If you're not getting called in to audition for the acting roles you desire, the problem could be your headshot. Do you know your "type" and does your headshot reflect this? Do you know what makes a great headshot and where to find a skilled professional photographer or photo studio? This section will teach you everything you need to know about professional actor's headshots.

Headshots & Photos

What are Headshots and What is their Importance? As the name suggest, a headshot is a photograph of a person's head. Usually taken by a professional photographer, a headshot is distributed to promote actors or actresses.

Basic Headshot Guidelines A headshot is used for many reasons, but being an Actor (whether experienced or not) you need a good headshot to supply to your potential employer. Your headshot is used by casting directors, casting associates talent agents, directors and producers to simply give them a picture of you before they decide whether or not you are right for the role they have been advertising.

Things to Look for When Choosing a Headshot Photographer Search out headshot photographers in your city or in the city in which you want to have them taken. Before you meet with the photographer in person, look at different photographer's websites and look over their pictures.

Questions to ask your Headshot Photographer BEFORE the Shoot! So what are the questions you will want to ask the photographer during the interview?

How to Get Great Headshots Headshots are one of the most effective elements of an actor's arsenal in terms of "being seen for a role". A strong headshot can be an effective entrée into the offices of the people who hold the reigns of power in the entertainment industry. A great headshot can not tell someone how talented you are, but it can define your qualities as an actor that in turn define the types of roles you should be playing. We have all heard stories of actors whose headshots have "gotten them in the door" of a big shot agent and launched a successful career.

Your Headshot Should Shine In general terms, a headshot is a photograph taken of a person from the shoulders upwards. The headshot is designed to give a good perspective, or provide a good idea, of what a person really looks like. An actor's headshot must clearly and accurately present that person's facial features and show clear detail that would otherwise not be present in a full body photo.

Take Your Best Shot First, you need to choose a photographer. You should try to speak with your potential photographer to establish a rapport with them. Would you feel comfortable working with them? Ask to see some of their work, chat with them and get pricing information. Make sure you know exactly what is included in your shoot.

Six Steps To Getting Great Pics! Ask yourself this question, "If I were a casting director looking at these photos, would I call these people in?" When looking at photographer's pictures, take note of the following...

Six Tips for Perfect Headshots "What constitutes a good headshot?" That is IMPOSSIBLE to answer. However, here are some general suggestions.

The Perfect Headshot I am asked the same question all the time! "What is the perfect headshot?" "What do you look for when you are casting one of your movies?" I tell them "A photo that jumps off the page."

Headshots: Shoot for Accuracy Your headshot is your calling card and all-important entree to the business. The composition, lighting and overall professionalism it reflects can make the difference as to whether or not you're called in. Because of its obvious importance, you might tend to shoot for an exaggerated, glitzy effect, neglecting the highest priority of all: You must look like the person in the photo when you walk through the door at casting sessions.

Photo Tips: How to Get a Great Comp Card Many actors augment their income by also modeling. Enter the comp card - a model's emissary... the 5.5 by 8.5 inch calling card that shows the prospective client a model's versatility and talent. The standard format contains one headshot in the front and three looks on the back.

Headshot & Photo Examples Photos and a good resume are essential to your acting career, used to capture your unique style and experience so that casting directors will want you for that part. They are your tools of the trade, so you want the very best.

More Actor Headshot Advice and Info from Around the Web

Acting School: Headshots 101

Acting School: Headshots 202

The Actor's Business Card

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