Selecting a photographer is very important in making headshots. You shouldn't go to the first one you find, the one with the cheapest deal, or one that says they do such and such's shots. Take the time to look around. Ask people you know who have had headshots done, search the internet, etc.
Here are some things you should ask someone who is referring you to a specific photographer...
1. Did you think you got your
money's worth with the photographer? Meaning-were you satisfied?
2. Did you feel good about the
photo shoot?
3. Did the photographer rush
or did he take his time and make sure you were relaxed and ready?
How to find the right photographer
1. Search the yellow pages under
photograpers and ask around.
2. When you call around...ask
if they have any sample kits. If so, have them send you one. When you receive
one...look through the sample
photos and see which one impresses
you the most and looks like the type you might want.
3. Call the photographer in
which you liked the most from the sample kits and go in to look at their
book. Ask questions (see the next
section). If they still impress
you...set up an appointment.
What questions do I need to ask the photographer?
1. How much is it going to cost
you for the entire session and how much do you have to deposit?
2. What all comes in their packages?
3. Is re-touching included in
the package?
4. Will there be a make-up artist
there to do your make-up or do you have to do your own?
5. What type of look do they
think you should go with?
6. What do they think you should
you wear?
7. How long does the shoot take?
What do I need to wear?
There are various reasons of why and why not you should wear certain colors and types of close. Those answers are right here.
Dark colored clothes:
Dark colors draws the color
of your skin and features out. A dark shirt makes your facial features
a focal point.
Dark Colored Clothes...a
scruffy look for me:
Once again a dark set of clothes
will make your facial features stand out.
Men
A leather jacket, t-shirt & slight beard growth is a good look if you are interested in getting into soap operas & film. It has the "Hollywood hunk" look.
Women
You might want to try layering clothes. Try wearing your favorite shirt and vest, or a leather jacket over a body suit. If you like sweaters, you might want to try a textured sweater. Don't wear too much jewelry or props as they might give you a "fake" look. Remember you want to look yourself.
Men & women who want to do
commercials might want to consider wearing casual clothes also. Light
colors or open collars are good for the "All American Type" look.
Solid colors clothes are also good. Sweater and shirts are good for both
woman and men. Don't bother with hats as they hide you.
A full suit or a jacket or blazer might give you the "Upscale" look.
If you wear glasses all the time, you will want to wear them also.
Don't try to hide things like glasses as they can make or break a headshot
also.
Soaps
If you want to get into soap operas, you might want to try a glamorous shot. A low neckline is good but don't make it too sexy.
Men who want to get into soaps will want to try a casual style shot also. Blazer, suit or leather jacket is good.
White colored clothes:
If your photo session is inside,
it is recommended that you do not where white clothes. White clothes drain
the color from your face and
take away facial features. A
white shirt with a darker overshirt or a jacket that is unbuttoned is good.
How do I need to smile? Or should I smile at all:
No smile shows seriousness and can be used for legit work.
A big smile showing teeth is
very important in a headshot. You should always show your teeth in a headshot.
When you don't it makes the
casting director or agent wonder
if you have something to hide...like bad teeth and missing teeth.
How much of my body needs to be in the picture or should it be only of the face:
3/4th Body Shots are good when
you are wanting to do commercials and advertising. It shows the casting
director the type of body figure you
have and approximate size. The
only drawback to this one is that it does not show the eyes very well.
Facial shots are good for film
and television. The main thing is that it does show your eyes very much.
Your eyes are a very important factor
in headshots.
How do I prepare for the photo session:
Hair & make-up is a must
for photos.
Women should always wear makeup,
but not too much. Remember DON'T OVER GLAMORIZE YOURSELF. Remember
to ask if the hair &
makeup artist is included in
the photo session. Don't think that you will save your money by doing
your own make-up as your not really saving money if your shots don't come
out that good due to hair and make-up.
Women
Discuss with the photographer
and make-up artist before hand in regards to commercial, theater/film or
soap type photos.
Women might want to change their
hair style a few times during the photo shoot according to the type of
photo you want. Change your
hair according to your clothes
style also.
Men
Make-up is not essential but can accent your pictures as the light might want to make you look "Casper" like. If you have a heavy beard, you might want to use a little cream as the b & w photo will sometimes accent a heavy beard too much. A man who normally sports a full beard & moustache might want to take half the photo session with the full "Monty" and then the other half, shave the beard off and leave the moustache or shave it all off to get a range of photos. The five O-Clock shadow is IN these days. If your interested in getting into soap operas, you might want to try this look as it is considered to be a "heart throb" look.
Last but not least...
How do I make reproductions of my photos:
Once again search the yellow pages and ask around for headshot reproduction studios. Call and ask them to send you their sample kits and a price list. Look for the one with the best quality and best price. Good luck!
Remember:
Always be yourself at a photo
shoot and be confident in yourself.
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