The Headshot Checklist
HEADSHOTS are one of the most important marketing tools you will need for your career. Here are some important tips to bear in mind whether you are getting yours done for the first time-or getting them redone, which as you will see below is something you need to be considering regularly.
Your Headshot Needs to Look Like You!
This may seem like 'common sense' but those of us who work with headshots regularly can tell you that it is not the reality in many instances. Here are the key things to watch out for:
Make sure your headshot is natural.
Each person is an individual, so the poses and lighting which work best for you may take time to discover. A good photographer will be willing to work with you on this and try a few alternatives-if you feel you are on a 'point and press' production line you have got the wrong photographer. A good photographer should also be able to achieve the natural look without overusing photoshop and other effects. Whatever the case with the 'perfect pics' on glossy magazine covers, casting directors and producers expect the person who turns up for audition to look like the photo that made them call you in the first place.
Make sure your headshot reflects the roles you want.
If you are looking for dramatic roles, don't just have ''musical theatre'' headshots and vice versa. To get an idea of the kind of headshots you are looking for, identify some actors of your type who are doing the work you would most like and check out their headshots (they will usually be on their agent's websites). These days most actors have a number of shots, so think in advance about the kind of roles you would like to cover and which shot would work best for each area. If you have an agent, discuss this with them so you know what you are looking for ahead of the session.
Both headshots pictured on this page are of actress
Sarah Lawrie-read about Sarah and find further advice on headshots from an agent and photographer by clicking here
Make sure you don't change your appearance too much...and if you do, get a new picture
Within reason change your headshots fairly regularly-at least every two years at the very least. You will certainly have changed in that time. Similarly, if you RADICALLY change your look at any time, you may need to consider a new set of pics. You should certainly let your agent know and take their advice. Some actors include a range of 'looks' in their shots-long hair, short hair, beard, no beard. This can be a good idea-but make sure each look is one you can go back to at short notice...preferably without plastic surgery!
Make sure your headshot is professionally taken. By a Professional Photographer. Who specialises in Headshots. There are lots of other elements of your acting career that you can find ways to do yourself, do cheaper and yes sometimes do better than someone you might pay to do them. But headshots are not one of them.
Make sure you get value for money.
As with any other service, how do you make sure you are getting good value?
Shop around-besides helping you pick the photographer you want to use see what the going rate is and what services are being generally offered. Anyone who is offering less for more money or indeed offering more for suspicially less money, should be avoided.
Recommendation is always the best way to find someone good, but failing that, ask to see examples of previous work the photographer has done. Be especially interested in how subjects who resemble you come out-for instance if you have dark skin, how well does the photographer photograph this skin type?
Make sure you know in advance what you are getting for your money. Prints? How many? Pictures on CD or some other digital storage? If you need extra copies how much will you be charged? Don't be afraid to ask any question you want to-someone who is evasive about the answers is not the kind of person you should be working with.
Once you have got your headshots:
Do NOT randomly email every casting person/agent in town. Always have a reason for emailing, and make that reason something that is of interest to the person you are sending to, not just to yourself.
Also, even though it is very useful to have good headshots on email, do not skimp on good quality hard copies. Your agent if you have one will need them to send out to potential clients, and if you are promoting yourself, it is very wise to send hard copies as well as email copies of photos if you would like to be seriously considered for a job.
For more advice on agents, casting and presentation in general check out The Agent Ebook available for download from this site. As part of my one to one sessions I will give you a perspective on your current headshots and help you decide which to use/what to change if necessary.
Click here for details of session bookings.