Most Important
- Your headshot should look like you - exactly how you would show up for an audition
- Your photo has to sell your looks and personality
- What you see is what you get
General Tips
- Tell us your expectations and intentions. Let us know what kind of look you want
- Drink lots of water and be well rested (so your eyes will not have dark circles)
- Arrive on time. Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes early (we may have other clients scheduled before you)
- Please call if you are running late or arrive early
Practice
- Rehearse at home in front of a mirror. Practice poses and expressions (see below about characters)
- If you're having trouble with expressions, watch your face in the mirror while running lines from a favorite scene
- Visualize different emotions while looking in the mirror. Watch how this changes your expression
"Characters" or "Types"
Actors are hired to play a character and tell a story. Does your look allow you to play different characters? Think about how these character types would look:
- The good guy/girl
- The popular guy/girl
- The guy/girl next door
- The bad guy/girl
- The professional guy/girl
Also, think about the subtext or story behind a character. Where is this character from? What is his/her disposition? What is his/her financial background (blue collar/white collar/middle)?
Bring wardrobe that supports how these characters would look.
What to Wear / Wardrobe
- Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you look great
- Don't overdress
- Clothes should be neatly pressed and should look new or like new
- Bring a variety of clothing that emphasizes different roles/characters (professional, blue-collar worker, intellectual, sexy, etc...)
- Avoid large logos or branding
- A simple black shirt/blouse/dress is often a good option
- Avoid white shirts unless you plan to wear it underneath something
- Darker clothes attract less attention and put the attention on your face and eyes
- Solid colors are great
- Avoid busy patterns and large lines or stripes
- No glitter, sparkles, rhinestones, sequins
- Blue/green/turquoise clothing can help emphasize blue/green/hazel eyes
- Avoid red as a dominant color
- A suit or jacket are great for men wanting a more professional look
- Pay attention to details. Layers, ties, belts etc
- Different necklines will change the apparent shape of your face. Bring a variety different shirts/blouses to see what works best
- Turtlenecks are almost always a bad idea (since they crowd the face)
- Don't worry about shoes too much unless you specifically want a full-length look
- Don't only bring 3-4 same-style shirts in different colors. Bring variety of styles
- Bring a few extra outfits so we can choose what looks best on you at the shoot
Remember: Select and wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Choose something that makes you look good.
Jewelry
- Keep jewelry extremely simple - small is better
- Avoid jewelry that would distract from your face or that looks dated
- The picture is about your face, not your jewelry
- Be prepared to remove facial piercings or multiple ear piercings if needed
What to Bring
- Your previous headshots (so we can improve)
- Sample headshots to help communicate the look you want
- Favorite Music (iPod/MP3 player, phone, thumb-drive)
- Various changes of clothing (see above)
- A good attitude
- Lip balm
- Hair brush/comb
- Makeup and hair products you prefer (especially if you have allergies)
Hair and Makeup Tips
- Make-up should be clean, natural, and minimal
- Your make-up or hair-style should be exactly what you would do for an audition
- Wear a heavy layer of translucent powder - your face will appear flawless in photos. Shine disappears, pores seem smaller, skin looks even, and blush is smoother
- Line lips before applying matte lipstick, then reline. Don't overdo it. Dip a cotton bud in powder and run along lip line to prevent color from bleeding
- Avoid shimmers or products with lots of sparkle or shine
- Avoid frosts or garish colors
- Don't get a new hair cut just before the shoot (you may want to let it grow-in a bit or get used to styling a new cut)
- Do not try/use any new product on your hair, face or body the day before or few days before your shoot
- Avoid over-styling. Keep it simple
- If you are under 16-years old the only makeup you need is lip balm or lip gloss
Arrive With:
- Hair styled and makeup already applied (if not using makeup artist)
- Already dressed in first outfit