Headshot Troubles..?

Question

I have about a billion questions on everything acting. Here's one:
Head shots? So I've learned you want serious head shots for movies and big smiles or commercials but here's my questions. In a smiley one do you want it to look like an annual photo? I saw one that was a guy in a shopping cart.. Do I want a picture of my face or my shoulders up? In a serious one, should I be looking at the camera or like.. doing something. Looking into space? haha. I guess I'm kind of naive. I'm used to the theater side of things. If it's a shoulder up kind of thing then do I want my clothes to be nice and all or does a T-shirt work better? Are all headshots black and white?

Answer 1

Once again, I suggest you research and continue with your servitude to the endless supply of knowledge on the internet and in the library. (Although I think the library would not be very helpful in this particular situation....) I don't know much about modeling, I was never very self confident, but I can give you a real girl's perspective (OK, I can only honestly give you mine.)

In my inexperianced opinion, you should do what makes you look best. If black and white is unflattering on your features, I see no problem with a color headshot. About the shoulders up thing, I think that is a very petty thing to consider. If your shoulders are really that attractive that they will give you an advantage, I have to say that I am laughing in the face of the business. I don't think it should matter. For thoughtful photos, I find it intriguing when the person is looking into the camera but not seeing. With a far off look, like he's actually deep in his mind, not noticing the camera. To me that is truly convincing, but I'm sure it's a difficult expression to achieve.

I would say just take a variety, and use varying photos depending on the business you are showing the picture to.Once again, check their website and if they have any photos up, look at those. Are there any constants, is the model always looking at the camera, are they always in color, etc?

Like in every business, people are all looking for different things, but to get to the same gold at the end of the rainbow: success. You have to give them that. So keep a few of each photo with you, and if you haven't done your research (shame!) have one universal picture that is very flattering and just expresses you. The other photos can be more targeted at the clients.

One last thing. When people say "We're looking for something different this season; don't be afraid!" Don't take that literally and drive to a Dairy Queen to have shots taken of you in a turban and a bathing suit made out of an old wedding dress. When people say they want something new, you should be cautious. You need to find the boundary of how much "new" and "different" they want. Don't be afraid, but you have to look at it from a normal perspective. How weird can a headshot get before it becomes a psychopath shot?

Best of luck!

Answer 2

NewYorkGal gave you great advice. Follow it, but let me give you some examples to look at too.

This website gives resources for people in LA but you can check out the websites for these photogs and see their samples headshots and maybe that can help give you a visual :-)

BTW, many of them give you advice on their websites as to what to wear, what to bring etc. Things like color photos VS B&W are market specific so you really need to consult your agent. If you don't have one ask your photog.

Go to www.workingactors.com, click on actor, then marketing, then photographers and check out anyone with a website. You'll find that they all have different styles and it's best to find one that you really like their shots. You should make up a list of questions, print a few copies, call at least 5 (your top choices) and write down who you talk to and all your answers so that you can compare them later. Don't forget to make a note of who you had a good rapport with because when you're on a photo shoot it's all about who can make you comfortable in front of the camera and get what they need from you in order to get good shots. The best person for that job is the person who can coax your personality out even though they barely know you.

Good lucK!

Answer 3

i'm guessing ur playin online and want them 4 stressful circumstances? First take off combating capability, if ur utilising a device gun u would desire to spray them and kill them b4 u get a headshot. Then use an precise scope like pink dot - Acog isn't as precise, and basically take a protracted time whilst they arent shooting at u to line it up. additionally earnings on any enemies on final stand, they are much less puzzling to get a headshot.

Answer 4

Your headshot photographer, is your best resource for what is required and accepted in the city where you live. Ask him. It 's NOT the same in every city. Your photographer will tell you exactly what is needed in the city where you live.

What is required in your city, may not be the same as what is required in NYC, L.A., Houston, Dallas, etc.

Your photographer is the professional and can tell you what is required. Always go to your local resources before you ask on Yahoo! We don't know what is required where you live and will perform. It's not the same in every city in the USA.

Your headshot photographer is your BEST resource for your questions about headshots.

Don't feel uncomfortable asking the the photographer for guidance on headshots for acting.

Your headshot photographer probably works with all of the Talent Agencies in your city and knows their requirements.

Answer 5

It probably depends on what company you are sending it to. It may be good to look at a website if they have one, and see if there are any tips or requirements.

Otherwise, go for something fairly simple, that will show most of your face. Expression will again depend on what you are trying out for. B&W does seem the most popular way to go, although it may not be necessary.

Best wishes, mate. ;-)

Answer 6

Color is starting to be the norm these days. Your photographer should know what kinds of pictures you will need, just leave it up to them. Make sure you have a good photographer.