A new year is almost upon us, so if dust is gathering on that old box of headshots, it may be time to freshen up your most important marketing tool.
It should be no surprise to you, but your headshot can be the difference between getting called in or not for an audition. Step into a casting director’s shoes for a moment and imagine scrolling through hundreds or thousands of submissions for a role, each with their own little thumbnail of a headshot. You don’t want the headshot that gets scrolled over.
I recently helped to produce and cast a short film. Since it was my first crack at this process, I did my due diligence and gave even the unflattering/unprofessional-looking headshots a chance by digging deeper into resumes and reels. However, if casting were my full-time job, especially if my office was casting multiple projects at once, I wouldn’t have the time to fully consider such a large number of actors. I’d just skip over the shots that didn’t grab my attention. It’s a tough reality to swallow as an actor, but an important one to acknowledge. You need your headshots to work for you!
Why New Headshots Now?
Ok, so maybe your headshots are updated and you’re getting called in regularly for the types of roles you want to be seen for. GREAT! Why are you reading this article? Go study up on the sides that you probably have for your upcoming audition! But, if that’s not the case with you, then read on.
Why Your Headshots Aren’t Working
They’re not quality shots. Ugh. You spent the time and money getting them, but maybe you just shot with a shoddy photographer. Here’s the thing. You need to invest in a real professional. Is it tempting to use your friend’s friend who will do your headshots for a $100? Sure! Is it the best investment to keep using second-rate headshots to represent yourself as an artist? NO!
They don’t look like you. Ok, now how can that be…it was you standing in front of that camera, right? Well, were you standing there recently or a few years ago? Headshots need to stay current. Also, lighting, angles and expression can really affect the final product. Ask someone who knows you well to honestly say if your headshot looks like you. Not looking like your photo is a quick way to make a bad first impression with a casting director. They are expecting the person in the photo to walk through the door.
They don’t reflect the roles you’re being submitted for. You need to get clear about what roles you should be going out for. The headshots being submitted need to match the types of roles you want to be seen for. Don’t submit a glam shot for a cop role.
Set yourself up for a great shoot.
Know what you want to get. Make a list of the types of roles you typically go out for and the ones you want to audition for in the future. Focus on your strengths so you’ll get real results instead of trying to get one of every ‘type’.
Dress the part. Wardrobe helps to tell the story of the roles you want to be considered for. Choose colors that flatter your skin tone. It’s usually a good idea to steer clear of too much black or white. Color pops more in a thumbnail. Beware of distracting patterns, too much layering, and accessories that steal the show from your eyes or smile. If you need inspiration, try gathering a “Look Book” of outfits worn by actors in roles that you can see yourself playing. And though you’re only shooting above the waist for the most part, create a full outfit for each look so that you can easily grab some full-body, ¾ length or editorial-style shots. You can use those for your website or other promotional materials.
Get a great photographer. Ask your reps, respected peers or coaches for recommendations. Look at their portfolios to see if the actors just look pretty or if they grab your attention through their eyes. There’s a big difference. Pay attention to how they use light and backgrounds to make the actors pop. And once you have some contenders, schedule a quick in-person or via-Skype meeting to get a feel for your comfort level with them.
Invest in a hair/makeup artist! It may be tempting to skimp on this and do it yourself, but this isn’t a wise move. The photographer is concerned with lighting and composition and keeping you engaged. They may overlook the fact that your blouse is wrinkled or that your hair is flipping up in a distracting way. Having an extra set of eyes will spare you from potentially ruining a great shot! Plus they’ll assist in touch ups and varying your makeup for different looks.
Do a test shoot. Just like when you’re auditioning and don’t want your first run-through to be in front of the casting director, same goes here. Have a friend do a quick practice shoot in your wardrobe to get a sense of how to move in the clothes and see what you look like in them.
Lights. Camera. Almost…
In the run-up to your session here are a few other things to keep in mind.
Exercise. Exercising will help you feel confident, energetic and you’ll sweat out toxins so you glow from the inside out.
Tend to your locks. Get your cut and color done at least a week or more in advance so your hair will settle and won’t look straight-from-the-salon.
Freshen your face. Do what you need to do to keep your complexion looking healthy and happy. Get a facial, or at least make sure you’re exfoliating and moisturizing in the days leading up to your shoot.
Prep your clothes. Steam and hang your wardrobe so everything stays looking fresh and wrinkle-free. Make sure to bring the correct undergarments.
Hydrate, sleep, and eat your veggies. Take good care of yourself and it will pay off in your pictures!
Bring your tunes. Your favorite music will help keep you grounded, feeling authentic, energetic and playful!
Write out your thoughts. That is, the thoughts that will help you channel the different character types you are capturing in each “look”. Or decide who the camera could become to help you really communicate with the lens.
Morning of… Stretch and get your body moving. Drink a big glass of water. Cleanse and moisturize your face. Clean up your eyebrows. Throw on some teeth whitening strips. Blow out your hair. Just do what you need to do to feel like a million, well-groomed bucks!
At the shoot. Stay loosened up. Be mentally engaged so there’s something going on behind the eyes. When you feel yourself getting stiff, do something ridiculous to make yourself laugh. You’ll be amazed by the genuine smiles that come through right after that moment. Enjoy yourself! You are doing something proactive for your career, a career you are passionate about, and that means you are one lucky person. Take that in and just enjoy the ride.