In the arts we are judged on face value so often. Imagery is a big factor in getting a role or a job. When I auditioned for dance companies they all asked for headshots and body shots so they could judge me before even inviting me to audition. This sometimes gets to me as I feel sometimes you need to watch someone in person before you can fully know. Or maybe not? I suppose thats where videos come in.
A photo holds a lot of information that you wouldn't necessarily get from a description and in social media especially and I find I am immediately drawn to an article in social media if there's an interesting photo. Would a photo decide whether you read an article or not?
A photo holds a lot of information that you wouldn't necessarily get from a description and in social media especially and I find I am immediately drawn to an article in social media if there's an interesting photo. Would a photo decide whether you read an article or not?
Here is a link to my network dance profile that I already use to network with other people in my professional practice:
I have also set up my new Flickr account and uploaded photos of my work. I found using this Web 2.0 tool quite simple to use in comparison to the others I've been introduced to. There's a range of photos there all of which show different shows, roles and places I have worked. A lot trigger memories that I otherwise would have forgotten, another good use for imagery I find. Let me know your thoughts :)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/104957692@N04/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/104957692@N04/
Really enjoyed looking through your photos on Flickr!! They all look great!! You've got some really interesting comments about imagery and first impressions in the dance world as well! Great blog x
ReplyDeleteyes like the comments - images of work very effective - the link to your professional site is also useful. Ballet and photography - you can probably talk about classic images of shows or characters. Great to have professional shots of your current work. Have you ever been given advice or have you given advice about your own imagery in the ballet? Are photos of scenes needed to promote the ballets to the public?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments.
ReplyDeleteRohanne I'm sure you found similar necessities when auditioning too. Did you use a video/ show reel to send to companies?
Paula, I was given advice during my graduate year. After we had our portfolio photoshoot we were encouraged to ask the teachers their preferences and what would look best for which company. It was interesting hearing their difference in opinions which proves that imagery can lead to a wide variety in opinions. The company I'm with also use the photos to publicise productions. I am planning on writing my further thoughts for this task where I will post the link to examples :)
Hi Emma
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog, loved looking at all your photos and seeing what work you have done, they really do tell a story!
I agree with what you said about how in this industry you are usually judged by your photo before your talent is even considered. Do i think this is fair? No, but i do think it is necessary for the way that this fast past industry works. Its a good time saver and a good way to eliminate the applicants that are not visually right for the job. As you will know this industry is all about looks and if you look right for the job and if this is the case they will then consider you for the job and look at your talent!
I had never heard of Network Dance before, so thanks for sharing. Again this to me highlights that if an agent is looking on the sight they will automatically look at the Audi-Visual, which in your case is your headshot and if they like the look of you then they will read your profile!
Your blog has really made me think how important Audi Visual is in our chosen Profession.
Feel free to check out my Blog posts!
Heather X
Hi Heather,
DeleteThanks for your comment! It is very true that this is such a fast moving industry and time costs so of course eliminations will be made on face value and I do feel this is necessary. It does however mean occasionally performers can slip through the net at auditions which is a shame but at the end of the day employers are paying to put you on stage where an audience will view you. So if they're not happy with a hair colour/height etc then this makes total sense and wastes less time.
I find Network Dance really useful especially when it comes to hearing about audition details. It is a useful site and again, like you said, the audio visual is the first thing to be judged so is a very important aspect of it. Maybe as I am currently and primarily a classical dancer I should change my network dance profile photo to a dance shot? They are usually more important when it comes to Classical employment whereas I seem to find (from my own little experience) that in things such as Musical Theatre a headshot is more valued? What do you think?
Emma x
Hi Emma
ReplyDeleteLove reading your blog! I Iike how you incorporate you professional ballet career so much into the course, for me it makes it so interesting to read and also inspiring.
I do totally agree with you about the judgment in photos. It really shows how first impressions are so important. In a way it is unfair that it is almost like 'branding' where in certain arts industries they want a specific look, but I guess its part of networking in this type of field.
However your pictures are lovely and show a wide range of your work practice.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Gaby
Gaby :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment! I too really enjoy reading your blog as your pictures attract the eye. Again, imagery gives us such an advantage in both representing ourselves and attracting an audience whether it be a possible employee or a follower on a blog. Branding is a good term for it.
Emma