Tips for acting headshots?

Question:Does anyone know first-hand what people will look for in headshots?
Also, does anyone know what I can look for in a good photographer?

Thanks =]

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Does anyone know first-hand what people will look for in headshots?
Also, does anyone know what I can look for in a good photographer?

Thanks =]

Here are some websites of photographers in New York who do headshots. Take a look at their portfolios for examples of great headshots.

Ron Rinaldi - www.ronrinaldi.com (I shot with him - he's wonderful!)
Robert Kim - www.robertkim.com
Hoebermann Studio - http://www.hoebermannstudio.com/

Headshots should look like you, most importantly. Every time you change your appearance, you need new headshots. What you photo looks like should be what walks into the room when you go to the audition. Second, you want to show personality, there should be sparkle in the eye, somethat that piques your attention and makes the CD wonder what you're thinking about.

Note though, if you're just starting out, you don't need to spend tons of money on headshots. NY photographers are very expensive and if you live outside NY, you can probably find some more reasonable rates. However, the reason I put up the websites with portfolio's is that when you are looking for photographers (and always look at their work first) you want to avoid a "portrait" look that many amateur photographers will go for. Remember this picture is the first thing the CD/agent see's, so it's your most important marketing tool.

When looking for a photographer, also make sure it's someone you can feel comfortable with. During your shoot, you should be relaxed and having fun. If you're tense or nervous, it will show up in your pictures. Ideally, shoot with someone who does digital photography so that you can view the picture throughout the shoot to see how they're coming along and what you're best angles are.

Most books on acting have sections on headshots and the book Self-Marketing for Actors by Bonnie Gillespie goes into detail about what casting directors and agents look for.

Good luck!

Find a professional photographer that you are comfortable with- you can look at his/her portfolio or website first. Be sure to have good communication about everything the shoot will include and what you will need to bring.

If you have a good person who knows what they are doing, you will have a number of good shots to choose from. I took my proofs to an agent and asked which they liked the best.

Do you have friends with good headshots? Word of mouth is a good way to find a photographer. Barring that, use someone who specializes in headshots; ask to see examples of his/her work.

Basically, make sure the headshot looks like you. Don't glam it up; they don't want to be surprised when you show up looking nothing like the shot.

Make sure it shows your whole face. Don't do a cute little head tilt or lean on your arm; it just lowers your status.

It would be good to have one smiling (for TV, film and commercial work), and one more serious (for stage).

The photographer will advise you on clothing style and colors to wear. If they have a makeup/hair artist, definitely spend the extra money; they know how to use makeup for camera.

when we did our headshots for uni we had a long hard look at them all in a row during a class.

the lecturer gave simple one worded descriptions of each shot as if she was an agent going through THOUSANDS of these snaps and needs to make a quick decision.

you headshot will give you a huge advantage if you are aware of how people will see you and how you want to be seen.

we she came up to mine she said 'serial killer' and moved on to the next one.

i was happy. cos that where a whole lot of my 'bread and butter' work comes from.

some photographers only shoot guys well, others gals. have a look at a few online portfolios and see what grabs you.

go to actingcareerstartup.com and find the link to headshots The biggest mistake you can make is to spend too much money on them before you have an agent.

For Acting, I would recommend

http://www.hollywoodnorth.com