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American history is very much a part of Atlanta’s developmental past. Inside the pages of a book, you can find out about Atlanta in more ways than you might imagine.
What books should you read to learn about Atlanta? Keep reading.
6 Atlanta Books That Should Be Required Reading
That’s why we have books. Inside their pages hold the vital information that tells us where we’ve come from and where we’re going. Thanks to books, we have documented proof of Atlanta’s history so that it’s never forgotten, or repeated.
Here are some books that Atlantans should read.
House Proud: A Social History of Atlanta Interiors, 1880-1919
From middle-class cottages to Gilded Age mansions, House Proud presents a view of Atlanta, reflected through the city’s most highly prized homes. Richly illustrated with archival photographs and annotated with historical commentary, House Proud traces Atlanta’s response to national trends in interiors and furnishings and identifies those architects and interior decorators who helped craft Atlanta’s image as a City of Beautiful Homes. The interiors presented tell the story of Atlanta and its people during the dynamic decades of 1880-1919, when the city emerged from reconstruction and entered a period of notable expansion and economic progress. Images and textural commentary illustrate how the homes came to embody the aspirations of both the New South and the New Rich. Seen as proof of Atlanta’s post-war progress and artistic sophistication, homes were fundamental to the city’s ongoing efforts to promote itself and reconcile its regional past with its hopes for the future.
Atlanta’s Historic Westview Cemetery (Landmarks)
In 1884, several leading citizens purchased 577 acres to open Atlanta’s Westview Cemetery. The rolling terrain, part of which was a site in the Civil War battle of Ezra Church, became the final resting place for more than 100,000 people. Prominent locals buried here include Grant Park namesake L.P. Grant, author Joel Chandler Harris, High Museum benefactor Harriet High, Coca-Cola founder Asa Candler Sr. and Havertys founder J.J. Haverty. The cemetery’s Westview Abbey mausoleum is one of the nation’s largest, with more than eleven thousand crypts. Throughout its history, Westview dabbled in other business ventures, including a cafeteria, a funeral home and an ambulance service. And for decades, the cemetery’s Westview Floral Company sold flowers to lot owners and local businesses, leading to its own advice column in the Atlanta Constitution. Author Jeff Clemmons traces the complete history of this treasured necropolis.
White Flight: Atlanta and the Making of Modern Conservatism
During the civil rights era, Atlanta thought of itself as “The City Too Busy to Hate,” a rare place in the South where the races lived and thrived together. Over the course of the 1960s and 1970s, however, so many whites fled the city for the suburbs that Atlanta earned a new nickname: “The City Too Busy Moving to Hate.”
Lost Atlanta
Lost Atlanta breathes life back into the city that time, progress and technology have swept aside.
Lost Atlanta journeys back in time to look at the city as it once was. Old theaters, hotels, ballparks, civic buildings and the early transport system of the city are recalled in this book written by a best-selling Atlanta historian and his colleagues at the Atlanta History Center. Listed in chronological order the losses stretch back to 1821 and the Creek Indians. Major events in Atlanta history are encompassed, such as the Civil War destruction of 1864, the Cotton States International Exposition of 1896, the Great Atlanta Fire of 1917 right though to 1996 and the dismantling of key venues after the 1996 Olympic Games.
Battles for Atlanta (Civil War)
Recounts the Union Army’s campaign to capture Atlanta, describes Confederate efforts to defend the city, and offers a profile of General Sherman.
All the Fighting They Want: The Atlanta Campaign …
John Bell Hood brought a hang-dog look and a hard-fighting spirit to the Army of Tennessee. Once one of the ablest division commanders in the Army of Northern Virginia, he found himself, by the spring of 1864, in the war’s Western Theater. Recently recovered from grievous wounds sustained at Chickamauga, he suddenly found himself thrust into command of the Confederacy’s ill-starred army even as Federals pounded on the door of the Deep South’s greatest untouched city, Atlanta.
Final Word
Books are losing their luster compared to reading online, but they’ll never go away. Support your local public library. There are some page-turners there for real!
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Are you ready to “Rise Up” for the 2024 Atlanta Falcons? Don red and black and join the party.
Get ready for the return of Falcons football with a free kickoff party featuring special appearances, musical performers and giveaways. Be a part of the excitement as we celebrate the start of the 2024 season with current Falcons players and a lineup of special guests!
This event will be emceed by announcers Ryan Cameron and Chelsea Phillips Tafoya and will feature:
- Appearances by current Falcons players including Grady Jarrett, Bijan Robinson and Younghoe Koo
- Performances by Falcons Cheerleaders and Freddie Falcon
- Giveaways and more!
