Actor Headshot- What to wear?

Question

I'm getting a headshot done.

What would be the best type of clothing to wear?

cheers

Answer 1

What you wear doesn't matter - what COLOR you wear does. Find a simple black t-shirt (no pocket) and one in a color that flatters your skintone. Do NOT wear a headband. :-/ These shots will be attached to your 'resume' - you will seriously limit yourself if you use any thing like that in your hair.

Answer 2

You really don't need any, because any blemishes can be removed digitally or airbrushed before the final print. As a guy, you don't want to look "made up" for a headshot- natural is best. POSSIBLY you might take a little transluscent powder along in case the photographer wants to take the shine off. A qualified photographer, though, will know when that is needed, and may have some on hand. I would avoid eyeliner, obvious base, and blush. A headshot is completely different from a show in which you need theatrical makeup.

Answer 3

All in all, I would naively say that it doesn't really matter... that they are looking at the structure and features of your face. Many casting agents and directors have a very good idea as to the type of look they wish for a specific character.
If you are simply mailing headshots out to agents, something neutral would be best as this is non-specific.

If you are applying for a specific part then you should think about facial expression. Also you might wish to wear part-specific clothing, however, be careful - anything too corny or tacky-looking will not pay you any favours.

Therefore, I think that, seeing how you are puzzling over which clothes to wear, to stay neutral. Wear something which compliments your skin tone and play to your strengths as much as possible. You should look properly groomed so smart-casual is probably the best sort of look you should be going for. Some people try too hard to stand out, wearing Hawaiian shirts, ludicrous hats and God knows what else. I know that I would never cast an actor who does this. Be natural.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Keep it simple - no distracting jewelery and absolutely no patterns - no hats or headbands either.

Colourwise - a plain black t-shirt with a flattering neckline (scoop if you have great collarbones, higher if you're large chested, vee if you want to extend the look of your neck, etc), and another in a colour that works for you if you are doing colour. If just black and white think "shades and highlights" because that's all you're going to see. I would avoid stark white unless you have a richly pigmented skin - try cream or off white, more flattering and still nicely neutral. Red is a colour that photographs very well and stands out, but keep the design simple if you're going to choose a strong colour.

Resist the temptation to accessorize - bring a jacket if you're doing a few rolls and want another look. Don't pose with your hands on your face, and don't let your hair get in the way either.

Keep makeup neutral but do wear it - you're going to lose about 40% of the effect in the shot, so keep that in mind. It's well worth it to see a professional makeup artist - they know what will shoot well.

Above all make sure that you look like yourself in the pictures! It's a huge mistake to have headshots that are misleading (whether in looks or age) - casting directors hate to have their time wasted when someone walks in who looks NOTHING like their headshot! Flattering but realistic.

I know this is a little more than you asked for but I've done a few of these!

Answer 5

Wear a color that looks good on you. White is not a good choice -- it draws the eye.and tends to blow out in photographs shot with strobes. Usuallly dark to mid-tones are best. No logos are big prints -- simple is better. Bring several changes of clothes and make sure they are well-pressed, no visible stains, threads. Wear a neckline that is complimentary to you -- be careful about wearing capped sleeves or sleeveless -- depending on the crop it can detract from your photo. No excessive jewelery -- you want casting directors to notice your face not your jewelery. Also if you need to wax or pluck your eyebrows do this a few days before your shoot -- lately people have been coming to my studio bushy and unruly brows which makes for excessive retouching later-- better to start with a clean pallette. There is a complete article dealing with this subject @ www.lilangelphotos.com/tybs.html. It talks about what to wear, make-up, hiring a photographer, etc

Answer 6

Simple neckline, solid colors, usually black or white. You want them focused on your look, not your clothes. Plus, since most headshots are black and white, wearing a solid black or white top photographs best.

skiracer721 deserves the "stupidest answer of the day" award for this one. Fix your hair in the way it looks best. If you have naturally curly hair, play it up. Don't wear a headband, few people can really pull off the look.

Answer 7

I always take 3 plain (not printed) tops with different necklines.

A 'v neck', a 'scoop neck' and a shirt with a collar. I also take along a denim jacket as it immediately makes what you're wearing look more casual and 'street' - good for those types of castings.

Be aware that if you have black hair, a black top can make it look as though its part of your hair!

If you're also doing a colour shoot, take advantage of colours that suit you. Plain bright colours that don't overpower you, can direct the eye to you - useful when agents are scanning quickly!

Don't be afraid to ask the photographer on the day which tops will photograph best for you.

Good luck!

Answer 8

theatre-black and white- wear pastels they show up the best no jewelry and limited makeup

film-color- wear a color that makes your skin look good no jewelry

whatever you do make sure the headshot actually looks like you, casting agents hate it when you look all glam in your picture but no so much in real life also make sure you have your headshot done in the city you are auditioning in - most casting agents wont look at you if your headshot sucks so if it doesn't cost a fortune you're wasting your time

Answer 9

Don't do anything that takes away from you natural beauty. Don't wear a ton of eye makeup, wear a solid colored neutral shirt and wear your hair simple. Agents and scouts want to see you not what your wearing and how much makeup you are wearing. Also, don't wear heavy jewelry.

I always think black looks best!!!

Answer 10

Avoid black, it can be too flat in the picture. A textured top can be really nice - lace, suede, or a nubbly sweater. It should have an attractive neckline. Something flattering but not too distracting, i.e. no polka dots or stripes!