Most people will agree that your headshot is the single most important marketing tool you have as actor and it could mean the difference between getting the job and being over looked.  In reality, a Casting Director may only look at  your headshot for a few seconds.  Success or failure in less than 10 seconds.   Your headshot reflects your level of professionalism. It tells that Casting Director that you are serious about your acting.  Sure, you may save money by having a friend shoot your headshot. However, how much will it cost in lost opportunities?  Therefore, it is really important NOT to use a selfie or a headshot taken by a friend for an acting headshot. 

 

Clients of Cynthia McIntyre Photography see a dramatic increase in the number of auditions and opportunities when they use a headshot Cynthia created.  

 

First and foremost your headshot needs to be an accurate representation of what you look like.  Of course, it’s possible through makeup and retouching to make you look even more fabulous but an acting headshot needs to be very natural and look like you on your best day.  A Casting Director is well aware that your appearance can be changed with makeup. They want to see the natural you.  Most clients can benefit from a makeup artist on set just be sure not to  go overboard.  

Your clothing for a head shot should be very simple and not distracting. Bring solid colored shirts with no stripes or patterns in a variety of necklines everything from t-shirts  and tanks to colored dress shirts. Mid tones to the darker colors work best and for women and girls pastel colors should be brought to the session. White is great to layer underneath another color but as a top color, white  washes people out and makes you look pale. Avoid gray. Avoid red shirts or bright colored shirts.  Bring a variety of clothing so Cynthia can assist with the final selection. It’s better to have too much than too little.

Practice in front of the mirror before your shoot so you can learn how your face looks from different angles.  Practice different expressions and try to remember what each expression feels like so you can reproduce that  when you’re not in front of the mirror.  A great headshot needs to capture your personality and you need to have a connection with camera.  It needs to have spark! Have a subtext or “role” in your thought and try to represent this through your eyes and facial expression.

If you have an agent DO talk to him/her before your session and find out how they plan on marketing you so you can find out what character types are appropriate for you.  He/she may also have some specific thoughts about your headshot. Is is to be commercial or theatrical?  You need to get a headshot that makes your agent’s job easier so get their input!

 

People frequently become quite nervous during a headshot session.  A headshot session with Cynthia is relaxed and easy- going.  

 

If you get a blemish or any skin issues the day before your shoot,  don’t worry that’s what Photoshop is for!