Jeff Bridges © Jerry Avenaim Photography

No matter where you were in the world last week, practically everyone was talking about The Oscars last Sunday in Hollywood. Who won for which film, which nominee you think deserved it more, and who wore what and did they look good. When I think about this past Oscars, I reflect upon a recent session where one of that night’s big names was a winner to me before he collected his long overdue Oscar.

Fade In magazine had hired me to create a portrait of Jeff Bridges for their cover, along with images for the feature story in the upcoming issue. And with all the Oscar buzz in the air the pressure was on. Having been in the belly of the cinematic beast for many years, I still know it is a blessing to have an actor walk into my studio who has multiple Oscar nominations over a 40 year career and is the heavy favorite to land the big prize. However, with such a buzz around Bridges you have to wonder exactly how long he will be in the studio before he is whisked away to his next obligation.

This photo shoot was to be the last pre-Oscar photo session for Bridges. The studio was prepared with three different lighting set ups, but the weight of the situation was on the shoulders of me and my team to get the shots done, and get the shot. Since we were his last photo shoot before the Oscars, he was probably counting down the minutes for this circus to be over. It’s not like “The Dude” (Jeff Bridges character in “The Big Lebowski”) is going to walk into my studio and just hang out. He has places to go and people to see, right?

Opening image of Bridges © Jerry Avenaim Photography for Fade In 2010

The morning began with my crew and I ready to get this done the best way we know and as quickly as possible. Then in walked Bridges, but if you closed your eyes all you heard was “The Dude.” Normally celebrities with such a busy schedule like Bridges’ smiles and nods as they walk in with their entourage of publicists, representatives, and agents, and walk out just as quickly. But Jeff stopped and shook hands with everyone in the room. This was not a man who was counting down the minutes, he was cherishing each and every second of his experience!

Over the years I have photographed many celebrities and each shoot is impossible to describe in only a handful of words, but this session left me speechless. A man who is part of an acting legacy, who has been around this type of situation all his life, is sitting back and being genuine, polite, honest, and more importantly, seeming to enjoy each moment. We had in the studio a rare $20,000 Gibson guitar brought in as a prop for one of the shots, reflecting his nominated (now award winning) role in Crazy Heart. He picked it up and said, “Oh man that’s nice of you to get me this, I didn’t get you anything though.” An accomplished guitarist, Bridges knew it wasn’t a gift and was making a joke knowing how rare this guitar actually was. As the shoot progressed he would ask questions regarding my camera and the lighting, not for conversation but because he is also an accomplished photographer.

The bottle of Kahlua signed by "The Dude" Jeff Bridges

It’s simply amazing to meet someone in person that you have seen on screen for years and realize, “he really is that guy.” He seemed always down to earth, polite and kind, funny and curious, and humble, even more so considering being the odds on favorite for the Oscar this year.

I’m sure many reading this are wondering about the how the images were lit and the more technical aspects of the shoot. This is something I will get into next time I have a moment to sit down and write it out with helpful diagrams. You will  see that entry (along with additional images) both here and on the Profoto blog.

Lastly, I’ve always been a fan of the movie The Big Lebowski, I had a bottle of Kahlua (a key ingredient to the drink of choice of his character in the film) in the studio thinking that if there was time I would ask him to sign it on his way out. There was time. Upon handing Bridges the bottle, I saw him begin to scribble all over the label of the bottle. A moment later he handed me the bottle with his sketch “The Dude” over the phrase “Jerry abides” and his signature. Jeff Bridges was a true pleasure to work with. He’s a musician, a photographer, kind, and an artist in everything he does. . . . And now, he’s an Academy Award Winning actor to go along with it.

If you would like to see the entire shoot online, check out Fade In magazine!

Happy shooting,

Jerry Avenaim

I hope you enjoy this 30 minute interview, it went by quickly for us both. There was so much more to talk about And by the way, since this interview was televised live the control booth made an error when showing my name as ‘James Avenaim’ for the first third of the show. Bastards

For those that attended my Samy’s camera seminar, it was a pleasure to meet you!

