I am realising that there are quite specific requirements for a headshot when applying for jobs or using them for websites.
How does one decide which is the most appropriate headshot to send or feature as your main headshot?
I have some ideas on this. I find it hard to find one shot that captures everything. Especially as my features can look quite different under different lighting. My approach would be to send a fairly neutral but open look that displays your features as clearly and crisply as possible as my main headshot but send a few shots with different expressions and costumes if you are not aware what roles are available. What are other peoples approach to this?
Cheers for the feedback. Of course the headshot I have at the moment doesnt reflect what I want to achieve yet. Though it is beginning to get me castings. I should have some new headshots within the week which I think are more neutral.
Alex, I know I do not have as much experience as you as an actor, but my personal experience told me that good & professional shots that capture the expressions do create certain impressions/images to the casting director. My head shot was the most natural look I could be, done in 1.5 hours. I uploaded some old ones due to budget. I had taken some expressions shots in T-shirt, but need more in different costumes, it takes time (and money). My idea is to have my own website with the photographs, but I'll only send out one neutral headshot, and one neutral body shot, not more than 2.
If you don't know me, I am the type who do not compromise in quality. I used to have only 1 hair stylist, and no one else could cut/ perm my hair, unless I found someone better. I know.. fussy but that was me. I found Steven Lee the photographer through my producer friend, and Steven is very good.
Check out www.stevenleephotograhy.com
I would like to get mine done by him. Alex, are you, or is anyone interested in getting the different shots done together by him, can be different day but to book him together try to get special rate?
You sounds a bit like me in as far you have a quite a clear idea of how you want to be presented. I have just had some shots taken by Claire Grogan and am due to receive the prints pretty soon. They will go onto my webpage here as soon as I receive them and upload them. I think will suffice for the immediate future. However, like you I want to set up my own website and want to get a selection of different styles of shot for that. So thanks for the photographer details as I am accumulating a few photographers on my favorites. A good colour photographer would be top of my list of photographers next.
Have a range of shots. Your "main" casting shot (i.e. your Spotlight pic) should be fairly neutral, I agree, but you need a range of photos so that you or your agent can submit the right one for the role.
I'm in the position where I've lost about a stone in weight since my last headshots were done so am looking to get some new photos done. As my weight tends to fluctuate, I'm looking to get some alternative photos done this time so that I have a selection to send out showing different emotions.
However given the majority of roles I play tend to be variations on the same theme I guess my brief to the photographer will be happy policeman, unhappy policeman, grumpy policeman, flatulent policeman........
Incidentally Alex, if you're looking for a new website have a look at Magic Bus Designs as we're running a January sale with up to 50% off :o)
Just had my headshots redone - also by Claire Grogan. She was fantastic to work with. Should get them next week.
If anyone is getting headshots done, try and use someone who understands the industry. They will automatically get the best out of you at the shoot and you'll get a range of shots suitable for all your castings.
I also had my headshots done by CLaire Grogan. I was really pleased with them and the whole shoot was a pleasant experience. I felt she really captured my personality in the pictures. I would recommend anyone to go to her.
Editorial Comment You can see CCP members who have headshots taken by Claire here and Claire Grogan's website clairegrogan.co.uk and photographers registered on CCP here (including links to see the CCP headshots). There's a mini-guide to getting a good headshot here.
I now have my headshots as you can see and agree Claire is great to work with and very conscientious in her work. Its a real collaboration when having your shots done with her.
I had my photos done with Claire as well, i was so happy with them they are the best photos i have had done so far. And so many to chose from they all came out really well. I would also reccomend her to others. Lizzie
You should have a range of shots but I was always told that your main photo should look like you on a good day; not over glamourous or characterized.
Aslo you eyes should be positioned in the centre of the headshot and you should not have your hand up to or hair falling over your face. This only detracts form your face..... (can I say face a few more times?!!)
ooh I hate it when I do that.. didn;t read the second page of conversation!!. Yes your new headshots are very good Alex.I need to get some more done too.. Claire Grogan looks like she is going to be a busy woman!
I'm a John Clark fan! I'm going to him again in a couple of weeks for an "update"! He is very professional, gives great advice and also you have the luxury of reviewing the shots then and there and immediately throwing out any hum dingers and taking more until you get a good few to choose from!
I went to an audition yesterday and I was chatting to them about headshots (I tend to get an attack of verbal dairrohea in auditions. Don't know why!!) and they were saying that a lot of people coming through the door were a surprise from what they expected from their headshot. Main ingredient is - does it look like you? Will it give the most truthfull portrayal of you? That's why you were invited there in the first place.
Take care all
Shannon
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17 years ago
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