Larry Garrison - Breaking into Acting For Dummies

Of course, not all professional photographers are equal, either. What you need is a professional photographer who specializes (note the emphasis on specializes ) in theatrical or commercial shoots.

The best way to find and hire a qualified photographer is word-of-mouth from fellow actors and/or your representation. If you notice a head shot that you like from another actor, you can reach out to that actor for a recommendation to that photographer.

In addition, if a particular agent is interested in representing you, ask the agent for a list of several photographers the agent trusts and recommends. If you already have an agent, ask to scan through the head shots of other actors that your agent represents. Not only can you get a rough idea of the types of head shots this particular agent prefers, but you also get a chance to look for actors who may look similar to you, so you can see what your competition’s head shots look like.

Even the best photographer in the world isn’t right for you if you don’t feel comfortable working with that person. Talk with the photographer and get a feel for the photographer’s personality and how he works. You’re essentially conducting a job interview for a photographer, so don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. You want to find the photographer who can capture your best look at a cost you can afford.

Some questions to ask a photographer include the following:

How much will a head shot photography session cost?

How much time will the photography session take? (Make sure that the photographer will give you sufficient time to portray different looks.)

Will you be allowed to change into different outfits during the photography session?

Does the photographer offer any extra services for an additional price, such as a makeup artist?

How long until you can see your pictures?

Make sure you get all your photos as digital files.

Price isn’t always a measure of quality. The cheapest photographer may not be the worst, and the most expensive photographer may not be the best. Although price is important, keep in mind that a great head shot will more than pay for itself in the long run, and saving money on a poor head shot will only hurt your chances of getting agents or casting directors interested in you.

Be sure to ask to study the head shots that they’ve taken of other people. Do these head shots impress you? (If you don’t like the head shots that the photographer’s done for others, you probably won’t like any heads shots that the photographer may do for you.)

Make sure that the sample work from the photographer you’re interviewing are photos the photographer has actually taken.

Don’t let any photographer try to rush you into making a decision. Your head shot is one of the most crucial stages in your acting career, so you need to take the time to choose the photographer you like best.

You may want some studio shots and maybe some outdoor shots. Make sure that the backgrounds are non-intrusive. Lighting is essential and schedule photoshoots only when you’re feeling your best. (If you feel sick, you won’t look your best.)

When you finally decide on one particular photographer, the next step is a consultation meeting. This meeting gives you a chance to ask the photographer questions regarding your clothes, makeup, what types of look you want to capture, and so on. This consultation is crucial. Don’t let the photographer start snapping pictures until both you and the photographer completely understand what you hope to accomplish during your photography session.

Make sure your clothes look professional and that you feel comfortable in them. Don’t wear a lot of jewelry that can distract people from looking at you.

If you have an agent, also ask him for recommendations on the type of look you should capture for your head shot. An agent can help you define the type of look that works best for you. (Keep in mind that two different agents may think that you should emphasize two entirely different looks, so whatever look an agent suggests for you, make sure that you’re comfortable with that choice.)

You know yourself better than anyone else. Go with your gut when choosing the type of roles you want to portray and how to represent yourself in photos. If your agent is adamant about a certain look, be open to his suggestions.

When people look at your head shot, they should be able to identify a characteristic of your unique personality. If different people look at your head shot and come away with different impressions of what type of person you are, your head shot may not be doing its job. (Unless, of course, it’s getting you work.)

After your consultation, the final step is your actual photography session. This session will capture the way you look for others to see for months (or even years) to come, so make sure that you’re as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

Give yourself plenty of time to travel to your photography session, bring all the clothes you plan to wear (and keep them organized so you can find what you want right away), bring any makeup you want to use, and (most importantly) be happy. If you just broke up with your boyfriend or girlfriend, you’ll express those emotions, and they probably won’t help you capture a very good head shot. In these cases, reschedule your photo shoot rather than capture a poor head shot.

Don’t bring anyone along to your photography session unless it’s a professional makeup artist. You need as few distractions as possible, and a friend (however well-meaning) will likely distract you.

During your photography session, the photographer may suggest different poses and help you relax by telling jokes, asking you questions, or talking about nothing at all. The point is to capture that split second when your look is absolutely perfect for a head shot, so cooperate with your photographer.

Within an agreed upon time after your head shot photography session, your photographer will provide you with the photos. Study each image carefully and decide which one you want to use for your head shot. Don’t be afraid to ask your agent or manager to recommend the best images.

After you’ve chosen a particular image and any needed retouch is completed, the next step is to post those head shots to sites that represent you and your work. Chapter 7identifies the sites we recommend.

You can’t use the same name as a famous celebrity, even if your real name happens to be Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts. That’s because no one wants to think that the “real” Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts is appearing in a film when it’s really an unknown actor with the same name. Check with the Screen Actors Guild and Actors’ Equity to see if your real name or stage name is already taken. If so, you may have to change it slightly, such as using your formal name (Thomas Cruise instead of Tom Cruise), an informal version of your name (such as Julie Roberts instead of Julia Roberts), or adding or dropping a middle name or initial (such as Samuel Jackson instead of Samuel L. Jackson).