Give It Your Best
Preparing yourself for a commercial headshot
By: Johwanna Alleyne www.tobeinpictures.com
Getting your headshot done is an important step in the career of an actor. Your headshot will become your calling card and first impression. There are some things you have to decide before you step in front of the camera. Communicating these ideas to your photographer is going to get you a headshot that gets you the roles and opportunities you want.
First you need to decide what kind of parts you want to get. You may decide that you are a leading man, a tragic hero, or a femme fatal. Ask your friends and family if they think this is your strongest role. If it is, you need to make sure that what you choose to wear and how you choose your make up and expressions meet these roles. If you are a classic villain, it may be appropriate to be serious in your headshot. If you are a comic actor a sense or irony or humour should show in your shot. If you can communicate the look you’re after you are far less like to go to a Shakespearean audition with a photo that includes ‘jazz hands”
People often will call and ask what to wear for their photo session. Black or white clothing has become the standard for digital photographers shooting commercial head shots. Take a look at other actors headshots and pay attention to their clothing choices. You can imitate what works and put your own spin on it. Bring a few choices with you so your photographer can make a suggestion for you. Tailored and well cared for clothes are always part of a good first impression. Choose your clothing carefully, avoid patterns and logos and pick something that matches the character you are trying to play.
When you get to your session remember that the photographer’s job is to capture the character you portray. It’s your responsibility to project that character, just like you do on stage or in front of the camera. Relax, have fun, talk to your photographer and don’t be afraid to go for it.
Johwanna alleyne is the owner of tobeinpictures.com a photography company that specializes in providing commercial headshots. |
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