeling and the kind of shots you need in your portfolio. 

2. Practice Your Posing 

Posing for a camera is an art that you must learn as a model. While it may seem straightforward, it is way more complicated than people realize. As a model, your poses should bring out your best angles and make the clothing or outfit look their best. 

Modeling photoshoots tend to take a long time, even with experienced models, so don’t wait until you are in the studio to figure out how you should pose. Allocate some time to research and practice beforehand, as it will also make you comfortable posing before the camera. Take a look at other models in your niche, their poses, and the type of photos in their portfolios. Try to emulate the poses you see. 

3. Hire The Right Photographer 

Everything – your poses, outfit, and locations -- may be on point but if the photographer isn’t up to the task then your portfolio won’t bring out your best. Choosing a photographer is the first step in planning a photoshoot and is often the most important.

Ask for referrals and check their work beforehand. Most photographers will have modeling portfolios that they have shot, so you will know if they are a good fit before engaging them.

4. Get Your Hair And Make-up Done By A Professional

While it's not a must, getting a professional hair and make-up artist can add a lot of value to your modeling profile so ensure you ask your photographer for a recommendation. 

5. Prepare Adequately For The Photoshoot

Treat the photoshoot as your first modeling gig. Make sure you know the locations beforehand and make all the necessary travel arrangements. Also, ensure you have been allotted enough time so you don’t have to rush things through.

Get adequate sleep the night before the shoot. When the big day comes, arrive early. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for direction.

Ideally, you have a plan outlining exactly the kind of images you need beforehand. If not, communicate your expectations to the photographer in detail so you are both on the same page on the goals of the photoshoot. 

Decide on the wardrobe, locations, themes, poses, and concepts to reduce the risk of mistakes or nasty surprises. Depending on the type of modeling you want to pursue, ensure you get great portraits, close-ups, and full-body shots.

Potential clients and agencies want to see versatility and flexibility, especially if you are just starting out. Plan your wardrobe items to show versatility. Generally, you will want to include basic pieces of clothing that show off your frame and features. 

Take images that vary in style to demonstrate your capability of working in different productions. Play around with the poses to show off different angles and your best features. 

6. Choose Your Best Shots

This is one of the most challenging steps of creating a great modeling portfolio. After completing the photoshoot, you will have a vast collection of images to sort through carefully to ensure only the best goes into the portfolio. 

The general rule is to have 9 to 19 images, more than that is too many, and less than 9 won’t be enough to show your versatility. 

Focus on showcasing versatility and your qualities, don’t choose numerous images in the same pose, location, or wardrobe items. Select different types of images, including headshots, full-body shots, and mid shots, in different outfits and locations if possible. 

Pay attention to the first few images in your portfolio. Experts recommend including a “page-turning” shot at the front to capture the attention of anyone looking at it. Clients and agencies will look at hundreds of portfolios and will not spend time on yours if you don’t capture their attention with your first image.

7. Create Your Modeling Portfolio!

There are several ways to present your modeling portfolio. One way is using a printed portfolio. A printed modeling portfolio book comes in handy since you will be meeting many people face to face.

A printed portfolio is tangible and allows the client or scout to peruse the work with you present. You can make a portfolio by printing images and adding them to a folder, but it doesn’t look as sleek and professional as a properly printed portfolio.

A printed modeling portfolio also shows you are serious about your modeling career. 

8. Include Your Model Details

A modeling portfolio is like your resume. Don’t forget to include details such as modeling experience, hobbies, interests, work you are willing to do, and your information. Key information includes name, age, height, eye color, hair color, body measurements and sizes, distinguishing features (such as tattoos, birthmarks, etc.), and contact details.

9. Update Your Model Portfolio Regularly

As you age, it's important that you update your modeling portfolios with more recent photos and work experience. Updating your portfolio also shows clients and agencies that you are able to keep up with the latest trends.

You should also check your measurements regularly and make changes to your portfolio. You can also update or replace images when you get better shots or change hairstyles and other features. 

