The past year has been incredible, in so many ways, but especially because it has been such a productive learning experience. Meeting casting directors, getting auditions, reading for directors and producers, taking scene study classes, updating my resume and reel, working on industrials, pursuing commercials and voice over work, booking roles—it’s been one lesson after another. Perhaps most eye opening has been the realization that knowing your “type” is as paramount to an actor’s success as just about anything else, especially when you’re still establishing yourself. Casting directors appreciate an actor who knows who he or she is and how to market the whole package accordingly. I think, for the most part, I’ve been hitting the mark, but there’s always room to grow. The more I get called in for roles and the more I really listen to feedback from industry professionals, the more I see what I can be doing.

 

So, with that said, I have been on a mission to get a new headshot, and I recently had a photo shoot with Sam Khan over at SK Headshots to do just that. I’ve been working with Sam now for several years. He’s the talented photographer behind my original headshot. All the feedback I have ever gotten from it has been amazing, but I have also been hearing casting directors tell me that they want a headshot that expresses more of the persona that they get from me when I walk into their offices. They say it’s something edgier, cooler, and more laid-back than what they are getting from my current headshot.

 

They spoke. I listened:

 

 

To check out all my pictures and headshots (with more from this most recent photo shoot on the way), check out my portfolio at melissanavia.zenfolio.com.