Client Stories: Actor, writer, filmmaker Rajiv Shah

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do? 

I’m Rajiv Shah, an actor, writer, and filmmaker originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. I work in the entertainment industry and currently serve on the board for SAG-AFTRA, a professional labor union representing approximately 160,000 actors and other media professionals.

What motivated you to get a new headshot?  How old was your previous headshot?

I had taken a hiatus from acting for about a decade as I was working as a writer and a filmmaker during that time. I had also became a new dad and my focus shifted to being a dedicated parent. My previous headshots were over a decade old and I hadn’t acted in some time. Then when the pandemic hit I found myself reassessing my life and found I really missed acting. Jeff had offered a headshot session at that time. I jumped at the chance to take new headshots with him after my wife shared his work with me. I always thank her because my new headshots from Jeff were a real turning point for me.

How did you feel about your old headshot, and what were you looking for in your new one? 

As an actor your headshot is your calling card. I wanted my new pictures to reflect my new approach to my career which was less about external results or being a “type”, which is prevalent in my line of work. I wanted my new pictures to be more about expressing warmth, uniqueness, and my own authenticity. I also wanted the headshots to express the love I had for performing in some way. I wanted them to be different than the headshots I had taken previously, which were also great but had captured me when I was in my early-thirties, nearly a decade earlier. I was in a different stage of life when I shot with S72, and I wanted my new headshots to reflect the person I had become.

In what ways do you think your new headshot has impacted your business, visibility or job search? 

My new headshots are invaluable. They stand out and have gotten me in the door. You need great headshots to get you the auditions so that you get the opportunity to show what you can do as an actor.

Coming back to acting has been fruitful because of the opportunities my new headshots have opened up for me. Since I took my new headshots with Studio SeventyTwo, I’ve booked three feature films: “The Comic Shop,” “No Address,” and “Splash City,” all of which will be releasing soon. I have also done numerous short films that have played at film festivals worldwide and starred in Terrence McNally’s play, “A Perfect Ganesh” in which I was awarded Outstanding Featured Performance in a Drama from StageSceneLA. In addition I was honored to be elected to the board of SAG-AFTRA where I’m proud to serve my fellow performers in the entertainment business.

Have you received any feedback on your new headshot?

I get compliments from people in the industry all the time that my headshots capture me- that they feel effortless, real, and striking. They’ve gotten me some great opportunities.

How important do you think a professional headshot is for someone in your field? 

It’s one of the most important tools. It’s what your agent sends out to get you the audition that leads you to the job. Headshots are that first key that ultimately opens the door.

What advice would you give to someone considering getting a new headshot? 

Go to Jeff at S72. He’ll make sure it puts your best foot forward in a way that captures you.

Were you nervous or uncomfortable with the idea of having your photos taken and if so how was the experience in the end? 

I’ve taken so many photos and headshot sessions over the years that there’s more anticipation than nerves. I know what I want but I’m open to that merging with the energy of the session and what the photographer brings. Jeff is such a pro and creates a space that’s relaxed and collaborative. For me it was a homecoming of sorts after so many years away and in the end, I had a great time.

How did you prepare for your headshot session, and do you have any tips for others on how to get ready for theirs?

Get plenty of rest the night before, relax and be yourself. Give yourself permission to try things, stay loose and have fun. Know what you want, but be open to what comes.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience or the impact of your new headshot?

I’m grateful for the opportunity. I love my headshots and they work everywhere; whether that’s for an acting job, on my socials or anytime I just want to share a picture that I feel really captures my spirit.

How was your experience working with S72 for your headshot session?

He’s thoughtful, focused and very relaxed. He’ll instantly put you at ease. Jeff’s greatest talent is that he sees you. That was evident during the session and even more so when I saw the proofs. I was blown away by all the great shots he captured and it was ultimately hard to narrow them down to the few final selections.