How Does a Professional Head Shot Help a Career?
Other People Are Reading
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Get a Stack of These to Your Agent
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If you are an actor in a big market, you probably use professional headshots almost every day. Anyone who is serious about show business or modeling needs a professionally photographed, lit, and developed headshot showing him or her to the best advantage. Many actors have a series of headshots, showing formal and informal poses, make up and costume. Before an agent ever sends the actor out on audition, he will assemble headshots of suitable candidates and get them to a casting director. The headshot is the first impression the potential client has of the actor, so it has to be good. Many times the agent provides the actor's image attached to an email, or on a website showing the stable of available performers. In the office, there will be a nicely bound book of all current actors' headshots.
Take a Shot with You to the Audition
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In smaller markets, actors often bring headshots with them to auditions, especially if it is for a project that needs to be produced immediately, such as a TV commercial or magazine ad. The casting director will keep the headshots from the audition, as well as any notes made, and the videotape of the tryout. While the videotape shows the actor's grasp of the material to be performed, and notes made detail the actor's presence, directability and personality, only the headshot shows a professional representation of the actor's looks.
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The Client Wants to See One, Too
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The talent agent may get a call or email from a casting director at a production company asking for headshots for the client. Before the audition takes place, the client, usually the advertiser who is paying the bills, may wish to look over the headshots and rule out certain candidates ahead of time.
Authors, Applicants and Actors All Use Headshots
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Every bestseller has a "beauty" shot of the author on the book jacket. Most job applicants now include a professional picture on their resumes. The professionalism of the picture reflects the caliber of the candidate. Those who submit snapshots, candid photos or camera phone captures may not be taken seriously.
The Media Needs Headshots
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In the business or society section of the Who's Who column in the newspaper, or online, people who have received promotions or awards or who are being publicized for upcoming speeches or appearances will be represented by professional headshots, too. That picture goes on record, and if the person is ever involved in a news story, it can be called up and used. It is always best to have the best picture possible on file.
Your Fans Really Want Headshots
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At book signings or personal appearances, or in publicity kits, signed professional photographs are expected. Press agents or public relations people sending out press releases and stories to the media and to fan clubs will want to include headshots. Even restaurants and nightclubs like to frame a celebrity's signed headshot to be hung for customers to see.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Actor's head shot, Zach Johnson
