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Headshots
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Published: November 1, 2006
One of the most common entertainment industry analogies says a headshot is the actor's business card.
A headshot is the bookend of any audition. An 8 x 10 inch photograph is the first piece of marketing material the casting director will see and the last piece of information he will look over before hiring a candidate. Because it will pass through so many hands, an excellent and appropriate headshot is an essential tool for any member of the performance industry.
Not all headshots are created equal. Small compositional choices, such as color, lighting, backdrop and quality of the reproduction, can intensely impact how a potential employer perceives a performer. For example, hard lighting and a straight facial expression can create a mysterious aura about a dramatic actor (think 1940s Film Noir), while warm light and a bright smile could be more appropriate for a teen model.
Professional photographers experienced in headshots will have an acute sense of what effects best sell a performer's particular aspect and work closely to combine their knowledge of the subject being photographed with sophisticated studio effects. Because of their irreplaceable technical expertise and equipment, performers should have headshots professionally taken if their budget permits.
The single most important attribute of a headshot is its resemblance to the performer in real life. Despite the temptation to airbrush, if a casting director does not see a photo matching his memory of an actor, he cannot call the actor back for a position. More job opportunities are lost every day due to unrepresentative photographs than most performers imagine. Therefore, a good headshot is an honest headshot.
When having headshots taken, talent should be willing to experiment with changes of clothing and makeup effects. A professional photographer generally will try a variety of shot angles, lighting schemes and backdrops, and he or she often will have ideas about how to highlight an individual's distinctive facial features or body language. Some studios even offer digital headshots which enable the performer to designate what he does or does not like as a photo session progresses.
Naturally, the expense involved in digital headshots is a concern. It is important to remember the cost of headshots varies widely, and on occasion, even a discount amateur photograph can produce quality photographs. Talent should always choose a photographer with whom they are relaxed and use discretion when comparing prices.
Once the proofs are taken, performers should choose their final headshot carefully, since they are intended to last for two full years. The photograph should be clear, individual and versatile if it is to attract the greatest range of prospective employment.
Cities such as New York have a particularly large selection of photographers available. One can look up theatrical headshots in the phone book in order to narrow the search for the perfect studio. It also may help to ask friends and other contacts in the industry for headshot photographer recommendations, since there is no substitute for first-hand references on a professional's work style and strengths.
Sources:
Catron, Louis E. Headshots for Actors. Available at http://lecatr.people.wm.edu/headshots.html, last accessed October 31, 2006.
Halper, Mark Robert. Highly Effective Headshots. Available at http://studiomark.com/headshots-learnmore.html, last accessed October 31, 2006.
Headshots. Available at http://yourtype.com/survive/headshots.htm, last accessed October 31, 2006.
Headshots- and how to do them on a Budget. Available at http://www.nativecelebs.com/casting/headsh1.htm, last accessed October 31, 2006.
Shalita, Caryn. Headshots. Available at http://www.caryn.com/acting/resources/headshots.ht ml, last accessed October 31, 2006.
A headshot is the bookend of any audition. An 8 x 10 inch photograph is the first piece of marketing material the casting director will see and the last piece of information he will look over before hiring a candidate. Because it will pass through so many hands, an excellent and appropriate headshot is an essential tool for any member of the performance industry.
Not all headshots are created equal. Small compositional choices, such as color, lighting, backdrop and quality of the reproduction, can intensely impact how a potential employer perceives a performer. For example, hard lighting and a straight facial expression can create a mysterious aura about a dramatic actor (think 1940s Film Noir), while warm light and a bright smile could be more appropriate for a teen model.
Professional photographers experienced in headshots will have an acute sense of what effects best sell a performer's particular aspect and work closely to combine their knowledge of the subject being photographed with sophisticated studio effects. Because of their irreplaceable technical expertise and equipment, performers should have headshots professionally taken if their budget permits.
The single most important attribute of a headshot is its resemblance to the performer in real life. Despite the temptation to airbrush, if a casting director does not see a photo matching his memory of an actor, he cannot call the actor back for a position. More job opportunities are lost every day due to unrepresentative photographs than most performers imagine. Therefore, a good headshot is an honest headshot.
When having headshots taken, talent should be willing to experiment with changes of clothing and makeup effects. A professional photographer generally will try a variety of shot angles, lighting schemes and backdrops, and he or she often will have ideas about how to highlight an individual's distinctive facial features or body language. Some studios even offer digital headshots which enable the performer to designate what he does or does not like as a photo session progresses.
Naturally, the expense involved in digital headshots is a concern. It is important to remember the cost of headshots varies widely, and on occasion, even a discount amateur photograph can produce quality photographs. Talent should always choose a photographer with whom they are relaxed and use discretion when comparing prices.
Once the proofs are taken, performers should choose their final headshot carefully, since they are intended to last for two full years. The photograph should be clear, individual and versatile if it is to attract the greatest range of prospective employment.
Cities such as New York have a particularly large selection of photographers available. One can look up theatrical headshots in the phone book in order to narrow the search for the perfect studio. It also may help to ask friends and other contacts in the industry for headshot photographer recommendations, since there is no substitute for first-hand references on a professional's work style and strengths.
Sources:
Catron, Louis E. Headshots for Actors. Available at http://lecatr.people.wm.edu/headshots.html, last accessed October 31, 2006.
Halper, Mark Robert. Highly Effective Headshots. Available at http://studiomark.com/headshots-learnmore.html, last accessed October 31, 2006.
Headshots. Available at http://yourtype.com/survive/headshots.htm, last accessed October 31, 2006.
Headshots- and how to do them on a Budget. Available at http://www.nativecelebs.com/casting/headsh1.htm, last accessed October 31, 2006.
Shalita, Caryn. Headshots. Available at http://www.caryn.com/acting/resources/headshots.ht ml, last accessed October 31, 2006.
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