Hello – I’m Manon Halliburton; a professional Photographer and Actress with over 20 years’ experience in the business. I have worked as an actress all over the country in regional theatre. I’ve worked in television and even a few movies.
How I got my start in photography?
My older brother dabbled in photography when we were growing up. I always had an interest, but never took the plunge until I lived in New York City. I befriended another actor who happened to be a headshot photographer, and my curiosity soon became a passion. I began shooting actors around 2008 and have been behind the lens ever since. I shoot everything from weddings, corporate events, senior portraits, and family portraits. Headshot photography is the main bulk of my business and passion. As an actress, I understand and live the business. As a photographer I know the industry standards of today’s market and what are the latest trends in headshot photography.
I believe a great headshot portrait should have three qualities:
- Represent a flattering image of you on your best day
- capture a unique quality of your personality
- be engaging for viewers
The first point is an obvious one, but too often these days photos are overly retouched, over exposed or enhanced in some way that don’t end up capturing a true representation of what the person really looks like when they walk in for an audition.
I’ll never forget sitting in my agent’s office once as they were looking at headshots for actors they had interviewed. They would complain that many of the actors looked nothing like their picture when they walked into the room.
This is a key point. You want to look fantastic in a picture but looking like your “best you” and an “overly glamorized version” of you are two entirely different types of photographs. Know this when you choose a headshot photographer.
My Photographic Style
I shoot at my home studio using either natural light or studio light to give you a wide variety of looks. I have a variety of solid-colored backdrops that will flatter your skin tone without distracting from your face. I like to show the exposures during the shoot so you can see what you’re getting. Ultimately with me, what you see is what you get – beautiful, natural portraits that capture you in your best moments.
At the end of the day, there are hundreds of photographers vying for your business and ultimately you just have to go with your gut. Remember when looking at a photographer’s work, don’t get fooled by fancy borders, lighting tricks or Photoshop madness.
The mark of a great photographer is how you look in the photo first and if you are the true focus and standout in the picture. If you feel comfortable talking with the person and like their work, you really can’t go wrong.
No one is used to having their picture taken professionally unless they are a model, so don’t go into it with a preconceived notion of how it’s going to turn out. Just remember to relax, have fun and be yourself…
A great photographer can capture a beautiful image if you are willing to just show up.