Plus, rep your Dirty Birds all season long and shop our new Kickoff Collection in-person at the Atlantic Station Team Store, located across from the Atlantic Green.
Date: Friday, September 6 // Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Outdoors in the Atlantic Green at Atlantic Station, near HOBNOB (245 18*th* St NW, Atlanta, GA 30363)
Immerse Yourself In Your Atlanta
Atlanta is for tourists, but it’s also for locals. If you want to explore Georgia’s largest city, do it on your terms and check out the fun, cool and new things happening in Atlanta this weekend and even on the weekday. You can start downtown, and get it crackin’ in Buckhead. Check out the newest Atlanta restaurants, beautiful parks and unexplored spots you’ve only heard about. AtlantaFi your experience!
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, a milestone that the nonprofit organization is marking in part by taking part in World Hunger Month throughout September.
”We are proud to take part in Hunger Action Month and join food banks across the country as we work with our local partners to highlight the increasing need in our communities,” said Kyle Waide, President & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.Here are some developments taking place during the month:
Throughout the month, all donations to the Food Bank will be matched up to $60,000, thanks to a group of generous donors.
On September 10, Hunger Action Day, the Food Bank invites Atlanta residents to “Go Orange” by wearing the color associated with hunger awareness and taking action to support their neighbors. During the evening of September 10, residents are invited to look up to the sky as iconic landmarks around Atlanta will be illuminated in orange to show solidarity.
Hunger Action Day participating partners include:
- Atlantic Station
- CODA
- Colony Square
- Georgia’s Own Credit Union
- King & Queen Building
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- One Atlantic Center
- Ponce City Market
- Promenade Central
“By coming together to provide nutritious food for our neighbors, we empower our communities in Atlanta and beyond, working towards a future where no family, child, veteran, or senior goes hungry,” Waide added.
Supporters are encouraged to share their commitment to fighting hunger on social media. Use #HungerActionMonth and tag @FeedingAmerica and @ACFB to highlight your involvement and inspire others to take action.
How You Can Make a Difference
For those who would like to contribute funds, donations may be made directly through the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s donation page or supporters can boost their impact by organizing fundraisers with family and friends.
Individuals and groups are also encouraged to volunteer at one of the Food Bank’s Community Food Centers in Jonesboro, Stone Mountain, or Marietta. Due to high demand, spots are filling up fast, so plan ahead and book 60-90 days in advance.
Hunger Action Month Events
On September 27, the Food Bank will host the Atlanta Apartment Association at its East Point headquarters for the 37th Annual Food-A-Thon, an initiative aimed at providing essential food assistance to children, families, and seniors in our community. All donations of food and funds will go directly to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. To donate or participate, visit the link here.
Final Word
Food scarcity is a real problem not only across the world, but here in Atlanta.
Atlanta is for tourists, but it’s also for locals. If you want to explore Georgia’s largest city, do it on your terms and check out the fun, cool and new things happening in Atlanta this weekend and even on the weekday. You can start downtown, and get it crackin’ in Buckhead. Check out the newest Atlanta restaurants, beautiful parks and unexplored spots you’ve only heard about. AtlantaFi your experience!
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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it may be a small thing to you, but taking your child to see your local firehouse can really make their day. In Atlanta, you’ve got many cool firehouses to choose from and all of them have a unique history that may be more interesting than you think.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the best Atlanta firehouses for tours, which are among the top things to do with kids.
In Atlanta, Georgia, there are a few notable options for firehouse tours that offer a chance to learn more about firefighting and see fire stations up close:
1. Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Headquarters
- Location: 33 Goodwin Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Details: The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Headquarters often hosts tours and provides educational experiences about firefighting and emergency services.
- Booking: Contact the headquarters directly to inquire about tour availability and scheduling.
- Website: Atlanta Fire Rescue Department
2. Fire Station No. 19
- Location: 1742 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
- Details: One of the more prominent fire stations in Atlanta, Fire Station No. 19 sometimes offers tours and events. It’s worth checking with the station for visitor opportunities.
- Booking: Reach out to the station or the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department for information on scheduling a tour.
3. The Fire Museum of Greater Atlanta
- Location: 418 Luckie Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Details: While not an actual firehouse, the Fire Museum offers an extensive collection of firefighting artifacts and historical exhibits. It provides a comprehensive look at the history of firefighting in Atlanta.
- Booking: Tours are available, and you can schedule them by contacting the museum directly.
