5 Tips to Create Great Actor Headshots: by Joseph CristinaWhen 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!

5 Tips to Create Great Actor Headshots:

by Joseph Cristina

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!

Joseph Cristina is a professional photographer based in West Palm Beach, Florida and has over 18 years of experience in both Photography and Graphic / Media production. Click the links below to find out more about him.

Allure Multimedia, LLC
Professional Photography & Media Creation Studio

Phone: 561-762-8968
Email: jc@alluremm.com
Webiste: http://alluremm.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/alluremm
Facebook: http://facebook.com/alluremm

Photo Credit: © 2010 Joseph Cristina

Dating Headshots

I must start with a disclaimer - that in fact I have never personally used an online dating service because I am and have been married most of my adult life. However, many clients that have been photographed by us, in fact have had superb results with online dating sites. In addition, I would have certainly online dating sites if they would have been available back in the day. I am a shy person and that leaves very few options to meet dating prospects. Unfortunately for very busy or just shyer people that limits venues to meet people is at work with co-workers, bosses or clients. The workplace is not a normally accepted place to have personal relationships. I know that with busy lives of the dating adult community there are very few other venues to meet that person of your dreams. So online relationship and dating websites do work and are here to stay!

So, you have decided to try an online dating site or try and correct your last disastrous effort. What should you do? I will cover the photographic aspect which to me is one of the most if not the most important part of your "online profile." Your profile photos should show you extremely positively but also honestly. Don't put something online taken 10 years ago and expect your potential "dates" to trust you after meeting you. You also don't want a "my space" self portrait taken with your cell phone either as this will most likely make you look bad to terrible and will severely limit responses to your profile.

Your primary profile photo should be a great reflection of you and your personality. The viewer will only take a few seconds to decide whether to hang around and learn more about you or head on down the Internet highway. You do want to include other photos in your profile including various different professionally taken poses utilizing several backgrounds, wardrobes and lighting. The main profile is a professional headshot and attached to your profile are other headshots, an arm pose (3/4 body) and even a full length or two. We are selling all of you, not just those beautiful eyes of yours. The eyes are the doorway to you soul as well as the door to your online dating profile. You also may want to include a few candid's taken from family gatherings or at the park etc, these extras are just lagniappe (a little something extra) as they say in Louisiana.

Talk you your photographer before the session to determine exactly what what you want to portray. Then together you will be able yo get the results you desire.

Some dos and don'ts:

• Don't wear loud or wild clothing. Stick to what you like and you look good in.
• Don't try and make all your poses sexy, that can come later if you like.
• Don't be too conservative. (More than business suits).
• Don't have your photos over re-touched, (we can make you look 20 years younger, remember to be honest).
• Don't change hair length or style just for the photo session.
• Do smile. A pleasant and an inviting expression.
• Do provide a variety in clothing, expressions, lighting, backgrounds etc.
• Do provide recent photos.
• Do have your makeup for the session applied professionally if applicable.
• Do have a consultation with your photographer at least several days before the photo session.

Finally, I know online dating or relationship web sites work! I have personally seen a lot more successes than not. If you are currently using an online dating resource and have not found Mr. or Ms. Right, don't give up. Follow the tips above, keep your photos current,and be patient. We have one very wonderful attractive female client who has not found Mr. Right yet. Well Mr. Right has to have an income equal or higher (a lot) of hers, must have similar interests, like to dance and oh by the aw, they have to be 6'1" to 6'4" tall and be height/weight proportional. That cuts out about 99.5% or higher of the potential respondents out. So if you are like her, be patient because in today's world, if they are out there they will be found.

Black & White or Color Headshot?

Well it all depends. Remember that a headshot is a close up from arm pose or three quarters all the way to the extreme close up. Actors used to have to submit only black & white headshots but that has changed somewhat, but a good black and white is still good to submit along with a color. A black & white photo is almost always more dramatic, elegant and thoughtful.

Many folks try to get both color and black & white from the same photo session which is ok, but perhaps not ideal. Makeup is the big difference. Less is more with black & white and more is better with color.

