One of the most common mistakes for Headshots.

On of the most common mistakes for actors coming to my studio to have there headshots taken is wardrobe selection.  The main thing is you want to your top to be part of the frame to your face. You need to bring tops that look good on you, that don’t look worn out, and that have a flattering color.  These are just the basics and should be very easy, but I see countless actors bring ugly, worn out, junk as their wardrobe for the shoot.  I think in the past year I’ve had ONE person bring perfect clothes for their shoot.  Everyone else brings OK stuff that I can work with, but they could have done better.  Basic rules: No white, No logos, New looking nice clothes, Casual clothes, No tank tops (I’ve had girls bring just 2 tank tops as their complete wardrobe selection for their shoot.  A tank top does not frame your face.  It’s just 2 thin straps on your shoulders, not much of a frame) No Low cut tops (once again you need to frame your face).  Your headshots should be very important and your wardrobe preparation is your first step it having beautiful headshots.

The Art Director

The Art Director puts it all together.  Many time the photographer is the art director for their own fashion photos.  In bigger budget shoots there will be a separate person as the Art Director, however, lets just talk about you as a fashion photographer acting as the art director.

 

Many time you and your client will come up with the basic concept of the photo.  At this point you need to put together the different pieces and make them fit together.  The model, styling, makeup/hair, your lighting and the location.  You must make sure that all of these components are in line with the concept of the photo.  Communicate with your makeup and stylist and make sure they are on the right track.  Scout your location to see that it has the feel you are looking for.  Develop your lighting scheme to create the mood the photo needs.

 

I hope that discussing these elements of a successful photo have helped you.  Take some time looking at photos and see if you can break down these elements in them.