- Website: Fire Museum of Greater Atlanta
4. Local Fire Stations
- Details: Many local fire stations in Atlanta may offer tours upon request or during community events. It’s a good idea to contact individual stations directly to see if they can accommodate a tour.
- Booking: Reach out to specific fire stations or visit their websites for contact information and tour availability.
5. Community Events and Open Houses
- Details: The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and local fire stations often participate in community events and open houses where tours and demonstrations are available.
- Booking: Keep an eye on local event listings and announcements from the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department for upcoming open house events.
Final Word
There you have it: Firehouse tours in the ATL. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contacting the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department directly or visiting their website is recommended. They can provide details on tour availability, scheduling, and any specific requirements or restrictions.
If nothing else, you can always take drive around 285 and look at the new buildings going up. Spend some time with your kids and take them out to eat free of charge.
Want more options? Check out the best things to do in fall in Georgia.
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Things in Callaway Gardens are looking up, up. Hot air balloons are going to be up in the air this weekend.
If you can make it down to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, you’ll be glad to know that the annual event known as the “Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival” is on and poppin’!
Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Garden: What To Know
This festival typically takes place over Labor Day Weekend and is a celebration of hot air balloons and various related activities. Here are some key features of the festival:
Hot Air Balloon Flights: The highlight of the festival is, of course, the hot air balloons. Visitors can witness a colorful display of balloons taking flight in the morning and evening, with some balloons often illuminated at night, creating a magical sight.
Balloon Glow: One of the most popular events at the festival is the “Balloon Glow,” where hot air balloons are tethered to the ground and lit up in sync with music, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle.
Entertainment: In addition to hot air balloon activities, the festival typically includes live music, family-friendly entertainment, and attractions. There may be performances, games, and activities for children and adults alike.
Food and Beverage: Various food vendors and options are usually available, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of delicious meals and snacks throughout the festival.
Waterfront Activities: Callaway Gardens often features beautiful lakes and water bodies, providing opportunities for water-based activities like paddle boating or simply relaxing by the water.
Nature and Gardens: Callaway Gardens itself is renowned for its stunning gardens and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the gardens and enjoy the lush landscapes, which may also be a part of the festival experience.
This event may be postponed if it rains.
Atlanta has so much to do that you need a curated guide to help you sort through it all. Make sure you subscribe to our #ATLHaps newsletter that gives you a weekly tab of Atlanta events you don’t want to miss.
Explore Atlanta The Cool Way
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. CNN Center often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
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It’s true in food and in fashion: Just add honey to make anything instantly better. Honey blonde wigs are having a moment and we’re here for it.
If you’re looking for a honey blonde wig, we’re going to show you some of the best ones out there.
Here are three tips for buying wigs:
- Look for ones that consist of human hair. They look more realistic.
- Can’t find human hair? Opt for a high-quality synthetic wig.
- Choose a hand-tied wig, if possible. They will sit on your head the best.
Honey Blonde Wigs: Where To Buy Them
Some of these wigs get their blondness from highlights that originate at the roots. Others have more of a bleached hue that shines throughout the entire hairpiece. In all cases, the blondeness is mixed with a honey quality that gives the wig more shine and body.
Let’s go over some great honey blonde wigs you can rock with just about any outfit.
Body Wave Style Highlight Ombre Lace Frontal Wig Human Hair Wigs #4/27
26 Inch 4/27 Highlight Wig Brazilian Straight Human Hair Wig
Brazilian Straight Human Hair Ombre Brown Honey Blonde
180% Density Human Hair Curly Honey Blonde Wig
Nadula Honey Blonde 13X4 Lace Frontal Highlight Body Wave Human Hair
BLY Highlight Human Hair Lace Front Wigs Deep Wave
ISEE Hair Transparent Human Hair Deep Wave
Brennas Hair Ombre Highlight Human Hair Wig Brown Honey Blonde
UNICE Body Wave Human Hair 10A Brazilian Remy
Final Word
When it comes to blonde hair, there’s something about having the golden touch that gives you more self confidence. One of our favorite colors is honey blonde.
No matter if you choose a wig made of human hair or synthetic material, you can achieve a natural look by styling it.
Don’t forget to have fun with your hairpiece. Try different styles: Rock bangs, curls and twists that accentuate your face. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Check out our Wigs Page for more hairpieces.
Atlanta’s retail scene continues to be a bright spot for the local economy — and that means more sales for everyone!
