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Acting Headshots: 11 sets of Questions to ask your Headshot Photographer BEFORE the Shoot!
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by Anthony Smith
So what are the questions you will want to ask the photographer during the interview?


  1. How many pictures will you take of me?
  2. How long will the session last?
  3. How many different looks are included in the price?
  4. How do you direct the actor during your sessions? In other words, do you help the actor to come up with different expressions or is the actor responsible for doing that on her own?
  5. What colors should I not wear? What color would be best to include in my wardrobe?
  6. What happens once the session is complete? How do I get my pictures?
  7. How will I view them?
  8. What will you give me? A cd with the photos? Will you upload them to a website for me to view?
  9. How will/can I make copies? How much will they cost?
  10. What about retouching? Do you offer that service as well? Is there someone you can recommend?
  11. What about hair and make up during the shoot? Do you provide that service? If so, is it included in the price? Do you have any recommendations with regard to hair and make up? (This is also a moment to express any concerns you have about blemishes you would like not to be visible in your photos, etc.


Anthony Smith left a successful corporate career as a senior manager in Nike and Levi's after 15 years to follow his dream of becoming an entrepreneur, writer, motivational speaker and actor. While enjoying success in his "new" life, Anthony shares his business insight and acting experience with young actors. Aside from acting work, he has created www.actingcareerstartup.com and his first book, Acting Career Start-Up: Four Key Factors For Success, is available now.

Copyright © Anthony Smith. Used with permission of the author. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced or distributed.



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Reader Comments
i love your column iam a first year dramatic arts student at the wits school of arts in johannesburg south africa and the information you guys provide is really helpful
Posted by felicia mbhele (2008-09-16) 374
Hi. I live in SFL and wonder if you could recommend a great photographer for headshots? I had great photos taken by Jim Maxwell before but after reading your column I think I should get something less glamorous. What about retouching the headshots?

Thanx!


Posted by Erika Kraft (2009-06-03) 1527
This is more like 11 questions to ask, not 11 "sets" of questions. I'm just sayin'. Great questions to ask though.
Posted by Scooter Lowrimore (2010-07-12) 2636
I couldn't agree more! Amen! Hallelujah! Thank you. I can't tell you how unptteisg and disheartening it is to hear actors say they are looking for headshots for under $100.00. It seams like the thing someone should spend money on is the one thing that the casting directors keep, and review when making their decisions on a role.But yet actors get discouraged when they go in for an audition and totally nail it and then don't get the job. Maybe its because the headshot doesn't match up to the performance. If they loose the wow factor right after the audition, your chances of loosing the job go up. You really want to do everything you can to make that wow factor linger. . .
Posted by Chiqiitah (2012-03-13) 5648
Great tips, As a portrait photographer I try to educate clients about taking proper head shots. I will refer them to this site.
Posted by Leo Gozbekian (2012-04-28) 5831

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