We recently connected with Collin Quinn Rice and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Collin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.
Acting headshots are one of the most expensive investments we make as a community of actors. These days, a good headshot can run you up to $1,000. At the same time, a large majority of our acting opportunities only pay a stipend of $500 for up to 3 months of work. As someone who straddles both worlds, I try to keep my headshots reasonably priced and accessible while providing the same high-quality product actors need to be successful. Additionally, I offer reparations to Black artists and business owners in the form of pay-what-you-can sessions.
A lot of my community and clients are new to acting or right out of college, and those folks are particularly vulnerable when looking at booking their first headshot session. Headshots are a strange, sometimes excruciating experience—projecting all of the versions/characters/emotions one is capable of while looking direct to camera, all in the hope of making the right impression on casting and agents. The pressure can be immense, and I believe it is my responsibility to handle my studio with care and compassion to give actors the space to explore, make fools of themselves, and ultimately let their personalities shine.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a queer, nonbinary actor from the Milwaukee area. While studying theatre at Northwestern, I taught myself graphic design (thanks, YouTube) and after graduating found myself in nonprofit theatre marketing jobs. Through those opportunities, where one is wearing 10 hats in 1 job, I was tasked with taking photos of events. Eventually, my curiosity got the best of me, and I purchased a camera of my own. After a few months of forcing my friends to let me take photos of them, I found a niche in portraiture and headshots. Then, a few months later, those friends started demanding that they pay me. I was resistant at first, but eventually caved, and flash forward 6 years and I have a professional headshot business of my own! I offer headshots or portraits for actors and creatives, and have had everyone from therapists to state representatives at my studio. It is my goal to capture artists exactly as they are in the moment. Authenticity and honesty are at the core of my business. If that means turning on Dua Lipa and dancing around, great! If that means standing tall and screaming obscenities at the ceiling, incredible. We work together to find the vibes and get the shot!
How’d you meet your business partner?
I currently partner with Syd Genco, an incredible makeup artist in Chicago. After some mutual stalking, we eventually got into the room together thanks to a nonbinary client who was looking for a makeup artist who could strike the perfect gender balance for them. At the end of that session (my first time using a makeup artist), Syd approached me and said, “hey, you don’t have a MUA, right? Well now you do.” And from then on, she’s been my business partner and has been truly instrumental in elevating the quality of my headshots. Where I can be a little quiet and direct, Syd brings energy and enthusiasm into the room. Her makeup work is flawless and she has extensive experience on all skin tones and types. I truly would not be where I am without her.
I also partner with Green Shirt Studio, specifically owner Jack Schultz. We met through a mutual friend, and when I was first starting out, Jack reached out to see if I had a studio of my own. (I was shooting out of my living room at the time.) I jumped at the opportunity, renting out his acting studio to host my clients. After a successful few years of partnership, Green Shirt expanded to another space, and Jack asked me to help design the new space with my photography business in mind. We just recently introduced two other photographers into the studio, and are focused on creating a community of artists who can serve and uplift each other in this crazy business of acting.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Something that I pride myself on is the ability to draw folks out of themselves. I often hear from clients, “yes, I truly SEE myself in this shot.” And that, to me, is the most important piece of a successful headshot. Often, when I’m seeing other headshots out there, it’s easy to recognize the style of the photographer and be able to identify who took the photo. While I think it’s important to have a specific brand, I sometimes feel that style overpowers the actual actor in the photo. My goal is to always showcase the performer first. I’d rather viewers see the person in the shot, and then recognize my work.
I also think that my experience as an actor gives me an edge, since I know exactly how the final product is used (and critiqued) by casting and agencies. I have been on both sides of the camera, so I can mold myself to each actor’s unique style and personality while guiding us toward the final shot.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.collinquinnrice.com
- Instagram: @collinquinnrice
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinquinnrice
Image Credits
Collin’s Headshot by Tyler Core; Image of Collin with client by Jack Schultz; All other shots by Collin Quinn Rice