Simone Lawson
A good headshot is essential for anyone looking to break into the world of acting, whether it's for a leading role or as an extra. A headshot is often the first impression that casting directors have of you, so it's important to get it right. While it can be tempting to cut corners, a professional photographer who understands lighting and has experience taking headshots is usually the best option. This is because headshot photography is about capturing your essence and expression, and a good headshot will make you look like yourself on your best day. It should be a chest-up shot with good lighting and no strong shadows, and the focus should be on your eyes. The background should be blurred, and simple with good contrast, and your clothing should be solid-coloured and flattering, without being distracting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Photographer | A professional who understands lighting and takes headshots for a living. |
| Cost | Between $400 and $1,200. |
| Lighting | Natural light gives a softer quality, studio lighting is sharper and more dramatic. |
| Background | Simple, well-lit, and blurred. |
| Pose | Chest up, look directly into the camera, focus on the centre of the eyes. |
| Expression | Natural, serious, and versatile. |
| Clothing | Simple, solid colours, no patterns, no logos, no graphics. |
| Makeup | Minimal and natural. |
| Hair | Neat, styled, and natural. |
| Format | JPEG, PNG, or TIF. |
| Resolution | 300 dpi for print, 72 dpi for screen. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a professional photographer
A good headshot is an important investment for any actor, and it's crucial to get it right. While it may be tempting to cut corners and have a friend take your headshot, or even take a selfie, this is not recommended. Headshot photography is a specialised skill, and it's worth seeking out a professional photographer who understands lighting and has experience taking headshots.
A professional photographer will know how to capture your essence and expression, and will ensure that the lighting is flattering and the background is simple and well-lit. They will also be able to offer guidance on posing, wardrobe, and hair and makeup, ensuring that you look your best and that your headshot accurately represents your appearance.
When choosing a photographer, ask for referrals from actor friends and take a look at their portfolios. It's important to find a photographer who understands your type, ethnicity, and gender, and who makes you feel comfortable and at ease during the shoot. Many photographers offer free consultations, so take advantage of this to get a sense of whether you vibe with them.
Professional headshots typically cost between $400 and $1,200, and it's worth spending a little extra to get high-quality results. A good headshot will be used for years and sent to everyone in town, so it's worth investing in a photographer who will make you look like a pro, not an amateur.
In addition to choosing the right photographer, there are a few other things to keep in mind to ensure your headshots turn out great. Be sure to practice your poses and facial expressions in advance, and bring along some blotting papers to take down any shine. Choose simple, solid-colored clothing that flatters your features and represents your personal style, and avoid anything too distracting or trendy. Most importantly, relax and smile!
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Wear simple, solid-coloured clothing
When it comes to what constitutes a good headshot for extras, there are several key considerations. One important aspect is the clothing choice. While it may be tempting to dress up or stand out, keeping it simple and classy is generally the best approach.
Wearing simple, solid-coloured clothing is recommended for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the focus remains on your face and expression, without any distractions. Busy patterns, bright colours, or clothing with words or large logos can take attention away from your features. Solid colours create a flattering and elegant look, allowing casting directors to focus on your skills and versatility as an actor.
For women, a simple blouse or a dress in a solid colour is a great choice. A collared shirt or a business suit can also work well, depending on your personal style and preference. Men can also opt for a collared shirt, which is a classic and safe choice. A simple, solid-coloured shirt with a bit of texture can frame your face nicely and bring out your eye colour. Avoid white, as it may appear washed out or overly bright in photographs.
It is also important to choose clothing that flatters your body type and makes you feel comfortable. You want to look like yourself, so avoid excessive makeup or styling that doesn't represent your natural look. The goal is to appear natural and authentic, so bring your true self to the photoshoot.
Additionally, consider the background of the headshot. A simple, well-lit background, whether indoor or outdoor, can complement your clothing choice. Natural lighting can give a softer, more "film-like" quality, while studio lighting can be sharper and more dramatic. By wearing a solid colour, you can stand out from the background and be the focal point of the photograph.
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Ensure good lighting
When it comes to headshots, good lighting is essential. While the specific lighting setup will depend on the desired effect, there are some general tips that can help ensure your lighting is on point.
First, it's important to understand the basics of lighting for headshots. A typical setup involves one or two lights angled at 45 degrees towards the subject, with or without reflectors to fill in shadows. The Triangle Setup, which uses three strobes to produce soft, flattering light, is also popular for headshots.
