Headshots Questions

[~FloweryFriend~]

Posted: 1/5/06 at 2:14pm

Alright guys, I need opinions.
I'm getting headshots made up for grad school auditions and I want them to be as standard and professional as possible.

Black & White or Color?
Border or no border?
If there's a border, how large should it be on each side?
Should my name be on the photo itself? Or should I have a border so it can be on that?
How large should my name be?
Name left, right, or center?
What sort of font?

[ashley0139]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 11:48am

Classic is Black and White, so I would go with that.
Borders are also classic and a good choice, about 1/2 inch I think with a little more space on the bottom for your name.
My name is centered on mine.
Any font is good as long as you can read it.

Those are my opinions, but other people will have different ones.

[hannahshule]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 3:28pm

I think the font should be anything straight, in otherwords, not cursive, and not the Chiller kind.

[PJ]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 5:58pm

I've been told lately that it's all about the colored headshots.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 11:44am

The trend is going toward the color headshots, but you can't go wrong with the black and white. Plus, the color is used more for film/tv.

[Chenofan #1]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 1:12pm

I personaly like the black and white. It looks clean and traditional.

[kitkatgirl54]

Posted: 1/8/06 at 5:53pm

i worked at a talent agency and it's true that color is being used more and more (not just for film, but a lot of actors that work in both mediums have begun using color. however, it is still very accepted to have black and white. if your photographer does digital, you can have a b&w and color version of the same shot, then you can see which you like best. both are generally accepted.

your name should be on the bottom right hand corner. the font should be a standard one and shouldn't take away from your picture or be hard to read (times new roman, arial, etc). as for your other questions, it is really whatever you prefer. most have white borders nowadays but there are many variations, including no border and having the name printed right on the headshot, as long as the lower right hand corner is light enough to be able to read the black text. if you are getting a bunch of prints, you might want to try Reproductions (http://www.reproductions.com), they would take care of all of this stuff for you. however they are very strict about the quality of photos so if they aren't being done professionally i might be careful about taking them there.

let me know if you have any other questions!!
Updated On: 1/8/06 at 05:53 PM

[pndmnd]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 12:32pm

A lot of it is just personal preferences and where you get the shots reprinted. I like the name to be centered at the bottom, and I do like a border. If you don't have a border, some places will do the font in white if the bottom of your picture is dark. The place that I get mine reprinted at (which is where they add on the border, font, etc.) let me look at my name in some different fonts and sizes before I decided. I have a long name, with lots of up and down letters, so I went with a pretty standard font, and not too big. The shorter your name, the bigger your font size can be.

In terms of black and white vs. color--I definitely prefer black and white, because I think it looks very classy, however the trend really is turning towards color. In general, it's probably better now to get color because you can always have a color shot changed to black and white (as long as your clothing works for black and white, too).

The only thing that I really have issues with are the horizontal shots. If you do a horizontal shot, don't have it printed as is (on horizontal paper). Have it put on veritcal paper, so the picture will turn out smaller, but you don't have to turn the page when you flip it over to look at the resume.

If you're getting them done professionally, your photographer will probably have suggestions on all of this stuff, as well.

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 9:41pm

Good suggestions. Here's a few more details that have helped people that I know.

Black and white are always the safe way to go for a few reasons. They are standard, timeless,and almost always clean looking. Keep them current. No one wants a 5-10 year old headshot regardless of your age.

Be yourself. Look natural. The acting begins after you are cast.

If you have a budget, go for a few different looks. IE: serious, casual, fun shots. Include a mix of black and white and color. No more than 3 though.

This will allow a potential casting person to see a few facades of you. Sometimes a person is called based upon a certain look.

Always get a professional to do them if possible. Take several shots and bring in at least 3 people to choose the best. Have them tell you what they like about their choices. Try to be objective and go with the unanomous decision.


Pati b
PB Ent.

[kitkatgirl54]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 2:26am

pndmnd: i disagree with you about the horizonal shots. many broadway actors currently have horizontal photos as at least one of their headshots and it is widely accepted in the NY theater world.