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Headshot Information/Tips
Getting your headshots taken seems easy enough. You just find a photographer, call them up, and show up, right? Not exactly. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to ensure you get the best possible pictures. The overall quality and look of your headshots will play a major role in your career from selection process in auditions to interviews for casting managers, and agents. So, here are a few more tips to keep in mind while on your quest for the perfect shot! Good luck!
The Headshot Needs to Look Like You!!! For acting headshots, the most crucial part of the shot itself, is whether or not it actually looks like you. Although glamorous shots may make you feel great and feel important, they will not be a true representation of what you look like, every day. For commercial shots, this is especially true. The look needs to be as natural as possible. It�s your own personal unique look that will make you stand out in the eye of casting directors.
Clothing
Keep the following in mind when selecting clothing for your actor headshot:
Beware of �new� clothes since you may appear uncomfortable. You don't want your clothes to take emphasis "away" from you. Avoid loud patterns such as checkerboards, polka-dots and stripes. Look at collars and necklines that will �frame� you. Go with garments that are medium to dark in tone and are solid in color. Always take a nice variety of pull-overs and button-ups to your shoot. You and your photographer can look over the selection that you brought to your session and decide what would be appropriate for you to use in your shots. Avoid anything that will distract from your face. That is what I'm selling! Put your clothes on hangers and iron/steam the night before, and check for defects. Bring several pairs of shoes of several types-although they may not be seen, they complete the outfit and give a sense of the character. When selecting clothing:
For theatrical shots do not wear bold prints. (Whoever looks at you headshot will only see the print , not you.) Try them on and LOOK IN THE MIRROR.
Make-up
Ladies don't go overboard on the makeup. If you choose to do your own make-up, do it as if you were going out to dinner with a friend you haven't seen in a while. You want to look great--just don't over do it! Simple, clean, and fresh is best�emphasize eyes, lips, contour (face shape). Bring your make-up kit with you so you can make adjustments, touchups as necessary.
For guys...a light powder foundation can reduce imperfections and an oily appearance. If you are concerned about looking made-up, then at a minimum you will need to bring an eyeliner and face powder with you to your shoot. Face powder helps to subdue face shine from oils in the skin.
Hairstyle
It may be a good idea to ask if the photographer has a makeup artist and discuss fees. However, you might opt to do your own hair, and just allow for touch-ups at the shoot. You don�t want to wind up with a strange hairdo that does not look like you!
Trends
Depending on which part of the country you are marketing yourself in, there are "trends" that are considered standard for actor headshots. Some of the trends include a 3/4 length shot rather than a close headshot. Another trend would be borders. If casting directors like seeing borders on headshots, then make sure that you have them. If they like 3/4 length shots rather than the close-up headshot, make sure that's what you are using. Be sure to look around at some of the actors in your community who are getting work and see what their headshots look like.
It is essential for every actor to have a headshot-a true picture of themself. Here are a few tips on taking a good headshot.
An 8x10 black and white headshot is a must have for all those who are actors or hope to become actors. A headshot is a photograph taken from the top of the shoulders up and has truly captured your look. One of the biggest pet peeves of casting directors is when an actor has a headshot that has been gussied up and looks nothing like the actor in person or on camera. Why black and white? It�s simple, it�s basic, and it looks professional. All actors should include a resume with their headshot, some even do it on the very backside, listing their statistics of eye color, hair color, weight, height, etc. along with their listed acting experience.
So what is the secret to a good headshot? Before you even get into the photography studio there are a few pointers to remember:
Since the photo will be in black and white it is probably not a good idea to wear black or white clothing as it may be too bold. Colors such as blue, red, or green show up rather evenly on the black and white matte. Solid colors are much easier on the eye than stripes or prints.
Extreme make-up is not necessary, however if you do choose to wear make-up, a light foundation evenly covering the face may make you look nicer. Don�t coat your face with it. If you are blessed with lots of freckles, don�t cover them up. Directors know the miracles of make-up and if you are cast and the freckles have to go they will take necessary steps. On the other hand, your freckles may give you just the character they are looking for.
If you normally wear your hair straight, don�t curl it up, and vice versa if you have naturally curly hair-don�t straighten it flat.
Smile. It doesn�t have to be cheesy, it doesn�t have to be angry, it just has to be you. A nice glimpse of your teeth also show the casting director what you�ve got in there. If you�ve got braces, crooked teeth, a big gap in the middle, smile anyway. Don�t hide anything.
Don�t be a fashion model. Avoid flipping the hair, leaning your chin on your arm, or any other kind of prop. The directors want to see a straight head shot, they don�t want to see you being cute or knock dead gorgeous, they want to see you.
Never use soft focus or special lighting techniques. The basic key, fill and back lights of the studio should be all you need.
Be sure you are using a simple, non-distracting backdrop. White or black are not recommended, however some professionals can make it look nice. Most common are off-white, gray, light blue or any color that comes through with a gentle gray tone. If you are taking the photographs outside, again be sure there is nothing distracting to the eye in the background. A headshot�s background will probably be mostly out of focus anyway.