How To Create A Modeling Portfolio Online

The internet is where much of the action is. While there will be face-to-face meetings now and then, chances are most clients and agencies will first look at your online portfolio. 

Many top models prefer having a website as it offers an opportunity to show off other skills and qualities that may boost your modeling career. Alternatively, you can create an electronic version of your portfolio to send to potential clients online. So, how do you create a model portfolio online?

Many website builders have portfolio templates that you can select depending on the preferred layout. Once you choose a template, you can customize it to present your artistic vision and design of the portfolio. Drag and drop website builders are great if you are just starting, but if you are looking for something unique and more professional, you should hire a website designer.

Like the printed portfolio, ensure you only pick the best images for your website, with the most captivating being the most prominent. Having a website also offers an opportunity to add diverse media such as videos or other projects that you have worked on. 

Don’t forget to add an “About Me” page with your vital information, and a contact section that employers and clients can easily reach out to you. You can also share links to your online modeling portfolio on your social media pages to reach more people. 

Are you interested in taking high-quality images to build your professional modeling portfolio? Contact Michael Verity Photography for modeling portfolios, acting and business headshots, fashion editorial photography and kids portfolio styling in Portland.

Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, creatives and business professionals for more than a decade. If you are in the Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA area you can book a session with us.

4 Tips To Get A Great Headshot

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Whether you’re an actor, a model or a business professional, a high quality headshot is essential to your success.

For actors, a world-class headshot is the “calling card” that introduces you to agencies and casting directors. For models, a high quality headshot is the connection between you and those who cast talent for a wide array of opportunities. For business professionals, a warm and engaging headshot connects “the face with the name” and builds confidence between you and your prospective client.

So how do you rise to the top of an increasingly virtual world, where actors audition via Zoom, professionals do business via LinkedIn and everybody needs a profile picture to get started? How do you create a photo that makes you look trustworthy and competent? How do insure your headshot “hits the right notes” and reflects your authentic spirit and individuality? How can you be certain you’re catching your “best side?”

Can you set up a headshot at home with your smartphone? After all: “portrait mode” is pretty cool. Or do you need the experience and expertise of a professional photographer?

If these questions have been on your mind, have no fear. Here are 4 tips to get that perfect headshot. (Spoiler alert: save portrait mode for snaps of your bestie or your bulldog, put aside your DIY dreams and hire a professional photographer to get professional headshots.)

How To Take A Professional Headshot

1. List Your Expectations

Before creating an acting, modeling or business headshot, develop a mental image of what you want and try to explain it to your photographer in as much detail as possible. Even better: find examples of headshots you like and share them with your photographer. Professional photographers are, obviously, visually oriented; a mood board of images you like is an excellent way to communicate your ideas.

Do you want a formal headshot or something more candid? Do you want a traditional studio setting, with a plain color background, or something more environmental? Indoors or outdoors?

How will you use the headshot? For auditions? Casting calls? Press releases? Publications? Social media? Your website?  

Remember, headshots are all about first impressions. The final product will impact potential clients and casting directors and their decision on whether they will book you, hire you or buy from you. 

Have a specific angle you think works for you? While most professional photographers are experienced at reading faces, if you have a side you prefer, tell the photographer. If there are certain things about your face you’d prefer to downplay (scars, moles, etc.), tell the photographer upfront. He will appreciate that information. 

If you explain your ideas to an experienced photographer they will meet your expectations. You’re more likely to get a photo that you will love if you know what you are looking for and clearly communicate your ideas.

2. Dress For The Part

The way you dress will naturally affect the overall look of your headshot. Solid and neutral colors work best as they tend to put the focus on your face, just where you want it. Bright jewelry, clothing with big, bold patterns and shirts with large logos should be avoided. Headshots should be more focused on who you are rather than what you’re wearing. 

