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Preparing for a Headshot Session
Once you've booked your headshot session with a professional photographer, you may be wondering how to prepare for your session. Here are a few key pointers for how to get ready for your headshot session:
Call to confirm your appointment 24 hours ahead of time.
Don't drink alcohol the night before, which can make you puffy. Get a good amount of sleep the night before.
Show up to the studio 15 minutes early. Never arrive late.
Keep colors basic. Blue is best. Your headshots should be shot in black and white, so stay away from white colors, as they tend to wash you out.
Bring at least three changes of clothing: casual, business, and business casual.
If you wear any jewelry, keep it small and simple. Remove any facial piercings or be prepared to have them airbrushed out.
Get a professional hair and makeup artist to do your hair and face. Yes, men, too.
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Types of Headshots
If you're just starting an acting career, you won't be able to get anywhere without actor's headshots. What exactly is a headshot, and why do you need them? Headshots are pictures that show you in close-up. This is so an agent or director can get a basic idea of your type when he or she is trying to cast you or sign you up for representation.
You should have two versions of a headshot: commercial and theatrical.
Commercial Headshots: These headshots show you in the most polished, sparkly way you can be presented. Perfect lighting, perfect makeup. Think of these pictures as the type of face you'd see on television.
Theatrical Headshots: These pictures can show you in a more casual, personable manner. These shots may be taken outdoors, for example, to present you in an accessible and warm manner. You'd use these shots for theater and film auditions.
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Dressing For a Headshot
When getting your headshots taken, keep your clothes simple, avoiding logos or loud colors and prints. Since the photo will be black and white, black and white clothing may appear too bold. Keep jewelry to a minimum, and makeup simple. Style your hair as you would normally. Avoid completely new ensembles or very trendy outfits as styles change. Wear something nice that you will appear comfortable in. Make sure that collars and necklines frame your face well.
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Headshot Do's and Don'ts
Your headshot is your most important selling tool. As such, it needs to stand out for all the right reasons and none of the wrong ones. The purpose of a headshot is to showcase that special quality that makes you unique in a natural and straight-forward way. For a perfect headshot, follow these headshot tips:
DO make sure your headshot looks like you! If the casting director can't recognize your picture, he might not remember your audition.
DO show your age. A casting director will not be pleased when a 35-year-old shows up if he's expecting someone in their mid-twenties. And if that doesn't convince you, imagine all the juicy roles you're absolutely perfect for as you are. Now imagine your youthful headshot being tossed aside.
DO hire a professional headshot photographer. The advice and trained eye of a pro during the shoot is invaluable.
DO strive to look natural. Come with your hair styled the way you normally wear it for auditions and with very light makeup. Ask if there will be a hair and makeup person available during the shoot.
DO update your headshot every five years or whenever you've undergone significant physical change, such as weight loss or gain.
DON'T try to hide freckles, moles, or wrinkles under heavy makeup or through awkward poses. This will come across badly on camera and isn't a true representation of who you are.
DON'T act in your headshot or pose stiffly and artificially. Ideally, you want your headshots to emphasize both your uniqueness and your versatility. Be careful not to lock yourself into a specific role. Headshots should capture your true personality and type in a naturally compelling way.
DON'T try to show off the most glamorous version of you. Casting directors want to know what you'll look like when you walk into the audition, not how fabulous you can be with the right clothes and makeup.
DON'T wear clothes that distract from your face. Leave the loud patterns and stripes at home. Opt instead for very dark or very light clothing with clean neck lines.
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The Look of Your Headshot
Casting directors use headshots to get a feel for an actor's character. The headshot should embrace your best qualities. Let the shot be true to you. Misrepresenting yourself will only lead to trouble later in auditions. Remember, headshots aren't glamour shots. The look should be natural, open, and compelling. Many times, you will be judged by your headshot even before you are called in to have an audition. Let your photo speak for you and your abilities by being professional yet accessible.
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Finding a Professional Headshot Photographer
When deciding who to audition, casting directors cull through hundreds of headshots. The best way to ensure your headshot makes a great first impression is to hire a professional headshot photographer.
