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.