How to Make a Professional Head Shot
- 1). Specify the type of head shot you want. There are two principal varieties, theatrical and commercial. The latter are for auditions for commercials, of course, and for television. Smiles are standard in a commercial head shot. Film and stage auditions employ theatrical head shots, which are more natural and take on the personality of the actor or actress photographed. Don't use one head shot for all of your auditions. Create one or two shots of each variety to be ready for any audition scenario.
- 2). Pick an excellent photographer with skills specific to head shots. Such a professional will clearly advertise her expertise in this type of photography. She will have a portfolio of her previous work; view this and see if you enjoy her style. Ask artists with head shots you find attractive about their photographers. Take your time in selecting a head shot photographer and be sure to choose from multiple options before settling on one.
- 3). Groom and dress yourself properly. Unprofessional head shots are marked by sloppiness, dowdy styling, and aesthetic choices that distract the subject's face instead of framing it tastefully. Choose simple but elegant clothing in a moderate color, such as grey or olive green. Invest time in the top of your outfit, which the head shot will show; clothing that flatters your shoulders and neck is best. Men should sport clean facial hair that looks freshly cut. Enlist a professional hair stylist for your locks, and a hired a make up pro is also handy. High quality photographers may offer such services to their clients.
- 4). Be yourself. Desperation and anxiety are palpable traits in a head shot. Get plenty of rest the night before the shoot, and think positive, confident thoughts. Aim for expressions that represent your true nature. Don't smile, for example, if your face looks best with a soft pout, and vice versa. Demonstrate calm and openness in front of the camera. Be willing to make slight variations to your best natural expressions in order to have some diverse options to choose from post-shoot.
- 5). Complete your head shot with a resume on the back. This is a shrewd yet often forgotten step to distinguishing your picture as professional. Print the resume on the back of the head shot or discretely staple it there. Refrain from using a paper clip; it looks amateur and easily comes undone in a large stack of pictures.
