Taking Great Headshots
Theatrical head-shots are a very important tool for a beginning actor. The head-shot is what all casting directors and producers see before deciding who to call in for an audition. A poorly done head-shot is going to limit your chances at landing those ever important auditions.
There are several things to remember when having head-shots done. They will be costly, so you need to make sure you get your money's worth. Here are some tips and strategies for successful and winning head-shots.
Hire a professional and experienced photographer
This does not include department stores that have a portrait studio. Nor does this mean to call your cousin who once worked for a wedding photographer. Head-shots are a whole different ball game. You want a photographer who is experienced at producing head-shots. If you have an agency, ask them for referrals. Otherwise, do your homework and find a successful photographer. Ask for references and check them. The best testimony would be from a working actor who has landed some work from their head-shots.
Eat healthy the week leading up to your photo shoot
Drink plenty of water, and cut out all sodium, sweets and fat for one week. The difference will show in your face, helping you to look your best for the photo shoot.
Choose the right wardrobe
Solid colors work best, and blue has often been described as the most cast color. Stay away from patterns, stripes and logo's on your shirt or top. Since this is your head-shot, what you wear in terms of pants or bottoms does not matter.
Have your make-up done professionally
This is important for both men and women. Children should not wear any make up at all. A head-shot should accurately represent what a person looks like in everyday life. Make up should be simple and tasteful.
Leave jewelry and accessories at home
Casting directors and agents hate when people over do the accessories. You do not want anything to take the attention away from you, the key component to the head-shot. It is recommended to not wear any jewelry, including earrings and necklaces. Leave any hats at home as well.
Have your hair done professionally
Hire someone who knows about head-shots, and they will help you do your hair accordingly. Keep it simple, as you don't want to distract from your personality. It would be a huge mistake to have your hair "overdone" for your head-shot. Leave hair accessories out of the picture as well.
Take several shots and evaluate later which one to pick as your head-shot. If you have an agent, getting their input is crucial. Once you decide on your shot, have several copies printed, at the standard 8 x 10 size. Head-shots can be black and white, or in color. Most people today have theirs printed in color, but either format is acceptable.
Again, be sure to drink lots of water the week leading up to your shoot and get a good night's sleep. Your photo shoot is an important aspect to your career as a professional and successful actor.
