An audition asked for a headshot or recent picture.. how should I take it?

Question

I'm auditioning for a community theater show and they want a recent picture. I don't have a headshot or money.. is there a specific way I should take it? Make it look as much like a real headshot as possible? Or should it be natural?

Answer 1

For a community theatre audition, just do the best you can. Not everyone in community theatre has, or needs to have, professional actor headshots. Especially if this is on short notice.


If you have a friend with a digital camera, try to get some nice shots that way. You can run off some copies at Fed Ex/Kinko's or on a home printer.

If you want to keep acting, eventually think about investing in some professional headshots- your actor friends might recommend someone. It will be a necessity for professional acting work.

Answer 2

IF you can't affors professional pics, for community theatre you can absolutely get by with homemade. Go to photographer's websites to get examples, use the best digital camera you have available to you, and just before the sun starts to set, start snapping. That's the best time for natural light photos. Hopefully you can avoid squiting :-) Have a good friend take them, make sure your eyes are clearly in focus and there are no distractions in the photo (other people, too busy backgrounds, etc.)

try looking here:
www.workingactors.com, click on actors, then marketing, then photographer. Check any of the numerous websites until you find shots that you like. Many of the sites have tips on what to wear and how to do your makeup as well. If you have a decent computer and printer you can add your name to the pic (on the bottom) and print it out.

If you need to go even cheaper, a poloroid will help them remember who you are. They are only going to trash it when they are done anyway.

just my opinion, but break a leg!

Answer 3

I don't mean this to be condescending, but with community theatre you could get by in a pinch with even a Polaroid snapshot.

If you CAN find a few dollars to get a photo enlarged to the standard 8 X 10, do so. You would ideally want it to look as professional as possible, but natural is fine in this situation.

The main thing is that it should look like you -- the headshot is solely to remind them of what each auditionee looked like.

Answer 4

A headshot is exactly what it sounds like. A shot of your head and shoulders. It doesn't have to be fancy. They just want a reminder of what you look like so they will have it during the selection process and for possible use later in a program for the show.

Just make sure it is clear and in focus and with no deep shadows in it (i.e. - don't use a cheap camera with a limited range flash)...might be best to take it outdoors.

Answer 5

Professionally is fine - but you can also just go to a ProEx and get a variety of different poses in color and b/w - in the long run, If they judge you based on a photo, and not your talents, they are judging for the wrong reason.

ProEx is cheap - but not free, if you want anything to happen for you, you have to be willing to do SOME work, and spend SOME money to get there. Don't go crazy though.

-T.

Answer 6

You need a Professional Headshot photographer, you can't photograph yourself. Ask your acting teacher for the names of headshot photographers in your city.

Answer 7

Proffessional

Answer 8

Professionally!!

Answer 9

it could be well worth taking a digicam and taking some extra subdued photos. contain some finished physique snap shots too so as that they understand what your physique appears like. i've got self assurance you're the two Arab or Sicilian

Answer 10

natural