Headshots are for actors like a knife is for a chef, a camera is for a photographer or a sewing machine is for a seamstress. It is essential to your career, an investment that you do not want to have to do over and over again until you get it right. Every actor wants to book, shoot and have that image that will make a lasting difference--that is, of course, until you make that decision to go blonde. Yet until THAT day, you want your headshots to last. Knowing how to prepare for your next headshot will be the difference between getting them right the first time or having to take them yet again. Here are a few tips to guide you into making that one headshot session into a brilliant success.
Frans Dam Actor
Hilary Denis Actress
1. Find colors that best fit your coloring and skin tones.
Headshots can easily become boring. It’s pretty much just your face. However, as an artist, you want THAT little itty bit of art to seep through. You want to show that yes, in fact, this is just a face, and it’s a simple image - but hey, I got me some style.
Keep in mind, most of that falls to the photographer, and part of your job is finding a photographer that can pull that off. Yet, YOU have the power to bring clothing with colors that can take your image to the next level--pop like a firecracker.
The best kind of tops for headshots are buttoned downs, tank tops, and T-Shirts - for men, you can add Jackets with collars. Make sure the necks are not too low since the ample space can easily mess with the composition. Colors are so important when it comes to clothing. Try on clothes and notice what colors make your eyes and hair pop. Ask your friends what colors look best on you that add contrast to your complexion. If you have dark hair wear a lighter color top, and the opposite goes for you if you have light-colored hair. Make sure to iron and clean your clothing. The goal is to appear invested—in this for the long hall. Simple is best! These are just headshots you are seeing very little of the top you are wearing. Your headshots are just showcasing your face and the expression it is telling the world. Leave the bells and whistles at home. Tshirts, collard solids, and tank tops are perfect.
2. Eyebrows are the first thing you see in an image. (Women (Mostly))
Many people overlook their eyebrows. If you are going to invest in anything, it should be getting your eyebrows done. There is only a certain amount of editing the editors are going to take the time to do. Waxing your eyebrows in photoshop may not be one of them. Appearing neat and clean in an image speaks volumes. Take the time to make sure your eyebrows are perfect. While you are at it, get your lips waxed as well. Remember: Clean look = Professional = here to kick ass!
3. Makeup
For men, I would recommend leaving the makeup at home. Even if you suffer from a bit of acne, that's easier to photoshop than mixed skin tones. Looking natural is number one.
For women-- leave the lashes and eyeshadow at home. If you are getting your makeup done, tell the makeup artist you want a natural look—no eyeliner or eyelashes. You want to look like YOU. When you walk into an audition, the casting directors should be able to recognize you from your headshot. They should be able to identify you when you get a call back a week later. Casting directors are looking at your headshots and discussing how you will appear on TV. Allow them to see YOU. A good MUA can pull off a naturally beautiful look that will look natural yet bring out your beauty.
4. Write down all the places you plan on using the headshots so that the photographer knows if you need something special.
Many photographers shoot only in Portrait Orientation or only in landscape orientation. Yet sometimes magazines only want a portrait. Occasionally managers may request one for your website header, which would need to be landscape. Maybe you need one of each. Find out before, and let your photographer know where exactly you would want to use these images-- this will guarantee you full benefits for the headshot session.
Ana Cristina Ramos Actress
5. Your face is your canvas!
Wear a moisturizing mask three times a week in the coming week so that your face looks moisturized and alive. Wear a lip mask every night so that your lips aren't dry. Get yourself into a sound sleep schedule so that your face looks well-rested.
Headshots are a considerable investment in your remarkable career, and you deserve the best! Take these steps into account when preparing for your next headshot and be prepared to find the results to be better then you could ever have imagined!