CURAphotography -

MARC CHANCER, Origin Talent Agency

"CURAphotography is an incredible photographer! It amazes me how many people in Los Angeles consider themselves photographers because they own a camera. CURAphotography brings out the essence of the actor and makes each person look like someone who SHOULD be someone. A great headshot can change the direction of an actor’s life drastically. It’s your calling card, your number one tool besides your talent. CURAphotography delivers the goods every time he shoots one of my clients. He gets it!."

Acting Teacher AMY LYNDON, www.coldreadingclasses.com

"CURAphotography is so easy to work with! He truly brings out the best YOU! The lighting is wonderful and the ideas are invaluable. I am so happy with ALL my new photos and I would recommend CURAphotography to all my clients in a heart beat!"

A headshot is not just a simple picture of you. It’s a representation of the dimensions and depths that make you the person you are. That’s why each shot that comes out from our cameras is unique; it’s an intimate journey that the individual takes into the lens, to go to imaginary places and situations that will help you discover yourself.

Taking headshots should be a pleasure and not a self conscious exercise. That’s why we create a relaxed and friendly environment where you can be free to open yourself up and obtain those shots that will open doors.

We all know how important it is to possess versatility in the acting business. The Los Angeles market requires having at least a THEATRICAL and a COMMERCIAL headshot. The way people perceive a commercial headshot is generally misguided: it's too often seen as a simple "smiley photo". Although that is the idea, it is also a very limited and superficial approach. The way we help you achieve a strong commercial headshot is through reality. Don't we know when somebody is faking it? And how do we (and so casting directors) react to that? We have specific directions that will assist you in the process of feeling truthful and connected in "showing your teeth".

One of the objectives to be reached during our photo shoot is to allow the actor to enter what we call the “comfort zone”, meaning that level of freedom and openness that takes barriers away. In that zone you will be able to allow the lens to enter the “real you”, that individual that only you know.

We believe that a continuous collaboration between the photographer and the actor is a fundamental key to success. We know how hard it can be to be pressured into the idea of “getting the shot” that your agent needs (the photograph that talks to us and that makes casting directors want you).

We believe that when you enter our studio, you are the star! This is your time and we work around you to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. We help you open yourself to the camera in a truthful way without ever rushing you. "THE shot" is already trapped in you - you are enough.

It's vital to understand that a photographer is not only supposed to take the photos, but he must help the actor create a REAL connection to the lens. Actors have the ability to take us to places and tell us stories; they explore characters and emotions; they make us parts of their experiences. With CURAphotography, taking headshots becomes an enjoyable opportunity to use your talents, skills, creativity and imagination while obtaining one of the key tools you need in this business.

As a boutique studio, CURAphotography tailors your headshots in the most personal way. We offer a variety of lighting effects, backgrounds and locations that will help convey the feeling and tone of your picture.

Our goal is to help the actor reach the most diverse aspects of his/her being. There is no “chain shooting”, meaning a series of monotonous shots that look exactly the same. We instead believe in focusing intensely on each moment, resulting in an immense variety of choices.

We embrace all ethnicities and character types, and we definitely help you put an emphasis on your own uniqueness.

CURAphotography's artistic background plays an extremely important role in the way he “interprets” the actor. We customize your headshot based on who you are and what you need. It is then our responsibility to deliver the shot that will change your professional path.

The impact of a photograph must be strong. CURAphotography’s headshots have the reputation of grabbing the attention of Agents and Casting Directors. Our system works: the TALK THROUGH TECHNIQUEused is known for its success. Our clients experience a dramatic increase in auditioning and booking.

We include full retouching services as well as name/border personalized designs and web/print file optimization with each headshot session.

Our way of retouching does not translate into simple air-brushing and/or taking away a couple of blemishes. We are specialists in digital work.

We invest great time in studying the picture and those characteristics that make your headshot the key to the door!

How many times were you told that you don’t look like your headshot? Or that you wear too much make up? Or that you’re missing that spark in your eyes? But above all, that you just look completely different. Now, we all know that one of the worst things that can be done in this business is to walk into a Casting Director’s office and not meet their expectations. Actors should not be worried about getting a great headshot! That is solely the photographer’s responsibility! This is our philosophy at CURAphotography. We make sure that your headshot is the most accurate and realistic representation of the best of you.

Every actor is unique the same way each art piece is.

You are the ONLY one…each of you. There are no duplicates.

Your life experiences, your family, your loves, your tastes, your passions, etc.

Everything that makes you who you are is in the eyes.

Your eyes are not only the window of the soul, but they are the absolute story tellers – that’s why Francesco creates headshots that tell a story.

Something our clients experience is a hard time choosing the final shot/s. The proofs produced from your session with CURAphotography offer an incredible variety of feelings, emotions, angles and atmospheres within each look. We always underline the fact that the TALK THROUGH TECHNIQUE works! It is of extreme importance that you connect to the camera in truthful, unpredictable ways. Cura' is a master of doing this, as he is the inventor of this dynamic system. CURAphotography is very well known for our technical abilities. Our use of the light and ourtalent for sharply immortalizing a face is of unmistakable precision.

The depth of field, the crispness of the eyes and his compositional choices are all intelligently utilized to produce a three dimensional likeness with tons of "pop and punch".

Whether you want studio shots, location shots or a combination of both, we give you what you need. Got a cowboy hat? Why not show all aspects of your personality? We encourage you to bring a lot to your photo shoot.

CURAphotography is available for consultations. During the meeting we will explain how this system works, answer any of your questions and discuss your specific goals. It's a good idea to bring along your old or current headshots, your demo reel and anything else that might help generate ideas about your pictures.

CURAphotography is extremely patient as we enjoy offering creative insights. We also offer the opportunity to talk with your agents, managers and publicists about marketing strategies, needs, ideas, concepts and all other aspects of the process.

In addition to the headshot services offered on this page - you can find out about the CURAphotography BUSINESS CARDS, POSTCARDS, ZED/COMP CARDS, and all other additional promotional tools by clicking here.

CURAphotography's HEADSHOTS department is headed by veteran headshot photographer Jim Stewart. Jim has specialized in actor's headshots, and other promotional and publicity imagery for artists and entertainers for over 12 years in the Los Angeles and New York markets.