Shooting Stars: Sunshine On Our Shoulders

Shoot Title: Sunshine On Our Shoulders

Model: Claire Dailey

Team: Michael Verity, Photographer; Julie Dailey, Wardrobe Stylist; Claire Dailey, hair and makeup

Inspiration: Claire’s Mom, Julie, is such a great wardrobe stylist and we’ve worked together so many times, it’s more often about “how many outfits can we do” than “what will we shoot?” And we the Free People is a long-standing favorite.

How many shoots we’ve done together: We’ve kind of lost track but we’re guessing somewhere around nine or 10. Which is about 700 outfits. :)

Time of year: Spring 2023

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Shoot music: Me, singing John Denver songs while Claire tried not to crack up.

Shoot munchies: Our snack game was kind of random but lunch at Joe’s Real BBQ on Gilbert Rd. was smashing.

My favorite part of the day: Um, photographing Claire. Duh.

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: Claire, the muse; Julie, the wrangler; Eric Dailey, supplier of good cheer.


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.


4 Great Places in Portland To Buy Clothes for Kid Models


For a lot of people, the go-to place for kids clothing is a seat in front of the computer with a cup of tea and a credit card. While online stores offer a worldwide range of selection, there are some great stores in the Portland are that offer cool clothes for your kid’s next portfolio. We like to support local Portland businesses, so here’s are 4 Great Places in Portland To Buy Clothes for Kid Models.

Black Wagon is located in the heart of the Mississippi District and offers a wide range of unique and stylish clothing options for kids’ modeling portfolios. From graphic tees to designer jeans to suits, this store represents over 3 dozen different brands, which means they have everything your kiddo needs for their next session.

Beanstalk is an award-winning consignment shop with locations in the Fremont and Montavilla neighborhoods. Beanstalk is a family-owned business that specializes in high-quality, eco-friendly clothing for kids. From organic cotton onesies to stylish outerwear, Beanstalk has great portfolio clothing for kids of most ages. Every week Beanstalk donates to local charitable organizations and families in need (and we dig that.)

Posh Baby is a boutique baby store that offers a wide selection of stylish and trendy clothing for babies and kids ups to age 4T. If you’re styling a little little, then this is a great place to take a look.

Grasshopper is a children's boutique has been a Portland staple for over 30 years. They offer a great selection of children's clothing, shoes and accessories, with a focus on quality and timeless style, which is always a great choice for kid’s photos. They carry popular brands like Petit Bateau and Bobo Choses.


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 - March 2023


Busy times in the month of March as we focused on all things in studio.


Caetano

Cuteness comes first and this precocious little guy, who already speaks three more languages than I do, made the studio a magic place for his new Ryan Artists’ portfolio.


Henry

Henry came to us for some personal branding images and had such a good time he sent his buddy Aaron along some images, as well (which we’ll feature next month).


Seth and Laura

Actors of experience and those who are new to industry alike know this is the place to crush their new headshots.


Lexi

From languid to light-hearted, we couldn’t be more crushed out over a portfolio session if we tried.

Lexi’s represented by Talent Model Management and the ZT Agency.


Piper

How does that song go? Just one look and you’ll know why Piper is one of our faves.

Piper’s also represented by Talent Model Management and the ZT Agency.


Greta

What you see is what you get: beauty, grace and kindness.


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: Spring Forward

Shoot Title: Spring Forward

Model: Mya Van Koten

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

Inspiration: These pictures were inspired by Mya herself, whose beautiful skin tone, wonderful smile and generous personality are the perfect palette for just about any outfit.

How many shoots we’ve done together: We’ve done somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 sessions with Mya over the past five years (with four more scheduled for this year!).

Time of year: Spring 2022

Location: Oregon City

Shoot music: I don’t recall exactly what was played that day but I know there was some Beyonce and some Carole King in the mix.

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

My favorite part of the day: Hanging around with Mya is the best. Period.

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: Mya, who is truly a muse; Mya’s mom, Carolyn, 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.


I Hate Self Tapes!



Guest Columnist: Acting Coach Karen Maseng

As a coach and a casting director, I’ve come across many actors who dread self-tape auditions. Some will actually turn down an audition if it’s a self-tape. Honestly, I just can’t believe any actor would waste such an opportunity.

