5 Tips to Create Great Actor Headshots

When becoming an actor, Actor Headshots are one of the most important requirements and can make the difference between getting casting calls or not. Headshots for actors help agencies place their talent with Film Makers, TV Producers and alike. No matter if you’re looking to become a Hollywood Super Star California Actor or star in a Disney Production in Orlando, FL a high quality acting headshot by a professional headshot photographer is critical!

Last week I received a bunch of requests via my Twitter and Facebook account requesting that I would place a few examples of what actor headshots look like and explain what makes one better than the next.

Well, all of you with this question are in luck. Just yesterday a great guy named Benjamin James came into my photography studio to have his Acting Headshot photographed before leaving for LA California to pursue an acting career.

Normally I do not place unretouched work online but in this case and for discussion sake I’m putting a hand full up without knowing which he will decide on. Some images would work as a headshots and others simply as portfolio pieces.

So, what makes an actor’s headshot great?

Well, without getting into a very long discussion about the industry in general, here’s a short break down of what makes an actor’s headshot great:

• Must depict the actor in his or her best light – You just gotta look good, plain and simple; nothing highbrow here!
• Must be Timely – Should appeal to “today’s” Agencies / Movie & TV Producers. Always be hip and in fashion NEVER look dated!
• Must NOT look heavily retouched or altered – How many of you have seen “modeling photos” that look like plastic dolls?
• Must have an eclectic essence or mass appeal – You don’t want to ever be pigeonholed as an actor!
• Must brand YOU as to who you are or who you aspire to be – Read my Branding Article to learn more about this concept

Becoming an actor is not an easy process but with a good base of collateral materials you will have a leg up over the next aspiring actor or actress.

In an up an coming article I will be explaining what is an Actor Comp Card and why an Actor Portfolio is also very important when courting acting agencies for casting calls.

So if you’re interested in acting, go out and find the best headshot photographer in your area that understands the industry and commission a session today. You do not have to go with the most expensive but please don’t look for a “budget photographer” as this is your brand, your image, your calling card, so to speak, which you will be entrusting with this person! A bad actor headshot can be worse than none at all!

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Joseph Cristina

Joseph Cristina is a professional photographer based in West Palm Beach, Florida and has over 24 years of experience in both Photography and Graphic / Media production.

jcristina.com