Headshots!

[Hank]

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEADSHOTS!!


Many people ask me on a daily basis how important the headshot and resume are to a model or actors profession.
My answer? VITAL! You may have been using that cute pic from Christmas on your website for the past few months and had lots of people remark on how nice it is, but the simple fact of the matter is that if you want to get actual work, you need quality pictures and a good resume. But before you go paying thousands on a photographer you found in the yellow pages, STOP! There are some insider scoops you NEED to know.



Where can you find a good photographer?

The best way to find a good, reliable, and reasonable photographer is to ask your actor friends who they use. Make some appointments with photographers and have a look at their book- stay away from artsy, abstract photographers. Remember you need a good representation of your look. Check out the Explore Talent pro package- as pro members, talent can have a one look photo shoot taken in a professional studio with a makeup and hair professional on hand, as well as a stylist to make sure you look your best.


Here's the scoop on headshots-

1. The most common mistakes are a) bad photographer, b) good photos that don't look like you or c) bad reproduction.
2. You need a shot that looks exactly like you do every day- don't go for a glamorous look if that’s not how you look all the time. Don't take risks with make-up. The casting director needs to see YOU- not what you’d look like if you had a professional makeup artist and airbrushing every day!!
3. If you're looking for theatrical work, stick with black and white. It's classy, and it's been around for ages, and for this arena casting directors still place their bets on it. However, if you're interested in commercial work (and that's where the big bucks are), then go for a color shot. It's quickly becoming the preference for many casting directors and there's a widely held belief that in five years time all headshots will be in color.
4. The clothes you wear for your headshot DO make a difference. Stick with muted colors, don't wear turtlenecks, and beware of too much jewelry. Try to stay away from jacket and tie style for men, and instead opt for a relaxed open neck shirt. Women should beware of making their hair too much the focus of the picture. If you've got the most gorgeous head of hair, great, but casting directors don't cast hair.
5. When you're having your picture taken, relate to the camera as you would relate to a person. It'll make your eyes come alive and show your personality more.


Zed Cards

If you're interested in modeling, or you're new to the industry, then a zed card, (or composite as they're often called), is a good way to show different parts of your personality and style. They're often used for commercial auditions, and usually are made up of a headshot on the front, and three or four other looks on the back. You should be prepared to bring a few different outfits to your photo shoot to experiment for your zed card. Try different looks that reflect different sides to you.

Take into account with your headshot and zed cards:
When you go into an audition you want to make the best impression possible, right? So leave them with a good impression. You want your headshot/zed card to remind the casting director of the fresh new look that just walked into their office. A good picture can leave a lasting impression, and could be the very factor that seals that job for you!


And finally, three golden rules for headshots
· Get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water the night before. You don't want to go in there sluggish or tired-looking.
· Talk to the professionals. They want to make sure you get the best value. If you have ideas share them, but also be aware that they know what they're talking about. Sometimes what may be right for a regular photo isn’t right for a headshot.
· Relax and have fun! If you're uptight - it'll show in your picture. This is going to be your calling card- let's see your personality shine through! SMILE!

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NEXT WEEK: CREATING YOUR RESUME!

ExploreTalent is not an employment agency, agent or teacher & does not procure, get, promise employment, jobs or booking
ExploreTalent only provides internet exposure, resources & tools for you to match your talent with Auditions & Casting