That being said, there are exceptions to every rule. Are you a big personality who likes pink paisley shirts? Go monochrome and do your images in front of pink paper. Do you sell country properties? An outfit that says “outdoorsy” (and is preferably shot, outdoors) is the right way to go. Whatever you choose, clothing should be consistent with your personality, look great with your eyes and complexion and work well with your chosen environment.

Need wardrobe help? Always consult with your photographer on what to wear. It will make you more comfortable and help them prepare. (At Michael Verity Photography, basic wardrobe consultation is included with every session.)

3. Pay Attention To Your Posture.

Your body posture says a lot about your confidence so it’s important to get this part right. Good posture insures the right angles and helps show your best features. 

Generally speaking, you should position your upper body diagonally to the camera while keeping your chin toward the photographer. Keep your back straight with your shoulders relaxed and avoid having your shoulders too high, which indicates tension. It’s a good idea to avoid body language - like slouching - that makes you seem unapproachable.

As with wardrobe, however, these are general guidelines. While an “arms crossed” pose doesn’t work well for a therapist, that type of pose from someone in the legal profession is often considered a sign of strength. It also works well for actors who are cast as police officers (and, oddly, for those who are cast as gangsters.) A “slouchy” pose wouldn’t work too well for a doctor but for young fashion models, that sort of approach is acceptable (and sometimes encouraged.)

As with points one and two, thinking about what you’re trying to achieve and communicating it with your photographer is key. An experienced photographer will have ideas, coach you through the process and help you achieve your goals.

4. Smile, No Smile

To smile or not to smile, that is the question. The short story is this: if you’re not someone who smiles “naturally,” don’t expect that to change magically once you step in front of the camera. It probably won’t happen. 

So what do you do? Think happy thoughts. Think about your favorite funny movie. If you think happy thoughts, you’ll look like a happy person. If you think about how you look, you’ll look like a person who’s worried about how he looks.

Another trick is to look at the camera as if it’s someone you love: your best friend, a beloved grandparent, a favorite nephew, your new kitten. Whatever it takes to put your brain in active thinking mode, not passive wondering mode is the way to go.

Pro Tip: change your facial expressions throughout the shoot. Make a great big goofy smile, followed by a huge frown. Make the silliest face you can followed by the meanest face you can. Have fun with it. An experienced photographer will find the “genuine you” in between all the exaggerated expressions. 

Lastly, remember these words: Shy is beautiful. Warmth doesn’t always require a big toothy grin. Start with who you are and see what happens. 

What About Using Your Smartphone For Headshots?

While we admit smartphones have come a long way in recent years, there’s really no debate on the advantages of a professional photographer over the DIY method.

Even the latest and greatest smartphone in “portrait mode” has its limitations: limited lens options, limited zooming capacity, limited images quality. 

More important, smartphones don’t know how to move a light an inch to the left to change your headshots from strong to stellar. They don’t consult with you on wardrobe, show you how to pose, offer you a cup of tea or coffee when you walk into the studio, ask how you how you’re doing today or give you real time feedback on how the session is going. 

This is because smartphones (or even expensive DSLRs) aren’t human. They don’t come with experience and expertise.

Professional photographers understand lighting, how to capture the best angles, what are the best camera settings, how to do the best retouching. In short, they know what you need to get a beautiful headshot. Follow these tips to get a great headshot photo that you’ll be proud to post on your website, your social media or your casting site. 

Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, creatives and business professionals for more than a decade. If you are in the Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA area you can book a session with us.

Blondies at the Beach

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Several years ago, we started a tradition of photographing a group of kids — friends of my daughter, friends of the family — on a yearly trip to the Oregon Coast. The first group of kids all happened to be blue-eyed and blonde-haired so we affectionately tagged them “The Fabulous Blondies.”

Years have passed, kids have become adults, new people have joined and others have departed (and some of them aren’t so blonde anymore) but the spirit of the Fabulous Blondies remains.

As we prepare for Beach 2022 — where we photograph other kids, as well — we offer this collection of pictures from last year’s sessions with Amelia Anderson, Carson Verity and Hannah Loyd (aka “Blondies ‘21”). Some have already appeared on our Instagram; some have never been released.

