Guidelines for Shooting Professional Headshots

Professional headshots are a crucial tool in any actor's toolkit, whether you are entering the competitive world of theater, film, or television. A well-crafted headshot not only showcases your physical features but also captures your personality and potential, making it a vital component of your marketing strategy.

Choosing the Right Equipment

For a professional headshot, the quality of your equipment is paramount. Most modern cameras come with advanced features that can be optimized for portrait photography, but having a tripping and remote shutter is especially useful for ensuring a steady shot. Popular options include using a tripod and remote shutter or a stable surface at eye level with a self-timer. If you are on the go and need to capture a quick shot, many camera models now offer a remote shutter through a downloadable app.

Techniques for a Great Headshot

To capture a great headshot, it is essential to put your subject at ease. A relaxed and natural smile goes a long way. It's important to spend some time before the shoot to help the subject feel comfortable and at ease.

Suitable Lenses: For professional headshots, a portrait lens such as a 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.8 is highly recommended. These lenses are known for their flattering depth of field, allowing the background to be blurred and drawing attention to the subject's face.

Lighting and Background: Good off-camera lights and a reflector can make a significant difference. A well-chosen background should be blurred to direct the viewer's focus to the subject. Additionally, having a hairdresser and make-up person can enhance the overall look of the headshot.

Multiple Shots: Take multiple photos and review them to select the best angle and expression. This process may take many photos, but the result will be worth the effort.

Post-Processing: Post-processing is often preferred to fine-tune the final image. This includes adjusting lighting, raising highlights, and even removing minor blemishes. However, the goal is to enhance the image, not to alter it drastically. The image should be a true representation of the subject.

Aiming for the Torso

There is a common misconception that a "headshot" specifically refers to a shot of the head only. In reality, the term originates from the idea of aiming small and missing small. For performance headshots, it is more effective to aim for the torso, as it is larger and offers more forgiving space for error.

Aiming for the torso serves a dual purpose: it can be used as a desensitization technique to make the subject more at ease during the shoot, and it allows for a clearer target during the actual performance.

Professional Help

If you are entering the performance career, it is best to hire a photographer who specializes in headshots for actors, singers, and dancers. Here are some tips:

Define Your Objective: Consider how the character type you are striving to perform. Think in terms of demographics (age range, gender, ethnicity, etc.) and genre (comedy, drama, action, etc.).

Research: Use websites like Backstage and IMDb to find examples of headshots that meet your criteria. Choose some that you would like to emulate.

Choose Your Photographer: To save money, the temptation might be to have a friend or family member take the shot or to take a selfie, but this is not advisable. A good headshot photographer will produce professional and consistent results.

Session with the Photographer: Meet with the photographer beforehand to discuss your desired look and bring samples of the headshots you want to emulate. Bring candid pictures that show you in your best light and a few outfits to the photo session.

Review and Select: After the session, the photographer will send you a link to the photographs. Pick the ones that best represent you for the type of roles you will be auditioning for. The photographer may use digital tools to enhance the photographs, but this should be done tastefully to improve the image without altering it drastically.

Quality and Price: Basic headshots can start at $300 to $500. Investing in a high-quality headshot is worth it, as it serves as a professional introduction to casting directors and can attract their interest.

True Representation: Your headshot should be a true representation of you. Do not go overboard with hair, makeup, or clothing. A clear, simple image wearing a color that complements your complexion is all you need.

Conclusion: Happy shooting and good luck with your performance career!