I've auditioned actors in person for well over 20 years and I get why actors love it. But the reality is that self-tapes save production a lot of time and money. The new normal is a hybrid of self-tapes, virtual auditions and in-person auditions and I suspect it's here to stay. Actors who are serious about their career must learn how to feel comfortable auditioning in ANY environment. This will only benefit their work because it will force them to become more focused and resourceful.

So what’s to love about self-tapes?

I personally think that self-tapes give you an incredible opportunity to be creative, take your time and audition in a space that is far more relaxed and intimate than the audition room could ever be. That intimacy, that familiarity can produce a unique audition that will help you stand out from the crowd.

I know that many actors have roommates and very limited space to play with, but with a little bit of imagination and ingenuity you can create a nice little area for your self-tape auditions. Invest in a frame that can be put away easily. Buy several backdrops to see which one is more complementary. Play with lighting until you find the perfect setup. You can create a set in-front of, around and behind your camera to help you get into the world of the scene AND you get to pick your scene partner. Self-tapes are the only audition situation where you have a say in who you’ll be reading with and where you’ll be doing it. This is where your support network of fellow actors can be incredibly beneficial.

When you have an audition at a casting facility, a studio or an office, you have to get in the car, get stuck in traffic, look for parking spaces and pay a fortune for parking that might be blocks away from where you need to be. Once you get to the audition, the lobby is a great place to meet fellow actors and catch up but that could be very distracting and disrupt your preparation. In some instances, you might be intimidated by the talent you see waiting to go in, which could cause you to second guess yourself and lose your confidence. Other times you might be stressed because casting is way behind schedule and you’re worried about being late for another audition across town.

Once you get into the audition room, if you’re lucky, the person auditioning you is wonderful and gets a great audition out of you. But there are those times when the casting director or their associate might be unapproachable, distracted, humorless or stressed for a variety of reasons. And you can bet that most of the time the person you’ll be reading with is not an actor.

None of that to worry about when you're doing a self-tape audition. So, you could complain about having to work harder for your auditions these days or you could get to work learning how to love the self-tape. It might take a little time and practice, but the payoff is worth it!


Karen Maseng is a Portland-based acting coach with decades of experience as an actor, casting director and educator. Learn more about her unique approach to acting education here.


Featured Photos - February 2023


It was another record month for us at MVP as we welcomed these fabulous faces to our studio.


Lauren, Beautifully

We first worked with Lauren several years ago when we collaborated with a dance studio on their yearly “team” pictures. Fast forward a bit and Lauren’s still a dancer and now a model and actor with Talent Model Management, which is where you’ll find these shots from her new portfolio.


Nickol, Gracefully

Nickol is a successful hair stylist and business owner who wanted to add model to her resume. We were so grateful she chose us to make these wonderful portfolio images and help her launch her new career.


Annika, Dynamically

We’ve seen a lot of old friends in the studio lately, recharging their acting careers after taking time to focus on family and friends and learning how to properly adjust an N95 mask. Annika was back in the studio in February for these wonderful headshot updates.


Danica, Perfectly

Speaking of old friends, we’ve known Danica since she was just a pup. Now she’s grown into a wonderfully energetic, super fun and extremely smart tweenager, who worked with us on this perfect 4 look portfolio for Ryan Artists.


Robert, Professionally

When we snap a shot of someone cracking up, we know we’re doing our job (‘cuz that’s when the best pictures start happening). Robert is a successful entrepreneur who came to us for some social media images and he just crushed it.


Lexi and Payton, Artfully

We probably took these pictures in March but we’re going to post them anyway, because we love the “end of session” back and white images we make with our acting and modeling friends.


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.


All About Beach Swimsuit Photography in Portland, Oregon


Beach swimsuit photography in Portland, Oregon has been growing in popularity over the years as the city has become a popular destination for tourists and photographers. Portland is known for its stunning coastline, which provides a perfect backdrop for beach swimsuit photography. The beaches in the area are known for their beautiful landscapes and scenic views, which make them ideal for capturing stunning photos of models wearing swimsuits.

One of the most popular beaches for beach swimsuit photography in Portland is Cannon Beach. This beach is located about an hour and a half from Portland and is known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Haystack Rock, which is a unique rock formation that stands out from the beach. Photographers often use these stunning backdrops to capture images of models wearing swimsuits, showcasing the beauty of both the model and the location.

