Meet Michael Calas

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Calas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

For a long time, I struggled with imposter syndrome, especially since I didn’t have a formal photography education. While my clients were thrilled with my work, being around other photographers triggered feelings of inadequacy. I constantly worried they knew more than I did.
My journey began in Chicago, working on photo and commercial shoots doing hair, makeup, and styling. Observing photographers, I started critically evaluating their techniques. One day, witnessing a photographer mishandle their models, I couldn’t stay silent. I knew I had a knack for connecting with models, seeing them as individuals with unique contributions, not just props. I offered some advice, which led to a pivotal realization: ‘I can do this. I can do his job.’

Though I had dabbled in photography in college, I now took it seriously. I built a portfolio with model friends and started offering my services. As my client base grew, so did my fear of being ‘found out.’ I knew my background in hair, makeup, and styling gave me an edge, but it wasn’t enough to silence the imposter within.

Moving to Los Angeles in 2000, my partner, then an assistant casting director, saw potential in my work. He encouraged me to try actor headshots after seeing subpar photos of actors. My acting experience, combined with my styling skills, gave me confidence, but the imposter syndrome persisted.

To combat this, I enrolled in photography workshops. The first, a strobe lighting portraiture class at UCLA Extension, was transformative. It bridged the gap between my vision and my technical abilities. When a fellow student asked the professor about actor headshots, he directed them to me, acknowledging my expertise. That moment was a turning point, but the nagging feeling remained.

Another workshop reinforced my insecurities. Surrounded by seasoned photographers, I questioned my place. When I shared my doubts with the instructor, he countered with a powerful statement: ‘Years don’t matter if you don’t have a good eye. You have a great eye, and you capture the essence of your subjects.’ He emphasized my unique perspective, something experience alone couldn’t provide.

These experiences, combined with ongoing workshops, gradually shifted my perspective. Each class boosted my confidence, eventually leading me to teach a Portraiture Photography certificate program at UCSD. While the feeling of being an imposter still surfaces occasionally, it’s less intense each time.

Ultimately, what helped me overcome imposter syndrome was immersing myself in the photography community. Sharing ideas and experiences with peers normalized my feelings. I discovered I wasn’t alone in my struggles, and that was incredibly empowering. The fear of being ‘discovered’ is human, but forging ahead despite it is where true confidence lies.”

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a multi-faceted creative professional – a photographer, graphic and web designer, actor, and teacher – a true Renaissance individual. What sets me apart from others as a headshot photographer is my deep understanding of the acting business. With experience in commercials, films, I’ve experienced the industry firsthand. But that’s not all—I also had the privilege of living with a casting director for 12 years, actively participating in the casting process for several projects.

As an actor headshot photographer, this unique background grants me unparalleled insight into what my clients need to effectively promote themselves in this highly competitive industry.

As an experienced and creative headshot photographer based in the heart of Los Angeles, I possess a passion for capturing the best of both men and women at all stages of life. With over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, I have honed my skills to bring out the absolute best in individuals through a repertoire of techniques and tricks accumulated over the years working as a headshot photographer in Southern California.

My journey as a headshot photographer began with shooting catalogs across the United States, eventually leading me to work with several celebrities, directors, and film and commercial productions alike. In Los Angeles, I have become the go-to headshot photographer for new arrivals to Hollywood, known for my ability to capture their essence in stunning headshots that demand attention.

I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to collaborate with my client and create headshots that will set them apart in the entertainment world. Together, we can capture their best self and pave the way for their success.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

My journey to this fulfilling life wasn’t linear. After a four-year stint in the corporate world, I realized I needed to embrace my creative spirit fully, no matter the challenges. I’ve always prioritized pursuing my artistic passions, and despite the difficulties, I have no regrets.

A pivotal moment came when high school friends visited me in Chicago. They, having chosen a more traditional path, expressed admiration for my courage to pursue my dreams. They said, ‘We’ve always admired your ability to jump and make changes towards your true goals. We’ve stayed in our secure jobs, afraid to take that leap. We want to be more daring like you!’ This unexpected encouragement validated my ‘risky’ choices and solidified my commitment to my creative path.

Photography, in particular, has been incredibly rewarding. I’m continually amazed by the power of a simple rectangular viewfinder to create impactful images. At this stage, I’ve built a stable client base, providing both creative freedom and the financial security that enables me to continue creating. More importantly, the interaction with my clients is deeply fulfilling. I love knowing my photos contribute to their careers and boost their confidence.

My approach to photography is primarily emotional, not technical. I prioritize capturing a client’s essence and mood over technical perfection. I’ve mastered the technical aspects, which allows me to focus on creating a comfortable, authentic atmosphere. For me, a successful headshot session ends with a heartfelt hug, signifying a genuine connection and positive experience. It’s about creating a relaxed, friendly environment where my clients feel seen and understood.

While I strive for emotional connection, I never compromise on technical excellence. Perfect lighting, sharpness, and contrast are non-negotiable. I understand that clients often have insecurities about their appearance, and my role is to create a collaborative environment where we work together to achieve their vision. Unlike fine art photography, headshot photography requires a delicate balance between artistic expression and client satisfaction.

