"Headshot Shmedshot, or Why Your Headshot Might Matter More Than Your College Degree
Guest post by New York Headshot photographer Nick Coleman - NYC Headshots for Actors that Work!
Greetings and salutations theater fans! When Jared asked me to write a guest post for his blog, I was first flattered, then honored, then I did a little dance in my photo studio to celebrate. What an opportunity to reach out to a whole new sea of readers!
Once I got over myself, I got to thinking... Jared had asked that I share some information on the do's and don'ts of getting your headshot taken, and how to ensure you'll get a great headshot during your session. That's a tall order for a quick blog post!
So let's get cracking...
As An Actor, I Feel Your Pain
When I was an actor first getting started in New York City, I was driven, hungry, talented (at least my teachers thought so), and READY for my big break. I arrived in the city with my black and white 8x10 photograph, taken by a friend from college, and I started looking for opportunity.
It's New York City! Opportunity is everywhere!
What I quickly found is that opportunities for actors come with an especially annoying caveat--they are mostly hidden behind closed doors. Want to audition for that great regional theater you've heard so much about in American Theater? First you have to get the audition. Want to be in that amazing television show that won all the Emmy awards? First you have to get called in by the casting director for a meeting.
And the sad truth is that no matter how much training you have, and how many accolades you've received, you can almost never get that audition or that meeting unless you have a great picture. Humans are visual beings... we trust what we can see, more than what we hear or read. "I gotta see it to believe it... Show me the money... Just you wait, I'll show you!... I'm from Missouri, you've got to Show Me."
Every project in theater, tv, film, and even commercials starts with an idea... someone thought of how the script would play out, and saw it in their imagination. And every person along the path of the project saw that same idea play out in their imagination too. So when it comes time to pick the actors, the first step in the process is "does that actor match the picture in my imagination?"
Your Headshot Is Your Mirror Image
If you want to be successful as an actor, your headshot must look like you. Nuff said. It can't look like you "on your best day" or "under the right circumstances" or with more makeup than you ever wear. It needs to look exactly like you do in the mirror. Why? Because when the production staff of that great project sees your photo, and call you in based off of it, they are saying "that picture of that actor looks exactly like the character in my imagination". If you show up looking even slightly different from that photo, you've just disappointed the imagination of the casting director, the director, and maybe the producer. You're an imagination killer! And they don't like that much.
Relax! It's Just a Picture!
Many actors make the mistake of not giving their headshot enough importance. But once you've been converted to the business-savvy headshot school, you might make the reverse mistake. Freaking out.
Don't!
Remember, the headshot should be your mirror image... which means the best shots are going to happen when you are relaxed, comfortable, and feeling most like yourself. If you're getting caught up in the feeling of taking a great headshot, you're on the track to a nervous, anxiety ridden hell-ride. Okay... that might be an exageration, but I have witnessed someone who got so worried about the way she looked she hyperventilated.
I'm Shooting Headshots Tomorrow--Help!
Okay... so here's my advice, distilled into some helpful bullet points. Whether you are in New York, Chicago, DC, Florida or beyond, these tips are all the same... how to make sure you have a great headshot session, with great results.
Know your type--what roles can you play?
Knowledge is power. If you know how casting people see you, you can make sure your pictures match the package.
Dress the part--do your clothes fit the bill?
If you are a leading man, dress like one in your headshot. If you are a nerdy, bookish type, dress like one.
Practice smiling--have you seen yourself smile lately?
Set aside some quality time with a mirror, and get to know your face. You might discover you look different than you used to.
Bring music you love--is there a song that makes you happy? Sad? Empowered?
Music makes us feel, andemotions show on camera. Bring a variety of music so you can play something appropriate to what you're trying to accomplish in a particular setup.
Take risks--do you always make the same face?
Variety is good. It give you range. Take risks in your headshot session. Be silly. Be goofy. Be angry. Be sad. Take lots of pictures. Give yourself choices. Deny nothing, and try everything. Exploring your range will lead to great shots.
Listen to your photographer--are you taking direction?
Your photographer is your guide through the shoot. He or she isn't telling you what to do but giving suggestions, and seeing what you do with them. Go along for the ride.
Know what you want--do you know when you got "the shot"?
The session is a success when you say it is. If you know what you want in advance, you'll feel good when you leave the session.
There are a lot more tips for getting great headshots, but follow these basics (and shoot with a great photographer) and you are well on your way to a headshot that will get you results."
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