Another popular beach for beach swimsuit photography in Portland is Ecola State Park. This beach is located just a few minutes from Cannon Beach and is known for its rugged cliffs, which provide a unique backdrop for swimsuit photography. Photographers often use these cliffs as a backdrop to capture images of models wearing swimsuits, which creates a dramatic and eye-catching look.

One of the benefits of beach swimsuit photography in Portland is the availability of a wide range of swimsuits for models to wear. Portland is home to many swimwear designers and boutiques, which allows photographers to select the perfect swimsuit for each shoot. These swimsuits come in a variety of styles, colors, and designs, which makes it easy for photographers to find the perfect swimsuit to match the model and the location.

Another benefit of beach swimsuit photography in Portland is the city's mild climate. The city has a relatively warm climate, which makes it ideal for beach photography. The warm weather allows models to be comfortable during the shoot, which makes it easier for photographers to capture stunning images. Additionally, the mild climate also provides ample opportunities for outdoor shoots, which allows photographers to capture images of models wearing swimsuits in a variety of locations.

One of the challenges of beach swimsuit photography in Portland is the need to have access to the right equipment. Beach photography requires specific equipment, such as high-quality cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment. Photographers must also have the right accessories, such as tripods and reflectors, to ensure that they can capture the best possible images.

Another challenge of beach swimsuit photography in Portland is the need to be aware of the environment and the conditions on the beach. Photographers must be mindful of the weather conditions and the tides, which can affect the lighting and the overall look of the images. Additionally, photographers must also be aware of the privacy of the models and the beachgoers, which is important to consider when capturing images in public places.

Beach swimsuit photography in Portland, Oregon is a growing trend that provides photographers with an opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity. The city's stunning coastline, mild climate, and availability of swimsuits make it an ideal destination for beach swimsuit photography. Photographers must be mindful of the challenges of the environment and the conditions on the beach, but with the right equipment and approach, they can capture stunning images that showcase the beauty of the model and the location.


Michael Verity is a photographer in Portland, OR specializing in 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 for more than a decade.


Shooting Stars : Claire Dailey


Our Shooting Stars feature returns with a collection of images of we’ve shot over the past few years with the inimitable Claire Dailey (and the stories behind the scenes).

We take pride in the fact we can make an amazing photograph almost anywhere, from our kitchen table (see here) to the parking lot of a Starbucks. Or, in the case of the image on the right, the parking lot of the Phoenix Convention Center, on a Sunday morning, with the sun bouncing off the hotel across the street.

It’s the first of several “model off duty” looks we did with Claire this past fall that included the classic “Levi’s and lattes” and cute some shots of her wearing a bow-tie and Chuck Taylors.

The look below was done much later in the day, at a place called Papago Park, which features a gigantic rock that people climb to watch the sunset. We preferred to stay closer to the ground and take advantage of the setting sun for some wonderful fashion images.

The images below were also taken quite spontaneously, in and around Claire’s neighborhood. The one on the left was taken next to the pool at her neighbor’s house across the street. We were hoping for her to hang 10 on the fake surfboard, while we made fake waves in the pool, but figured that we’d need fake water to make that happen.

The image on the right was taken on her next door neighbor’s patio, after spending about 20 minutes trying to break into his house. (OK, so he did give us the door code; it just didn’t work.) It just goes to show that when you have great clothes, a beautiful model, some soft light (and the correct door code), you can make an amazing picture.

Sometimes we actually do go on location, which is what we did for this shoot from a year or so ago. The photo to the right was captured in about 60 seconds, which is about how much time Claire’s Mom and our hair and makeup stylist, James, could distract the hotel security guard before he kicked us out of the lobby.

The pictures below we actually took in the hotel room where we were preparing for the shoot. We grabbed James’ ring light, moved a little furniture and captured this wonderfully casual fashion image, complete with the grungy plaid and the, of course, Chucks.

The bottom pair are, in case you didn’t figure it out, inspired by David Bowie. We whipped up enough hair for three girls with this one.


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 - January 2023


We kicked off 2023 with a record number of sessions with friends new and old. Here are some of our favorites.


Alia, Colorfully

What can we say? Cute outfits, big smiles, lots of dancing. The perfect portfolio for a little kid.


Allison, Beautifully

We were about halfway through our first conversation when we realized she’d worked with my daughter in a production of West Side Story a few years back. I knew from experience she’s a talented actor; I had no idea she’d be such an amazing model, too.


