headshot tips

Many of you who are new to all this are asking yourselves, "what's next?"

For those who are already familiar with all of this, please file this page under the "Department of Redundancy" Department. :)

Types of headshots

For the most part, there are two types of actor's headshots: 1) Commercial 2) Theatrical

Commercial headshots: Can best be characterized by having a warm, friendly, well groomed look, with a nice smile.

Theatrical headshots: Less "commercial" looking. With more elements of your true character as a person. Generally more serious looking than a commercial headshot.

What to wear?

Try to keep it simple. You can wear just about anything as long as it's simple and "works" with your look. Try to keep the jewelry to an absolute minimum as well. We want to keep the focus on you, not your earrings or necklace. This rule also applies on your clothes. Keep it simple. Try to stay away from distracting prints, e.g. plaid, stripes, and T-shirts that say "Take the Pepsi Challenge"

Proof sheets

One of my first rules when I give models or actors advice on who they might possibly shoot with is to see a proof sheet from the shooter. A proof sheet shows ALL the frames during the session and limits the photographers ability to hide behind only showing you *selected* images. Here's an example of a proof sheet of a recent client. Click on the proof sheet below to see a larger version. This also allows you to see how many "keepers" you can expect.
In this day and age of digital, it's not as easy to see every frame.. You should still ask to see a whole shoot.

MOST IMPORTANT!!!

Your headshot MUST look like you. If you have flaws, then they shouldn't be hidden. Any casting director wants you to walk in the door after seeing your headshot and have it look just like you. So if you change your hair color, hair length, grow a beard etc, then you need to update your headshot.

Most of all HAVE FUN

Oscar Wilde said it best "Life is far too important to be taken seriously!"

click here to view even more information about good headshots

Do's and don'ts of the acting biz