Acting How To: Getting Headshots
Answers to various acting questions I get from aspiring actors and actresses.
Q: I live in Michigan and I'm just getting started in acting. Any tips on how to get good headshots?
A: As to getting headshots for acting, the biggest thing (as far as I'm concerned) is to get something that captures your personality. The next most important thing being to have something that looks good. Sounds simple right? But, the "how to" of it is often a little tougher.
As an apsiring actor or actress, you have to realize that it can take time to get comfortable in front of a camera, any camera really. My friend, who runs Click West Photo, listed below, always said that he based his pricing model on the idea that actors should get new headshots all the time. They need to keep getting more and more comfortable in front of the camera, plus be able to keep their "look" current. That's why he kept the prices down, because, he's an actor as well and knows how tough it can be.
Here's a couple of guys that are pretty well respected around town...the first one (my friend) charges like $200 or $300 bucks last I checked, the second one charges A LOT more. These guys are perfect examples of EXACTLY what a good headshot should look like.
http://www.headshot-photography.com
The second guy brings up a good point that if you wouldn't be willing to use your headshot on a billboard on a major street, you probably don't have a good headshot. So, with that in mind, the guys who are telling you that you shouldn't smile or whatever are not guys you should be investing money in.
Both those guys I listed above are pretty amazing at capturing all kinds of different looks and moods AND making you look great in the process. I know you're in Michigan, so your selection is going to be pretty limited, but definitely look around.
Getting headshots is pretty daunting and it takes some practice before you get comfortable in front of the camera. If you can get to LA or NY, you'll have a way easier time of finding someone that can do you right.
Hope this helps!
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As always, if you have any questions or thoughts, or would just like to share some of your successes, please feel free to drop me a line. I actually answer them.
Best of Luck out there and remember, you can't fail if you don't quit.
D.L. White