Nicolette, Dynamically

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Nicolette several times over the past few years. We always have fun and she always takes a great picture. She has the most amazing brown eyes and, because headshots are all about the eyes, we had no problem making them shine.

Nicolette is represented by Ryan Artists.


Lila, Lie

Yes, the title is a reference to Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Boxer,” which I sing to her every time I see her, which makes her smile. But not in this picture, which is a power study in angles and attitude.

Lila is represented by TMM.


Sean, Professionally

Sean is legal counsel for a large Japanese electronics firm who came to us for a portrait to accompany a magazine article. So we shot this awesome portrait in our kitchen, which makes perfect sense to us.


Britney and Noah, Artfully

Britney is a former acting student of my wife who came to us to reboot her career with some new headshots. We don’t generally include heads in headshots, but this one is some strong and connected that we can’t resist.

On the other hand, Noah’s shoot, which included a few business headshots, was more for fun. When I told him he looked a little like Dr. John, he had no idea who I was talking about (but he loved the picture.)


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 Prepare for a Kids Headshot Session


As a parent, you want to make sure your child’s headshot session is a success. A good headshot can open doors for your child in the future, whether it’s for modeling work or as an actor. To ensure your child’s headshot session goes smoothly, here are some tips for preparation.

Dress for success – Choose clothing that is simple, timeless and fits well. Avoid anything too busy or distracting, such as patterns, logos or large accessories. A neutral color palette is usually best but you can add a pop of color. Keep in mind that the focus should be on your child’s face so make sure their clothing does not overpower their features and goes with with their eyes and complexion. Portland agencies and casting directors have specific preferences for kids headshots so make sure your photographer is connected with the industry and knows what’s needed.

Hair and makeup – Your kid should have a fresh haircut a week or so before your shoot and their hair should be styled appropriately for the headshot session. If they have long hair, make sure it is styled neatly and out of their face.

As for makeup, most agencies and casting directors want to see no makeup on kids under 12. If your kid is closer to teenage than toddler, a bit of makeup may be OK. But it should be minimal: a light touch of powder, lip balm and a bit of mascara can help enhance their features. As with clothing, make sure you photographer is experienced with kids headshots and knows what the acting and modeling industry in Portland want to see.

Give your child time to warm up – Children can be nervous in front of a camera, especially if they’ve never had a professional photo shoot before. Get to the session early and give them time to adjust and get comfortable before starting the session.

Consider your child’s personality – It’s important to remember that your kids headshot should reflect their unique personality. It’s important kids know they are accepted as they are from the very first minute of the session, that a quiet kid won’t be expected to jump around, that an energetic kid’s not expected to be quiet. Eventually, the shy kid will “warm up” and the excited kid will “cool down” and a full range of their personality will show in the pictures.

Set realistic expectations – Children are children and they may not be exactly as as you’d like them to be. Pay attention to the previously paragraph and trust your photographer to make things work.

Research photographers – Not all photographers are created equal. Before booking a session, research photographers in your area and look at their portfolio to see if their style is a good fit for you and your child. Make sure you understand what the session fee includes and what to expect from the photographer.

Plan ahead – Make sure you have a schedule and arrive on time for the session. Being on time will help reduce stress and make sure your child has enough time for the session

Be positive – Your child will look to you for cues on how to act and feel during the session. Encourage them, tell them how proud you are of them and be positive throughout the session.

After the session – Once the session is over, it’s important to be patient as the photographer edits and retouches the images. You may see a preview within a few days or a week but the final images can take longer. Once you receive the images, choose the ones that best fit the needs of the industry and use them to create a portfolio.

Follow these 9 steps as you work with your photographer to ensure you get a great kids headshot.


Michael Verity is a photographer in Portland, Oregon specializing in acting and business 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 and models of all ages for more than fifteen years.


Shop Talk (Industry Edition): What To Expect in 2023



As we head into a brand new year, we polled a handful of industry insiders and experts for their insight into what to expect in 2023, how to get better at your craft (and what to watch on TV).


What are some positive developments you see happening in the Portland acting and/or modeling industry in 2023?

Katie O’Grady (Acting Coach/Director/Actor/Owner of The Studio NW and Acting for Kids and Teens): Actors took the time to update their marketing material and dive into classes. Our students also volunteered and reached out to the community.

