BLOG
What's the difference between Theatrical and Commercial Headshots
What’s the difference between Theatrical and Commercial Headshots
Theatrical Headshot vs Commercial Headshot
After reading this you’ll easily know the difference between a theatrical and commercial acting headshots.
It's time to get new headshots and your agent ask you get a theatrical shot and a commercial shot. You don't want to appear stupid so you smile, and say thanks. Now it's up to you to figure out what to do.
I'm going to help you understand the difference between a theatrical headshot and a commercial headshot.
The Theatrical Acting Headshot
This is your serious shot. Think of it as the headshot of a serious actor. It can be divided into two areas that make it a theatrical headshot. Wardrobe and Expression.
THEATRICAL ACTING HEADSHOT WARDROBE
What you're wearing is very important. Your clothes and wardrobe should come across as something serious. Go with colors that make a serious statement. That would be blacks, browns, navy blue or other dark colors.
Your choice of clothing must also be serious. You don't want to wear something frivolous or fluffy or cute. I don’t think it would be a good idea to wear suspenders and a pink shirt in your theatrical headshot.
Colors to stay away from are the lighter colors, the pinks and pastel colors, anything that doesn't look too serious.
THEATRICAL ACTING HEADSHOT EXPRESSION
When you're getting your photos taken, it's important to have the correct serious expression for a theatrical headshot.
This expression consists of engaging serious eye contact. A good way to do this is to consider the smize. This is a small squint where you actually push the bottom eyelid up instead of squinting the top eyelid down. This gives you that serious connected eye contact with the viewer of your headshot. Add to this a very slight smile. This will keep you from looking too angry or pissed off. Feel free to practice this in the mirror.
The Commercial Acting Headshot
The commercial acting headshot follows a similar formula to the theatrical acting headshot.
It's what you're wearing and the expression on your face.
COMMERCIAL ACTING HEADSHOT WARDROBE
For the commercial acting headshot you should wear colors that are more colorful and fun. Any color that brings a light friendly bright happy attitude with it. These should also not be pastels. Think, blue red, yellow any color with a pop
Your choice of wardrobe should also be less serious. You don't want to wear a black leather jacket in a commercial acting headshot. Instead wear a colorful hoodie or a denim jacket with a colorful T shirt underneath.
COMMERCIAL ACTING HEADSHOT EXPRESSION
Your expression should also be more friendly in nature. A nice smile or relax expression that tells people you're a friendly person.
It's really that simple, just have your clothing and your expression appropriate for either a theatrical headshot or a commercial headshot.
Now go out there and get those new headshots with confidence.
Best Headshot Printing in Los Angeles
The 6 Best Headshot Printing Places in Los Angeles
Best Headshot Printing Places in Los Angeles
The 6 best headshot printing places in Los Angeles
Remember back in the day when you had to print 1,000 had shots every time you had a new headshot taken. Well those days are gone. Even though acting headshot printing is something we do less and less, it's still important to know a great headshot printing place.
Here is my top 6 headshot printing places in Los Angeles
Theatrical Headshots
Theatrical Headshots
Commercial Headshots
Commercial Headshots
PRINTS CHARM’N
Not only do these guys have a catchy name they also do some of the best Prints. Specializing in great rates and low quantities you'll find something that fits your budget. Their same day service is great if you’re in a hurry. They've been printing headshots for over 30 years so you know you're going to get quality.
REPRODUCTIONS ONLINE
Reproductions moved all their services online. Back in the day, it was the go-to place for printing in Hollywood. Now that their online anybody can use them anywhere. You can order 8 x 10’s, postcards and business cards all online. Their website is easy to use and their prices affordable.
PIXELS DIGITAL IMAGING
Started in 2005 these guys have a lot of experience in creating great prints. The nice thing about Pixels if you need only a single print they can do it. You can drop into their location in Hollywood or do your ordering online.
THE ACTORS PHOTO LAB
The actors photo lab specializes in high-quality Luster photo prints. They have an office in Studio City or you can order online. With their low price guarantee you're going to get a great rate on your headshot prints.
PRINT HEADSHOTS
High quality photo prints on thick cardstock are these guys specialty, and they're still able to keep their prices within reason. Located in Orange County that's a little far away but you can always order online.
RAY’S PHOTO LAB
Originally, Ray the retoucher, this place has been a staple in Los Angeles for a long time. Back in the day everyone headed to Ray’s for his awesome retouching services. Now you can go there too also get your reproductions printed.
