18 Oct Actors: How to take good headshots acting
I consistently guide actors in every aspect of their acting career. Therefore, I have tons of valuable information for you! Today’s subject is how to take good headshots for acting.
How to get good Headshots for Acting Careers
So, I know it seems like a basic topic however, I can’t emphasize enough that you need to have a great actor’s headshot! One that shows the industry what your every day self looks like and makes you easy to cast. Your headshot is the first thing that you use to impress the industry professionals right? Therefore, your picture is your business card. so it must be excellent on all levels.
Research Photographers
So if you’re in a city like Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, or Vancouver etc. the first headshot tip is to research photographers who specialize in photography for actors. Also, ask your actor friends and parents who have children in the business which photographers they recommend. Look closely at their work and be sure you like the light, the background and especially the expressions on the actor’s faces. So therefore the first actor’s headshot tip is to hire a professional photographer who loves shooting actors. Or at the very least hire a photographer who likes doing portraiture work.
Wardrobe
So, you’ve researched a photographer, then what? Your wardrobe check is the second actor’s headshot must. First of all think color, bright colors. Select the colors that compliment your skin, eyes and hair. Stay with solids, leave the polka dots and stripes out of your head shot shoot. The human eye is attracted to busy patterns. This is your photo shoot so the emphasis needs to be on you, your face not the clothes you wear. Select clothes that match the types of roles you play. Do you play the bully or the bad guy? Darker clothes are a good choice. Let’s say the perfect girly-girl suits your personality, then wear bright pinks or blues etc.
Minimal or No Accessories
We want the viewer, talent agent, the casting director, and the client’s eyes to focus on your face. Your face needs to pop out and this is why no large distracting jewelry, or accessories work for your every day look. Keep your clothes really plain and simple. Keep the polka dots and stripes for other situations
Makeup and Hair Stylist
Another actor’s headshot tio, is to make sure that you have a professional makeup artist and a hair stylist. Hire someone who really knows how to work with actors. Stay away from the glamour look. You want light makeup that keeps your look natural. In addition, hair should be styled how you wear it every day, because you will not have time to curl it or make it fancy, for that last minute audition. Consequently, the industry wants you to walk in and look like your head shot! So, now you understand how vital it is to hire professionals.
Use your Acting Skills
Most of all, use your acting skills during your headshot shoot. This is especially relevant to get the best photos. Also, I tell the students at my Los Angeles acting school to pretend the camera is a loved one, or even a celebrity they want to meet. Furthermore, access different emotions happy, delighted, serious, strong, powerful and send them to the camera lens through your eyes! Finally, have fun, because this is the reason you got into acting in the first place! In conclusion use these headshot tips and you will get great a headshot.