I will be writing more often I hope, I just haven’t had the time. I will be appearing on Life in the Fab Lane with Kimora Lee airing February 2009 on The Style Channel and E!

Happy learning!

Jerry Avenaim

Commercial Headshot (Studio)

Indeed all headshot photographers are different, so I wanted to share what works best in my experience as a celebrity photographer.

When hair and make up is provided you should always arrive with a clean face and your hair ready to be styled, no gels, sprays etc. just clean and ready. It is also helpful to the makeup artist if you bring in old headshots and or snapshots of yourself so he or she can see what you like and dislike about your hair and makeup. Also, if you’re planning on doing your shoot with straight hair and curly hair, please make the team aware well before the photo shoot.

Wardrobe

• Bring in a selection of your favorite clothing, following the guideline below:
• Variety of necklines (what you look best in).
• Choose fabrics that hang well. Some shirts (tops) wrinkle more than others.
• Dark colors, bright to mid-tones and black are always best.
• If you have fair skin, avoid pastels and creams, light blues, etc.
• White works with some skin tones and hair colors so use your best judgment.
• Avoid busy patterns; they are a distraction from you. Stay with solids.
• Sweaters with texture, cable knit or ribbed always photographs well.
• Depending on the look you want to project, layers also work well.
• Light and dark undergarments for women.
• Bring at least four of your favorite articles of clothing.
• Have bottoms as well for 3/4 or full-length shots.
• If you have a question about a piece of clothing, bring it with you.
• Don’t bring your whole closet, have a variety with your three favorites selected.

Jewelry and Accessories
• If you choose to have any in a shot, bring a range from: Simple – Casual – Dressy.
• If wearing glasses in a shot, you should have the lenses taken out prior to shoot. Almost any eyewear store will do this for you.

A few good tips: If you need some general pointers for what looks to achieve, there are four categories to help you cover all of the bases.

1.) Commercials: All-American, wholesome. Sell your type; clothes from the GAP, Banana Republic, J Crew, etc. medium tones, and layers work well.
2.) Film: Be yourself, creative and original. Wear your favorite things, ones that you look good in, and things that are you.
3.) Soaps (Women): More glamorous, elegant and upscale. An over all sexier look. Gucci, Prada and Armani are your friends here. (Men): Follow film suggestions.
4.) Corporate / Industrials / Spokesperson: (Men) Dark jacket & tie, conservative white or pastel shirt. (Women): Wear your favorite suit.

Be specific if you are going to dress for the part! For your 3/4 or full length shots. Don’t forget a belt, shoes, etc.

Final Notes:

In a commercial headshot your smile is very important. The headshot should portray your upbeat, happy personality and still show sincerity.

Legit Headshot (Studio)

In a legit headshot photograph (for film/theater) an interesting attitude can work for you. The eyes can do it all. In some photos, the eyes actually jump out at you. I look at the eyes and the mouth first, then at the general expression.

To sum up: a useful headshot is the result of a good partnership between the photographer and the actor, followed by a quality retouching and reproduction service. The headshot photographer provides the external mechanics (proper lighting, clarity, angles, etc.) and the actor handles the internal elements (his/her spiritual part, or soul fullness and genuine expressions). In having a successful session here are your ingredients;

A) Animated: expressive eyes smile and face.
B) Believable: sincerity rather than phoniness.
C) Communicative: depict charisma and emotion.
D) Drawing power: viewers should want to stare at your face rather than just quickly glance at the photo and pass it by.

If all this can be accomplished, your headshot will win people over and help your career move onward and upward.

This is your image and you have a say in the creative process. In choosing the right headshot photographer, it is paramount that you feel comfortable, and making your wants known from the beginning will make the final outcome that much better. Also, be sure to bring music that you enjoy, and remember to have fun on your shoot!

Jerry Avenaim