Is it really necessary?

leah woodworth · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 4

This is a very interesting site and I appreciate the help that's given. No, I don't want you to listen to my voice but I do have a question.

Do you need to have a nice photo when you enrole?

I've had some good feedback on my voice talent but I don't particularly want to post my pic!! Not that I'm hideous but judging by the photos already posted I do not have anything professional to offer!!

Does it help? Or doesn't it matter?

Scott Pollak · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007, 13:23 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi, Leah,

Welcome!
No, a photo is not at all necessary. There has been, as a matter of fact, extensive discussion on this site as to whether it's advantageous or NOT to have a photo posted. There are two schools of thought, but the bottom line is: It's going to be your VOICE they'll be most interested in. I WOULD recommend that if you don't want to post your image, find a nice representative avatar to use. An example would be something like this that a real pro here, Colin Campbell, uses on his page here:

http://colincampbell.voice123.com/

Obviously, please don't go stealing Colin's golden mike, but do consider some cool image (you can find many copyright free images at no charge out on the net. Googleimages and photobucket are two great places to start) to represent you.

And best of luck here!

Freddie Molina · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007, 14:55 (GMT) Post subject:

Hello leah,

Welcome to the forums, here´s the link to the discussion Scott mentioned:

http://voiceoversavvy.com/viewtopic.php?t=408

Hope that helps.

Victor Harris · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007, 17:06 (GMT) Post subject:

I don't think you have to have a professional headshot on here...mines not. Its cool if you don't want to. Personally, I think it brings a sense of personalization and community to the forum.

As far as demos, we can help you along if you want, if not, then good luck. You must be already be a pro with a kickass demo. Sooner or later, you'll have to post one on your profile...then we'll look you up and we'll listen to it anyway...lololol. Welcome! Lighten up. Its a great place. Wink

TJ Maxwell · **Voice Talent** Joined: 20 Jan 2007 Posts: 45

Yea Leah...Come on! I'd much rather see your photo (professional or not) instead of the little white box with a red "x" in the middle. Also, at least go back to your personal page and use Capital letters in your name.

Geeeze

(don't take this wrong, I'm just giving you a hard time)

Oh, and by the way, Welcome to our humble home!

TJ Maxwell

Matt Prather · **Voice Talent** Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 63

Hi, Leah ---

It does seem helpful to have a pic in here, to give some idea of who we're "talking" to. Smile

That said, I hope people don't get the idea that I'm always wandering the streets in white tie and tails! (More like shirts that should have been thrown out several months ago, and Levis stained with an unknown substance that not even Shout could manage to remove...) But it does give potential clients some idea of how I see myself or my "money" voice persona. And it's deliberately not a pro head shot, instead going with the "candid backstage" thang.

So let's see your best "caught in the voiceover act" pic! Bring on that, "Ohmigawd, I can't believe he actually took that photo!" snapshot. Let's see those pearly whites! Wink

Best,
Matt

Anthony Williams · **Voice Talent** Joined: 24 Oct 2006 Posts: 663

Leah,

It's a personal Decision!

Go with your gut!

Thanks

Tony

leah woodworth · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 4

leah woodworth · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 4

Victor Harris · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007, 13:13 (GMT) Post subject:

See that didn't hurt. Very pretty. Wink

Here's another resized pic.

Caryn Clark · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 1000

Hi,

I'll just chime in here...

I've been taught that having your photo could possibly typecast you and to not use your personal photo when marketing yourself. This is why I came up with my logo. It probably does seem to "typecast" me regardless, but I think it also leaves what my sound is, and what my range is, open to the imagination.

Just sharing what I've been taught.

C.

leah woodworth · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 4

Good point Caryn, thanks for the input.

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007, 20:33 (GMT) Post subject: no photos please

I recently had the chance to direct Roger L. Jackson in a video game. He does the voice of the crazy caller in scream and also Power Puff girls voices, etc. The client shot video of everyone for the fan zine and some other marketing purposes and the client even paid the actors to shoot. Roger was pretty adament about not being in the shots and I think we got footage of his feet while he was working.

The clip is here

http://www.webzengames.com/Down/movieView.asp?DwnIdx=117&cPage=1&

It's for Huxley from WebZen and my voice is in here too for some of the creatures and such.

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007, 20:44 (GMT) Post subject: also worthy

Roger does some of the characters in that Huxley CLip

If you want to hear Roger L. Jackson doing the narration for a game trailor then watch the Sun: Soul of the Ultimate Nation clip. I also directed the talent in that.

http://www.webzengames.com/Down/movieView.asp?DwnIdx=118&cPage=1&

Maya Kuper · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 04 Oct 2006 Posts: 97

Personally, I'd prefer not to see the photo of the voice I'm casting! Most casting directors and producers would rather IMAGINE what you look like. If your voice reminds me of Susan Sarandon, that's what I'll imagine! Smile

I don't think anyone would NOT hire you for not having a photo, if they loved your demos. And they wouldn't hire you based on your picture alone, either. Therefore, I think the headshots aren't necessary.

Making a logo out of your name, though, is never a bad thing.