Acting Headshots

Make Sure Yours Gets Attention!

by Laura Interval

So... you're ready to shoot your headshots?

Most artists I know find shooting headshots a difficult and often uncomfortable process. They dread the whole thing... from choosing a photographer, to editing the film... there is a lot to think about. But, remember, this is FOR YOU!

Your headshot is a very important tool. It is what casting directors, directors and producers see before you walk in the door. Along with your resume, it needs to "speak for you" and sell you to get you into the door of interviews and auditions.

So, put some thought into it!

Don't get overwhelmed. You can do this! It's just a matter of making a few very well thought out decisions.

Here's your checklist:

2. Decide on a photographer.
There are 100s of websites out there for headshots. If you don't find one in your city or if you are on a budget, a good place to start is at the art department of the local school/university. There are a lot of students who are talented photographers and are happy to lend their skills. Pick out a few names of your favorites and make an appointment to interview each one. It is important to feel comfortable with your photographer. You need to feel free to be yourself and work well together to get the best results. If you have any doubt, move on to the next. Make sure you see some of their work and discuss what you want from your picture.

3. Decide on your "looks".
This is really important and just takes a little planning. Usually you will want to go for at least two different looks. Decide which best suits you and the characters that you will be cast for. Do NOT "play a character" in your headshot... unless for a very specific reason. Simply hint at an essence.

A few ideas:
Kids/teens - shoot a smiley/casual commercial look and a more serious/stylish or dressed up look
Women - shoot a casual "at home"/"Mom" look and a more serious/sexy/elegant look or business/lawyer look
Men - shoot a casual/jeans look and a more serious business look

The most important thing is BE YOURSELF! I can't stress this enough. Don't wear a sexy, sexy dress if it's not who you are! Don't wear jeans if you would never wear jeans in your life! It's about being who you are and feeling your best.

All of these changes can be done with clothing and hair/make up. Props rarely work and tend to distract. Glasses can be ok if they are really yours and you feel comfortable in them. But, make sure to shoot without them as well.

So, pick out a couple of choices that you feel best in. Choose clothes from your wardrobe that you KNOW you look good in! Good guidelines are to stay solid in color, no patterns or textures. Your photographer should be able to instruct you more specifically on that depending on his backgrounds and lighting. Show up for the shoot with a few outfits that make you feel fantastic!

4. So, now you have your photographer, you know what looks you want and you have your favorite clothes picked out. Make sure you are ready physically and cosmetically to have your best picture shot. Is your hair looking how you want it? Men, do you want to shave? Do you want to show up with a shadow and shave for the second shot? Women, really consider a professional makeup artist. It's generally worth the money to have someone on set with you... to watch your makeup... and hair. Although photoshop can do miracles now... it's always better to not have to touch up, if you don't have to.Also, make sure you're in the physical shape you want to be in.
If you're not feeling your best, it will come across in the picture!

5. Practice in the mirror! ... or in front of a video camera. If you are unfamiliar with shooting... if you haven't done a lot of it... look again at the pictures you like. Practice the poses you like in the mirror and make sure you are happy with the expression you see. Don't go crazy with this. Just spend a little while getting to know your face! This picture should be YOU... straight on... EYES INTO CAMERA! What poses make you feel strong in yourself? Don't be shy!

6. You're ready! ... NOW HAVE FUN! Express yourself! Breathe and relax and be the artist that you are! The photographer will know how to shoot you. Trust him/her today... and just show your stuff! If you're shooting digital, take a quick look to make sure you are comfortable with the set up. Then, shoot away!

7. Editing, editing, editing... This can be a challenge. If you're shooting digitally you could end up with hundreds of images! Do a preliminary yourself... quickly. Your first instinct is always right. If you don't like it... don't keep it! After you have your pics... you may want to get an objective opinion. A coach, an agent, a coworker... someone who can tell you the truth. Which BEST REPRESENTS YOU and SAYS WHAT YOU WANT IT TO SAY?

8. Printing - No need to get fancy here. If you're on a budget there are cheap and easy ways to get color copies now. You can even do your own layout in your computer on a program like photoshop. Just make sure that your name is printed on the front and it's easy to read. Print them 8x10 and staple your resume facing out on the back. Trim it all so it's nice and neat!

9. Use our coach's corner for an objective opinion! I'll be happy to look at your picks and give you my feedback as a professional. Make sure it's YOU at YOUR BEST!!

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