The Importance of Headshots

People like to think that the entertainment industry is more about talent than it is about looks. Unfortunately, it isn't talent that gets you an audition-- It is how you look in a headshot. Do you fit the character? Are you the right age? Are you thin? Are you fat? Blonde? Brunette? Old? Young? A picture is worth a thousand words, which is why it is so important to have the right headshot. It can literally make or break a career.

Getting a good headshot doesn't mean that you have to spend an arm and a leg. It's a matter of finding the right photographer to capture you on film, and the right re-touching artist to edit your flaws. If you are lucky, you will find a photographer that can do both. If you are really lucky, you will find a photographer who will do both for under $150.

First and foremost, what you wear is extremely important. Ladies, do not spackle on the make-up. Casting Directors like to see a natural look, whether you are 4 or 104. Make-up is perfectly fine, as long as the "real you" still shines through. Don't worry if you have a pimple-- that is what editing is for. The editor will be able to "air brush" your skin so that it looks flawless. If you wear too much makeup, that can cause a problem. Wear a solid top. Patterns, such as stripes and plaid, pull focus from your face and onto the pattern. You want the Casting Director to notice you, not what you are wearing. Since the end result will be in black and white, it is a good idea to wear black, white or gray.

Secondly, a headshot is just that-- A photo of your head and shoulders. A 3/4 shot is one from the waist up, and may even include your hips. Casting Directors usually do not want to see this type of photo. This is the kind of photo that they want to see if they are casting a model. Make sure your entire head and hair are in the photo. Do not go for an artsy photo of just your face, where your head is cut off at the top. It is very important that the Casting Director is able to see the "whole you" in the photo.

Third and most importantly, make sure your name is visible on the front of the photo. If you are wearing a black shirt, your name should be printed in white. If you are wearing a white shirt, your name should be printed in black. Make sure your name is spelled correctly, and is the way that you will want it to appear in the credits if you land the role that you are auditioning for.

Fourth, headshots are in black and white. Period. Only model comp cards are in color. Don't enhance anything (like your eyes) with color. Don't play with the photo. Black and white. That's it.

Finally, your resume should be one page and stapled to the back of the resume, facing out. It should be stapled in a fashion so that it is not loose-- such as one staple in the upper right and lower left corners. Your name should be in bold, on the top of the resume. Before creating an acting resume, make sure you know what one is supposed to look like.

Be sure to update your photos at least once per year. It is amazing how much a person can change, whether you notice it yourself or not. Good luck pounding the pavement for that star role!