ABOUT US
ABOUT US
James Arlen O'keefe is the lead photographer for FAILSAFE. He has over 10 years of experience, specializing in editorial, beauty, and headshot photography. With a background in directing, James understands that making his clients feel comfortable and safe is key to a great session.James is also Editor In Chief for HEAD SHOT MAGAZINE- a free Entertainment Industry magazine covering the mindset and lifestyle of today's fresh talent. www.HeadshotMagazine.com
BOOKING
HEADSHOT SESSION with FAILSAFE$395WARDROBEI approach every session as a work of fine art. I will shape and mold the session till I feel the client and I have created something that we can both be proud of. Because of this I do not have a limit to wardrobe changes. I sometimes like to explore clothing options in order to secure a well-rounded session. I encourage clients to bring a suitcase full of options so that we have more choices than we know what to do with. Some fashion type clothing is also encouraged as I sometimes get a number of shots that can be used for a clients print portfolio. Working without your typical headshot clothing can allow for a brake in the session and possibly shed some light to new energy.VIBRATIONMore often than not I will find that clients will be focused on everything but the vibration that they are putting out. Your hair can be out of place, clothing can be a bit off, and your smiles may not be what you say your best quality is - BUT - the lack of attention towards the correct energy carried cannot be forgiven. The camera doesnt lie. I focus in heavily on this with my clients and it is imperative that you come ready to have fun and just let go so that the camera captures exactly that.TIMEWe have all experienced a project taking a bit longer than what we planned in order to get the job done right. This holds true for my sessions. Sometimes things fly and sometimes I want to work with you a little longer to get it right. Be open and ready to work. Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.APPROACHIt is important that you don't view our session as taking "stills". There is nothing still about it. The session should be treated as if the camera is moving 24 frames per second. You will be encouraged to have continuous internal dialogue. The camera is in the scene with you. It responds to you and should provoke your counter response. This approach always frees up actors and allows for them to get caught up in their imagination. And this reflects in all of the subtle emotional changes your pictures will carry from our session. I use all natural light and do not use any bounces for any of my headshot sessions. The shoot is indoors in a very relaxed environment.FINAL PICTURESThe session is reviewed the next morning with fresh eyes. I do this to make sure everything is on point. A disc of the session is available later that afternoon at a scheduled time convenient for the client and myself 24hours after our initial shoot. I do not keep an archive of the session for future use. It is important to copy the disc to your hard drive or burn an additional copy for backup. PHOTO EDITINGI love my work and want the pictures you or your representation chooses to look its best. Because of this I have a very low pictures editing fee ($10 per shot) to help encourage that you do take the opportunity to give your shots the love they deserve. All shots can get better in post. MUAI work with a number of make-up artists who also do hair. They stay for the entire session and are very familiar with my approach and what it is that is required for your individual needs.MUA RATE - $200CONTACTFor booking or more information please email me- failsafephotography_gmail.com or by cell _ 310.595.5906In addition to photography I am also Editor In Chief for Head Shot Magazine _ headshotmagazine.com - I encourage potential clients to visit this actors lifestyle magazine - as subscribers do receive a discount for FAILSAFE photography. Subscribing is free.Looking forward to working with you!Respect,James
FASHION/BEAUTY/ARTISTS SESSION with FAILSAFE$500LIGHTINGI am all natural light photographer and work mostly out of my daylight studio in the South part of Hancock Park. I do shoot outdoors or on location from time to time when the request is made or if a clients look inspires the choice. APPROACHI am very organic in my approach and prefer very simple themes. To some degree I would prefer to not even see my client or discuss the approach until they arrive at the door. I work best in the moment and like when both the client and myself are at such a level of confidence with what we do that we can run and gun and get the gold. I do welcome ideas though and honor collaboration at all times.WARDROBEStylists are available for sessions but I do encourage that the client brings a supply of clothing. I believe the energy that one carries from wearing their personal wardrobe cannot be compared. Stylists rates are additional.MUAI work with a number of make-up artists who also do hair. They stay for the entire session and are very familiar with my approach and what it is that is required for your individual needs.MUA RATE - $200CONTACTFor booking or more information please email me- failsafephotography_gmail.com or by cell _ 310.595.5906In addition to photography I am also Editor In Chief for Head Shot Magazine _ headshotmagazine.com - I encourage potential clients to visit this actors lifestyle magazine - as subscribers do receive a discount for FAILSAFE photography. Subscribing is free.Looking forward to working with you!Respect,James
TESTIMONIALS"I love working with James! Having had my head shots taken by 5 different photographers in the past few years, James is my absolute favorite! He is a phenomenal photographer, gets the angle perfect, the light perfect, the colors perfect. More importantly, James is a brilliant director and he, like any great director, can get a performance out of you that you never thought possible. I just shot again with James because I changed my look and would never want to shoot with anyone else.- Bryn Abbottwww.brynabbott.com"I've never shot with someone who has captured my spirit in a way that James did. I was relaxed and calm and felt at ease--and it shows in my shots. So often headshots just come out looking like a mask of the actor, but not my pictures with James. I see "me". The shoot was professional and James gave me as much time as I needed in between looks to change my hair and makeup. I feel so grateful that I've finally found "my photographer" in LA. He's the real deal. I'll never go to anyone else."Thanks, James RipleyRipley Raderwww.ripleyrader.com"Shooting with James was a terrific experience. He ensured that I was comfortable and relaxed the entire time, and also knew exactly when to step in and give guidance, and when to just step back and let me do my own thing. I got a fantastic array of usable shots that both made me look great and actually looked like ME."- Dedeker WinstonIt's true that when you move to LA from another town, in my case Chicago, you have to get new pictures. After wasting time fooling myself that what worked for me there would work for me here, I took my agents' recommendation and shot with Fail Safe. Instantly, my commercial auditions shot through the roof! The resume hadn't changed -- the headshots had. James is patient, thoughtful, kind and has a way of nudging you to be your best while he captures not just the image but the emotions underneath as well. Love him!-Inda Craig-Galvan www.indacraig-galvan.comHeadshots are on the front line of acting. Its the first thing any casting agent will see long before the actor has an opportunity to audition. With this in mind it's imperative to have a great Headshot. James O'keefe is definitely the photographer you want taking your pictures to be your foot in the door. He's professional and his studio is filled with an atmosphere that makes the actor comfortable enough so that his true personality is captured. - Craig FIG Figueiredo"No one has been able to capture a solid theatrical shot of me until I shot with James O'keefe! He's an amazing photographer that is able to give you what you want for success in a relaxed environment that allows you to live in the moment!" - Rhonda Simmons"James is the best. He understands light and how to bring the best out of his clients, two crucial elements in headshot photography. I've been in this business over ten years and I've never been happier with my headshots."- Ali Raymerwww. Aliraymer.com"If you want pictures that will get you auditions, then James from Fail Safe is and should be your go to guy! He is a director too, which is extremely helpful in getting that great shot! In fact, there was such a variety to choose from his shots that depicted different looks, I had such a hard time choosing! And for the price he charges, you'll have more than a handful of shots that will work for you! His studio also has the most amazing light that will make anyone look flawless! Thanks James for doing such a great job!"- Giselle Tongi
CONTACT
In addition to photography James O'Keefe is also Editor In Chief for Head Shot Magazine at headshotmagazine.com. Subscribers receive a discount for FAILSAFE photography. Subscribing is free.
CONTACT ME
failsafephotography_gmail.com
310.595.5906
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