subject: How To Make Headshots Work Hard for You [print this page] A headshot is an actor's business cardA headshot is an actor's business card. It lands him the casting call. On the other hand, bad headshots can also cost him a job. There are ways of ensuring taking a good headshot, and make casting agents remember you. Read along the pointers in this article.
Three important things to remember when going for your headshot: choose a good photographer, hire a make-up artist, and choose appropriate wardrobe.
Look into a photographer's portfolio and go over the headshots that he has done and specializes in. You should choose a photographer who knows how to pose and light you effectively. Your photographer must know how to communicate visually, and his portfolio will tell you just that. Your photo should include your face, hair, neck and shoulders (called a photo). It must be well lit so as not to hide your features in shadows. Most headshots are done in color, so you might prefer this. Though black and white photos have that tinge of dramatic effect.
The camera reveals the smallest details, and unfortunately this include whatever flaws you have. This is the reason why it is good to invest in a make-up artist. Ask for a trial with a make-up artist whose work you find appealing to see if you like her work. It may cost you a little, but it will give you an edge for your headshot.
Next is the wardrobe. Choose wardrobe that will keep the viewer's focus on your face. Don't wear clothing with bold patterns as this will distract the viewer's attention. Try to bring at least three changes of clothing for the photo shoot.
So after you have perfected your headshots what's next? You should attach it to your actor's resume, with the headshot facing outwards. Your acting resume should contain all your contact information and your basic statistics such as age, weight, height, eye and hair color. Now that you have your business card you should make full use of it.
Remember how you sat through a TV show and would view the same TV commercials over and over again until the end of the show. This is a strategy employed to build recall for the product or service being advertised. You should use your headshots in the same manner so as to build recall among casting agents and directors. So where else could you put your headshots? Use it as a photo business card (any print shop can do this for you or you can do it yourself with the use of a software). You can also use it on your video and DVD reels so that directors will remember who the reels belong to; use it in flyers thank you notes and post cards.