Tara Manning (Owner/Booker at Talent Model Management): We are so thankful to see the movement in our industry after the lull with Covid.

Crystal Walen (Director of Commercial/TV/Film Board at Q6): We are 1 week in so not much.

Dennis Troutman (Talent Division Director at The Option Agency): I’d like to be optimistic in thinking we will get more TV/streaming series this year. 2022 was a decent year for film, but it was the first year (in many years) that we did not have any shows.

Karen Maseng (Acting Coach at KMaseng Acting): One of the most positive developments I’ve seen is that creative people are not waiting around for production to come in from other places. The small town feel of Portland is a strength, not a weakness. Actors are supporting each other and making connections with production people, fostering relationships and collaborations with writers and directors. The result is a local community that is beginning to thrive, finding creative ways to make films.

Kristina Haddad (Acting Coach at The Actor’s Lab): I think things will continue to open up in terms of more jobs coming to town compared to the past few years. Those that advocate for more film and TV projects in the region are working hard to bring new business into the community and are very passionate about elevating the industry here; so I feel like this is a very positive landscape in that regard.


What will be the biggest challenges facing the Portland acting and/or modeling industry in 2023?

Katie O’Grady: Continuing to have faith that we are on the path to new work.

Tara Manning: I’m hoping for a less challenging year. We have gone through many these last few years.

Crystal Walen: Work coming back to the city; it was slower than it has ever been in 2022.

Dennis Troutman: I think we certainly have to factor in a (likely) looming recession. This will impact all industries, and I don't think advertising/marketing will be any different.

Karen Maseng: Convincing production that Portland actors can be cast in bigger roles. A common complaint from Portland actors is that production always casts the juicy roles in LA. Having spent well over 20 years as a casting director in Los Angeles, I tell Portland actors that in order to compete with LA actors, they have to invest the same amount of energy and time on their careers. All too often the answer I get is: “Why bother? We don’t have the same opportunities here as they do in LA, so why spend the time and money?” It’s a vicious cycle. You have to commit to your career if you want to be taken seriously.

Here's the good news - Your audience is now the world, and it’s starving for content. Your cellphone cameras have opened an incredible opportunity for you to become really inventive with what you can create and post on social media, and you don’t have to live in LA to create fantastic material. If you really work at it and the content you create is interesting, you’ll start getting the attention of casting directors, producers and directors.

Kristina Haddad: It’s very unpredictable - so while the hope is to get some shows/films in town you don't necessarily have any guarantees. BUT most important is to remain prepared in terms of your training and sharpness - keep the acting muscles in shape regardless.


What is the one skill actors should focus on to increase their success in 2023?

Katie O’Grady: Actors must deep dive into acting classes that support being on-camera so we are all ready to go when our market kicks back into gear.

Tara Manning: Up to date head shots and solid auditions.

Crystal Walen: Making sure all online profiles are up to date, resume, photos, and skills. Casting Directors can see the last time you logged in and how long it’s been since your headshot was uploaded. For some folks it has been years. You should log in once a month to CF and CN. [Editor’s Note: “CF” is Casting Frontiers and “CN” is Casting Networks.]

Dennis Troutman: Audition technique.

Karen Maseng: Learn to love self-tapes! I’m stunned that there are still so many actors who hate self-tapes and can’t wait to get back in the audition room. I firmly believe self-tapes are here to stay. They save production a lot of money and I suspect that the future will include a hybrid of self-tapes, virtual casting and in-person auditions. Actors must learn how to be comfortable auditioning in ANY environment. I personally think that self-tapes give you an incredible opportunity to be creative, take your time and audition in an environment that is familiar and far more relaxed than the audition room.

Kristina Haddad: Training - keeping the acting muscle in shape and cultivating a healthy mindset


What is the one skill models should focus on to increase their success in 2023?

Katie O’Grady: Models MUST take beginning acting classes. In Portland there are countless opportunities for new faces but they must be ready to say a few lines and know how to work with the camera.

Tara Manning: Keeping their sizes updated and portfolio fresh.

Crystal Walen: Update their book, the more photos you have the better.


Just for fun: what was your second favorite TV show in 2022? (We'll assume The Great British Baking Show was #1. :)

Katie O’Grady: White Lotus

Tara Manning: No time for TV. (o;

Crystal Walen: Severance

Dennis Troutman: Letterkenny

Karen Maseng: Slow Horses

Kristina Haddad: I want to say the Real Housewives of New Jersey but will go more high brow and say White Lotus.