Enjoy!

Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, creatives and business professionals for more than a decade. If you are in the Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA area you can book a session with us.

8 Tips For A Great Business Headshot

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You open your work email and at the top of the inbox is the message you dread: your company’s marketing department has hired a photographer to do business headshots for the sales team and your number has come up. Memories of toothless school pictures in front of musty, mottled backgrounds come rushing in, with visions of bad passport pictures racing through your head.

Have no fear. Business and corporate headshots are easier than you think if you follow these simple tips.

Preparation

1. Get some sleep. 

That’s right: our first suggestion is laying down and doing nothing. Preferably, though, you do it at home the night before and not at your desk that morning. 

You want a good night’s sleep before doing a photo session for the same reason you want to be rested before making a big presentation: you’ll look sharper, feel sharper and perform better.

(Pro tip: hand-in-hand with being well rested is staying hydrated. Your skin is 64% water so give it plenty of what it wants.)

2. Plan your time.

In most cases, your marketing manager will book a block of time with the photographer and parse out 10-15 minute sessions to each person. So, the time of day when you shoot may be out of your control. If not, ask to be scheduled when you’re at your best, whether it’s first thing in the morning, right after lunch or at the end of the day.

Regardless of when you shoot, leave yourself 20 or 30 minutes of prep time to take a breath, check your hair and straighten your tie. You won’t do yourself justice rushing from a conference call to the photo shoot with 30 seconds to spare.

3. That outfit looks great on you (or what to wear for business headshots).

Unlike an acting or modeling headshot, where there’s room for personal clothing styles, your type of business (and the vision of your marketing manager) will play a big role in determining what you wear. 

Whatever their direction, pick something within their vision that works well with your complexion and brings out your eye color (e.g., blue eyes and blue shirts go well together.) It’s always good to wear an outfit that’s fairly new (because newer looks fresher) and to bring a couple of variations, ‘cuz spills happen.

At The Session

4. Remember why you’re there.

You’re not making an acting headshot for Phantom of the Opera. You’re not creating a modeling portfolio. No one expects you to photograph like Matt Damon or Margot Robbie.

You’re there to link a “face to a name,” to show your clients that you’re warm and engaging and trustworthy so they’ll ink that $1M deal you’ve been working on. 

Being warm and engaging doesn’t mean having a fake smile. It means being open and accessible.

5. How to be open and accessible.

Look at the camera like it’s someone you care really care about, who makes you smile, who gives you a warm feeling. If you look at the camera that way, the viewer will pick up on your “affection” and feel you’re a warm and engaging person. It’s pretty simple.

6. Now, about those poses (or, what a business headshot should look like.)

Business headshots, more than any other type of portraiture, are all about the introduction. The way you would approach someone and make an introduction in-person is how you should approach the camera.

Generally that means right shoulder forward, as if you were reaching out to shake hands, but there are variations on that theme that might work better for your body type and face shape. An experienced photographer will point you in the right direction so trust their expertise.

(Pro Tip: contrary to what a lot of photographer’s suggest, don’t bother practicing in front of a mirror. What you see in the mirror is backwards so it won’t look like your picture anyway. And it’ll probably make you ore self-conscious. Better you spend your time doing breathing exercises.)

7. Remember to breathe.

Breathing is a good idea. Doing it keeps you alive. Breathing deeply while in front of a camera is an even better idea. It will relax you. 

8. When all is said and done.

Hopefully, your marketing manager will have picked a photographer with considerable experience and expertise, who makes you feel comfortable, who captures a wonderful picture of you that makes you think “yeah, maybe that modeling contract is a possibility.” But, regardless of whether there’s a Men’s Health cover in your future, if you follow these guidelines you’ll insure your business headshot will be warm and engaging and worthy of your company’s website.

Now get back to your desk and close some business.

Michael Verity is a Portland-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, creatives and business professionals for more than a decade. If you are in the Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA area you can book a session with us.