The Adventures of a Casting Agent: Finding the Perfect Faces for the Lens

Working alongside renowned photographer Lars Topelmann offered me a unique opportunity to wear multiple hats throughout my career. From being a first assistant and darkroom technician to stylist, producer, and casting director, I had the chance to delve into various aspects of the photography industry. However, it was casting that truly captured my heart and ignited my passion for scouting and selecting talent for campaigns.

There was an undeniable thrill in hitting the streets and scouring every nook and cranny to discover the perfect individuals who would bring a campaign to life. Whether it was a rugged Big Foot tracker, a skilled cortiornist, or a passionate member of the Timber's Army, I embraced the challenge of finding the ideal face for each project. Witnessing my street talent grace billboards and fill the pages of magazines filled me with immense pride.

One of the highlights of my career was collaborating with Chris Hornbecker on the Timbers Campaign. As casting director, it became my top priority to find authentic members of the Timbers Army and passionate fans from across Portland. This campaign resonated deeply with me, and its impact continues to reverberate throughout the city to this day.

In addition to casting people, I was also entrusted with the mission of finding animal look-alikes for the Oregon Zoo. This task presented its own set of challenges and adventures. The process involved meticulous research and observation to identify animals that resembled their zoo counterparts. It was a fascinating and rewarding experience to find the perfect match and witness the magic unfold when the animal and its doppelgänger stood side by side.

Working as a casting agent allowed me to combine my love for photography, storytelling, and people. It required a keen eye for detail, the ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity. Each casting endeavor was a journey of exploration, where I discovered the hidden gems that embodied the spirit of a campaign.

As I reflect on my years as a casting agent, I am grateful for the opportunities I had to contribute to the success of various projects. The joy of finding the perfect talent to convey a brand's message and watching them come to life through the lens is a feeling that never ceases to inspire me. It is a reminder of the power of storytelling and the magic that happens when the right face meets the right campaign. One of the many benefits of my years of working with Photographer Lars Topelmann were all of the hats I wore. First Assistant, Darkroom Tech, Stylist, Producer and Casting Director. I especially took a liking to casting and had a knack for hitting the streets and finding the perfect talent for the campaign.