Breaking into Acting For Dummies. Larry Garrison

advertising agency executives want to jump up and shout. On occasion, the casting director may want a grandparent that might have a serious look. You may then submit a different type of head shot.

      

When shooting a commercial head shot, make sure that you don’t wear any clothes that display a corporate logo or name. After all, wearing a shirt with the Coca-Cola logo stitched across the front won’t do you any good if you have to audition for a commercial being developed by Pepsi.

      The theatrical shot

      Unlike a standard or commercial head shot that captures your everyday look, a theatrical head shot can capture a specific quality that you want to project — such as a sexy, sophisticated look or a thoughtful, introspective look. Also, with a theatrical head shot, you can emphasize a certain type of character, whether it’s a crafty villain or a confused, bumbling, everyday man. (If you can play a crafty villain and a bumbling person, consider getting two head shots that reflect both of these characters. That way you can choose which head shot to use when auditioning for a particular role.)

      

Just make sure that if you project a certain image, you can also act well enough to support that type of a character, or else the real image you’ll project will be a bumbling amateur who doesn’t know what he’s doing.

      The clothes you wear for a theatrical head shot can be more varied than a standard head shot, too, depending on the image you want to emphasize. For example, you may want to wear a suit or an evening gown.

Creating the Perfect Head Shot

      Your head shot may be the first (and, in many cases, the only) impression casting directors get of you, so your head shot needs to present you at your best. To get the best head shot possible, you need the following:

       You all by yourself, looking neatly groomed and well rested. (Leave the kids, pets, relatives, and friends at home.)

       Clothes that fit, are currently in style, and won’t distract from your face.

       The best head shot photographer you can find. Look for examples of the photographer’s work and any current known celebrities that photographer may have photographed. Many professional photographers have a website to showcase their portfolio.

      Note that if you’re taking a picture of a young child, use your own pictures because your child’s looks change rapidly.

      The following sections help you create the perfect head shot by hiring a professional photographer to take the photos, selecting the right look, and ensuring you use the photo session to ultimately get what you want.

      Hiring a professional photographer

      A professional photographer is a must. Unless one of your friends or relatives is a professional photographer, don’t even consider having them take your picture. Trying to save money by using a phone and having your friend take the picture is pointless, because a poor head shot will ultimately cost you when nobody takes you seriously as an actor.

      Of course, not all professional photographers are equal, either. What you need is a professional photographer who specializes (note the emphasis on specializes) in theatrical or commercial shoots.

      The best way to find and hire a qualified photographer is word-of-mouth from fellow actors and/or your representation. If you notice a head shot that you like from another actor, you can reach out to that actor for a recommendation to that photographer.

In addition, if a particular agent is interested in representing you, ask the agent for a list of several photographers the agent trusts and recommends. If you already have an agent, ask to scan through the head shots of other actors that your agent represents. Not only can you get a rough idea of the types of head shots this particular agent prefers, but you also get a chance to look for actors who may look similar to you, so you can see what your competition’s head shots look like.

      

Even the best photographer in the world isn’t right for you if you don’t feel comfortable working with that person. Talk with the photographer and get a feel for the photographer’s personality and how he works. You’re essentially conducting a job interview for a photographer, so don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. You want to find the photographer who can capture your best look at a cost you can afford.

      Some questions to ask a photographer include the following:

       How much will a head shot photography session cost?

       How much time will the photography session take? (Make sure that the photographer will give you sufficient time to portray different looks.)

       Will you be allowed to change into different outfits during the photography session?

       Does the photographer offer any extra services for an additional price, such as a makeup artist?

       How long until you can see your pictures?

       Make sure you get all your photos as digital files.

      

Price isn’t always a measure of quality. The cheapest photographer may not be the worst, and the most expensive photographer may not be the best. Although price is important, keep in mind that a great head shot will more than pay for itself in the long run, and saving money on a poor head shot will only hurt your chances of getting agents or casting directors interested in you.

      Be sure to ask to study the head shots that they’ve taken of other people. Do these head shots impress you? (If you don’t like the head shots that the photographer’s done for others, you probably won’t like any heads shots that the photographer may do for you.)

      

Make sure that the sample work from the photographer you’re interviewing are photos the photographer has actually taken.

      Don’t let any photographer try to rush you into making a decision. Your head shot is one of the most crucial stages in your acting career, so you need to take the time to choose the photographer you like best.

You may want some studio shots and maybe some outdoor shots. Make sure that the backgrounds are non-intrusive. Lighting is essential and schedule photoshoots only when you’re feeling your best. (If you feel sick, you won’t look your best.)

      Picking the right look

      When you finally decide on one particular photographer, the next step is a consultation meeting. This meeting gives you a chance to ask the photographer questions regarding your clothes, makeup, what types of look you want to capture, and so on. This consultation is crucial. Don’t let the photographer start snapping pictures until both you and the photographer completely understand what you hope to accomplish during your photography session.

      

Make sure your clothes look professional and that you feel comfortable in them. Don’t wear a lot of jewelry that can distract people from looking at you.

      If you have an agent, also ask him for recommendations on the type of look you should capture for your head shot. An agent can help you define the type of look that works best for you. (Keep in mind that two different agents may think that you should emphasize two entirely different looks, so whatever look an agent suggests for you, make sure that you’re comfortable with that