The headshot is one of the most important marketing tools for every actor in the movie, TV or theater industry. The headshot is a black and white photo of your face in a 8″ x 10″ dimension and it is often backed with a printed resume. The headshot is primarily the first thing agents and casting directors will look at in determining if you are suited for the role. If you have a great photo, you can establish a good first impression with the people wishing to hire you even if you are inexperienced.
Even with your good looks, you will need an equally good photographer to capture it on a headshot. There are so many photographers in the business nowadays that it’s quite difficult to determine which one is reliable and which one is just a mere scam artist out to rip you off at every opportunity. Don’t ever let yourself be victimized by these headshot scams. Here are a few tips.
There’s no need to put yourself into so much trouble. All you need to do is to get a reliable photographer. You can also ask your acting teachers and other actors for those good ones they know. Licensed talent agencies have in-house or referral photographers whom know what the agency is looking for in your composite.
The photographer should aid the actor in delivering the personality and charm with only just the headshot. You wouldn’t want one that will berate you. You’d need a photograph that you can collaborate with and not argue with the entire photo shoot. Some test shots should be taken in the beginning and a good photographer marks those strong ones. He or she should never insist on choosing the headshot for you. He can make some suggestions or encourage you to have the photo reviewed by an agent or a teacher.
Remember that you paid for the photo as a marketing tool and therefore, not the photographer. He or she shouldn’t mark the front of your headshot with his or her name. The photographer should also never over-glamorize the photo. Natural is always preferable.
If the photographer charges for an unbelievably small fee, it may be too good to be true. The cheap ones aren’t always the best ones to have. You might end up with a mediocre photo or no photo at all. Meet with the photographer personally in the studio or office. Don’t ever meet in a coffee shop or at your place.
When going to the shoot, make sure you have a few friends with you as there is safety in numbers. You wouldn’t want to go to a place that you are unfamiliar with and completely alone. You might end up being harassed and ripped off. Take some people with you to back you up and protect you. This is especially important for under-aged actors.
There is no short-cut in making it big in the acting world and there are a lot of people who will take advantage of your dreams. You need to be smart and determined to be successful in your career and get the break you’ve always wanted. It all starts with a great headshot.
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