How to prepare for my Acting Headshot Session

How to Prepare for my Acting Headshots

Is your hair ready?

Is your hair ready?  Do you need to get a haircut?  Do you need to color your roots?  Are your bangs too long? All of these are things you don't think about until you're in the process of actually getting your headshots taken.  Then you'll be like, “Oh I wish I would have got my bangs trimmed, or I wish I would have colored my roots, or I wish I would have got a haircut.”  Don't be that person. Get your hair looking the way it should look. In addition, if you need different hairstyles, for your different characters, you should plan those out.

Put together your outfits

Of course getting the right outfits together is a big part of getting your headshots. I wrote a full blog post on this be sure to check it out Here.

Is it weird to practice my expressions?

OK, now that you’ve done your research, and got your characters together, it's time to practice your expressions in the mirror.  I know this may feel awkward, but it's a good idea to do it. I'd start with practicing expression that best fit the characters you discovered in your initial research.  Maybe do a little Google search on these characters to see common expressions that they would use. Now of course for headshots the expressions need to fit in that headshot box. As a photographer I'll help guide you in that direction.

My trick to Getting a good night's sleep.

Of course you need a good night sleep before your headshot. I'll share with you my trick to get a good night sleep before an event like headshots.

What most people do the day before their headshots is get everything ready the evening before their headshot session.  This usually leads late into the evening and part of the night. Then what happens while they're trying to sleep their mind is racing, thinking about all the things they were getting ready for their headshot session.  This, of course, leads to not getting a good night's sleep.

What I suggest you do is start getting things ready your clothes and such a few days before.  Plan on having everything completely Ready by 4pm the day before your headshots. now spend the rest of the evening just relaxing at home. Maybe watch a movie, read a book, or whatever it takes to get you to fall asleep for a good night's rest.

I hope this little post helped you prepare for your next headshot session. Have a great shoot!

What do I Wear for My 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.