To ensure good lighting for your headshots, consider the following:
- Use a large light source: A larger light source will create a softer, more flattering light on your subject's face. You can achieve this by using a softbox or an octabox, which are tall and create a nice, large light source.
- Fill in shadows: Use reflectors or a second light source to fill in any shadows on the subject's face. This will add a nice catch light in the eyes and give some sparkle and life to the shots.
- Avoid strong dramatic shadows: Unless you're going for a specific effect, it's generally best to avoid strong shadows in headshots. You can minimize shadows by using a fill light from the bottom, such as the "bottom light" strobe in the Triangle Setup.
- Pay attention to background lighting: While the focus of a headshot is the subject's face, the background lighting can also affect the overall look of the photo. Make sure the background is well-lit and blurred, creating a soft, "film" look.
- Consider natural light: Natural light can give headshots a softer, more real look. However, indoor lighting can also be used to create a polished, sharper, and more dramatic effect.
Finally, don't underestimate the importance of a good photographer. Headshot photography is a specialized skill, and a professional photographer who understands lighting and can capture your essence and expression is worth the investment. They will be able to work with you to create the desired effect and ensure you look your best.
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Look directly into the camera
Looking directly into the camera is an important aspect of a good headshot. Eye contact helps create an instant connection with viewers, whether they are looking at your LinkedIn profile, company website, or social media. Direct eye contact in a headshot photo projects confidence, friendliness, and approachability, which is crucial when trying to make a strong, positive impression. It establishes trust, conveys confidence, and enhances professionalism by tying your name and face together in an engaging way.
However, not every memorable headshot photo involves looking straight into the lens. Sometimes, an off-camera gaze can evoke a sense of authenticity and showcase a creative, introspective side. For example, if you work in a dynamic, fast-paced tech environment, an off-camera shot might emphasise your innovative or visionary approach. A thoughtfully off-camera gaze can also generate curiosity or capture a thought-provoking moment, helping your headshot stand out from traditional corporate headshot photography.
Ultimately, the decision to look directly into the camera or not comes down to personal brand and comfort. If making direct eye contact feels natural and empowering, then it is a good idea to do so. However, if you prefer a more relaxed or contemplative style, an off-camera look may better capture your essence. It is recommended to take multiple shots, some with full-on eye contact and some looking away, to see which best reflects your unique personality and the type of role you are seeking.
Regardless of whether you choose to look directly into the camera or not, it is important to prioritise lighting and ensure that your headshot captures your natural energy and authentic self. A good headshot photographer will help you feel at ease and showcase your true personality.
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Choose a simple background
A good headshot is a picture of your face, usually chest-up, with good lighting and no strong dramatic shadows. The focus should be on your eyes, and the background should be blurred to make you stand out.
The best backgrounds for headshot photos are simple, well-lit, and high-quality. Outdoor or indoor is a matter of personal preference. Natural light gives a softer quality, while studio lighting is sharper and more dramatic. Indoor lighting can also lend a polished quality and leave you less at the mercy of the elements. Look for contrast in your headshot backgrounds. You don't want the background to distract from your face, so avoid busy patterns, palm trees, or other environments like the beach in Santa Monica or a tour boat in front of the Statue of Liberty.
If you are using your headshot for a specific purpose, such as a book cover or a website, you may want to consider background colours in advance to match your brand's colour scheme or a nature scene. For example, if you are an author, the publisher is likely to have specific sizing and quality requirements.
If you are taking your own headshots, you may want to consider wearing solid colours and avoiding busy patterns. For men, a collared shirt and tie is always a safe choice, while women can wear anything from a business suit to a dress or skirt. Most photographers will recommend either styling your hair in its natural state or going for a simple, neat look. If you have bangs, you may want to pin them back so they don't obstruct your face.
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Frequently asked questions
A good headshot is typically a chest-up photo with good lighting on your face and no strong dramatic shadows. The focus should be on the centre of your eyes, and the background should be blurred.
It's best to keep clothing simple and classy. Wear solid colours that flatter your features and represent your personal style. Avoid distracting clothing with too many colours, patterns, or large logos.
You should look directly into the camera and smile. Practice different facial expressions in front of a mirror before the shoot to find what works best for you.
Good headshots typically cost between $400 and $1,200, and getting them professionally duplicated will cost around an additional $100.
Ask your actor friends for referrals and look at portfolios to find a photographer who understands your type, ethnicity, and gender. Many headshot photographers offer free consultations, so be sure to ask any potential photographers about this.
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