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The Final Four is coming to Atlanta in the upcoming years. Atlanta has been selected to host the 2031 NCAA Division I Men’s Final Four at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
For Georgia’s largest city, the event’s return is a long time coming. It was originally selected host the 2020 NCAA Men’s Final Four at the newly built Mercedes-Benz Stadium. However, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Atlanta Chosen for Final Four
“Time and again, Atlanta has proved itself as the best city in America to host global sporting events. We thank the NCAA for selecting us to host this incredible event. The eyes of the sporting world will be on Atlanta, and we know that we will be up to the task once again as a champion is crowned and One Shining Moment is played in 2031.”
Atlanta has hosted the NCAA Men’s Final Four multiple times. The city hosted the tournament in the following years:
- 1977: The first time Atlanta hosted the Final Four was in 1977 at the Omni Coliseum.
- 2002: The Final Four returned to Atlanta, held at the Georgia Dome.
- 2007: The Georgia Dome again hosted the event.
- 2013: Atlanta hosted the Final Four at the Georgia Dome, marking the last time the event was held there before the Dome was demolished
Final Word
Atlanta is a sports paradise, although it’s not reflected in the number of championship banners that reside here. Our Things You Didn’t Know About Atlanta guide will tell you that and more.
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IKEA just opened a new store in Alpharetta on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. If you plan on visiting the store, here’s what to expect.
To mark its official opening, IKEA Alpharetta hosted a grand opening, featuring exclusive tours, giveaways, food sampling, and more.
Located in the Mansell Crossing Shopping Center, this new format store is the second IKEA location in the Atlanta metro area. It’s designed to better meet the needs of modern consumers by being more affordable, accessible, and convenient.
“We are excited to offer Atlanta metro area consumers a new way to shop IKEA!” said Javier Quiñones, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA U.S. “The new Alpharetta location highlights our commitment to bringing IKEA closer to the many people, making it easier and more affordable to access our home furnishing products and solutions.”
At the Alpharetta Plan & Order Point with Pick-up, customers can connect with IKEA experts for assistance with more complex home furnishing needs, such as kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Although immediate product take-home isn’t available, customers can arrange for delivery or schedule orders to be picked up at the convenient on-site Pick-up location.
“The new Alpharetta location is just one of the many ways we are expanding our business,” said Brandon Lomax, Market Manager, IKEA U.S. “We are thrilled to soon open our doors at IKEA Alpharetta and can’t wait to welcome residents of the Atlanta area to this new IKEA experience.”
Where Is The Alpharetta IKEA Located?
The Alpharetta IKEA is located at 7681 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022. Here is a map to help you find it.
Final Word
With the addition of Plan & Order Points with Pick-up, IKEA continues to expand its presence across the U.S., while also focusing on positive environmental impact through initiatives in clean energy, circular economy practices, and affordable housing advocacy.
Alpharetta is a happening place, from The Avalon, food halls and great restaurants and more.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
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Restaurant chain Red Lobster continues to hemorrhage money due to several bad financial decisions and factors. Now, the restaurant announced that it is set to close 23 more of its locations across the United States.
And yes, the Tara Boulevard location in Jonesboro, Georgia is on the list.
Which Atlanta-Area Red Lobsters Will Stay Open (For Now)?
- 3360 Camp Creek Parkway, Atlanta, Ga. 30344
Why Is Red Lobster in Financial Trouble?
Red Lobster is facing financial trouble due to several factors, including declining customer traffic, inflation, and rising costs for key ingredients like seafood. The chain has struggled to maintain profitability amid higher food and labor costs, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, Red Lobster’s mid-range pricing strategy is being squeezed between cheaper fast-food options and higher-end dining experiences. This has made it harder for the brand to attract customers, especially as dining preferences shift and competitors emerge.
Moreover, Red Lobster has faced challenges in adapting to changing consumer preferences, including the growing demand for healthier, more sustainable, and diverse dining options. Its traditional menu and dining model may seem outdated to some consumers.
The financial strain has also been impacted by changes in ownership over the years, leading to inconsistent management strategies.
Which Red Lobster Locations Are Closing?
The following Red Lobster locations are set to shut their doors for good:
- Arizona — 1521 S. Yuma Palms Pkwy., Yuma
- Arkansas — 8407 W. Markham St., Little Rock
- California — 8703 Murray Drive, La Mesa
- Colorado — 4925 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs
- Florida — -326 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach
- 5110 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola
- 8909 U.S. Highway 19, Port Richey
- Georgia — 6550 Tara Blvd., Jonesboro
- Illinois — 1604 N. State Road 50, Bourbonnais
- 902 Commons Drive, Geneva
- 4625 N. Sterling Ave., Peoria
- Indiana — 4353 Franklin St., Michigan City
- Minnesota — 8900 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley
- 12515 Elm Creek Blvd. North, Maple Grove
- Missouri — 2381 Maplewood Commons Drive, Maplewood
- New York — 925 Hunts Point Ave., Bronx
- 750 Upper Glen St., Queensbury
- North Carolina — 304 A Western Blvd., Jacksonville
- Ohio —17227 Southpark Center, Strongsville
- South Carolina — 1270 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce
- Virginia –555 S. Van Dorn St., Alexandria
- 4415 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond
- 709 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach
What Is the History of Red Lobster?
