Entertainment - Product Page

WHAT TO WEAR FOR A HEADSHOT SESSION & HOW TO LOOK?

People don't realize 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.

*White Clothes* If you are having your photo session done indoors, then you might not want to wear white. My personal photographer told me this when I went for my photo session. White clothes can drain out your face too much and take too much attention away from your facial features. A white shirt with an darker overshirt 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* (for 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. It has the "Hollywood hunk" look.

Women might want to try layering clothes. Try wearing your favorite shirt and vest, or a leather jacket over a body suit. If you like
sweaters, you might want to try a textured sweater. Don't use too much jewelry or props as they might give you a "fake" look. Remember you want to look yourself.

Men & women who want to do commercials might want to consider wearing casual clothes also. Light colors or open collars are good for the"All American Type" look. Solid colors clothes are good because of what I mentioned before; they make your face stand out. Sweater& shirts are good for both woman and men. Don't bother with hats as they hide you.   A full suit or a jacket or blazer might give you the"Upscale" 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 headshot also.

Woman 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 GLAMORIZE yourself.

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 legit work. It is a bit serious & somewhat selling of yourself at the same time. Remember that agents may be suspicious of pictures with no teeth showing. *see BIG SMILE, TEETH SHOWING*

*Big Smile, Teeth Showing* Your teeth showing is an important factor to a headshot.   I've personally 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, rotten teeth **YUCK** ) 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.

3/4 BODY SHOTS -vs- FACIAL SHOTS

*3/4 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 & can make or break a headshot.

SELECTING A PHOTOGRAPHER

Selecting the right photographer will take some time. You have to do your research before you finally choose who you want to do your photos. Do not go to a photographer just because their ad says "Jim Carrey Uses Us & So Should You".

Referrals from friends are good, but you should still do some researching. If your checking out a photographer in regards to a friends referral you might want to ask your friend the following questions:
1. How did you feel at the shoot?
2. Did the photographer make you feel relaxed and not rushed?
3. Did you achieve a rapport with the photographer and did he make you feel comfortable during the shoot?
4. Did you enjoy yourself and were you happy w/ the photo session?

You want to work with a photographer who you will feel comfortable with and you will be able to show confidence in your photos. If your using a photographer who claims to take "photos of the hottest Hollywood stars" you might not have as much confidence.

*Steps In Selecting A Photographer*

1. Get a copy of a local acting trade paper or check your local phone book yellow page under "Photographers"
2. Make a list of photographers and call each one and ask for a sample kit of photographers that they have taken.
3. Search through the sample kits and select the photographer that has the nicest work in your mind.
4. Call the photographer and ask to set up an appointment to come in and see their book.
5. Go see the photographer and if you are satisfied, set up an appointment for a photo shoot.

*Questions To Ask The Photographer*

The following questions should be asked of a photographer before you pay them any deposit. These questions will help you to decide if this specific photographer is for you:

1. What will the total fee be for the session? How much of a deposit do they need?
2. How many shots come in the package?
3. Is their work guaranteed?
4. Is retouching included in the package?
5. Is there a make-up artist supplied w/ the package?
6. Which styles of photos does this photographer specialize in or think would look best w/ you?
7. What poses or clothing do they think that you should do or wear?
8. How do they run their shoot? How long will it take?

The best way to find a photographer is to search the Classified Ads in local acting trade papers & publications. If you're close to the NYC / New England area, a good paper to get is Backstage Backstage has an extensive list of NYC photographers each week. All have contact information which you might want to call and get samples of their work. People think that if they live in Vermont or New Hampshire that they are too far away from NYC to get photos done. That is not true. Amtrak has daily runs right into NYC Penn Station each day. If you want to take the day off of work and take a train ride down into NYC it might be beneficial to you. Also, if you don't want to go to NYC, there is always Boston Mass. which does a substantial amount of filming each year and has photographers. Check your local yellow pages if your in that area.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE PHOTO SESSION

If you follow the preceding steps, you are already more than half way done with preparing yourself for the photo session. If your more prepared, you will be more comfortable and confident in yourself at the photo shoot. For clothes, pick some casual clothes that you are comfortable in. Don't select clothes just because they make you "look" like a movie star. You want clothes that will capture your essence.

HAIR & MAKEUP

Hair & make-up is a must for photos. Women should always wear makeup, but not too much. Remember DON'T OVER GLAMORIZE YOURSELF. Remember to ask if the hair & makeup artist is included in the photo session. Don't think that you will save your money by doing your own make-up as your not really saving money if your shots don't come out that good due to hair and make-up.

For woman, discuss with the photographer and make-up artist before hand in regards to commercial, theater/film or soap type photos. Women might want to change their hair style a few times during the photo shoot according to the type of photo you want. Change your hair according to your clothes style also.

For men, make-up is not essential but can accent your pictures as the light might want to make you look "Casper" like. If you have a heavy beard, you might want to use a little cream as the b & w photo will sometimes accent a heavy beard too much. A man who normally sports a full beard & moustache might want to take half the photo session with the full "Monty" and then the other half, shave the beard off and leave the moustache or shave it all off to get a range of photos. The five O-Clock shadow is IN these days. If your interested in getting into soap operas, you might want to try this look as it is considered to be a "heart throb" look.

PHOTO REPRODUCTIONS

Now that you have your photos, it's time to do some more research. Actually, you should do this research before your photo session also as to not take up too much time. That way you can get your photos out there and on the talent agents desks. Again, check the local ads in trade papers for information on headshot reproduction studios. Once again, make a list and call for a sample kit & price list. There are many good photo reproducers out there w/ competitive prices. Do your shopping and you'll find the right reproduction for you.

REMEMBER: BE YOURSELF AT THE PHOTO SHOOT. BE CONFIDENT IN YOURSELF AND HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!