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Get the picture
A Headshot is the actor's number one tool for marketing, whether it's a paper 8x10 or if it's a digital Headshot. If you are taking your own headshot or hiring a professional photographer to do it, the basics are very simple. People don't realise that your clothes make a big difference when you go for your photo shoot. There are some clothes you will not want to wear for various reasons and there are some clothes that you will want to wear.
Below are some helpful tips for you to refer to when getting your pictures taken.
White Clothes
If you are having your photo session done indoors, then you might not want to wear white. White clothes can drain out your face too much and take too much attention away from your facial features. A white shirt with a darker over-shirt or a jacket that is unbuttoned is ok though.
Dark Clothes
Wearing a dark shirt is a good idea. A dark shirt can do the opposite of a white shirt as a dark shirt can draw your face into the "lookers" eyes more. A dark shirt will make your facial features stand out, as it is a focal point.
Dark Clothes, Scruffy Look
Men
A set of dark clothes will again make your facial features stand out. For example, a leather jacket, t-shirt & slight beard growth is a good look if you are interested in getting into soap operas & film.
Women
You might want to try layering clothes. Try wearing your favourite shirt, or a leather jacket over a body suit. If you like jumpers, you might want to try a textured one. Don't use too much jewel or props as they might give you a "fake" look. Remember you want to look yourself. Women who want to get into soap operas might want to try a glamorous shot. A low neckline is good but don't make it too sexy. Men who want to get into soaps will want to try a casual style shot also. Blazer, suit or leather jacket is good. Don't over glamorise yourself.
Men and women
If you want to do commercials you might want to consider wearing casual clothes. Light colours or open collars are good. Solid coloured clothes are good because they make your face stand out. Jumpers and shirts are good for both woman and men. Don't bother with hats as they hide you. A full suit or a jacket or jacket might give you the "Professional" look. If you wear glasses all the time, you will want to wear them also. Don't try to hide things like glasses as they can make or break a good headshot.
How should I smile?
Something as small as a smile can make a headshot geared towards a totally different field. For example;
Slight Smile, No Teeth
This type of picture can be used for legitimate work. It is a bit serious and selling yourself at the same time.
Big Smile, Teeth Showing
Your teeth showing is an important factor to a headshot. We've been told by casting directors that they will not use an actor who doesn't show their teeth because the agent / casting director doesn't know if the actor has something to hide. (for example, missing teeth or rotten teeth). A headshot where your teeth are showing is good if you are trying to sell a product. For example, if you want to do commercials for products and sell products, you will want the BIG SMILING picture.
Body shots or facial shots?
Body Shots
A 3/4 body shot can also be used for selling a product. A 3/4 portrait is good because it gives the agent or casting director more of you to look at. If you are interested in modeling clothes or doing commercials, this is a good shot as the agent / casting director can see how certain clothes fit you and let them see more of your body. The downfall to this is it is harder to see your eyes.
Facial Shots
A facial shot is good for selling yourself. It is good for film / television work. Facial features are a must in photos. The one part that is very important in photos is your eyes. A facial shot can give the agent a good shot of your eyes. Your eyes tell a lot about you and can make or break a good headshot. |
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