How to Take Good Head Shots
Headshots are an essential tool for all actors. They are your calling card. Bad pictures mean you won't get the auditions you need to get the job. Great pictures are a must. Here is how to take great headshots.
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Things You'll Need
- Colorful, solid clothing
- Hair products
- Brush/comb
- Mirror
- Digital Camera
Instructions
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Determine what your character type is. You need to typecast yourself so that your pictures look like you as the type you are, not the type you want to be. If you play the girl next door don't try to take a sexpot picture, it won't do you any good when you show up at the audition and look like the girl next door.
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Select "type" appropriate clothing. Choose clothing that is classic, not trendy. Trendy clothing will date you when it goes out of style. Think "Gap" or "Old Navy." Clean cut and classic lines. Also, choose solid, vibrant colors. Avoid black and white at all costs. Try on several colors and see what most makes your face and eyes stand out. Jewel tones (rich reds, purples, blues, greens and pinks) look good on most people. If you have darker toned skin a bright orange or yellow will also look great.
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3
Groom yourself one week prior to the shoot date. Have your hair cut, eyebrows waxed, skin exfoliated and teeth whitened. Headshots are now done in color so you want to look your best as your skin tone, eyes and teeth will really be noticable. A week also gives your skin time to even out in case you get red bumps from waxing or exfoliating.
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Try different hairstyles and have someone take digital photos of you so you can see what looks best. Practice different facial expressions and looks in front of a mirror. Then have a friend take more digital photos of you so you can see how your "looks" photograph and what you should practice more.
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Get a good night of sleep the day before the shoot. Pack hair products, make-up, extra clothes, and a brush/comb. Eat a good meal and then show up to the shoot early. Relax and have fun during the shoot. Good luck, your photos will come out terrific.
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Tips & Warnings
Get a good night of sleep before the shoot date
Don't wear black or white clothing
Wear no or very little jewelry
