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Your headshot is selling you, the actor, model or performer. It should sell your personality, your look and your vibe. It is the most important tool that you have for marketing yourself when taking your career to the next level.
A GREAT HEADSHOT HAS TO:
Accurately show what you look like on a very good day
Capture a unique and interesting aspect of your personality
Be an original and engaging photograph
Represent you when going from role to role
Stand out amongst the pile at a casting session
And last you for about 12 months
Its single purpose is to have you called in for those parts for which you are likely to be cast.
My goal is to capture a spontaneous moment when there is a true energy flowing from you and your best assets, your personality and individuality shine like a beacon! And to exceed your expectations for the shoot.
HOW I DO IT
The best way to achieve this is by shooting with natural light in a non studio environment. Natural light is honest, beautiful and flattering. You will look believable and real. Which is extremely important to agents and casting directors.
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Lately I know agents have been requesting natural light head shots because they’re tired of meeting actors who don’t look anything like their 8×10s.
THE SHOOT ITSELF
Before the session, we will discuss what you need out of these shots, what roles you are looking for, for you to show me images that you like (your old headshots or tear sheets from magazines) and the career direction you wish to go in. We will then discuss where and how to do your shoot and the best way for you to get the most out of it.
I never schedule more than 2 shoots a day, so you will not be rushed.
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Do not drink alcohol for at least 48 hours before the shoot, drink plenty of water and get 2 nights good sleep. Really - these things make a big difference! The more of your good self you bring to this, the better your images will be.
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Expect to pay $150-$175. Just to be clear, this fee is paid by you directly to them and is additional to my photographer fee. Don’t scrimp here. It matters! A lot!
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The goal generally is to look as though you DON’T have make up on…which is harder to do than you might think.
WARDROBE
Bring at least 4 different shirts (tops) in addition to a pair of comfortable blue jeans or pants for 3⁄4 shots.
For the majority of headshots, the clothes you select should be informal and low-key. You don't want your clothes to distract people from looking at your face. Solids work best; avoid loud patterns (checkerboard, polka dots and stripes), and anything else that will take attention away from you. White works with some skin tones and hair colors so use your best judgment; but usually darker and brighter colors and black are better. Anything that will photograph dark gray is also good.
If you have fair skin, avoid clothes with pastels and cream colors (too little contrast.)
Choose fabrics that hang well. Some shirts (tops) wrinkle more than others.
Bring an assortment of T-shirts, sweaters, work shirts, tank tops, etc. with a variety of different collars and necklines (V-necks often work well). Layers also work well.
Jewelry or accessories should be simple. Women should bring light and dark undergarments.
If wearing glasses, have the lenses taken out prior to the shoot. (Any eyewear store will do this free-of-charge.)
If you need some additional pointers for what "looks" to achieve, here are more specific suggestions for the four most popular categories:
1) For Commercials: All-American, wholesome. Sell your type. Clothes from The GAP, LL Bean, J Crew, etc. No black. Layers work well.
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2) For Film: Be Yourself! Be creative and original. Wear your favorite clothes that you look good in and "that are "YOU.
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3) For Soaps: (Women): More glamorous, elegant and upscale. An all-over sexier look ("Betsy Johnson" to high fashion.) (Men): Follow "Film" suggestions above.
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4) Corporate/Industrials/Spokesperson: (Men): Dark jacket & tie, white or pastel shirt/conservative. (Women): Wear your favorite suit.
If you have a question about a piece of clothing, bring it with you!
TECHNICAL STUFF
I use a high quality digital camera that many advertisements are shot on, and always check out the shots before leaving the session.
CONTACT
Call or text me at 323.394-3497or drop me a line at sonia@justheadshotsla.com to set up a session or just to ask a question at no obligation….