Is Your Headshot Boring? 5 Headshot Photographers Reveal How To Take A Sizzling Acting Headshot That Will Get You Noticed

bored-headshot Is your acting headshot badmouthing you behind your back? Do you have a love-hate relationship with your headshot? Do you ever wonder if your headshot is doing more harm than good?

Good news, you can take a sigh of relief.

Learning by example is a great way to get ahead in any field. It’s one thing to be told what makes a great actor headshot. It’s an entirely different thing to be shown by the headshot photographer what a great headshot looks like and what makes it so great.

We’ve compiled some of the best work from the industry’s top headshot photographers and asked them to show off a few of their favorite shots. We then asked them to share a few secrets about what really makes a good actor headshot.

Compare your current shot to make sure it’s up to par, or take their advice at your next session and walk away with a stunning headshot that industry pros will be amazed with.

OK, let’s get going… Click on each photo to see the larger version, and be sure to visit the photographer’s website to see their entire gallery.

What makes a great headshot?

James Quattrochi, Los Angeles, CA
LA Headshot Photography
818.317.5230

“I would say that what makes a great picture are the eyes! The eyes have it! I always concentrate on lighting the eyes they tell the whole story…..”

Thanks to James Quattrochi, LA Headshot Photography

Are there any traps actors should look out for when getting photographed?

Vanie Poyey, Los Angeles, CA
PoyeyPhotos.com
323.856.6156

“The most important thing to convey in a headshot is specific marketing! The biggest mistake most actors make is wanting to take a pretty picture that says nothing about them.

Everyone can take a pretty picture but a picture that is directly targeting specific age ranges, and specific casting calls, such as “business man”, “young Mom”, “victim” or “girl next door”, is the picture that will get attention.

If you present your agents with the marketing tools they need to get you in the door, you’re already one step ahead of the game. If you don’t have an agent, and you submit a variety of photos with marketing range, the chances of being called in are greater, since you’ve eliminated the guesswork as to what market you fall into!

You can figure out your market by narrowing down your age range, and by doing a little research observing where “you” are cast on TV. There are also many workshops such as at Sam Christensen Studios that focus on just that!

Remember, this is a business and your headshot is like a big business card. If the business card doesn’t tell us what market you fall into, the chances of getting called in for auditions are slimmer!”

Get your headshot questions answered at PoyeyPhotos.com

Thanks to Vanie Poyey, PoyeyPhotos.com

How do you define a successful headshot?

James Banasiak, Chicago, IL
jbheadshots.com
312.612.1075

“A successful headshot shows you in a moment of comfort and confidence with yourself. Simple as that. Don’t over-think it, or make it out to be more than it is.”

Thanks to James Banasiak, jbheadshots.com

Take us through your favorite shots and point out what makes them winners.

Kevin Law
KEVINLAWphotography Los Angeles, CA
Urban Light Studios Seattle, WA
206.913.2834

My number one rule - it’s all in the eyes. They eyes are what draw you into an image and make you want to know more about that person. This is a studio shot, and look how effective just a basic casual outfit can be. It allows the personality to shine without distractions.

She was an accountant looking to get into acting, certainly not a professional model. But during the shoot, this stunning personality began to glow from her. We were able to capture it in natural light at this unique angle. Less is more - it took very little expression and a quick glance to capture exactly what I wanted.

One of my favorite models, we put him in a gritty setting which went well his look, even his stubble. The positioning of his body allowed us to catch a turning glance, and all the diagonal lines lead us to his face. Available light only - which allowed sculptural shadowing to his brow and jawline.

Again, it is in the eyes. It would have been east to overplay her edgy look, but the right light leads us straight to her right eye first, and the wisp of hair on her left eye almost teases, as you want to be able to look directly into it and learn more about her. The subtle expression to the lips speaks more than they fact they are pierced. Normally I would not shade a female’s foreground cheek more than the other, but in this case it adds intrigue, and works well with the denim texture.

Thanks to Kevin Law, KEVINLAWphotography and Urban Light Studios

What do you suggest actors wear during their photo shoot?

Douglas M. Nelson, Los Angeles, CA
dmnphoto.com
310.567.9045

“It is suggested that you bring several styles of wardrobe (Business, Elegant, Casual, Sporty, Edgy, etc.). Having several choices in each style is recommended. Colors are not a problem. They often enhance the mood.

Coats, jackets, and sweaters are beneficial for that layered look. T-shirts that have a textured style can also work. Collared shirts often give more definition to a look, though. Jeans or slacks may be brought (to enhance a certain look.) The most important thing is to be comfortable.”

Thanks to Douglas M. Nelson, dmnphoto.com

Across the board, it looks like your eyes tell the story to allow your headshot to convey a natural, confident attitude.

Make those eyes come alive
Know thy self to properly market yourself
Be comfortable and confident
Bring your personality to the shoot
Wear what makes you feel your best

We hope this makes your next photo shoot a winning one for both you and your photographer.

If you learned a thing or two, please Share Us with your friends:

Saturday, March 21st, 2009 Acting Articles, For Child Actors

No comments yet.

We're proud to offer you "I'm An Actor!" — our free 22-page guide on going from "I want to become an actor" TO "I'm an actor!" Immediate download to stay ahead of your competition and stay sane!

Joshua is a filmmaker living in New York with his wife and their 2 dogs. He's been a professional actor/filmmaker for over 15 years, and his movies have won awards on the festival circuit and are available on DVD.