How to Get a Head Shot

A professional head shot that looks natural - really like you - will get you acting auditions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Men's Clothing (general)
• Women's Clothing (general)
• Hair Care Products
• Makeup Kits
• Photographers

1. Consult experienced professional actors whom you trust and whose head shots get them auditions. Find out which photographers they recommend and trust.

2. Call at least three different photographers and ask the following questions: Do they include a makeup and hair artist in the package? What is the price? It varies depending on the market, but $75 to $150 a roll is about average. Research prices in your market so you have an idea.

3. Set up an appointment to visit the photographer and view his or her portfolio.

4. Make sure the head shots in the portfolio include types of people like you. For example, if you're African-American, does the photographer shoot African-Americans well? If you're a character actor, does this photographer cover that style professionally?

5. Chat with the photographer to find out if you two have a comfortable rapport. If you don't feel relaxed and comfortable, that will come across in your head shots.

6. Choose a photographer and make an appointment to shoot. Allow approximately 2 hours for the session if you're having your makeup and hair done there. If you wish to bring a professional makeup person with you, schedule that person as well.

7. Arrive 15 minutes early on the day of the session.

8. Bring two changes of clothes, if desired: one top for your casual, smiling, commercial shot, and another for your serious, dramatic, theatrical shot. Remember that some photographers charge per "look."

9. Shoot the photos, which should be approximately one to two rolls of black-and-white film.

10. Expect the photographer to print the lithographs for you, and ask to have your name clearly printed on the front of each shot.

11. Have your résumé printed on the back of each head shot, or staple your résumé to the back.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your head shots really look like you. Casting directors require this.
• Many photographers will tell you to wear a simple shirt, avoiding black, white and patterns. Ask your photographer what you should wear.
• If you prefer, you can have your makeup and hair done before you arrive for the photo session. In this case, the photo shoot may only take 15 to 30 minutes.
• Make sure there is a money-back or reshoot guarantee if the photographer makes a mistake with the lighting or the film. However, don't expect the photographer to reshoot for free simply because you don't like the photos.
• Check the photographer's references; never go to secluded apartments or areas unaccompanied by a friend.
• Do not rush into having your picture taken. Research photographers and photo labs thoroughly.

Who Can Help:

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[MichaelBenabib]

on 1/23/2007 More current style - The trend is moving away from the traditional BW photo. People still want the person to be shown and not the photo.

That means too dramatic of lighting can be bad if there is too much black shadow. Casting directors want to see if you have a lazy eye or a huge mole. But BW is seen as traditional, and many actors (especially in bigger cities) are going with color. www.digitalheadshotsnyc.com
The cheesy glamor photos should always be avoided, no matter what purpose.

[Antoine]

on 12/29/2006 good job, i read yo first article

on 8/11/2006 I'm just starting out as a semi-pro photographer, but I have been lucky enough to find two girls to photograph. The biggest problem I face is that models often don't allow themselves enough time for the shoot. Please allow at least an hour as an absolute minimum for a shoot: any less than this is unfair on the photographer who is expected to produce top-quality shots. It can also take the model quite some time to relax. Perfection comes at a price, and usually that price is time.

on 8/8/2006 The trend is moving away from the traditional BW photo. People still want the person to be shown and not the photo.

That means too dramatic of lighting can be bad if there is too much black shadow. Casting directors want to see if you have a lazy eye or a huge mole. But BW is seen as traditional, and many actors (especially in bigger cities) are going with color. The cheesy glamor photos should always be avoided, no matter what purpose.

The number one thing to remember is this photo should be unmistakably you, the actor you are trying to come across as.

on 11/22/2005 Be aware of your surroundings during the shoot, such as lighting, angles, your best side, scenery, etc. Don't leave it all up to the photographer to do everything. The more professional you are, the better the pictures will be (and the happier the photographer, too)! I prefer a non-glossy, 8 by 10, toward my left side. I also do my own makeup and hair, using aloe gel for hair gel and gloss (which makes my hair shine and greatly reduces frizz without looking weighted down) and Bare Minerals for my face (which doesn't make me break out and looks incredible on film). Go as natural as you can so you can look like you - the best you. I also choose the pictures myself, after some input from my photographer. It's a lot of money, after all. I need to be ultimately happy with the results.