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During your training you will need to start preparing your headshots.
This will be the photo you send out to casting directors/agents and is the very first thing that a director will look at when going through submissions; if your headshot is wrong and doesn’t convey who you are this will have a big impact on getting through the door for castings.
Casting directors see hundreds of photos daily, so it’s important you put a lot of time and consideration into your headshot. Here is a list of some of the things you need to get the perfect headshot:
- Keep your headshot up to date: One of the most important things to remember when picking your headshot is that it must be recent and must look exactly like you. Directors may be looking for someone specific, so although you need a recent photo, it could be good to have a few different looks in one photoshoot. This also means, whenever you change your looks in any way, you must also change your headshot.
- Focus on your eyes: Nothing is more important than your eyes, especially in a close-up shot like a headshot. They should look alive and energised, like they’re telling a story. This will help you to stand out in the pile of headshots and immediately get the director’s attention. Even if your facial expression is serious, make sure your eyes are focussed and not zoned out – a director will be able to tell!
- Angles: A good headshot is, usually, chest-upwards, with your chin slightly tilted upwards. You should have good lighting on your face and think carefully about shadows, as they can add depth and definition to a photo. Make eye contact with the camera and ensure the centre of your eyes is the focus of the shot.
- Wear minimal makeup and a natural hairstyle: Your headshot is not about looking pretty – it’s about showing off what you look like, how old you are and everything in between, even things you may be insecure about. Keep your makeup natural so it doesn’t look ‘cakey’ in your photos and wear your hair naturally (the way you would wear it to an audition) but make sure it is not covering your face.
- Be careful with your background: A plain background is safe and allows the director to look at your face, but you should experiment with a number of neutral backgrounds, shading and natural backgrounds set outdoors. Think of colours that would contrast well with you, e.g. if your hair is black, you may want to avoid having a black background.
- Colour: Usually, you can use either a colour or black and white headshot (unless specified otherwise) but some find black and white outdated and prefer a headshot in colour. The best option would be to have both ready.
- Clothing: Avoid bright clothing, bold prints or logos on your clothes; blacks and greys work well as these are not distracting colours. Ensure your clothing fits you well and looks (somewhat) professional.
- Practise: The more you practise, the better your headshot will look. Take practise shots at home on your phone and practise your pose/expressions in the mirror. The more you do it, the more you can focus on what needs changing and eventually, you will have mastered the shot.
- Go professional: Your headshot will be a deciding factor in your application so getting it done professionally is worth it. If your photos look cheap, you will have far less chance of getting noticed. Pay the money to get it done professionally… it’ll be worth it!
- Contact Spotlight: As a graduate from many of the top schools you will be offered the opportunity to go into the graduates’ book and also online through their website. You will be accessible to agents, casting professionals and anyone else relevant in the entertainment industry.
Useful Links-
https://smallbiztrends.com/2018/04/business-headshot-tips.htm
https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-take-the-perfect-headshot-six-tips/
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/pick-right-headshot-backstage-profile-6881/
https://actinginlondon.co.uk/acting-headshots-guide/