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#1

question about headshots

Is it unprofessional for a headshot to include your name on it?
#2

re: question about headshots

Not at all.
Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
#3

re: question about headshots

I thought that was the norm? Rath - do you have color shots? My wife's new shots are color.

Also, do you use sites www.acctorsaccess.com?
#4

re: question about headshots

The contemporary wisdom is to not put the text on the photo itself, but to add a border and print your name below the photo. However, many many people do not do so, and book work. So, while a pictue says a thousand words, a mono/song says more.
"Fundamentalism means never having to say 'I'm wrong.'" -- unknown
#6

re: question about headshots

My name is on the border.

And no, I don't have color shots. They are really only useful for redheads.
Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
#7

re: question about headshots

Funny, I was just trying to decide this. I was at Reproductions, and I was wondering whether I should just have my photo with a small border, and keep the name on the back.

But, I decided against it because:

1. Casting directors can be very easily annoyed.
2. They can also be fond of doing things the way they are used to.

So, to make it as easy as possible to connect name with face, I decided to have my name printed on the border (not the actual photo).

For the record- my headshots are in color, and that's the only reason I considered no name/border. But I just saw a test print, and they look great.
http://preppylife.tumblr.com/

Updated On: 8/25/05 at 12:22 PM

#8

re: question about headshots

1. I recommend HIGHLY the name in border.

2. Color shots are quickly becoming hot. Especially for film work. Cheno, if you wouldn't mind, pm me with your headshot photographer's name. Great shot and I'm looking for new ones.
"I'm so looking forward to a time when all the Reagan Democrats are dead."
#9

re: question about headshots

Most definitely put your name on the front. Color shots are quickly replacing the standard b&w. The border around the picture is also very common.

Most people I see also use a very small contrasting photo on the resume side in the top right corner.
"High time we made a stand and shook up the views of the common man" - Tears for Fears
#10

re: question about headshots

I know one casting director in particular who says that when there is NO name on the front, it prompts him to turn the pic over and look at the name on the resume. So, there's one arguement for not putting your name of the front. Of course, I don't know many cd's (or their assistants) that will put that much effort into it.

ps...my name is printed on the front.
#11

re: question about headshots

otis- totally. I figured, why make them breathe a sigh, roll their eyes, and flip over the pic? That's already one strike against you.
http://preppylife.tumblr.com/
#12

re: question about headshots

Plus if your name is not anywhere on your headshot (border or otherwise), and your photo becomes detached from your resume...

....you're screwed.

Call me old fashioned but I think B&W headshots look classier that colored headshots.

Updated On: 8/25/05 at 03:32 PM

#13

re: question about headshots

WCA - how do you attach the photo - staples, glue sticks??
#14

re: question about headshots

I usually staple, although sometimes I use double stick tape.

On rare occassions, I can also feed my heashot through my printer and directly print on the back.

Updated On: 8/25/05 at 03:36 PM

#15

re: question about headshots

I, too, like the B&W headshots best...but it's getting to the point where an actor is going to be expected to have both.
"I'm so looking forward to a time when all the Reagan Democrats are dead."
#16

re: question about headshots

WCA - I have used the printing method, but often get a shadow. I probably need to use a better printer. Double stick tape? That information makes the wasted time here today worth the while!

My wife's new color shots from McConkey are excellent, but it is about $2 a shot to print.

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