What Makes a Great
Headshot? Right after talent, headshots and resumes are at the top of
the list for what can get you booked on a job. If you want tips on a great
resume, check those out here. I cannot stress enough the importance of a great headshot. In
this day and age when many clients can choose what talent they want to have
audition, or even better, what talent they want to book, right over the
internet, you must have a great headshot to remain competitive. This is
non-negotiable. Yes, professional headshots are pricy, but in the end they are
worth every penny. “Courtney” you ask, “What makes a great headshot?” Well my
friends… the answers are simple, clear, and listed below: 1. Use a Professional Commercial Photographer:
Please, for everyone’s sake use a professional commercial photographer. If you
don’t, you are wasting time and money. When or if you get
picked up by an agent, they are most likely going to ask you to re-shoot. So it helps to do
it right the first time. This does not mean someone who shoots weddings, a
friend of a friend who does photos, or Uncle Joe who has a fancy new camera and
takes great pictures of flowers. This means an agent or acting coach
recommended photographer. If you need
recommendations, please feel free to email me. 2. Always get the Hair and Makeup Artist: This is
vital. Otherwise you can spend a ton of money, and be really unhappy with
your pictures. The Hair/MUA is there to help you look your best. They know how
to do your makeup so the camera does not wash you out, and to make your
features “pop”. They are also there to ensure that if in between takes your
hair gets crazy or lipstick gets on your teeth, that you get fixed up in a
jiffy. Yes, the cost is a bit more, the great ones usually charge anywhere from
$100-$150 for the shoot, but their work is priceless. 3. Make Sure Your Headshots Look Like YOU: This is
probably the most important tip on this blog. It’s great that you listened to
me, and hired the Hair and Makeup Artist, but now make sure that said artist
is staying true to your look and who you are. Explain to them how
you normally do your makeup and hair so they can just exaggerate it a bit for
the camera. Make sure that whatever look they give you, you can recreate on
your audition day. Your headshot should look like you on good day, not "Who the
heck is that supermodel?" Unless you are a supermodel… then you're fine. 4. Look Your Best: Roots done, Hair-cut, Teeth
whitened, Weight Lost, Skin Clear… you get the picture. Photos are expensive.
Don’t waste time and money if these things are not in tip top shape. Clients
will notice. As a consumer yourself, you would pick up the product with the
pristine packaging, not the banged up box with holes. The same can be said for
clients, if you two inch roots or your skin is looking a hot mess, they may
pass you by. 5. No Gimmicks: Steer clear of hats, sunglasses,
cheesy backgrounds, gaudy jewelry, cleavage (anything more than church
cleavage is too much), loud patterns, anything that takes focus from your face. 6. Update Your Headshots Regularly: This also
refers back to #4. To ensure the client is always getting the best photo of you
and your current look, make sure you are updating them on a regular basis. Kids
change FAST, you cannot expect an agent to book your child with a shot that’s more
than a year old. Teeth change, hair changes, faces mature and they grow more
than you will notice. It’s not a popular notion, but kids’ photos need to be done
yearly. Adults can usually go 2 years, if nothing changes drastically in their
look. Keeping your agent stocked with your best, newest shots will help them be
able to book you, or get you on auditions more often. Again, your headshots must look like YOU. Be honest with yourself on this. The last thing you want is to show up on the set of a direct booking and have the director and client be surprised. It will be an awkward situation for everyone, and could cost you the booking. 7. Dress: Bring LOTS of wardrobe options for your
photographer. Bright colors (no neon), muted colors (grey, tan, green), small
patterns, black and white (contrary to popular belief), jackets, blouses,
dresses, assorted necklines, and small accessories, are all great options. Bring clothes
that are flattering to your figure and are age appropriate. Do your research
beforehand, and know the kinds of roles you are going to be considered for
(i.e. mom, dad, business woman, character roles, etc.) This will help your
photographer pick out the best options for you, and if you are unsure, talk to
your agent or a coach before getting headshots done. Make sure above all else, you are working with someone who
you like and who makes you feel comfortable. Someone you trust to tell you if
something is not your color, or if you have a bad angle. I have a few examples
of great headshots below for consideration. If you need recommendations, I
would be more than happy to help. Happy Shooting! |