How to Professionally Photograph Headshots
Shooting actor headshots can be a profitable way to establish your photography business, as well as a unique opportunity to meet interesting individuals. If you are interested in taking professional actor headshots, you will need basic camera supplies and a desire to capture the best look for the actor. While licensing or certifications are not required to be a headshot photographer, a keen eye for detail and knowing what photographic styles are currently being used within the industry are vital to create professional photographs.
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Things You'll Need
- Digital camera
- Two lights
- One backlight
- Photography umbrella (or a white bed sheet)
Instructions
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Review the current trends in headshots within the acting industry. Depending on the market you will be working in, the required headshot style may be different. Contact several talent agencies within your area to inquire about the current headshot trends. A list of talent agencies across the United States are located in the first reference. Commonly, headshots are 8 x 10 inch black and white photographs that showcase the actor from their shoulders up. However, headshots also can be color images that focus mainly on the face of the actor. By contacting a reputable talent agency, you will learn how to frame the headshot.
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Set up your photography session by placing two lights in front of the actor along with a dim backlight to prevent shadows. Lighting should be soft and diffused by using a photography umbrella. If you do not have professional equipment, you can bounce the light off a white sheet. Never place a light directly on the actor's face as this will wash out their skin tone. You may use a solid color backdrop. A natural backgrounds, such as a brick wall or trees, can add a unique touch to the photograph.
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Capture the actor from their shoulders to the top of their head. Ensure that the primary focus of the photograph is the actor's face. Have the actor pose in different positions, such as leaning forward with their hands on their knees or leaning against a wall. Your job is to capture the personality of the actor. Make sure the actor's shoulders and jaw are relaxed in a natural pose. You may find that beginning actors take some time to become truly relaxed in front of the camera, especially if this is their first headshot session.
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Take a minimum of 10 pictures in each pose. If you are working with a beginning actor you may need to remind them to relax their face and body. This may take time, so do not rush the photography session.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid capturing actors in a busy shirt, such as those with stripes or crazy patterns. This will distract from the main selling point of the photograph -- the actor's face.
Carefully review the makeup of an actor by taking several sample shots and reviewing them. In certain lighting situations makeup can look dramatically different in a photograph. You will need to ensure the actor's makeup looks natural on camera for a professional looking headshot.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit camera image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
