Fundamentals of the Headshot.

[Mikey1205]

Hello,
I'm going to get some head shots done in a month or so. They're not going to be done professionally but by a friend who is a photographer. I don't NEED (can't really afford either) professional head shots just yet as I'm not looking to book any (high paying) commercial gigs or apply to any agents. I'm just getting them to add to my website but I still want some really good photographs!

So..

What are the fundamentals of the head shot?
Clothing, backgrounds , facial expressions.etc
Also any photographic tips (lighting ,zoom etc) I could give to my friend regarding head shots would be appreciated.

Any information that you provide is useful! Thanks

[Michele Seidman]

1) Colors to avoid: Black absorbs light. White reflects it. Red can bleed.

so check with the photographer about his camera since more often than not those 3 colors should be avoided.

2) Nothing dated: i.e. do not wear a shirt that is hip and trendy because it might be out of style in 6 months. you don't want to date the photo if you can help it.

3) Avoid busy patterns...nothing more distracting.

A head shot should show your head...normally from top of shoulder to top of head. Some do full body and 3/4 shots but when they go to put photos on a big casting board and step back...the ones that are just your head stand out the most and are easiest to see. Never hurts to have a few other longer shots ready if an agent or casting person asks for it.

Background should be neutral and not distract from your face either. Outside or inside won't matter as much as long as the background does not look like a 'scrap book photo'.

On Lighting...lots of light is not going to work. It often reflects and shows in your eyes. You should still be able to see your eyes and maybe just a little light reflecting in them but if we see tons of lights in your eyes...too much!

Facial expressions....straight faced or what I call the 'attitude' shot for film and m.o.v., and a great smile shot for commercial and soap work is what most agents and casting like to see.

OOPS...forgot to mention this and VERY VERY important:

Do your own hair and anything else so your picture looks EXACTLY like you. Directors, Casting and Agents HATE seeing a picture that is perfect and pristine and you walk in and don't look anything like it at all! It is ok to cover up some pimples...it is ok to photoshop out some fly away hair but it is never good to make a headshot that only looks like you with a small crew in tow to make you look that way!

Women make more errors there than men but I have seen guys do it too!