Giving Head - How Actors Should Approach Their Resume Pictures

An actor's look and prior experience play a key role in getting past the front door for casting purposes and going to show their talent. Unless there is an open casting call, the actor's head shot and resume may be the only thing separating them the pack and landing the job. That photo session should be scheduled with care, because the end product can make or break an actor's aspirations.

There is much debate over whether an actor should go with a color or black and white photo for their resume. Unless you are solely going for film noir or art films, and never intend to do any stage work, your audience is going to see you in color - and the casting agent and/or director are going to want to have some idea of what you look like in the 3-dimensional world. While a good black and white shot might be a good secondary picture, the primary head shot should be in color.

Choosing the photographer is not an easy trick. Your friend Bennie, although he takes great landscape shots, may not have any idea of how to set the lighting or be able to arrange for the makeup for a head shot. A skilled portrait photographer with studio space is who need to find. A professional photographer will have a variety of set pieces and backdrops to work with, as well as a changing room. They will also know how to direct you through the shoot. Unless of course you're looking for jobs as a scruffy character actor, grooming will be an important factor in how well your head shot turns out.

You should use makeup for the shoot, covering any blemishes on your face and smoothing your complexion - now is not the time for vanity. Everyone has some sort of defect in their skin, the actor's job is to convince their potential employer that their face is perfect, just from the head shot on their resume'. Be assured, virtually every professional acting job will entail being in makeup - why not practice the craft for your head shot, too.

A hair cut or style 2 to 3 days before the scheduled shoot is also a good idea, but not the morning of the shoot! Your hair will have had time to 'settle' and any frizzed ends from the cut gone by the time of the shoot. Bring along your favorite styling gel and/or mousse, combs and brushes so your hair is perfect. Your head and face are going to be photographed in extreme close-up, and any defects will be captured by the camera.

Bring at least three or four shirts, a dark jacket (navy or, preferably, black), as well as hats or scarves. Your favorite color may be blue - but the photographer will know whether that color will work with your skin tone, so give the photographer alternatives to work with. Hats and scarves can serve as added props for secondary pictures. Men should bring along a tie for a possible formal picture.

Be prepared to take direction, and give suggestions. The photographer will listen to your concepts, and work with you to achieve the look you are trying to portray. Send your resume to the photographer ahead of time, they may have ideas for what sort of shoot you should do, and may even suggest an outdoor setting versus an indoor studio for a portion of the photography.

Be prepared to pay for this work! The photographer is a professional, and the investment in finding a good one for your head shot portraits will more than pay for itself in auditions and parts.