A headshot is the most important tool you have to market yourself. What is surprising is just how many people do it wrong to save money. If the actors themselves don’t take it seriously, how will casting directors? When your headshot blinks across the screen of a casting director, the first thing you want them to say is “hell yes, get that person in here!”. On the other hand, you don’t want them thinking “oh gosh, they look scary AF”.
The headshot, your headshot, is your billboard. A fantastic 8x10 of your face, that people will use to hire you and you will make them a ton of money. It will be sent out snail mailed or sent via email to agents and casting directors that see hundreds of these on a regular basis of people just like you. The difference is your headshot is going to stand out because you WANT it to because if your headshot is crap, you look bad. You really want to be the professional you are, so how you come across in your photo is everything. So, if you want to be taken seriously, you want a killer, kick-ass headshot. “My buddy has a camera” kinda thing wont work here. “Let’s go over to Portrait Innovations and have them do it.” Still a NO. “How about the guy at the flea market that can add really cool backgrounds?” That’s a big no! If you want to, do it and send them to grandma to hang on the wall.
Please keep these things in mind when you're considering having your headshot done:
1. Use A Professional
Be willing to spend some money—you won’t regret it. A professional headshot photographer specializes in this, someone that’s trained, knows how to light people, and does this to feed their family, not aunt Sally that has a nice camera and knows nothing about photography. Post them on Instagram, not your professional bio. Good headshots can have a broad price range depending on the part of the country you’re in. Going to a cheap-o photographer will likely be more of a mugshot than a headshot. If your headshot looks like it cost $25, you look like you don’t take your career seriously.
2. Choose Personality Over Glamour
People don’t like bad surprises. No major retouching needed, no Glamour Shots. If your photo lands you in front of a casting director and you look 17 years older, it won’t be good. If you have wrinkles, rock em! You want to it be you, on your best day, the person you are now, showing your age. I’m still 23 in my head but not in real life! People want the real you, not who you think you are or want to be.
3. The Eyes Are the Most Important
Much like it is when you’re acting on camera, its about the eyes and what’s going on behind them. It’s your moment to shine. Your headshot photographer will make sure your eyes are in focus, filled with energy, and interesting not zoned out. Having some thought behind your eyes helps, a slight intensity in the eyes. This is what will help you stand out from a mound of others. A great headshot photographer will know all the tricks to bringing out the best in you.
4. Lighting, Composition, Background
For the most part, a great headshot is from the chest up with good lighting on the face with little dramatic shadows unless you feel the roles you’re going for fit that type of look. Three quarter or half body shots can be good for print but no extreme close-ups. Either way, you will need to look directly into the lens as if you were staring into the photographer’s soul. Hands in the shot, funky facial hair and peace signs are strongly discouraged. If shooting outdoors, the background should be blurred and unrecognizable (or close to it), this will allow you to pop off the screen or print. Having the Eiffel Tower in the background won’t add any points, this is about you.
5. Studio or Natural Light
Some headshot photographers will have the skill and knowledge to shoot both, but they do offer a very different “feel”. Shooting in a studio will certainly look more polished with a light grey backdrop. Both can be incredible if done correctly. If you are going for roles in a sitcom, it may be best to have an evenly lit studio headshot. If you’re going for a crime detective look, outdoors will probably fit much better.
6. Clothing and Props
Having a kitten on your head will make you stand out alright but not for the reason you want. Don’t think that adding accessories will make the photo better, after all it is about your eyes. Think simple and classic while following the normal format. Professional, not desperate will get you noticed. Solid shirt or one with a little texture that compliments your eyes will work best. Please do not wear graphic tee-shirts or solid white. What about props? No, just no. If you think you will end up wearing a police uniform in the role, that doesn’t mean you need to wear it in your headshots. That will limit your roles tremendously.
7. Don’t Use Tons of Makeup
A lot can be done after your session with retouching so there is no need for a bunch of makeup. Looking like you do on your best day is the goal, not that you’re trying too hard. Style your hair like you would for an audition, be yourself. It’s a good idea to bring blotting paper to reduce any shine. Some people apply too much makeup only to find out they didn’t like the results.
Choose a photographer that you like and does great work. Being able to connect with the photographer will allow you to become more comfortable. This will show in the finished product. Do some research in your area to find out who would be best, these photos may last you a couple of years.
Lastly, don’t skimp!
1 Comments
Jan 13, 2024, 1:17:40 PM
Rey Zane - Hi, I'm in the Los Angeles area and I'm looking to get some new shots. There are a lot of folks on your website that I recognized from UNCSA! I graduated in the class of 2019. I'm on a budget, but would love to know what a session would cost. Thanks. Best, rey