How to Do a Comedy Headshot
As with actors, comedians often need a headshot when going to auditions for movies, TV shows and stand-up spots. It's a key piece of your self-marketing arsenal, as often producers and directors may be searching for a certain look. Make sure it's professional looking; a bad headshot may automatically take you out of the running for that gig you've been dying to get.
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Instructions
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Ask your comedian friends where they got their headshots taken, especially if you see that one of them has a headshot you really like. They may be able to give you some leads, and it's a bonus if you know the photographer can be trusted. Otherwise, you can do some research on the Internet to get your search going.
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Enlist the services of a professional photographer if you can afford to drop several hundred dollars for their services; even better is if the photographer specializes in headshots for comedians. Perhaps you have a photographer friend or know someone who is enrolled in an art school's photography program. It's important that they have a high-quality camera.
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Select a location for the photographs. Often, headshots are taken at a studio in front of a simple backdrop, but you can choose somewhere else, if you don't have access to one. Remember, the photo will be framed close to your face, so the background won't be showing much.
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Dress to impress; you want to look professional for your headshot and as well-groomed as possible. Wear clothing that represents your personality, but veer away from distracting patterns and accessories. Find a professional makeup artist if you have the budget for one, and don't overdo the makeup.
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Have the photographer take several different photos, so you have several from which to choose. The photos should be tight around your face; sometimes, you might show more of your shoulders. According to headshot photographer Michael Calas, "the single most important thing to convey in a headshot [as a comedian] is warmth."
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Get the photographer to give you a CD with digital copies of your photos and find out when you'll be getting physical copies of your photos. Follow up with him if you don't get the photos by the promised date.
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Put the photos in your press packet and you're ready for your auditions. If you have a website, it's a good idea to put high-resolution versions of your headshot into your online media kit, so they're more accessible.
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Tips & Warnings
Calas says that for comedians, it's important that your photos show off your personality and give the producers a glimpse into what you're like. Bring your old headshots to your next headshot appointment; you can show a photographer what you like and what you have learned from past experience that you don't like in a headshot.
Avoid taking your headshot with silly props or a goofy expression, Calas warns. He says casting directors often write off comedians who take this approach as one-dimensional and amateurish. Don't crop a photo you already have and try to pass it off as a headshot.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
