What's the deal with headshots? I mean, all I've seen look really good (as is the point of them). But I really hate when the actors come to audition and I'm not exactly sure who the hell they are! It can be misleading, especially if you are rushed and need to make a last minute cast based on said headshots. Just a minor little rant. It amuses me to look back through headshots and think: "Was that even the same person?!" Anyone else on my page or am I just going absolutely crazy? I actually started to ask for just a random pic from their Facebook or whatever just to get a better feel for them and their look.....
Anything Goes : Can we get some real headshots? by Bill Shannon
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It's tricky sometimes. I had a head shot from someone who looked like she might have jumped on the ship from Russia. Then this person came and I thought it was one of the cast of Jersey Shore with the tan, make-up and straightened hair. I'd hate to have spent a bunch of money on head shots that don't really show who I am.
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I always say play it safe and keep it simple but professional. You can always re-capture a simple look no matter how old the photos are. Some headshots can be like glamor make-overs.
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Lots of actors try to save money by going to a photographer who doesn't specialize in head shots for actors. Because they don't understand the benefit of what you're paying for. The results can be anything from a glamor shot, to a shot that simply has a look you wouldn't actually wear to go to an audition. But this doesn't help you since the head shot is supposed to help the director remember who you are.
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A very valid point! I feel like my headshot, at the moment, does not really show who I am as a person or actress. As a photographer, I hope that I am doing my clients justice by providing shots that show the person beyond the photo!
As an actor I try to get new shots every two years. Save the 'Glamour' stuff for when they ask what other looks you can pull off. Like Lina said, a simple look that you can pull off on your way out the door is best.
Hi Bill, great post! Try screenwriting where we have cats, dogs, koalas and anything but who we're dealing with. I don't accept into my network anything less than a head. But as you say ?? who are you. I'm a little guilty of that myself in that my face is that on the cover of one of my books. I'd keep pretty busy trying to keep everyone up to date with me as I go from blonde to dark and back again but, don't think the rest of me changes much.