Down in London Town!

WOW, talk about 'hot in the city'!


Deon Adams (c) rtphotographics 2009

Probably not what Billy idol (or whoever it was) was singing about, but my word, it was HOT! Sweltering, sweating hot!!

I was down in London a couple of weeks ago to work on some headshots with a group of 7 young actors, all of whom are working hard and very nearly at the end of their first year at the Mountview Academy in London.


Jeffrey Socia (c) rtphotographics 2009

Their week at the Academy is unbelievably hard and how they manage it in the heat I really don't know! I have nothing but absolute and utmost respect for these incredible young people.


Leigh Lothian (c) rtphotographics 2009

I set up the studio in the top floor apartment of a town house in Palmers Green. There is a huge balcony up there and loads of natural light as well as studio lighting, so all was looking good. I hadn't bargained on the heat from the enormous windows though. Wow. Hot and thirsty work. I haven't drunk that much water since my first attempts at swimming in the English Channel over 30 years ago!!


Leah Shears (c) rtphotographics 2009

Each session lasted a little less than an hour and the time flew. It was an absolute pleasure and a privilege to spend that time with the students, and talking to them, finding out a bit more about them. As well as being interesting and fun, it's also the best way to help them relax and put themselves across in their headshots.

They were all 7 very different people; different backgrounds, different experiences, different approaches to life and hopes for the future. Their personalities need to come across in their headshots. It needs to be 'them' that a casting panel sees, not a lovely photo of someone airbrushed beyond all recognition.


Greg Airey (c) rtphotographics 2009

If they are more serious or quiet by nature, that needs to show. If they are fun and bubbly, that should be in the headshot. It is the only thing they have to show a casting panel who they are. They won't get an audition without one, unless they are incredibly lucky and are incredibly famous!


Grace Gardner (c) rtphotographics 2009

With the amount of dedication and enthusiasm these young folks have, as well as bags of talent, I am quite sure these are names and faces we shall all get to know in the future! I can't wait for the day when I can say "oh yes, I knew them before they were famous!"


Paula Masterton (c) rtphotographics.co.uk

Thanks everyone, so very much, for all your hard work on such a terribly hot day!! It really was a pleasure to meet with you all and work with you all.

Rebecca,x

rtphotographics.co.uk

rebecca@rtphotographics.co.uk