Headshot are the hardest part of the biz in my opinion. The actor or model needs a great image that not only is attractive but that exudes the right energy. The smile, pose, clothes and emotion have to all come together to just round out a simple photo. That is a lot to get right on a budget and a suitcase full of insecurities.
I am putting this page together for the actors and models who want to book headshots with me or with other photographers. I am not the best photographer or the authority on headshots but if there is a bit of helpful information in the following paragraphs that might help you get a better headshot and then a better part, it was worth it.
TIPS:
1. Don't try to be another person in your headshot, just be a better version of yourself.
If you are going to show up at most calls with straight brunette hair then don't get your hair colored blonde and permed before your session. Casting agents expect the person in the headshot to be the one walking in the door.
2. Make up is recommended for most women. If you want to do your own then talk with the photographer about it. Just because someone says they are a make up artist or that they work at a make up counter doesn't mean they will
do a good job for the camera. Usually the photographer has someone he can recommend or works with often. Remember it is easy to do make up for a night out but headshots should be lighter and fresh.
3. Clothes and jewelry should be simple and not distract. Stay away from white and crazy patterns. Bring a varety of clothes and remember more is always better. Don't bring over five tops that are all the same but just different colors.
Don't pack up frilly, lacey, bedazzled or anything with a logo across the front. Trendy can be nice but if you want to use your headshot for longer than one fashion season then keep to the standards.
4. SMILE! - Remember that your face is what is the selling point here. Don't just walk in the door and think you are going to get away with sitting down, taking a quick pic and then out the door. It is a professional effort and you should
be prepared. As an actor you are selling your acting but also your face and expressions. Learn your face and how it works. We all have a multitude of smiles from simple grins to the all out belly rolls. Find out how your face works
in the mirror and practice your different looks.
5. Photoshop is our friend but don't lean on it too hard. We are back to TIP #1. Don't try to be another person by wanting all the wrinkles gone and the jawline changed. Changing these things changes your age and if you are in the
mid forties trying to cast with early thirties, you have gone to alot of effort to waste a call. Photoshop is meant to flatter and help but for headshots, casting agents can tell when photos have been heavily altered.
Now, take a peek at some of my headshots in this section. I am not the authority on all of this but people keep coming back. It is one of the harder parts of this job but when I see my peeps on commercials and in movies it makes me
happy to think I was little part of their success.