Any other insights you’d like to share?

Katie O’Grady: Keep believing we are still the best city to work and grow as an artist in!! Find ways to support each other both online and in-person. MAKE ART regardless of who sees it.

Tara Manning: We are loving the images with you! Thank you! [Editor’s Note: Thank YOU!]

Crystal Walen: For auditions, practice 2-3 seasonal "personal" stories. Often during callbacks and sometimes for auditions, you will get the tell me about you. Or tell me a fun story of something you did recently. Master 3 stories to use that you can be ready to tell. The clients change so they have no idea its a story you used before and the Casting Director doesn't mind. Embellish, make it entertaining and memorable.

Karen Maseng: Embrace who you are and learn how to bring your unique experiences to every audition. Get comfortable in your own skin and stop worrying about what you think the casting director wants. The casting director wants to see you, not some version of what you think they want!

Kristina Haddad: Always be working on your craft - even if the industry is in a slowdown period. I'm a HUGE advocate for creating your own work or luck as it were. Be it a short film, a play, a feature - you have the ability to create so don't wait to do your art! And it can take on many forms - a night of original poetry; YouTube sketches; or just a gathering of actors to read plays and scripts.


Want to learn more? Read what Portland actors are saying about the coming year in our Shop Talk (Actor’s Edition) article here.


Michael Verity is a photographer based in Portland, OR specializing in acting and business headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography.

His acting and modeling clients are consistently placed in film, television and theater productions and his fashion work has been published in magazines worldwide. His creative and business clientele range from middle management to C-level professionals working in a variety of industries.

Prior to becoming a photographer, Michael was a journalist who interviewed dozens of musicians, including a 90 mile an hour conversation with Joan Jett in the back of an ‘82 Chevy.


Shop Talk (Actor's Edition): Where I Was and Where I'm Going



We polled a handful of successful Portland actors on what they learned in 2022, who inspires their work and where they’re focusing their efforts in 2023. Here’s what they had to say.


What was your most educational/enlightening/fun acting experience in 2022?

Matt Berger: I think the most formative experience of 2022 was building a community of fellow actors and comedians in Portland, and organizing an independent comedy improv troupe. It’s one thing to take lessons or classes in a formal environment, it’s another to take the initiative to rehearse and learn on your own as well as book yourselves for shows/work.

Tracy Rogers: Photo shoot for Vital Choice in Josephine, OR.  Even though I was not featured it was a paid gig that included travel and hotel in a charming town in Southern Oregon.  The cast and crew were super creative, kind and professional.

Tracey Hugo: Being on set working with my husband and young adult children doing what we love and "playing" together has been a wonderfully unique experience. As a family, we've completed a dozen film/modeling projects together!

Tiffany Fajen: I took acting classes at The Studio NW and got guidance from some incredible coaches. I truly believe it took me to another level of commitment and dedication and drove me to explore this as a career. I'm so happy I did!

Luke Carlson: Booking my first role after a year of almost zero auditions coming in.


What specific skill do you think set you up to have that experience?

Matt Berger: Ironically, it’s taking that step to take a comedy or acting class, or attending shows and events to network. I hate the idea of networking on paper, but you won’t be able to make and produce your work without a community of likeminded artists. Networking was arguably my most valuable skill set in that regard.

Tracy Rogers: I think my ability to connect with folks set me up for a positive experience.  Being present helped too.

Tracey Hugo: I think it's all about attitude and an eagerness to try new things. We enjoy our individual experiences, while also work to enjoy experiences together making family memories. It's a work hard, play hard mindset.

Tiffany Fajen: I knew I wanted to go deeper into more theatrical acting. In a way, my commercial acting experience pushed me to pursue this. I love commercial acting so much but I knew I wanted to help drive stories through film and television.

Luke Carlson: I remember my mindset during the audition. I was going trough a rather transformative period in my life and felt, for the first time, zero attachment to the outcome of the audition. So, maybe there is something to that.


What actor/actress inspired you in 2022? Why?

Matt Berger: Regina Hall without a doubt. She put out two incredible yet polar opposite performances this year in Amazon’s Master and Universal’s Honk for Jesus Save Your Soul. To see her play against type in Master was thrilling, but watching her walk the comedic and dramatic tightrope in HFJSYS was even more impressive. She’s a performer to watch out for.

