How much it typically costs (I am in the DC area, but anywhere's estimate is fine)? What to expect? How many pictures do they take of you? How do they determine poses? What agents are looking for and any other pearls of wisdom that you may give to a beginner, please share!
2007-01-11 17:42:36 · 4 answers · asked by xdwcpsd 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
Headshot prices vary by market. You will pay more in NYC where demand is higher than DC where it is not quite so high and even lower in say Atlanta where there is not much professional theater. Can range from $100 - up to $500.
Photo shoots can be anywhere from 20 to 50 pics. It can take a lot of exposures to get ones that actually look good. The photographer will give you some ideas as to what poses and it is a good idea to vary them and listen to the photographer as they have experiences with what shots work best. It is a good idea to have a few 3/4 shots as well [from head to about mid torso].
If you can get the negatives or high resolution files from the photographer you can arrange to have reproductions done less expensively as photographers often charge anywhere from double to 5 times what a commercial reproduction house will charge for prints.
The important things to remember are:
1. your head shot need to look like you. No excess makeup or props so that when you show up at an audition or agency they don't look at you and your shot and see little resemblance.
2. shop around for head shots in your area. Talk to other actors ask to see their headshots and then ask who shot them if you like them.
3. sometimes a friend can get better shots than a pro for an actor just starting out. Having somebody who you know and are comfortable with shoot you can make a big difference in how relaxed you are and thus how good the shots come out.
4. ask to see a photographer's portfolio if you don't see any shots in it that you like don't use them. You are paying for their service don't let someone pressure you into paying for shots that you don't like.
5. keep in mind that any drastic changes to your look [hair cut or color, weight gain or loss, facial piercings, tattoos etc] means you have to have different headshots done.
Oh yeah, and ignore the firs two ignots who answered your question, they are obviously drunk or brain impaired.
2007-01-11 18:08:50 · answer #1 · answered by ajtheactress 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've gone through three rounds of headshots in Denver. I would expect to pay between $150 and $250 around here.
Ask around town about color vs B&W. It used to be all B&W, but that's changed in some towns.
The guy I've gone to (who is generally acknowledged as one of the best in Denver) usually will take upwards of 100 shots (on a digital camera). Then we go through them, and I pick about 15-20 to run by my agent, and friends, etc.
The two most important things in selecting your headshot are:
1. It should look like you. With make-up and lighting you can change your appearance drastically, but casting directors want to know what you *actually* look like. If you change your hair drastically, or gain or lose a lot of weight, or grow a beard, it's time to think about new headshots.
2. Try to be engaging. Don't be too serious, don't be goofy. It's a nebulous quality, and difficult to pin down, but you want people to see your headshot and see your charm; want to meet you. While you're taking the shots, I find that thinking about sharing a secret with someone I like gives me the right kind of inviting look. (Weird, I know, but it seems to work.)
Also, make sure your eyes are clearly visible. Don't squint!
Good luck.
2007-01-12 01:57:25 · answer #2 · answered by eltoro1972 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not ducking the question, but I think the best way for you to begin would be by LOOKING at the headshots of as many actors as you can. You can probably peruse hundreds of them online. See what impresses YOU about particular shots.
If you live in DC, you might want to see if you can make a contact with some of the actors who work locally (Arena Stage would be a good place to start). Ask them who THEY used for their headshots.
Most importantly, once you've made a contact with a prospective photographer, ask him/her to see their portfolio. All photographers keep representative samples of their best work. Be selective. See whose work impresses you. You want to work with a photographer who has a solid track record of turning out good solid headshots.
2007-01-12 10:32:18 · answer #3 · answered by shkspr 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Find a great freind with a camera. go into your back yard with a camera. and beautiful natural light. [aka the sun] and do them yourself. unless you have the money to take some. but theyll be pricy. doing them yourself is perfectly acceptable though
2007-01-12 02:11:17 · answer #4 · answered by Leechwife 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