what exactly is a headshot in acting...and how do i get it?

Answer 1

Looks like you're getting mixed info. A headshot is a 8" x 10" photo of (about) your face and shoulders. It's a good photo of you (not a totally made up or airbrushed glamour shot) that you send out both to get an agent and that you agent once you have one sends out to casting directors to get you auditions. Your headshots should look like you having a good day :-) If you don't walk in and look like your headshot, CD's won't be happy because they made an appointment with THAT person.

You get headshots by making an appointment with a professional photographer who does that for a living. Go here: http://workingactors.com/ click on actors, then marketing, then photographers. You'll find plenty of them with websites and TONS of examples. These are mostly in Los Angeles, and if you're in the area you can get a good look at many photogs work and choose one who's work and price you like. If not, just get an idea of the types of shots you like and go with that.

If you had a pimple the day of your shoot or something like that you can get it retouched, then you take the pic or pics you like to where you will have them printed, you add your name and agent's symbol thingy (yes I'm up late again!) that is if you have an agent, get them mass produced so you can send them out or deliver them to your agent. :-)

That's all folks... I think... right? Am I missing anything???Man, I'm tired.

Oh yeah, I believe color is mostly an LA thing and/or a commercial thing, but I could be wrong. I still think it's a personal preference and you should consult with your agent before printing too many or b&w or colow. He/she may prefer to have a selection on hand of both and in a couple different looks for different characters that come up.

And personally I think $300 is the limit, not a starting point... $700 is way too much unless your getting some major photog. I know it can run even higher, but I just have never had to spend that much to get good shots. Like I said, check out the photogs work, see who you like, talk to them... don't be afraid to ask them questions and see who you feel comfortable with. The guy/gal you like may cost $150 or $300... who knows. Once all is said and done including printing, you may have spent $500 but personally I never have.

Answer 2

If you're even halfway serious about acting, get a professional headshot. They don't have to cost that much. Black and white used to be the accepted format, but I've spent the last year in New York City working with coaches and advisors who are actually in the business and they've made it very clear that color is absolutely expected now. Black and white is history. Also, I strongly recommend looking at the portfolios of bigshot New York headshot photographers to get ideas. You may not be able to afford them (they can cost thousands of dollars), but if you do the research, you can help whatever photographer you hire to know what's the cutting edge on poses and lighting, etc.

Answer 3

A headshot, is like an acting calling card.
It is a picture, usually of your face, sometimes full body, that realisticly shows what you look like.

You get headshots, by scheduling a shoot with a photographer that specializes in headshots.

Look for them in your yellowpages, or ask an acting professional, who they reccommend.

Usually, a reel is enough shots.

Generally a session will cost $300-$700.

Get them printed in color (black annoys casting directors).

Pay the extra $50 or whatever, to have your hair and makeup done at the studio.
Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Hey Moi, That's a pretty interesting question, I'll star it. Anyway, headshots are one of your main acting tools. They give agents and casting directors the first impression of you and if you have the "look" for the part they are casting. They also help them remember your face. It is important to have a professional headshot if you are going to audition for a big, hollywood movie. Otherwise, a school picture will do! :):) I really hope this helped you out! =) -TQA (The Queen of Acting)

Answer 5

A head shot is a quality photo of yourself. Usually it's printed on good quality glossy photo paper and it's a good idea to have your bio and experience printed on the back. This should be an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet. Not bigger or smaller. Your stuff will be thrown out if you try to do something different.

Any good photographer can do this for you. However, if you are any good with a computer you can do this yourself once you have the full definition photo files. You can take the digital picture and your informaton to Kinko's or something and have them print it on quality paper. It'll save you a bundle. Also, this means that you will only have to print a few at a time and you have the option to change the information or even the picture whenever you want.

Answer 6

Have a look at the image I use (left). This is an actual head-shot of me taken by a professional photographer and are usually about A4 in size.

You don't need to have a professional photographer take the photos. I have heard of people using home-taken photos, but they have to be pretty good. Black and White are usually the best, yet some agents like to see colour ones also.