This list is just some great options to help find a great printing place for your acting headshots. Good luck and may you book that next gig!
What do I Wear for My Acting Headshots
What every actors needs to know about putting together the best wardrobe for acting headshots
What do I Wear for My Acting Headshots
Acting Headshot Wardrobe
Need Help Selecting What to Wear for you Headshot Session?
Your wardrobe for you headshot photography session is very important. You want to be prepared. Putting together the right outfits for your session is a big part of a successful Headshot Photoshoot. Read on to get super prepared for your next headshot session.
Here's how you pick the right clothes
It all starts with research. Have an idea of the characters you would play. If you’re not sure, ask your agent or manager.
Think of it as type casting yourself. Who would you play on TV or in a Movie?
Here's an Excellent way to get Character Ideas!!!
Go over your past audition from the last year. What Character types got you the most attention or interest from casting directors? Now focus on these.
Another GREAT form of research!
Look at the breakdowns and see what characters are the casting directors looking for?
Fresh girl next door, Bad ass tough chick, Lovable nerd, New York detective, Street thug. Handsome leading man. You get the idea.
Now put together outfits that ARE those characters. Give them some personality. If you’re wearing that outfit in a photo and you cover up your face, people know who they are looking at. It’s best to bring 2 outfits for each. It’s good to have options.
That's not all:
Don’t over think it. You’re outfits don’t need to be overly complicated.
A simple tank top tells a story, but so does a black tee shirt and a brown leather jacket. A shirt with a cardigan sweater and some glasses and you’re a nerd. A tee shirt layered with a flannel shirt and a now you're a hipster. Make sure your outfits tell the story of the type of character you want to portray. It can take only 2 or 3 pieces to make an outfit.
I can't emphasize this enough:
Do not bring a bunch of clothes and just hope you brought the right stuff.
This happens all the time.
An actor will show up to their session with 2 suitcases of everything in their closet. This tells me that you have not prepared. Your headshot are very important. Leaving it up to chance is not a good idea. Do your research. Put your looks together. Come prepared.
Your color selection is very important. You want your photo to pop when it comes up on the casting websites. Remember the thumbnails are very small and you only have one chance to catch their attention.
Primary colors are a great way to make an outfit POP.
Layering them with shirts and jackets adds to the character. The colors also need to support the character. You wouldn’t wear a yellow tee shirt for your strong leading man shot. You could however wear a yellow tee shirt with a cardigan sweater for your nerd look.
Good Headshot Wardrobe
Girl next door - A sweater or conservative top. light and fresh looking. Primary colors
Lovable nerd - Glasses (With the lenses popped out) Colorful tee shirt with a cardigan sweater. Colorful tee shirt and a hoody- Think “Big Bang Theory”
Tough Street Look - Tee shirt and leather jacket.
Handsome leading man - Tee shirt or sweater with a brown leather jacket.
Detective - Suit jacket with a tie for men. Blouse and jacket for women
Business - Blouse and jacket for women and suit jacket and tie for men
Young Mom - Sweater or colorfuls tee with a layered shirt
Young Dad - Sweater or colorful tee with a layered shirt
These are just some examples. Feel free to expand on these. Be sure to put together the looks that are right for you.
Not So Good Wardrobe...
2 tank tops and a tee shirt. (It happens more often than you’d think) Please put some thought into your characters. This isn’t about taking just a pretty picture of you. It’s about you connecting with the casting directors. You want them to see you as the filling the role of the character they are casting for.
Bringing 3 suitcases full of everything you own. (That means you've put no thought into how you should be marketed) Do your research and then put the work into putting together your outfits. You may find that you’ll need to pick up a few things to add to the looks.
Grooming...
Be sure to come looking your best. I know it sounds obvious. Remember these photos are going to get you work. Be prepared. Here’s a few tips.
Make sure your hair looks it’s best. Cut, Color and Style. Is it time to get your roots done?
Eyebrows. Do a little shaping and get rid of those stray hairs. See a professional if you need to.
Shave? Clean shaven or a little stubble? You can do both. Come with a little stubble then shave to get your clean cut looks.
Be sure to bring anything with you to touch up or improve your grooming. Hair products, Brush, comb, razor, makeup. Powder is important for girls as well as guys. It helps take down the oily shine from your skin. Remember, what you think looks good at home in the mirror, might not look the same in your photos.
Follow all these tips and you’re going to get some great headshots.