For black & white photos contrast is everything and too much contrast is a killer and the result will be very poor. In a black & white portrait lighter areas appear more prominent while darker regions recede into the photo. Basically the makeup should be applied to even out the face tone as much as possible. Add highlighter to darken areas of the face like under the eyes. Foundation should be even and smooth. The biggest no no is eyeliner which can make a black & white headshot ghoulish or real goth looking unless that is what you want. So normally you will use just a little eyeliner. Lips should be soft but not shiny for black and white while in color a little lip shine is real nice. I think lip liner is probably the most important because the lips can almost disappear without it.

The background for black & white headshots should not be white or black because that gives too much contrast. An off-white, gray or light blue is best as this will a gentle gray tone to the finished product.

Ideally I think a three quarter pose or even an arm pose probably is best in color but a close up is so much more dramatic in black & white. Now if you are using the image for a corporate website then follow the basic guidelines as to what other images are. If you want both I suggest to shoot for the black 7 white first, then apply more makeup and wardrobe and do the color photo shoot.

Lighting for a black & white headshot for actors and professionals trying to get work should be even and simple. A main light, fill light and maybe a back light and no dramatic lighting. Probably a more dramatic lighting like mine on top is not a good idea not to mention the black shirt and charcoal backdrop.

What to wear in Your Headshots

What to wear is the most asked question regarding a headshot photo session. The simple answer is something that looks great on you!

Now seriously, solid colors are generally much better than prints. Stripes even small ones will detract from face or the main point of the headshot. After all the headshot is to sell you or the subject. If you want to sell a blouse or jacket than a more commercial setting is in order where the lighting and background is more important.

Try and choose a color that is complimentary to your particular skin color or skin type. Your top should not be the same shade and color as the background but should compliment it.

For men a professional headshot is pretty simple, a white shirt, tie and black or navy blazer is a great standby. This selection will make the wearer to be autocratic and in charge. Perhaps that is not what you want to convey then a solid color shirt should convey approachability and trust. If a tie is worn then the color should be complimentary to your skin tone.

Most people are cool colors but a list is provided below that was taken from Wikipedia.

Carole Jackson, Color Me Beautiful (1980)

Winter:

Dominant skin tones (an individual's skin may include more than one): "Very white", "White with delicate pink tone", "Beige (no cheek color, may be sallow)", "Gray-beige or brown", "Rosy beige", "Olive", "Black" (blue undertone)", "Black (sallow)". Carole Jackson, Color me Beautiful, p. 47.

Many African Americans and Asians fall into this category.

Winters should wear colors that are sharp, stark and clear. White, black, navy blue, red and shocking pink all go well with winter complexions. For lighter colors, wear icy tones rather than pastels. Avoid subdued tones like beige, orange and gold. ehow

Summer:

Dominant skin tones (an individual's skin may include more than one): "Pale beige with delicate pink cheeks", "Pale beige with no cheek color (even sallow)", "Rosy beige", "Very pink", "Gray-brown", "Rosy brown". Carole Jackson, Color me Beautiful, p. 49.

Summers should choose pastels and soft neutrals with rose and blue undertones. Lavender, plum, rose-brown and soft blue suit summers well while black and orange do not.

Spring:

Dominant skin tones (an individual's skin may include more than one): "Creamy ivory", "Ivory with pale golden freckles", "Peach", "Peach/pink (may have pink/purple knuckles)", "Golden beige", "Rosy cheeks (may blush easily)", "Golden brown." Carole Jackson, Color me Beautiful, p. 53.

Springs can wear warm colors like camel, peach, golden yellow and golden brown. Avoid dark, dull colors.

Autumn:

Dominant skin tones (an individual's skin may include more than one): "Ivory", "Ivory with freckles (usually redhead)", "Peach", "Peach with freckles (usually golden blonde, brown)", "Golden beige (no cheek color, needs blush)", "dark beige, coppery", "Golden brown." Carole Jackson, Color me Beautiful, p. 51.

Autumns should select colors with golden undertones, like camel, beige, orange, gold and dark brown. Avoid colors with blue tones, like navy.

We will always provide a consultation to all clients who wish to use our services. http:houston-tx-headshots.com