Acting Tips for Actors Taking Face Shots

The photographs provided to casting directors are called “headshots” and are intended to sell you on sight. They’re your business card and often your first and only impression, so it’s best to make them count. Your photos should look professional. DO NOT try to scrimp and save on photos; Trust me, it’s not worth it. Every penny you spend will be returned tenfold. Photos are often the only way a casting director will pick you for an audition, or if they’ve seen you in the past, your photo will help them remember who you are.

Here are some key points to keep in mind when taking headshots

Use a professional photographer. You could (and should) pay between $100 and $500 for decent photos (depending on the quality of the photographer). More than that and you’re probably paying too much. However, it’s important to view your photos as one of your best investments, not an expense (although you can claim them as a business expense. Check with your tax laws and accountant). Don’t judge a photographer by price alone. More expensive does not necessarily equal better quality. Be sure to check your previous work and only pay for what you can actually afford.

If you’re not sure which photographer to use, ask other actors, acting coaches, or check with a few talent agents, as they’ll usually recommend a good photographer who already knows what you’re looking for.

By using a professional photographer and providing professional photos, you are showing everyone you come in contact with, your commitment and seriousness to succeed in this business of acting.

Make sure you are the owner of the photos. Before taking photos, make sure that you will own the photos once they are taken. Know exactly what you are paying for and what you will receive. Generally, you should receive a minimum of 36 total photos (if using film) or more than 40 if using digital. If you feel uncomfortable with the deal, walk away and find someone you feel comfortable with.

Explain to the photographer the purpose of the photo session. Tell them that you want to provide your photos to casting directors for acting roles. Ask them if they have done similar work. Explain that you will need them to take photos of you in different outfits with slightly different appearances and is that acceptable?

Ask the photographer to see his portfolio. Make sure you are happy with the type of photography they do and that their work looks professional. Lots of beautiful wedding photos, family photos and children photos are not necessarily what you are looking for here. Remember, you want “head shots” that capture your best physical features and appearance, but also show off your “real” self.

Wear a few different clothing styles. Have a few different outfits to wear. I suggest the following:

o Smart casual (khakis, chinos, nice shirts, polo shirts, skirts, etc.)

o Elegant (pants, dresses, etc.)

o Businesses (many commercials are for banks and insurance agencies)

o Casual (jeans, t-shirts, etc.)

o Sports (shorts, tracksuit, etc.)

o Hats (bring a hat or two for a certain look if it works with your outfit, but make sure it doesn’t hide your face)

Change hair styles (and facial hair) in your photos.

For ladies: wear your hair in a few different styles; up, down, ponytail, pigtail, curly, straight, etc. Make sure it suits the type of outfit you are wearing.

For men: switch up your styles a bit if you can. Use hair gel for some takes and some without. It’s a good idea to go in and take a few photos with some growth or stubble on your face and then halfway through your session shave (being careful not to cut yourself) and go for the clean shaven look.

* Always make sure that your hair does not hide your face and especially your eyes!

Note: If your photographer does not have time for clothing and hair changes, please find another photographer or book an additional session. Be sure to explain to them beforehand what you plan to do. This way, they will reserve enough time and charge accordingly.

Provide the photographer with different looks and different gender options.

In other words, you want to have a variety of photo variations on how it looks in photos. A variety of photos will give you more options and allow you or your agent the ability to provide casting directors with the right look for the job. Three main considerations include:

Commercial Appearance – Because commercials cover so many different “types” and genres, this is where you want the most variation in your photos. Use different poses, outfits, hairstyles, looks, etc. These photos tend to be more of a half length up or full body.

Dramatic Appearance: If you plan to work in TV or movie dramas, then this is a required expression that casting directors look for in strong character types. You want a more serious look here (without looking psycho). Be confident and look directly into the camera lens by focusing on the center of the lens. This approach will give you a determined look for the drama. Your dramatic shot should be primarily from the shoulders up. No body shot.

Comedy look: Here you can have a little fun with the photographer. Explain your intention to want a bit of frivolity and good enjoyment in your photos. These types of shots can be great for comedy type commercial auditions or possibly even TV Sit-Com auditions.

Have different types of shots taken. Have the photographer take several different shots including; full shots (full body), medium shots (half up body) and some close ups (facial close ups). If they’re professionals, they should do this anyway.

Wear makeup. Be careful not to overdo the makeup. Less is often more. The photographer should help determine what looks good on you. Men with fair skin should also consider wearing a small amount of makeup, especially a sheer powder foundation that will help enhance your complexion, reduce light reflection, and hide any imperfections.

Try to look natural. It is important to be as natural as possible. Be yourself. This is not a Vogue photo shoot. You are not “working the camera”. Don’t try to be Tyra Banks or David Beckham. “Natural Real Look” is best for TV / Film / TV Commercial work.

Make sure your photographs are current and up-to-date. Please do not provide photos that are older than three years or photos that clearly do not represent your current appearance. If your photos don’t show how you currently look, take new ones. Potential talent agents and casting directors don’t like surprises. They like to have an idea of ​​what to expect.

SMILE! Smile often in your business photos. Most TV commercials try to make viewers feel good. Smiling makes us and those who see us smile feel optimistic and positive. Vary your smiles from big and happy to semi-serious, but in each take try to smile in some natural way (try not to force your smiles). You can even smile with your eyes. An easy way to do this is to have positive thoughts during the photo session. If you need motivation, try thinking about how great you’ll be when you star in your own TV commercials; your friends and family see you on TV and most importantly, they earn money!

Produce 8″ x 10″ headshots. This is the industry standard “Headshot” size photograph for the US market and most other markets around the world. You won’t go wrong with an 8″ (inches) x 10″ (inches) principal photograph.

Please provide your color photos. Black and white photos won’t even show up when everyone else provides color photos. Color headshots are always the way to go and the only type of headshot you should provide for casting calls.

I hope this helps you when taking photos. Good luck with your performance and recall Action = Success!

© Stefan J. Reynolds