Hopefully you have made your 1st calling/business card your "Comp Card" showcasing You, the Talent's many expressions/l@@ks right!
Now it's time for the Headshot......
As I said before you will in time still need a std. HEADSHOT....
I have found MOST Talent agency's to represent you will want a standard Headshot and some casting directors will as well.
So BEST to have both as your calling card.
This is a site that is VERY reasonable and fast turnaround too!
No matter how much you spend to get your headshot, no matter how skilled the photographer, the money is wasted if you don't know what you are doing. (Been there done that too!)
One of the chief causes (if not THE chief cause) of most actors' career problems can be directly related to the HEADSHOT - it's your door opener.
Especially as many auditions are obtained via the Internet or mailing Headshot/Resume initially.
If you do not have a headshot that "works,"
(gets you called in) all your other skills will not be seen by casting directors
Your Comp Card & HEADSHOT are your business card in the entertainment biz!
The casting people are looking at photographs all day, every day.
Ever wonder Why do they pick one talent over 25 others?
"There was just something about the look in her eyes."
"I don't know what it is, but his expression just grabbed me."
"I needed dangerous and that picture just said, "dangerous all the way
Casting director are l@@king for that Sparkle or Shine in the Talent's Headshot that says "Pick Me"
Regardless of what stage you are at in your acting career… whatever you are trying to do, your HEADSHOT is the key to opening many doors.
It's the first step to help get you, the talent through the door.
See, YOU ARE IN CONTROL of how it comes out. Yes it's You!
See, YOU ARE IN CONTROL of how it comes out. Yes it's You!
Not the photographer.
You'll find once you master the skill of "posing", (learning to take a GOOD working HEADSHOT) you'll get better results using just about any decent photographer.
Think about this..... Take a look at the tabloids next time your in a store if you don't believe me. Notice that some of their photographers live to catch an entertainer in the most unflattering picture. Why? Because unflattering pictures of stars are RARE and so, therefore, intriguing to the viewers. RARELY will you see unflattering picture in these tabloids from say an award ceremony or some other other public outing.
Those who specialize in getting unflattering pictures of entertainers tend to stalk the star often using a telephoto lens, to try & catch them in an uncomplimentary "pose". It's the only way they can get those kinds of shots. Honestly if the star knew they were going to be photographed, do you really thing they would "Pose" for that unflattering picture. NOT!!!!
They are professionals & KNOW how to work the camera to make them self shine!
You can do this to with alittle practice! You are the Talent - the Pro!
I have learned this is a BASIC skill in the entertainment business.
Whether you are an actor, singer, model or newscaster -
your Headshot IS YOUR Business card!
It needs to standout & speak for you 1st!
It's all they see before you get to open your mouth and let them know how
Great you'd be for the
Learning to take a GREAT Headshot - yes "posing" is not just for models...... L@@k at the actors when promoting a film or at an awards ceremony, walking down the red carpet Watch how they act knowing a camera is on them no stop. They KNOW what "POSE" shows off their BEST features/assets!
Entertaining is a job so, you want to present yourself to make you, the Talent shine! Remember, the person being photographed (the Talent) has most of the control over how the picture will turn out.
If you don't know how to do this, it's time to learn. Have fun with it!
So, how do you learn this BASIC skill of getting a GREAT working HEADSHOT?
First you have to get in front of a mirror.
(For those of you who hate this, get over it,
or you will not learn - and not learning is sure path to frustration and anger.)
Watch yourself in the mirror for a reasonable amount of time.
Try to "pose" without looking to silly. Check out different "looks". Think of different character roles you may be asked to play in a film... sad, sultry, happy, coy, you get my drift..
play with it & have fun."
Get an idea how you "feel" when you look a certain way & OWN it!!!!
(By the way this is an excellent way to work on some of your acting skills, as well. The ability to look "natural" when you are thinking of so many other things, is an actor's stock-in-trade. Don't skimp on this.)
(You MUST have this skill to succeed as an actor - to get past 1st base with a casting director.)
Think about it what is an actor being in a film doing?
Having MANY pictures of you the Talent in various "character l@@ks" Right!
....... then it's time to take the next step....................................
There's a great old joke that goes like this:
"How do you get to the Metropolitan Opera?" "Practice."
"Practice what?" you may ask.
Practice getting your picture taken.
Enlist the help of a friend (not a photographer) and using either a few of the cheap 'throw-away' cameras or a digital, do a PRACTICE photo session.
Enlist the help of a friend (not a photographer) and using either a few of the cheap 'throw-away' cameras or a digital, do a PRACTICE photo session.
Pose.
Take notes.
Number the shots.
Take your time.
Practice.
Check the results.
Adjust as necessary.
Repeat.
This is a very inexpensive way to practice. And practice will save you lots of money when you get to the point of hiring a professional photographer.
You must KNOW how to "pose."
Practice.
This is either DO or DO NOT.
As Yoda warns us, "There is no try."
Pose.
Click.
If THAT headshot you get doesn't work (open doors) - you have to get another one, and another — until you find the Headshot that gets you in the door.
If you are not willing to invest in your business (You the Talent), what makes you think someone else will hire you?
You need capital to invest in You, the talent as you ARE your business.
Think.. if you opened a new business you'd invest in business cards right?
Believe me, once you master this skill, all your other efforts will improve.
This is because skills improve with practice and the only way to practice auditioning is by actually auditioning.
Your HEADSHOT is what gets you in that next door & PAID!
