Headshot Do's and Don't's

After realising the importance of CV's i began to wonder what the best things to do when having headshots done. Headshots are incredibly important and getting the right look is essential. I created a list of do's and don't to refer back to when getting new headshots done in the future.
Do’s:

·        Convey a relaxed, warm, open, honest image. – you want to appear approachable and friendly, a good first impression is vital (especially in an industry when image is everything!!)

·        Choose from at least 10 photos and narrow your choice down to the two best.- it is always better to have options as different auditions require different looks and feels for the specific jobs.

·        Look straight at the camera unless the photographer recommends an angle- a casting director wants to see all of your face, its always better to look like your picture!

·        Avoid busy patterns and lines/stripes. – these distract the attention away from your face and can make the photo look busy and messy.

·        Have a warm smile, not a laugh. For a headshot a laughing expression can look unprofessional whereas a smile looks positive and approachable.

·        Take two or three changes of clothing so you can experiment with contrasting colors- colours can look different on photos and against different backgrounds, it is always better to have choices than to be left with a photo you are not happy with due to clothing. The photographer can always give an opinion on the colours that suit you best.

·        Try to dress as you would walking down the street on a business day.

·        Bring samples of head shots you like.- if you have a specific style of headshot that you feel suits you best take an example. They are your headshots you should be happy with them.

·        Tell the photographer the image you are trying to convey.- if there is a specific look you require for different jobs let the photographer know.

·        Practice poses and expressions in front of a mirror before the shoot- get comfortable with posing as doing it for the first time in front of a stranger can be off putting.it is also good to find the look you are going for.

·        Dark clothes attract less attention and put the attention on your face and eyes.-plain black of white is best for photos, simple is best!

·        Act your age- don’t try to get your headshots to make you look older/younger than you are.you wont be doing yourself any favors and when the casting direct meets you they will be able to see your feel age.

·        Use black and white- headshots are still seen in black and white, it is prefered in the trade so is therefore the best one to have.

·        Be yourself-remember that people want to see you in a headshot, the real you! It is important as you could be perfect for a role yet not be spotted as your CV photos could look different from the real you.

Don’ts:

·        No crossed-arms. – it can distract from your face and come across as moody.

·        Don’t get a new hair cut just before the shoot. –it is important to get the shot done with a hair style that is most like the one you would have on the day. A casting director needs to be able to recognize you. It is also important that you feel comfortable in styling your hair on the day.

·        No props for headshots e.g. phones or hats.- it can distract from the photo and make it look messy and cluttered.

·        Don’t act like someone you are not. – a casting director wants to see the ‘real you’

·        Do not drink alcohol or take any drugs directly before or the night before your shoot. If possible, do not smoke cigarettes directly before your shoot- you want to look at your best on the shoot, looking tired is not good for a first impression.

·        Do not try/use any new product on your hair, face or body the day before or few days before your shoot. – it is important that your skin looks fresh, you could have a reaction to the products leaving your face in bad condition for the shoot.

·        Avoid jewelry that would distract from your face or that looks dated.

·        Don’t overdress.

·        Mind your ‘character’- be careful about having headshots taken in character. Don’t lock yourself into such a specific look that can limit you in the way of auditions and casting. You will narrow you appeal. You are much better being generic and leaving the specifics upto the imagination of the casting people

·        No photocopies-  don’t use photocopies, it looks unprofessional and cheap.