I am a firm believer that there is only so much a single headshot can do. But it can do so much! It captures a single moment in time when a single person is looking down that lens and its single purpose is to get you in front of casting professionals. At that point, it’s down to you. You wouldn’t expect any help from me on audition technique, but the following might help you to get in front of the people that matter.
Ashley Anderson
A good place to start is to look critically at a range of headshots. Do they suggest particular castings? Do any of them put the actor or performer ‘in a box’? Mean and moody or dreamy and faraway may be just what an agent or director is looking for. Or not. So adopting for your main Spotlight picture a highly defined pose or attitude that might type-cast you is probably not a good idea for a graduate. Going to the other extreme, you are you – even if you do have the ability to become a range of other characters – but trying to be all things to all…people, with one picture sounds impossible. Well of course it is but, if you use your head(!) and avoid the pitfalls, this single photograph could literally be your most effective marketing tool.
Of course, if you are already signed to an agency, the situation may be different. Suppose your agent decides you have a specific look that they want to play on. In order to market you effectively, they will need you to provide photographs that match the appropriate criteria. Agent or no agent, it is always useful to have a variety of headshots in your bag to equip you for a full range of castings, but that main headshot will be doing most of the work for you until you are well established.
Hannah-Jane Law
It might sound glib coming from a photographer but, believe me, you are unlikely to get a headshot that looks professional unless it is taken by a professional. I appreciate that it can be tempting to save money and call in a favour from that friend with the impressive looking camera, but just stop and think. How many amateur actors have you seen that can outperform a professional? Exactly. The same principle applies with photography but, even then; choose your photographer very carefully. You can do your homework and arrive at the studio with all the prior knowledge you are able to muster, but you will still need someone who knows what goes into a really winning headshot.
Ceri Ashcroft
If you’re still a student and your school provides or offers a professional photographer, this may give you just the results you need, but it doesn’t work for everyone. How come? I hear you say. They are professional and will have plenty of experience in the headshot field, so doesn’t that tick all the boxes? Well perhaps, but the appointed photographer often has a fairly rigorous schedule so allocated time slots have to be limited, if they are to get through everyone. It’s a fact that, however brilliant on stage or screen, many people need a little time to warm up and relax for a still photograph. The best shots are often produced when there is less time pressure, ideally after a brief chat and a coffee. This allows you to get to know each other just a little. With the best will in the world, this is a luxury that will not be afforded you in the school situation. I would always suggest that you ask around and check out who other people have used. How did they find working with the photographer? Did they feel at ease with him/her? Most importantly, did they get the results? As with everything, good research usually pays off.
Kate Austen
In Part II, I’ll go into the practicalities of your shoot, including advice and suggestions on preparation, make-up, hair, what to wear etc. and other information that I hope you will find useful.
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