How Do I Get A Good Headshot?

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Listen to this and never take a bad headshot again.

You, my friend, are gorgeous and unique and your headshot should be too!

Taking headshots isn’t always super fun. And finding the perfect headshot photographer for you can also be a challenge. Is it important to have a completely fabulous and stunning headshot?! You bet ‘cha.

In this video you will learn:

What makes a great headshot GREAT?
Who are the best headshot photographers in L.A.?
Do you need more than ONE headshot?
Can you take a headshot if you’re not yet IN L.A.? (Yes! Be prepared!)
What the H#*L does it really mean for a headshot to “POP???”
How do you make YOUR headshot stand out from the thousands of others casting directors are receiving?

The post How Do I Get A Good Headshot? appeared first on Speak L.A..

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What is a Headshot?

A headshot is a photo of you cropped from mid-chest to the top of your head.

What is the Industry Standard in terms of Format?

Two formats: 8 x 10 hard copy and an online version (thumbnail).

Why do I need a Headshot?

Your headshot is your business card and calling card in the Industry.
Your headshot is one of your most important tools as an actor.
Your headshot represents you before you enter a casting office or a meeting.
A headshot gets you in the room.

What should my Headshot look like?

Your headshot must look like you.
Your headshot is not a character shot or a glamour shot. It is you on a really good day.
Your headshot should make people feel as if they have already met you, so that when you walk into the room, they have a glimmer of recognition.

How do I take a Headshot before coming to L.A.?

Get referrals from friends whose headshots you love, or…
Google headshot photographers in Los Angeles so that you can have the photographer in your area emulate a standard L.A. shot. Below are our recommendations of L.A. headshot photographers:

1. Theo&Juliet http://www.theoandjuliet.com
2. Daniel Reichert http://www.danielreichert.com
3. Dana Patrick http://www.danapatrick.com
4. Geoffrey Wade http://geoffreywadephotography...
5. Joanna Degeneres http://www.joannadegeneres.com
6. The Headshot Truck http://www.theheadshottruck.co...
7. Rowan Imagery http://www.rowanimagery.com

Then…

Call the photographer you are drawn to and have a phone conversation with him/her.
Look at their reshoot policies and packages to see if they fit within your budget.
Ask if they can refer you to a hair/makeup person for the shoot.

Remember - L.A. is a very insular industry so you want your headshot to match the L.A. style. Keep this in mind if you use a photographer from a different city.

How do I find a good Headshot Photographer in L.A.?

Get referrals from friends whose headshots you love or…
Google headshot photographers in Los Angeles or choose from our list above.
Call the photographer you are drawn to and have a phone conversation with him/her.
Look at their reshoot policies and packages to see if they fit within your budget.
A headshot photographer in L.A. usually has a hair and make-up person to whom they can refer you.

What should I be looking at when choosing a Photographer on line?

Look closely at cropping, lighting, outfits, and style.

What makes a Headshot Photographer great?

Is the photographer capturing something special in the photos?
Are the photos interesting to look at?
Is there something exciting happening in the actor's eyes?
Are the photos clear, bright and alive?

After I find a Photographer, how do I prep for my shoot?

Get specific about what you like in the headshots you are seeing:
Look at shots in which the actors are similar looking to you.
Look at outfits. What works and what doesn't work? Copy what works.
Look at colors. What do you like? Copy it.
Prepare for your shoot with natural make-up - make-up that you would wear on a normal day.
Prepare your clothes - staying true to your type.
Get plenty of rest before your shoot.

How do I take a Headshot that captures my type/brand?

A headshot is a strategic way in which to help those around you determine how to cast you.
It's very important to understand your type/brand.
Your type or brand = the parts you can easily play NOW (not parts you can play with excessive makeup, a special costume, etc.)

Examples of types include:

funny mom
serious mom
victim wife
innocent daughter
daughter gone wild
girl next door
bad girl
sexy girl
preppy college student
nerdy guy
gay friend
smart lawyer
tough cop
sexy boyfriend
intimidating security guard
overweight office worker
neurotic friend
drug addict
homeless person
alcoholic
therapist
Etc.

The more specific your brand, the easier it is for a casting director/producer to cast you!

How do I figure out what MY type is?

Type is relayed by clothes, make-up and expression.
Watch t.v. and film to study different types.
Ask others how they see you. Ask people who know you and ask those who don't: “How do you see me? What part on t.v. or in the movies could you see me playing?”
Your type may not necessarily be exactly who you feel you are. That's ok. This is strategic. Sometimes who we are and what we play are very different.

How much should I expect to pay for a Headshot?

Headshots typically range from $150-$1,000 depending on package options.
Make-up and hair ranges from $150-$300.
Headshot packages usually include limited retouching options, but there can be a small charge for this service also ($25-$40 a picture).
Hardcopy photos typically cost about $30-$50 for a batch of 25-50 pictures (which you should have).
Headshot pricing options are based on how many different “looks” are provided. Looks = wardrobe changes, different hairstyles, different make-up.

How many different “looks” do I need?

You need a Commercial headshot and a Theatrical headshot.
A Commercial headshot is a big, full teeth smile. It's open, safe, and friendly.
A Theatrical headshot should evoke some sort of mystery, but have warmth in the eyes.
If possible, you should have at least two Theatrical shots: one that is neutral and simple (t-shirt type) and one that clearly shows your brand (truck driver, mom, villain, etc.) *Whatever the headshot, make sure the look is one you can replicate for an audition.

How often should I update my Headshot(s)?

Every 3 years. Or…
When you've gained or lost weight.
When your hairstyle/look has significantly changed.
When you've had a life-altering experience.
When you sign with new reps and they request it.
When your reps are pitching you hard but you're not getting auditions.

What does it mean for a Headshot to “pop”?

A headshot pops in the eyes. A story is being told and we (the viewer) want to know more.
A headshot pops when the actor is confident.
A headshot pops when the actor was prepared for the shoot (got sleep, ate well, felt good, etc.)
A headshot pops when the colors are strong and intentional. Color refers to what you are wearing, the color of your eyes, and the color of the background.
A headshot pops when you lean INTO the camera instead of leaning away.
A headshot pops when you practice looking down and then back up at the camera. Staring directly into the camera for long periods of time will make you feel tense and will make the photo lack spontaneity.
A headshot pops when you, the actor, seem interested in the person taking the photo of you. Pretend you are talking to the camera. Think about whomever it is that gives you joy. This subtext will create photos that “pop.” Breathe! Breathe! Breathe!

Dos and Don'ts of Headshots

Always research your Headshot Photographer.
Never shoot with someone you don't have a good feeling about.
Always get a good night's sleep before a shoot.
Never wear clothes that make you uncomfortable.
Always make your own inspirational playlist and bring it to the shoot.
Never doubt the uniqueness and authenticity that you bring to the shoot.
Always meet the Photographer in a safe and public place.
Never feel shy about asking questions before, during, or after the shoot.

Always remember… You're the Boss!