People sometimes assume headshot photography is repetitive, but it’s anything but. Each new client brings a unique energy and story. The moment I open the door and meet them, I see endless possibilities. Capturing their individual essence is a thrilling challenge, never monotonous. I constantly experiment with new approaches to keep my work fresh and engaging.

Beyond delivering high-quality images, I aim to empower my clients. As a Cuban immigrant, I understand the importance of encouragement. My parents, while loving the arts, didn’t always have the time or energy to foster my creative pursuits. Seeing the positive impact of encouragement on actors I photographed, I decided to become a source of support for my clients. I offer honest encouragement, never empty flattery, to help them pursue their goals. This positive reinforcement brings out their authentic selves, which translates into powerful headshots.

When teaching at UCSD, I often emphasized that a great portrait is 75% connection and 25% technique. Your personality and ability to connect with your subject are what truly make a portrait shine.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The contemporary portrait photography landscape is experiencing unprecedented competition, posing a significant challenge to professionals seeking to establish and maintain a sustainable career.
The ease of creating high-quality digital images, coupled with the pervasive influence of social media, has saturated the market with photographers. This abundance of practitioners, many possessing technical proficiency, makes it increasingly difficult for individuals to distinguish themselves and attract a consistent clientele. Furthermore, social media platforms have cultivated a culture of highly curated and often heavily edited imagery, leading to elevated client expectations that can be difficult to meet.
This is a subject I consistently discussed with my students at UCSD. I believe that to navigate this challenging environment, portrait photographers must prioritize developing a unique and recognizable artistic style. Find your niche. In my case, actor headshots are my niche. I will repeat that: find your niche. This involves cultivating a distinct visual language through mastering lighting, composition, and editing techniques, setting your work apart from the vast sea of competitors. Beyond technical prowess, providing an exceptional client experience is essential. This entails fostering a personalized and memorable interaction, characterized by clear communication, professionalism, and a comfortable shooting environment that builds client loyalty and encourages them to come back.
Strategic marketing and branding are also indispensable tools for success. Building a strong online presence through a well-designed website and engaging social media content is crucial. However, in my experience, social media doesn’t always translate into photography clients. I told my students that social media is like trying to be heard at a very crowded party. I find that word-of-mouth is still king. Research indicates that approximately 65% of photography clients find photographers through referrals. I also advised my students to stay local. Focus your energy on finding local marketing opportunities. Yelp is a great source for local exposure. If you live in Los Angeles, you want to reach Los Angeles clients, not those in Nebraska. I cannot overstate the importance of staying local. Once you have gained popularity, you can begin to expand; until then, strive for local word-of-mouth referrals.
I also caution photographers to be wary of photography bloggers or YouTubers. While they can be a great source of inspiration and knowledge, one must question when they find the time to photograph or find clients if they are so busy blogging or creating YouTube content. In my experience, when I have a full schedule, I’m photographing clients, editing or retouching images, and responding to calls, texts, or emails. I don’t have time for extensive blogging, posting, or creating videos. Unless you are at the point where you can hire someone to manage these tasks, I found I never had time to partake in those online endeavors. You are better off focusing on making your website beautiful and easy to navigate. Ensure it provides ample information that answers potential clients’ questions and makes it easy for them to book a session or contact you.
Continuous learning and adaptation are essential for staying relevant in a rapidly evolving field. Keeping abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and techniques through ongoing education and training enables photographers to refine their skills and expand their creative horizons.
The rise of AI-generated headshots also presents a growing threat to professional headshot photographers, further intensifying the competitive landscape. These AI tools, capable of producing seemingly realistic portraits from simple uploaded selfies, appeal to individuals seeking quick and inexpensive solutions. While convenient, this technology poses a significant challenge to photographers who rely on traditional methods and personalized client interactions. The ease with which individuals can obtain AI-generated images risks devaluing the expertise and artistry professional photographers bring to the table.
However, relying solely on AI headshots presents several disadvantages. AI-generated images often lack the nuanced expressions, authentic connection, and tailored lighting that a skilled photographer can capture. They may also produce generic or unnatural results, failing to reflect the individual’s unique personality. Moreover, the absence of a personalized client experience means missing out on the guidance, encouragement, and collaboration I provide, which is crucial for achieving a truly impactful headshot. In a professional setting, where first impressions are essential, the subtle cues and genuine connection I capture can make a significant difference, something AI can’t replicate. While AI headshots may offer a quick fix, they ultimately fall short of the quality and personalized touch I deliver to my clients, potentially hindering a client’s ability to present their best self.
Finally, setting realistic client expectations through clear and honest communication regarding the achievable outcomes of a photoshoot is crucial for fostering client satisfaction and maintaining a professional reputation. In essence, thriving in today’s portrait photography market demands a multifaceted approach that combines artistic vision, technical expertise, business acumen, and exceptional interpersonal skills.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://calasphotography.com
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/calas-photography-los-angeles?osq=calasphotography&override_cta=Get+pricing

Image Credits

Photos by Calasphotography.com