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Head Shots?

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Category: Producing Theater
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URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2684
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Topic: Head Shots?

Posted By: eveharrington
Subject: Head Shots?
Date Posted: 9/21/07 at 10:21pm

I'm preparing to have headshots taken and I know the "rules" have changed a little in the last couple of years, it's my understanding that most agencies now prefer color to the traditional black and white and I'm thinking of doing a comp card with two to three photos (full length and portrait) instead of just the portrait. I am going to be using it primarily to obtain theater representation, I'm not interested in modeling or anything like that. Any thoughts? Has anyone had recent shots taken, what did you do? Thanks.

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"If nothing else, there's applause... like waves of love pouring over the footlights."

Replies:

Posted By: benhamtroll
Date Posted: 9/23/07 at 1:59am

I went color with mine, but just a single shot. Most newer head shots are half body, from the waist up.

Find a photographer who specializes, and they'll make sure you get the right shot.

I've gotten work, so they must be working . . .

Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: 9/23/07 at 8:13am

My suggestion is to make sure it reflects who you are. My daughter had beautiful set of headshots done. She looked amazing, like a 40s movie star. She is actually more of a lusty comedianne. She has had two directors tell her to get a new head shot because the it did not represent who she was.

I see lots of headshots both color and black & white. The younger actors have ones that are half body and color. The older actors have ones that are more traditional sometimes color, sometimes black & white.

Linda

Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 9/23/07 at 2:32pm

In my experience, composites aren't necessary if you're only interested in doing theater. Composites are used primarily for models who do a lot of print work (catalogues, magazine ads, etc) because it is very rare for a photographer to actually hold auditions -- since typically there is no speaking or "acting" required. They are looking specifically for height-weight; hair, skin & eye color, etc. and whoever matches that demographic is booked over the phone.

Composites are also useful for actors (and models who act) who intend to do TV commercials if the composites display distintictive "looks" (ie: business woman vs sport gear; young mom vs glamour shots, etc). I've seen too many so-called composites where the actor did nothing to change their hair & make-up, only their clothes. All this does is display the actor's own vanity and not their ability to adapt into characters.

Once again, commericals are designed to attract a specific demographic and creating distinctive looks allows potential directors to get an idea for what "type" you can be. (In general, ALL casting is "typecasting!") And rather than having a portfolio of a half-dozen different headshots, a composite card will solve that. Of course, you'll still be asked to audition so they can see you move and hear you speak, if necessary.

Theater (and film) directors typically prefer a single headshot (whether 3/4 body or simply face & shoulders). A good headshot is your greatest marketing tool. Like Linda S said above -- it's not necessary your "best" picture or "prettiest" picture, it must be a picture that displays who YOU are. Smiling or non-smiling, it should look natural.

A good headshot should display not only your features, but also provide a glimpse into your personality.

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"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

Posted By: drose
Date Posted: 9/23/07 at 3:44pm

I think that Topper sums it up beautifully when he says, "A good headshot should dispaly not only your features, but also provide a glimpse into your personality."

Posted By: Gaafa
Date Posted: 10/03/07 at 9:19pm

Eve this site may help with headshots?

http://www.actortips.com/ - May you always play
to a full house}