Finding a headshot photographer within your budget may seem difficult, but if you persevere, you'll find the person who's just right for you. Word-of-mouth is a great way of finding a photographer. If you see a headshot you like, take down the photographer's name and contact him. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a photographer:
-Your budget. Headshot prices can range from $100 to $1,000 and up, depending on your location and the photographer's experience. Newer photographers building their portfolios will charge less, more established photographers will charge more. Price does not always determine quality, however. A young talent may be just the photographer for you, so shop around until you find a someone within your budget. Don't make the mistake of choosing the cheap headshots if you're not thrilled by the photographer's work. A lousy headshot will close opportunities, lose you jobs, and cost you a fortune in the long run.
-The package. How many shots will the photographer take? How many headshot prints are included in the price? Will he shoot in digital or on film? Black and white or color? Will you receive a contact sheet or the images on a CD? Will there be a hair and makeup person available to you, and is that included in the price? Will there be clothing changes, mood changes, and outdoor as well as indoor shots? What is the photographer's turn-around time? Will you need to sign a release form to duplicate the headshot?
-The photographer's eye. Try to meet with the headshot photographer in person to discuss your headshots before hiring him. You want someone who is professional, confident, and knows what he's doing. His goal should be your goal: to get you work. During this initial meeting, the photographer should be trying to get a feel for your personality. Ask him how he plans to make you stand out from others in your age range and physical type. Look through his portfolio and point out what you like about certain shots and what you don't think would work for you. Do you like a certain composition? Are you not so crazy about a particular lighting effect?
The best headshot photographers are skilled craftsmen with an artistic eye. Keep looking until you find a photographer who "gets" that special something about your personality and can capture it on film simply, naturally, and elegantly!
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Commercial and Theatrical Headshots
There are two basic types of headshots: commercial and theatrical. A commercial headshot should be attractive, warm, and open. A theatrical headshot, on the other hand, is more serious, and should try to represent your characteristics as a person. The format for headshots varies throughout the country –- from close-ups to 3/4 shots, from bordered to borderless. Make sure you use the preferred format for your area of application.
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Sending Postcard Headshots
Maintaining a relationship with a potential employer is key. Directors and agents have to be reminded that you are still working, still active and available. A great way of doing this is by sending postcard-sized versions of your headshot. After the initial meeting, send a postcard headshot every four to six weeks. Keep a list of contacts you send to regularly. If you're in any shows or films, be sure to let your contacts know. Make your presentation simple and to the point. Since agents and casting directors are so busy on a day-to-day basis, regular reminders to them go a long way.
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Format for Your Headshot
Having a proper headshot is crucial to your acting career. The headshot should be a black and white 8x10 photograph. Commercial headshots should frame only your face from the shoulders up. You should be smiling, showing a little of your teeth. It's not a bad idea to have an alternate headshot as well that shows off your body. This picture can be more casual. Once you have a headshot, make sure that it evolves with your acting career. If you change hairstyles or gain or lose weight, make sure to have new headshots taken.
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Mailing Your Headshot
Little things can make a big difference. Enclose your headshots in an envelope that is easy to open. That way, the casting director doesn't have to struggle with your materials. A simple clasp envelope sealed with a small piece of tape should do the trick. Attach a small note to your headshot. It will gain you a few extra moments of the casting director's time without being annoying. Your name should be printed on the front of your headshot and your resume should be on the back. If you have not printed it directly to the back of the headshot, staple your resume to the photo. Never use paper clips as they snag on other documents.
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Choosing Your Headshot
Get your headshots taken by a professional headshot photographer who knows how to capture your personality. When you review the proof sheet, view the entire shoot, not just the photographs that the photographer selects for you. This way, you get a better idea of their overall skill, rather than letting them hide behind a few good shots. Remember, you want a skilled photographer who not only makes you look as good as possible, but also brings out the true you.
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Selecting a Headshot Photographer
When selecting a headshots photographer, you should always use a photographer who specializes in headshots. Research several different photographers, and ask your contacts in the industry for recommendations. Ask to see the photographer's previous work. Use a photographer with a permanent studio; mobile studios are less trustworthy. Negotiate rates beforehand and get an agreement in writing before shooting begins.
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