Headshot Philosophy - why do I need a decent headshot?

An actors headshot is one of the most important tools in the process of landing a casting, getting agent representation and being considered professional -

No casting director, producer or director ever hired an actor who didn't take themselves and their career seriously to much of a degree - (nobody wants to be responsible for someone who arrives on set and can't perform) - and until you are well known, nothing says more about how serious an actor you are then your choice of headshot. It must project a serious attitude and a professional look / determination - and therefore a headshot must be the absolute best that you can afford.

It speaks volumes if the shot is poorly lit, badly composed or uses no technique of depth or shade. The photograph MUST hold intrigue and be able to stand out from others that land on the desk of a casting agent or producer. And if your look fits the brief for a casting, then do yourself a favour and give yourself every reason to be selected for audition. SUPPLY THE VERY BEST HEADSHOT YOU CAN AFFORD.

It's not just a question of how you think it looks, it's how your target audience thinks. And while your target audience sees in the region of around 200 headshots per day (think about how many actors there are looking for work, sending out cv's and headshots every day - and you might realise that your headshot MUST be the best!
Your target audience (i.e. casting directors, producers and agents) will only pick up the phone and audition you, if they like the look of your photo. Your cv is also very important of course, but once your headshot has been chosen, the rest of the audition, casting and performing is a whole different ball game. Hopefully the headshot has by this time done the job you hoped it would – and has created the interest enough to create the opportunity and steer the process further towards you being cast in the role you want.

If there were two identical eBay items for sale from different sellers, one photo showed a grubby, poorly lit item, the other was clear, bright, clean and tidy – which one would you bid on?

Of course we’re not selling eBay items – and of course there are dozen’s of other factors to consider – but if you take care of one of the most important then you greatly improve your chances.

There are dozen's of other factors that can determine a great headshot.. Of course you will always find hundreds of would-be photographers who would gladly take your money and who will claim that they can take an actors headshot - Gumtree is full of them – all charging anything from £100 to £600.. (I even saw one photographer offering a shoot for free – but what’s the point if it just fools you into thinking it’s going to work for you when all it will do will slow your career down and lead you to believe that you’re not good enough to be selected.. At the start of your career and indeed throughout your career, THE PHOTO IS EVERYTHING!

For sure there are some great photographers out there - but cheapest isn't always best - and it isn't just a case of finding a photographer who is cheap - isn't it just a waste of money if you end up with a shot that does nothing for your career?

Having said that, the price must not be astronomical either - and the going rate for a professional actors headshot session is anything between £300 - £400, with a number of free prints included.

Other factors that make a great headshot are numerous. From a photographer's point of view, the most important thing for a great shot is the use of light and shade, the composition and the quality of the print. From a casting directors point of view, the face must fit the brief of course but the face must also hold intrigue and some versatile expression. So it must be appealing for a large variety of scenarios - thirdly, the style of photo must grab the viewer and so it must be an overall interesting style of photo - the clever use of depth, focus, composition, technique must all come into play - most importantly, it must portray a warmth and confidence in the subject and the subject must be inspired and relaxed enough to respond with the photographer to achieve this.. Can just any photographer do this?

Be careful not to waste £100 - £150 or even £600 and choose your photographer based on their experience, style and ability to produce a shot that would work for you.

Optimum impact is paramount - and from a photographers point of view, the all important light, shade and composition is also a major factor. Is studio light better than outdoor light? Is indoor natural light better than studio?

Indoor Natural Light

Outdoor Natural Light

Indoor Studio

It all depends on each individual and how their face, eyes, hair etc. responds to any given light scenario. Some actors can look like a completely different person when photographed in the studio compared with an outdoor shoot. Some actors can continue on through a career, getting work from a style that they believe works well for them - until they try a different style and suddenly more work comes in. It really is impossible to tell which light suits your face the best until you try it out – and that can be expensive if you sit with three different photographers.

I specialise in offering combination sessions for actors who are at the start of their career or at a juncture where they need to try something different.. No other photo session is so designed to achieve the absolute optimum impact from a headshot session - Book a double or triple combination today and save up to £300 on individual sessions. Plus, I offer 4 free 10x8 hand finished prints with every combination session worth up to £80.

Remember – if you want to get ahead, get a headshot!