Well, we are two days into the new year and already everything seems to be happening all in the first two weeks of the month.
Since the beginning of the year often times means starting “fresh,” I think I need to start all over too.
Even though it’s only been about a year and a half since getting my headshots done, I think some new ones are in order. I read a really interesting article in BackStage magazine about headshots. I think what struck me is that the common links between all the different photographers was that the subject is comfortable/natural and also that the shot look just like the subject in real life. That means lay off the airbrushing. There were so many different things to think about when picking out your choice though. I had never really gave them any thought, to be perfectly honest. I usually just accepted what the photog offered or thought was best.
First there was the framing of the shot. A lot of the more physically fit men are shown at least from the chest and or shoulders and up. For those of us, not as thin, most shots are from the top of shoulders or lower neck and up. Second is what do you wear? Depends. This one sucks big time. If I wanted to show that I could play someone more white-collar, or a salesman (for those overplayed car commercials) I would wear a suit. Wanna be an urban hipster, trendy jeans a cool shirt and maybe a hat of some sort. But do you see what I mean? It’s really tricky. If you figure it out, please let me know.
Then there’s the face. What do you do with it? I’ve seen a million of them where the subject is just smiling nicely. In some of the shots in the article, there were a myriad of “faces” that were cool, but if you are trying to capture the subject honestly, why would there be this sort of mugging? It’s like they were acting for their shots. Of course, that’s just my opinion.
Here’s a great link about how to pick Headshots.
When was the last time you had your headshots done? How often do you have then updated? Do you know more rules for how to select the best one? Please share, if you do. Comments make the world go ’round. Leave’em below!!
The Actorvist 