Visibilia:1,000,001 blinks of an eye

LOVE:::::

Alanna — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:29:26 +0000

I know, I’ve probably said it a hundred time… “I don’t do weddings.” But how could I resist the opportunity to work with Ellen Einkauf http://www.elleneinkauf.com. Ellen and I have worked together on other projects, and when we realized that combining our creativity is a force like none other, we HAD to do this. Finally, I feel as if I can photograph a wedding and have an inspired co-creator by my side knowing (with confidence) that we are really able to capture special nuances and feelings of the moment. And let me tell you, Ellen’s work is beautiful!

So needless to say, we are now available (and simply over the top giddy with excitement) to photograph your special day! Be sure to get in touch with us early as we are already getting a buzz for this coming wedding season!

alanna@alannaairitam.com
ellensemail@gmail.com

Click to view slideshow.

Some photo manipulation…

Alanna — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 21:26:25 +0000

Just practicing my Photoshop skills using a photo of a friend and added elements to create he head split in half. It took me a few hours to do this and I think it turned out alright. What do you think?

By the Sea… Swimsuit shoot with Leolani T

Alanna — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 22:40:48 +0000

It was a great day to shoot with Polynesian dancer Leolani T and makeup artist Gabrielle Contillo. It was a pretty casual shoot. We shot 3 swimsuits and Gabrielle did a great job on the makeup keeping Leolani T looking fresh and gorgeous. We had to fight the rising tide and in the end nearly gave up after nearly being engulfed by waves. I managed to get a few great ones between splashes. And somehow, she managed to stay relatively dry.

Here are a few teasers from the shoot. Be sure to check back the 2nd Chakra Studio website for more shots from Leolani T’s shoot.

Leolani T

Be Seen!

Alanna — Tue, 10 May 2011 02:31:35 +0000

Headshots that get you noticed

Theatrical Headshots for Actors: It takes more than a good pose to make a great headshot.

Alanna — Thu, 05 May 2011 18:21:29 +0000

A headshot is the key tool in getting an audition in order to land the role. No headshot, no audition. No audition, no job. And these days, it takes more than a good headshot to get that audition. It takes an outstanding one. But how do you set yourself apart from the hordes of actors competing for the same opportunity? Learn how to project your character in your headshot.

actor, Benjamin Ciaramello © Alanna Airitam

Casting directors go through stacks of headshots looking for the ones that fit the character. A headshot that will stand out is one that is in character and can easily be seen by the casting director as fitting the role. They don’t want to have to think if you’ll be a good fit, they want to see it. Posing for the camera in a generic, pretty way won’t get that message across the same way a shot in character will.

Pick a few characters that work for you and be that character in your headshot. If you are the best friend type character, play that character in your headshot. If you are good at playing a mother, be that character in your headshot. These kinds of headshots will land you roles. You want to represent these characters as real people in your headshots.

CBS exec, Fern Orenstein said, “Your headshot session is not a time to model, it’s a time to act. Your job is to know what TV and Film roles you are more likely to land, and have a headshot that’s going to let casting directors know that that’s what you’re about.”

So, really the key is to know yourself and your abilities as an actor. Have a firm understanding of the kinds of roles you are best suited for and go after those roles with headshots that fit those roles.

First Impressions Last Forever

Alanna — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:31:13 +0000

A face. It’s the first thing we see that gives us clues about a person’s character and personality. We can’t help it, but judgments are formed in one way or another just by seeing someone’s face. In particularly, the eyes. At first glance, we can decide if we want to go any further in doing business with someone or forming any kind of relationship.

Just like in real life, your online first impression is important too. Especially for business owners, actors, models, or any other profession where image is key. This is to humanize you in an all-too dehumanizing medium. A good headshot will show the real you. It will speak volumes in terms of getting people to take the next step and engage with you. It builds trust. It shows what you do. It shows are talents, your creativity, your integrity. It doesn’t have to be formal, but it does have to be real.

