Preparing to take Headshots?

Question

Hi,
I'm preparing myself take my headshots the second time around. The headshots from my 1st time were a disaster because I didn't do my homework and I hired the wrong photographer. I'm giving myself @ least 6months to take them again and in that time I'm working on creating my character, the RIGHT character that I want my headshots to portray. So, finally my question is as follow. Can anyone direct me to a book or website that I can read to help me during this process?
Thanks

Answer 1

If you have made connections with a Talent Agent in your city, ask him, or her to help you with headshots.
It's always best to go to a professional headshot photographer.

Not just a guy with a camera. Make sure he does actor headshots and knows what the Talent Agents and Casting Directors in YOUR city want, as far as actor headshots.

If you can meet with a Talent Agent, to pick his/her brain, about actor headshots, that would be good.
Typically, the agent decides the "right headshot" for the actor.

Before you spend a lot of money on headshots, try to get a professional opinion from an agent. If you know of an agent with whom you want to work, drop a note to him or her and ask if he/she has a moment to give an opinion on your current headshots and what you should do for your next upcoming headshot shoot.

You don't want to have to toss the headshots in the trash if you get an agent that tells you that your headshots are NOT right for his/her agency.

Answer 2

Your headshots should be of you, not a character you play, that's what monolouges are for. They don't want a picture of you as a character, they want a picture of what you look like on a good day. If you get headshots of you playing a character no one will take you seriously.

Answer 3

You don't need to be a character, you need to be yourself. Yes, you might want to come across as versatile but everyone is 'typed'. The more natural and open you look the better your chances.