Headshots

[edenespinosalover]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 8:12pm

Is there a way to take a good headshot without having to pay an actual professional photographer. I've tried using a digital camera to take them, but I get really really nasty shadows and I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips on how to get a nice looking headshot without paying hundreds of dollars. Thanks.

[Justice]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 8:13pm

Work with the lighting.

[Justice]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 8:14pm

Work with the lighting. Or better yet, photoshop the shadows out.

oops..double post with an added extra

Updated On: 1/30/05 at 08:14 PM

[edenespinosalover]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 8:16pm

I have tried with different lighting and I actually have tried using Adobe Photoshop to edit them out, but the shadows in the backdrop are (I dunno if I'm saying this correctly) are "connected" to the shadows on my neck, so when I try to edit out the shadows, it turns my neck that color as well. AHH. Anyhow, are there any specific lighting techniques that work with headhosts?!

[CatieElphie1]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 8:17pm

what I do is about once a year a group (usually about 5 people) get together and we take a whole bunch of pictures with balck and white film and on digital cameras. Then we edit them and photoshop them...we usually get really good results..
another way to go it to see if a photographer will allow you to spilt the cost between people...ie three friends get three shots and split the cost..but I don't know if many people will do that.
OR....(what I used to do) is make friends with a photographer who's interested in acting and see if you can get him to shoot you for free...that happened once and it was really cool, but really lucky.
hope that helps.

[timote316]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 8:34pm

I don't know much about lighting, but maybe try placing lighting that cancels out the shadows. Like, point a light in the opposite direction of the light that's causing the shadows. Can't really explain it, but just try different things with the lights. Who knows, maybe forcing it to flash might do it.

[broadwaybabyy7]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 8:37pm

I suggest you look into local film scools or art schools and try to get someone to do TFP for you (time for photos) Be weary of the quality, but sometimes you can come across great photographers who want to expand their portfolio as much as you want to your career.
-Anna

[TGIF]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 8:40pm

Just make sure that the extra/different lighting doesn't flush your face out.

[Joshua488]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 9:08pm

Definitely work on the lighting! Try not to have too many shadows. And don't make your face washed out! Contrary to many Broadway actors' headshots, you don't want your eyes and hair to be the only visible features of your face (i.e., Idina Menzel).

Don't use my photo for reference, either. It's got awful shadows, and it's not even my headshot! LOL

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 9:14pm

Well, if you're going to be using your headshot for professional purposes, it should be professionally done. An amateur headshot will make you look like an amateur performer to those who don't know you. I actually just got my headshot done--it was a pretty good deal. The photo shoot was about $100, and I then got 500 copies made for another $100. So $200 in total--a small price to pay for one of the most vital aspects of your business.

[Mattio98]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 9:17pm

What purpose do you need the headshots for?

[BrdwayBaby]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 9:18pm

my headshot was actually taken by my dad on a digital camera in our front yard between two trees. weird, i know. i mean, it sounds like it should have turned out horribly, but it actually looks really nice. but that might have just been some freak of nature occurance.

[Joshua488]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 9:18pm

That is not completely true. You can definitely get amateur headshots done that look like any professional's work. It's definitely possible. Sure, the easy way would be to shell out a few hundred bucks for professional photos, but if you can't, there are many ways to make it work. You also have to have a good camera. Not just any camera will take professional quality shots. Updated On: 1/30/05 at 09:18 PM

[Mattio98]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 9:22pm

Nine times out of ten, from what I've heard, industry professionals will know the difference between an amateur and a professional headshot.

[jasonvanemburgh]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 9:29pm

I know people who's careers began AFTER they got better headshots. So many actors spend countless dollars on classes, etc. and then skimp on the headshot..their only calling card...the thing that gets you in the door. I would save up and have them done right. I plan on using Robert Kim in NY. His fee is $800+, but if your gonna be in this business, its one of the most important investments!

[Joshua488]

Posted: 1/30/05 at 9:32pm

Just from stories I've heard from people I know, they have gotten professional, high-paying gigs (even Equity cards) while having amateur headshots.

If edenespinosalover has a résumé filled with professional credits, then I agree that a professional headshot would be the way to go. But if his résumé has some regional credits, school productions and whatnot, then a professional headshot isn't necessary. The casting people can definitely tell that he isn't a professional actor, so a professional headshot wouldn't trick them or anything.

[Dreamcatcher]

Posted: 1/31/05 at 1:14am

Yeah some local art or film colleges and high schools might do it for you, or if you have a friend who is in the photography business. I went to a summer acting workshop and one of the things we got from it were free headshots and resumes that we could take home. The pictures were taken by the camp director and they actually turned out really really well and I didnt have to pay tons of money for it. ^^

[BWAYboi_yes]

Posted: 1/31/05 at 2:01am

think of your headshot as your only window into the business. producers dont care that you cant afford good headshots, and casting directors dont want to go to their producers and say 'listen cameron, i know this headshot looks like total crap, but this boys got something better than a good headshot... TALENT!' talents a dime a dozen, get a good headshot, get a classy resume, slap a good attitude on your face and take whatever comes your way with a 'yes sir' and a smile.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 1/31/05 at 2:22am

well said, BWAYboi.

[broadway_star_tomorrow]

Posted: 1/31/05 at 3:28am

i agree, bwayboi. i have a friend who's a casting director, and he said that it looks really unprofessional if a performer has a bad headshot. even if they are poor/struggling, if they don't work to save the money, it shows a lack of dedication.

that said, if you only need it for community theatre, you should be fine with something taken by a friend or an art student.

[Dreamcatcher]

Posted: 1/31/05 at 11:28am

What everyone else said, if its just for local theatre productions etc then you would do fine with a unprofessional headshot (thats what I used and was fine) but if you are auditioning for major things then a professional headshot would be better.

[JamieMcG]

Posted: 1/31/05 at 12:53pm

I have to agree with those saying that a professional headshot is a better idea.

There was a book I read before I moved to the city that said "If you have a $10 head, get a $10 headshot."

There are plenty of photographers in NYC who have very reasonable rates. Many of which you will pay less than $500 for a sitting (which is extremely reasonable). I really do think that if you are auditioning in NYC, Chicago, LA or other major cities, you really need to have a shot professionally done. The difference (though not always recognizable to you) is enormous.

Updated On: 1/31/05 at 12:53 PM