Red Lobster was founded in 1968 by entrepreneur Bill Darden in Lakeland, Florida. The restaurant began as a single seafood restaurant aimed at making fresh seafood more accessible to middle-class families. It quickly gained popularity due to its affordable prices and high-quality seafood offerings, leading to rapid expansion.
In 1970, the company was acquired by General Mills, which helped fuel further expansion across the United States. By the 1980s, Red Lobster had become a well-known national chain with hundreds of locations, offering signature dishes like cheddar bay biscuits, shrimp scampi, and a variety of seafood platters.
In 1995, General Mills spun off its restaurant holdings, including Red Lobster, to create a new company called Darden Restaurants. Under Darden, Red Lobster continued to grow and remained a cornerstone of the casual dining industry. However, by the 2000s, the brand began experiencing challenges due to changing consumer preferences, economic downturns, and increased competition.
In 2014, Darden decided to sell Red Lobster to Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm, for $2.1 billion. The sale was part of a broader strategy to refocus on Darden’s other brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Under Golden Gate Capital, Red Lobster went through various management changes and attempts to revitalize the brand, including efforts to modernize its menu and restaurant design.
In 2020, Red Lobster was sold again, this time to a consortium led by Thai Union, a major seafood supplier, alongside other investors. Despite the ownership changes and rebranding efforts, Red Lobster has continued to face financial challenges in recent years, driven by rising costs, competition, and evolving dining trends.
Final Word
When it comes to seafood, Red Lobster has had a footprint in Atlanta for decades — but it’s not the only tuna in town. Check out our Atlanta Seafood Guide.
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One of the key things in you in show business is a winning headshot — and in Atlanta, there are several places to choose from. This article will show you some of the best places to get headshots in Atlanta.
You may be wondering where to get a good headshot for acting, and that’s a good question. But you may be wondering this: Can you take your own headshots for acting?
Can You Take Your Own Headshots For Acting?
if you have a smartphone that takes good photos, you can take your own headshots for acting or other aspects of the business. The question you need to ask yourself is whether you consider yourself a professional photographer.
Professional photographers are highly skilled at taking photos that look high quality. You can try to take headshots yourself, but you may find yourself wasting a lot of time and effort.
Some things you’ll want to make sure of if you do decide to take your own photos is to:
- Take multiple shots
- Make sure your lighting is right
- Take multiple pictures but always smile
What Should You Wear For Headshots?
One thing you always need to consider is how to dress when you take a headshot. Because the photos will be in black and white, you may need to wear dark-colored shirts.
Mix it up a bit by wearing light-colored shirts, including white and other pastel colors.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Headshots?
If you want to opt for a professional photographer for headshots, it’s going to cost money. The cost of some headshots can range between $75 to around $500.
In Atlanta, the average price of some headshots is about $250, although you can get some done for as low as $125, but the quantities will be low.
Now let’s go over some good places to get headshots in Atlanta.
Where To Get Headshots For Acting
- Headshots Atlanta: 1012 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 892-3533
- CK Headshots Atlanta: (704) 608-3006
- Happy Hour Headshot Atlanta: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (720) 306-7404
- Hollywood Headshots: 2849 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 500-6413
- Corporate Headshots Atlanta: 3365 Piedmont Rd NE #1400, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (770) 953-1719
- Buckhead Studio Photography: Peachtree Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (404) 462-2385
- Atlanta Photographer Kris Janovitz: 3355 Lenox Rd NE #750, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (770) 570-9661
- Robert Kim Photography: 3833 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30319 | (212) 645-5788
Do Your Headshots Be Black And White?
Back in the day, most actors only took black and white headshots. The reason was because if you were a struggling actor, it cost money to hire a professional photographer. That’s not so much the case today.
Yes, actors are still struggling, but the rise of smartphones with great cameras has made color headshots a popular option.
If you’re unsure of which way to go, choose both color and black-and-white photos for headshots. That way, you can give producers options.
Last Words
If you want to get into the acting business, you need to have professional headshots so that your credentials can circulate throughout the industry.
Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
