- Don’t overdo your makeup. You want to look like yourself on your best day and not look like you tried too hard. Be yourself. Do your hair the way you would for every audition.
- Don’t go quirky with clothing and props.
Let’s not get nuts here. Keep it simple and classy, and follow the standard format. Professionalism gets you noticed. A simple, solid shirt with a little texture that fits you well and matches your eyes should do the trick. No whites and no graphics or anything that might distract from your face, and no props.
- Consider natural light vs. studio.
Some photographers do both, as they offer a different look and feel. Natural light gives a very real look. Studio lighting tends to be a little more polished, with a more neutral backdrop. If you are more of a sitcom actor, perhaps a well-lit studio headshot is best for you. If you want to look like you are on the Fargo series go for the outdoor look.
- Pay attention to framing, lighting, and background.
Generally a good headshot is chest-up with good lighting on your face, and no strong dramatic shadows.
- Choose personality over glamour.
Make sure it looks like you with easy airbrushing. Casting directors expect you to look just like your headshot and will not be happy when you show up looking totally different or 10 years older. It’s not about looking pretty, it’s about representing your type, wrinkles included.
- Go pro.
Spend money—it’s worth it. Go to a professional who is trained, understands lighting, and takes headshots for a living, not a friend who happens to have a decent camera who has a hobby of taking photos. Save those pics for Instagram and leave the headshots to the pros.
#actor #headshot
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Great tips, Tammy Hunt! You mentioned airbrushing. Airbrushing is used on headshots?
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Spend money! Yes it’s very worth it. Go to a professional who takes head shots for a living,
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Maurice Vaughan Yes, that and of course corrective photoshopping of skin and any flyaway hairs, etc. Some is fine to do of course but it’s the overdone look that is not wanted.
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Oh ok, Tammy Hunt. I think of shirts and shoes when I hear "airbrushing." Thanks for explaining.
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If you can't afford headshots, you can do a trade perhaps. I would trade with a someone who is starting out as a photographer and wants to build their professional portfolio. They would take my headshots in exchange for building their portfolio and referrals.