Client Resources

TIPS FOR HEADSHOTS - ACTORS AND TALENT

Most Important

  • Your headshot should look like you - exactly how you would show up for an audition
  • Your photo has to sell your looks and personality
  • What you see is what you get

General Tips

  • Tell me your expectations and intentions. Let me know what kind of look you want.
  • Drink lots of water and be well rested (so your eyes will not have dark circles)
  • Your skin might not look it's best after drug/alcohol use. Try to abstain from these before your shoot
  • Arrive on time. Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes early (I may have other clients scheduled before you) Please call if you are running late or arrive early.

Practice

  • Rehearse at home in front of a mirror.
  • Practice poses and expressions  If you're having trouble with expressions, watch your face in the mirror while running lines from a favorite scene
  • Visualize different emotions while looking in the mirror. Watch how this changes your expression

 

"Characters" or "Types"

Actors are hired to play a character and tell a story. Does your look allow you to play different characters? Think about how these character types would look:

  • The good guy/girl
  • The popular guy/girl
  • The guy/girl next door
  • The bad guy/girl
  • The professional guy/girl 

Also, think about the subtext or story behind a character. Where is this character from? What is his/her disposition? What is his/her financial background (blue collar/white collar/middle)? Bring wardrobe that supports how these characters would look.

What to Wear / Wardrobe

  • Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you look great
  • Don't overdress
  • Clothes should be neatly pressed and should look new or like new
  • Bring a variety of clothing that emphasizes different roles/characters (professional, blue-collar worker, intellectual, sexy, etc...)
  • Avoid large logos or branding
  • A simple black shirt/blouse/dress is often a good option
    • Darker clothes attract less attention and put the attention on your face and eyes
    • Avoid white shirts unless you plan to wear it underneath something
  • Solid colors are great
    • Avoid busy patterns and large lines or stripes
    • Blue/green/turquoise clothing can help emphasize blue/green/hazel eyes
    • Avoid red as a dominant color
  • A suit or jacket are great for men wanting a more professional look
  • Pay attention to details.
  • Layers, ties, belts etc Different necklines will change the apparent shape of your face.
  • Bring a variety different shirts/blouses to see what works best - Turtlenecks are almost always a bad idea (since they crowd the face)
  • Don't worry about shoes too much unless you specifically want a full-length look
  • Don't only bring 3-4 same-style shirts in different colors. Bring variety of styles.
  • Bring a few extra oufits so we can choose what looks best on you at the shoot

Remember: Select and wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Choose something that makes you look good.

Jewelry

  • Keep jewelry extremely simple - small is better
  • Avoid jewelry that would distract from your face or that looks dated
  • The picture is about your face, not your jewelry
  • Be prepared to remove facial piercings or multiple ear piercings if needed

What to Bring

  • Outfit Choices
  • A good attitude
  • Lip balm
  • Hair brush/comb

Hair and Makeup Tips

  • Make-up should be clean and natural
  • Your make-up or hair-style should be exactly what you would do for an audition
  • Wear a heavy layer of translucent powder - your face will appear flawless in photos. Shine disappears, pores seem smaller, skin looks even, and blush is smoother
  • Men may need base, concealer, and powder for the shoot. It is best to obtain your own so it is specially matched to your skin tone
  • Line lips before applying matte lipstick, then reline. Don't overdo it. Dip a cotton bud in powder and run along lip line to prevent color from bleeding
  • Avoid shimmers or products with lots of sparkle or shine - avoid frosts or garish colors
  • Don't get a new hair cut just before the shoot (you may want to let it grow-in a bit or get used to styling a new cut)
  • Do not try/use any new product on your hair, face or body the day before or few days before your shoot
  • Avoid over-styling. Keep it simple.
  • If you are under 16-years old the only makeup you need is lip balm or lip gloss
  • Arrive With: Hair styled and makeup already applied (if not using makeup artist) Already dressed in first outfit

 

Reference: www.headshot-photos.com/tips

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