We are proud to be based in a city known as the Entertainment Capital of the World. While we’re known for neon signs and flashy facades, the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip don’t hold a candle to the talent of the entertainers who drive our reputation! From world-renowned performers to emerging artists, many aspiring stars come to Vegas in hopes of breaking into the industry. And, behind each entertainer, there’s a photographer in Las Vegas polishing a portfolio and taking fresh headshots to help him or her land auditions. 

For any career that involves auditions, a professionally-crafted portfolio is the key to opening doors and securing roles in this competitive market. Professional headshot photography allows performers to highlight their strengths, demonstrate their capabilities, and leave a striking first impression.  

Portfolios are the Ultimate Opportunity for a Strong First Impression

Whether you’re acting in Las Vegas or you have your sights set on a role in a prestigious show, you might only have a few seconds to leave a strong initial impression that could determine your success. For casting directors, agents, and other industry professionals, portfolios are the first glimpse (and for the unlucky, the only glimpse) into whether performers have the qualities for which they are looking. 

Those qualities will be different for each role, so it’s important to understand your career goals before you create your portfolio. A casting director for a drama series might look for different traits and expressions than one working on a comedy, for example. Meanwhile, an agent for a dance company might look for a dancer to feature flexibility in their portfolio. An experienced photographer should be familiar with how to appeal to different audiences and help their clients achieve career goals. 

Building a Personal Brand

Social media and portfolio websites have become more and more important for entertainers’ success in recent years. Some performers even use their social accounts to highlight their experience, build a connection with fans, and eventually land more roles. The way someone portrays and represents his- or herself is often called a personal brand. 

A dancer hoping to land a role in an upcoming production might post photos of herself performing skills relevant to that role. A professional photographer can help each star to build an inventory of content that supports his or her goals and showcases the skills that agents and casting directors look for.

What’s Next: Opportunities for Performers in Las Vegas

Once you’ve built a polished portfolio, you’re ready to move on to the next step: submitting that portfolio for an audition. Cirque du Soleil is often on the lookout for a wide variety of performing artists, from dancers to clowns to athletes and more. In addition to your professional headshot and a full body photo, the company also requests a video of you performing your craft. 

If Cirque du Soleil isn’t what you’re looking for, there are a number of other opportunities in Las Vegas. Websites like Backstage post casting calls and upcoming audition opportunities for dancers, actors, models, and other talent. 

Collaborating with Local Talent 

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a photographer in Las Vegas is the opportunity to collaborate closely with local talent. This doesn’t just extend to the musicians, actors, dancers, and other entertainers - makeup artists and costume designers are important factors to successful portfolio photoshoots. Choosing a headshot makeup artist will further highlight an entertainer’s features, and we recommend professionals consider this option when they book with us. 

Looking for a Professional Photographer in Las Vegas?

If you’re an entertainer in Las Vegas building your portfolio, we’d love to discuss your goals and see how we can help. Reach out today. 

If you’re an aspiring model, we encourage you to check out our model scouting page.