Tracy Rogers: Issa Rae. She is a badass creator/writer/producer/actress/entrepreneur that lifts up the people she works with and her community.

Tracey Hugo: As a group, young and new actors inspire me. They just into acting class and on set with an energy and eagerness to participate in the magic!

Tiffany Fajen: I'm sure the expected answer for this question would be a movie star or big celebrity name but to be honest, I am most inspired by the community of working actors around me. I've come to know quite a few people in the PNW (and beyond---thanks social media!) and seeing the incremental progress and even struggles helps me not feel so alone in this industry. It fuels me to keep going and to have the vulnerability for aspiring actors (and models) who come to me with questions. I believe when acting communities are really healthy, its a circle. Someone inspires me, I take that inspiration and bring it to others and the cycle begins again.

Luke Carlson: Dacre Montgomery


What show inspired you in 2022? Why?

Matt Berger: Nathan Fielder’s The Rehearsal. I’ve loved Nathan’s work since his days on Comedy Central. The Rehearsal however was one of the strangest and cringe worthy comedies I’ve seen in quite sometime. It took the idea of an unreliable narrator to a whole other level. Some folks might be against audience manipulation, but this show proved it essential.

Tracy Rogers: Ted Lasso - I love storytelling that makes me laugh and cry and restores my faith in humanity.

Tracey Hugo: Landscapers and Peaky Blinders both had strong female characters who lit a spark for me as a middle aged actress. The performances of Olivia Colman in Landscapers and the late Helen McCrory introduced characters with intense layering which inspired my desire to dig deeper into character development.

Tiffany Fajen: I was really inspired by the character development and the ways the stories unfolded in Only Murders in the Building.

Luke Carlson: Obi Wan. For a long time people were not happy with the Star Wars universe, but this show I think made a lot of people fall back in love with it as it was done so beautifully.

What specific skill are you going to focus on improving in 2023?

Matt Berger: I’ve spent much of the last year honing my comedic skill set that I’m looking forward to spend some time on more dramatic muscles. While it’s ground I’ve worked before, it’s always good to readdress those skills after some time away.

Tracy Rogers: Being present

Tracey Hugo: Heading into 2023 I'll be focusing on grounding myself more and narrowing in on the specific roles/characters that I love to play.

Tiffany Fajen: I want to practice my emotional range but more importantly I want to be able to compartmentalize those expressions so I can feel safe and real at the same time.

Luke Carlson: Becoming more present to the moment and trusting instincts.


Matt Berger is represented by ZT Agency and studies with Ted Rooney.

Tracey Hugo is represented by Big Fish Northwest and Talent Model Management and studies with The Studio NW, Bonnie Root and Brian Sutherland

Tiffany Fajen is represented by The Option Agency and studies at The Studio NW


Want to learn more? See what industry experts are saying in our Shop Talk (Industry Edition) article here.


Michael Verity is a photographer based in Portland, OR specializing in acting and business headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography.

His acting and modeling clients are consistently placed in film, television and theater productions and his fashion work has been published in magazines worldwide. His creative and business clientele range from middle management to C-level professionals working in a variety of industries.


Featured Photos - December 2022


In one of the busiest Decembers in our history, we covered a lot of ground from acting headshots to modeling portfolios to beautiful black and white portraits.


Brenna, Powerfully

Brenna is a ZT Agency talent whose powerful presence (and spectacular eyes) just begged for a few extra portraits at the end of her portfolio session.


Marty, Colorfully

From serious actor to happy grandpa to mafioso, we had a super fun time working with Marty on his acting headshot portfolio.

Marty studies with well known acting coach Kristina Haddad.


Tatiana, Artistically

Sometimes we have so much fun making pictures that we just don’t want to stop. These dark and dusky portraits came at the end of portfolio session with this beautiful actor, dancer and (that’s right) computer coder.

Tatiana is represented by Seattle’s ZT Agency.


Luke, With Depth

The depth of expression on this guy’s face made our session truly fun and productive. Like Brandon from our September Featured Photos article, Luke came fully prepared and that equaled excellent results.


Natalie, In The Pink

We’re not quite finished with Natalie’s portfolio but we can’t help sneak peeking this beautiful shot of her smiling face.


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 - November 2022


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.