A good headshot is a powerful tool to have in your promotional arsenal. It is not only necessary, but the key component for actors, singers, models, or performers of any kind to get work. And it is equally as important for doctors, lawyers, real estate agents, writers, designers, executives and pretty much anyone who relies upon blogging and social networking as a way to gather a following.

It is important to work with a photographer that “gets you”. One that takes the time to know who you are and what you want to accomplish with the images. Because just having a pretty picture isn’t enough these days. It needs to speak to the audience. It needs to say who you are without saying a word. And that takes someone who cares enough to really bring that out in the image.

Working with a great photographer who understands you also means they can help you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Whether in studio or on location, the photographer should provide a relaxed environment. That way all you have to do is be you. Simple. The photographer can help you look like you on your best day. And after all, that’s what a great headshot is about. It’s not contrived. It’s not overly processed. It’s you, the best you.

How do you find a good photographer? There are a lot of photographers in the market today and you can do a quick search on the internet to see probably hundreds in your area. The most important thing is you need to make sure you like who you are working with. Check out their portfolios. Do you like their work? Ask for references from past clients. Send them an email or phone call to see if you like their personality and professionalism. Do your homework. There are a lot of people with cameras whose work really isn’t up to professional standards. Just because a person has a camera doesn’t make them a photographer. And you’ll be able to tell from the work in their portfolios, from references and from your initial communication.

When comparing photographers, be sure to check out 2nd Chakra Studio. And you can also see more client reviews like this on their Yelp page. “I had the pleasure of working with Alanna on a magazine shoot, and it was perhaps the most fun I’ve ever had being photographed. Alanna has an easy, open vibe as well as a fabulous eye – when I saw the final shots printed and glossy, I couldn’t help but feel that she saw (and captured!) what is most ‘me’ about me. I felt beautiful, and I have her to thank!”

Heidi Prosser, Heidi Prosser Group, Real Estate © Alanna Airitam

Chinyelu Chukwurah

Alanna — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 21:53:58 +0000

A few more from the shoot this past Monday. I was so happy that the water wasn’t freezing cold. But probably not as happy as Chinyelu was. She’s a true professional not even hinting at the fact that she was practically drowning. Models have to go through a lot. She told me in her previous shoot the photographer tied her hair to a pole. All in a days work.

Chinyelu Chukwurah

Alanna — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 07:32:28 +0000

A bit from today’s shoot. Stay tuned for more.

New images from the Portrait Gallery

Alanna — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:21:26 +0000

While visiting Dallas, I had the opportunity to photograph and hang out with a couple of fun girls. I’ve decided that working with young people is totally different to photographing adults. I take for granted the the natural ease of children and their ability to just be themselves. Some are shy, extroverted, happy, moody… there are so many emotions to capture without having to conjure it up. And to capture them just as they are creates beautiful images that remind us of our youth forever.

Lovely deals on Engagement/Relationship photos

Alanna — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:42:21 +0000

Hi Friends!

Ahhh… spring is coming and LOVE is in the air!

Over my weekend I decided that yes, I will start to offer engagement photos as part of my services. For all of you that asked in the past and it wasn’t available, now it is!

Because this is new, I’m offering a $200 introductory rate until the end of March. These photos are not your standard engagement/relationship photos. They are unique and special to the couple just like our bridal portraits. Super chic, fashion editorial style suited to your personality. These are very creative, artsy photos. If you’re looking for traditional holding hands and leaning against walls, this ain’t it. These are great for all kinds of couples whether they are getting married, been married for years, or just want a way to capture their love. And I would especially like to extend out to my LGBT friends! Let’s show the world what love is!!

Service includes:

• a full consultation with you on your shoot (location, wardrobe, props, etc.)

• 3-4 hours shooting time (based on location)

• online proofing with your own password protected gallery

• 20 fully retouched images of you and your honey on a disc for you to keep

• online slideshow of your images to keep, post and send to your friends

psssst…This is a very limited time offer. After March this package will go up to it’s regular price. So contact me soon for the goodies!