A few weeks ago I got a call from my friend Whitney who had an audition coming up and needed some headshots. I LOVE doing headshots. It’s the actor in me, I love getting a feel for someone’s personality and capturing headshots that will best represent the types of roles they are going out for.
Acting 101: There are two types of headshots every actor needs to have: Commercial and Theatrical. Traditionally, the Commercial headshot is usually more smiley and upbeat, while the Theatrical headshot is more serious and contemplative. I say traditionally because the world of internet and digital images have changed things a bit since you are able to create and submit images much more rapidly.
The actor’s headshot is their most important tool. In the split second an agent or casting director looks at it, they judge whether or not you fit the character they are trying to cast. Usually your headshot is one of hundreds scattered out on a table. So what is going to make yours stand out? I’ve had many agents tell me how annoying it is when they call in an actor who looks nothing like their headshot. You want clean, real, not too touched up, photos of YOU. If your hair is curly, wear it curly, unless you plan on straightening it for every audition. If you’re pale, don’t get a fake tan the week before your headshots, unless you plan on doing it before every audition.
As I mentioned above, it is important to have headshots that accurately depict your personality and the type of role you want to go out for to the best of your advantage. When I got my headshots done, I went for all-american, smiley, girl-next-door. That was my type-cast; those were the types of auditions my agent sent me out for. I saw similar traits in Whitney, and after talking to her about what type of audition she was going on, I made sure to get shots that would fit that role, as well as others like it that she would be going out for.
Top Theatrical:
Top Commercial:
These were my second choices. Theatrical left, Commercial right. However some CDs don’t like it when not all of your face is showing (right) and the bangs were just a little too much in her eyes.
This is another very usable Theatrical shot. But I wouldn’t add the burning on the edges because it would look too touched up. (I just liked the effect for my blog!) ; )
This is a great shot of Whitney, but not my top choice for a headshot because it doesn’t stand out as much as the others.
And the following were just some great shots we got for fun!
I think this image looks like something from a scary movie…!
FUN!
