Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, it’s easy for any actor to get a bad headshot. After years of looking at thousands of headshots and seeking advice from casting directors and other professionals, I’ve come up with a few tips for getting the best headshot possible.
It’s Okay To Spend A Little More
I cannot tell you how many actors I’ve met who had their amateur photographer friend take their headshot, only to never book a single gig with that picture. More times than not, you’ll get out of your headshots what you put into them. It’s sounds simple to just get your friend to take a picture of you and make that your headshot, but only a professional headshot photographer knows how to make that picture an effective marketing tool. The first thing casting directors will always notice about an actor’s headshot is their eyes, and a great photographer will know how to make them pop.
Do Your Research
Never settle on a photographer just because he or she was the easiest one to find. Do some research before making your pick. Search around online for headshot photographers in your area. If you receive a recommendation from another actor, ask for the website and check out their online portfolio. Pay close attention to the quality of the pictures, how much the actors’ eyes stand out, and how re-touched the pictures might look. And what ever you do, stay away from Craigslist. Anyone and everyone can post an ad on the site, and it’s very easy to be scammed out of a lot of money. It’s better to be safe than sorry and do your proper research.
Not many actors think to do this ahead of time, but it could be the difference between a great headshot and a bad one. The more comfortable you are with your photographer, the better your pictures will be. If you have any sort of tense feelings, it’s going to show up in your pictures. If you can’t meet with your photographer in person, then arrange a phone call or set up a video chat so the two of you can get know each other and work out the details of your shoot. He or she can also guide you through the next few rules on this list.
Know Your Colors
It’s important to know which colors look good on you and which ones don’t. For this, it’s best to get a second opinion; select a few more options than you think you’ll need and show them to your photographer at your consultation. He or she will know what colors look best against your skin tone and will make your eyes pop. And while we are on the topic of clothing, avoid outrageous patterns and colors. It’s best to keep things simple as possible so there are no distractions.
Know Your Character Type
Your headshot will set the tone for the character type you are going for whether it be a doctor, lawyer, hunter, cop, or girl next door. However, if casting directors don’t see you as the same type, you could end up wasting your money. One of my actress friends used a headshot for years that gave her the look of a glamorous leading lady while casting directors saw her more as the funny best friend when they finally saw her in person. Getting a second opinion from your photographer or another industry professional will help you avoid this mistake.
Outdoor backgrounds have become more popular, but it is very easy for them to be too distracting. The outside elements can also impact the actor greatly; when I look at one of my past headshots, it’s easy to see that the sun was bothering my eyes at that moment. Make sure you and your photographer can find an area that’s not too busy or distracting and won’t be in direct sunlight. When all else fails, a simple studio setting works best for everyone. And make sure your background color doesn’t match your shirt, or you’ll run the risk of looking like a floating head in your pictures.
A Make-up Artist Will Save Your Picture
Many actresses wonder if make-up artists are only a waste of money, and most male actors don’t even consider them when they prepare for their photo session. The truth is: the camera picks up on every little detail. If your eye makeup isn’t blended well or your blush is uneven, it will show up in your pictures. And there’s only so much that the photographer can clean up; if your picture looks too retouched, you won’t be considered for many auditions. Besides, touch-ups can cost you a lot more than you’d think. A good make-up artist knows how to make you looked polished and pretty without being overdone. Ask your photographer if they’d recommend anyone for your shoot. And men: if you decide not to use a make-up artist for your shoot, there are still a couple of tricks that will give you a much better picture. A good base cream or powder to lessen the shine and some lip balm will greatly improve your appearance.
