What is a headshot?

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A headshot is an 8x10, COLOR photo of you. Everything is computerized submissions, so color is it. It should be reproduced professionally and it MUST look just like you. It can either be a close-up of your head and shoulders or it can be a ¾ shot (from knees to head) or anything in between. It should have lots of energy and personality and should make the viewer want to meet you. Make sure you a comfortable with whoever you shoot with, because everything you are feeling will show up on camera.

Setting up your head shot session: call the photographer and let him or her know what you want. If you are unsure of their work ask to schedule a free consultation. If you know you want to use them, make an appointment for a shoot. Make sure to ask what kind of clothes to bring and then make sure to bring them. Read their website info, photographers will often give you tips on what to wear and how to dress.   Some basic things to remember are do not wear solid read, white or black.  Your best head shot colors will always be blues, greens or browns.  Universally, one of those colors will work for everyone.  The only exception to wearing black (for your theatrical/dramatic shot) is if it has a texture.  Black clothing with a texture is OK and will not detract from your face – which should always be the main focus.

Hair and Make-Up
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If you are a woman, you must have a hair and make-up artist. I don't care how well you do your make-up, you are not trained in make-up for photography and your shots will suffer. Make-up artist cost $125-$150. DO NOT pay more than that for a make-up artist at a head shot session. They generally take cash or check.

Make sure to get a good night's sleep the night before and be on time. I recommend getting there 30 minutes prior to your session so you can go to the bathroom, get acclimated, chat with the photog, etc. If you are late, you are cheating yourself out of the time it takes to shoot. Don't worry about zits or other temporary conditions.  If the photographer shoots digitally, he can remove them easily. Another advantage to a photographer who shoots digitally is he won't worry about scrimping on film. Many photographers will only shoot 2 or 3 rolls or charge you extra for more. If someone shoots digital they can just keep shooting until they capture you at your best.  Then they narrow it down on the computer for your contact sheets.

Your shoot should include an average of two looks, meaning two wardrobe changes. A good photographer will know what categories you fall under and shoot you only in these. (See "Know Your Market" article) It is not about portraying different characters or using costumes or props to change your look. It is about getting a good, smiling shot (always showing your TEETH) with lots of personality for a commercial shot. You can have more than one commercial shot - one in more casual clothes and one looking more prfessional, for hosting work. I recommend a 3/4 shot for hosting work. You will also shoot a film shot in more dramatic wear and lighting. Don't worry, if you go with someone reputable, they will know how to advise you.

After the shoot you can usually pick up your contact sheets within a couple of days (or before you leave, if they're digital). Bring these to industry professionals who you trust. Lisa and I always try to make time to look at our students' pictures. Many times our students will drop off their headshots one week and pick them up the next. A contact sheet contains 36 small pictures of you, which can be seen well with a loupe. We then choose our top two or three depending on the photographer and he blows these up to 8x10.

Reproduction
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Next the actor must take these to be reproduced. There is a reproduction house on NE 123rd street in N. Miami, called G&A Photographic/Digit Pro that I like or if you don't mind sending them off, Photoscan in Orlando does good litho reproductions. Talk to your agents about whether they prefer photographic or litho, then decide where to reproduce your pictures. Matte finish is best. You will probably make 200 or so copies the first time. You will use them to get an agent and your agents will use them to get you certain auditions or even bookings.  I know of many actors that have gotten direct bookings (no audition, just straight to the job) from their heads shots.  Your head shots are important, so don't cut corners or try to go cheap.

If you can't afford a good headshot, wait and save your money until you can. Otherwise, you don't you will end up spending more in the long run.  Bargain shots just don't work. You will also bring 1 or 2 headshots to every audition so that the director, producer and clients can look at them while viewing your taped audition. Make sure to always have extra headshots with up-to-date resumes attached, with you. Keep them in your car.  You never know when you might need one.