Actors Headshot Guide

ACTORS

HEADSHOTS

YOUR GUIDE ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SHOOT S P O T L I G H T

WHAT MAKES A GOOD HEADSHOT?

All photos should look real and organic, not posed or deliberate. A relaxed and natural looking photo gives the impression that it’s a true representation of yourself If your main shot is engaging and energised, the casting director is more likely to click and view the other images in the Spotlight folio.

RANGE

A good main shot should give a warm feel: confident, capable and pleasant to work with In some cases, it can make an actor look as much like a friendly person as it can someone not to be messed with All photos should look real and organic, not posed or deliberate

We’ll be doing traditional studio headshots as well as outdoor shots to give the feel of a still from a film or a TV show.

WHAT RANGE LOOKS LIKE

To get real range we will do some shots standing, sitting, looking away, in studio, outside, landscape as well as portrait It’s important to make sure we capture you looking warm, smiling, serious, edgy and professional whilst still looking real and organic and not posed or forced

Lynn Margolis Photography | Page 2

PREPARING FOR YOUR HEADSHOT

It’s always good to do a bit of research ahead of the shoot so that you arrive with an idea of what you want from the session.

If you take a look at IMDB you’ll see a variety of headshots from your favourite actors which will include the studio style shots as well as some outdoor or still shots from a film set. It’s a great starting point and will build a stronger image in your mind of how you’d like to be seen by casting directors

PERSONALITY IS BETTER THAN BEAUTY

Everyone wants a great looking picture of themselves. The truth is the casting directors want you to look like yourself. Flaws, quirks and all

They’re looking for an actor that embodies that character. Just be a good version of you in the role of the character that you want in your headshots. Show some personality. Stretch yourself when it comes to expressions

IT’S ALL IN THE EYES!

You hear it all the time It’s in the eyes What does that mean? It means you have to look like you have some life, personality, expression, depth in your eyes. How do you get that? ...Practice.

Start with doing the smize in the mirror. It’s easier for some people than others to smize. I tell people to do a small squint from the bottom eyelids up. Then add a small smile. It seems to do the trick. Practice that in the mirror until you think you have it.

The smize is just a starting point. After you get it, then try subtle adjustments to get even more range.

MAKEUP

Keep it simple You want to look like you do in real life

Coming with a full face of makeup defeats the main function of the photo

HAIR

For most people, having your hair done before the session is not necessary. Ideally you want ‘a good hair day’ look. Keep in mind that women will have time to put hair up, straighten or curl it. Women’s hair often looks better with a bit of volume. Men can arrive unshaven and shave during the session if they wish so you have both looks covered. Don’t restrict your hair style to the way it usually looks when you go into a casting This isn’t what a casting director needs or expects most of the time

Darker, solid colours tend to work best Colour is good, but noting too bright It’s best to bring a few outfits so that you can create different looks Varied neck lines are good but not too wide or low; we still see some of the top and allow it to frame your face. White on it’s own isn’t great but under a blazer or a leather jacket can look fabulous.

For men, some shots in a shirt and jacket with and without a tie on might be useful to include if a corporate / business look is an obvious part of your range. If you wear glasses, bring them with you.

If you are a teenager, the above suggestions will work for you as well. Make sure you don’t bring any t-shirts with writing, graphics or designs on them. Plain, solid colours work best.

Here’s some simple rules that apply to most outfits. Layers are always better. It tells more of the story of that character. Think of it as a sentence versus a paragraph. It says a lot more. A black tee shirt could be a thug. But doesn't a back tee shirt with a leather jacket tell more of the story?

Remember it’s about your character type not beauty. You don’t necessarily need to wear things that make you look the best It must be the character Also, no low cut tops It’s about your facial expression, nothing else.

HEADSHOT MISTAKES TO AVOID

Not bringing the right clothes. You know what to do, so now you have no excuse.

Not bringing something to take care of your hair. Bring a comb, brush, hairspray or whatever else you need to make sure your hair looks the best

Showing up late. You’re a professional. You’re being judged at all times on how professional you are. Whenever you are dealing with other people, act professional and it will show. People will think. Wow, that person is so professional. I love working with them. Too much makeup. Natural simple makeup is best.

Trying to be something you ' re not. There is only one you with your unique qualities and gifts. Just be who you are and the right jobs will find you.

DURING THE SESSION

Standing in front of a camera can be a bit daunting for most people. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes to get used to it. When I shoot Actors headshots, I always like to engage with them and show them how they look on the back of my camera so that they see for themselves whether they look tense or relaxed. I’ll do this in the beginning of the shoot because it’s more of an ice breaker.

We’ll do a few shots with each outfit both inside the studio and outside with natural light

AFTER THE SESSION

Once we’ve gone through all the looks, outfits and set ups, we will sit down together and go through all of your images so that you can select your favourites. I’ll also advise you on what is best suited for Spotlight so you don’t stress too much!

SPOTLIGHT

“Spotlight connects performers with roles in theatre, television and film productions around the world. Casting professionals choose Spotlight to cast their projects because performers on Spotlight are recognised as the industry’s best. With studios in London’s famous West End, and partners across Europe, America and Australia, Spotlight is at the heart of the performing arts industry. Spotlight is the best way to promote yourself as a professional performer and be seen by casting directors”.

Once you’ve got your headshots, it’s time to sign up with Spotlight. The Spotlight membership offers you access to hundreds of different agencies so you can find the right one for you . Ideally you need an agent as well as Spotlight membership in order to get ahead in the entertainment business. Spotlight makes it easy for you to find the right representation

Above quote is taken from the Spotlight website You can find out more by heading to www spotlight com