Chances are the person serving your drinks in that posh restaurant in Beverly Hills, will be the next superstar on the silver screen.  But how does a person get from waiting tables to being that next superstar?  Well, that’s what we will cover in every issue of The LA Social, in a section totally devoted to what you need to know to get ahead or at least be, “Industry Standard”.  This is “The Industry”.

Headshots

A good headshot is the business card of every professional model or actor/actress.  Without exception this is the single most staple item in the arsenal of a professional entertainer on the rise.  As an actor or model, if you don’t have a headshot, you won’t be taken seriously by casting directors, period.  This being said, you might wonder what makes a good or bad headshot.  Here are some simple guidelines you want to watch for.

#1: 

A headshot is meant to show off who you are as an individual, not what designer clothes or jewelry you may have.  Be sure not to have distracting jewelry or clothing on, as this will take away from the main subject, you.

#2: Lighting:

Lighting for a headshot should be even and soft.  Harsh directional lighting will cause unflattering shadows.  You want to try and avoid “Dramatic” lighting where parts of your face are in shadows.  Casting directors won’t think this is cool, instead they will wonder “What are you trying to hide with the shadows?” and you will be discarded immediately.

#3: Content

The typical headshot covers the top of your head to some point in your shoulders.  Many headshots however do encompass large portions of a person’s body; this is typically called a ¾ shot.  Both are acceptable, if done correctly.  In any case, you don’t want large portions of your face to be hidden.  You want to make sure your hair and entire head are in your shot.  Be sure your photo isn’t cropped at the ears or chin; the casting director might wonder if you are attempting to hide something unflattering.  If your hair is long and covers your ears, don’t worry too much about that, as long as your style is natural you’ll be fine.

Border or No Border

When you get down to editing your photo, you may wonder if you want to add a border around your photo or have it cover the entire surface of the 8x10 (which is called full bleed).  In this case, either is acceptable.  It will come down to a personal choice on what you like and are more comfortable with.  If your headshot is shot well and professional, it wont be rejected because of its border style.

Makeup

The purpose of the headshot is to portray you in the most positive light possible.  The casting directors want a good and accurate representation of who you really are.  Yes you want to wear some makeup for your headshot, but you want to avoid makeup that looks unnatural.  A headshot is not a glamour shot, so go light on the lipstick and eye makeup.

Color or Black and white?

Most headshots are now in color.  If you feel you really want black and white, then go with black and white.  Most photographers shoot in a digital format now, so its easy to change a color photo to black and white.  However, some photographers shoot with cameras that have a black and white mode, omitting all the color information at the time the photo is taken.  Never remove the option of color from your photos!  If you are 100% sure you want black and white photos, still have the photographer shoot in color, you can always change them to black and white.  If they are shot in black and white with no color information, you can never go back to color.  Spell it out to your photographer, “I want my photos to end up as black and whites, but I want them shot in color so I have the option of black and white or color.”  Being crystal clear is always best.

Photo retouch

The art of photo retouching is so extensive we will cover it as a separate subject in another issue.  For now, just be sure you don’t overdo it.  Some photographers have programs  like Photoshop, and they aren’t very skilled on using them the correct way.  Want to make sure your photo is clear and free from blemishes, but you also want to take care that the grain on your skin is still natural to the eye.  Also make sure your have good sharpness on your eyes in the photos.  Many times when photos are retouched, the person goes overboard with the softening features, and leaves the photo looking unrealistic.  Don’t be afraid to take your photos elsewhere for professional retouching.  And always make sure you get the un-retouched version of your photos as well as the finished version, in case you want to go elsewhere and have it done.

Important things to remember

Have your clothes pressed and ready, preferably by a dry cleaner and bring them on hangers.

Drink plenty of water in the day or two prior to shooting, hydration does wonders for the skin.

Do not drink alcohol 24 hours prior to your shoot.  You might look “puffy” and add bags under your eyes.  Also avoid fatty and salty foods.

Eat a light meal before your shoot, something healthy to keep your energy levels high.  If you don’t eat right, you will burn out and become cranky during your shoot.  Also bring bottled water and light snacks with you to your shoot.

Remember, people will only take you as serious as you take yourself.  Your headshot says, “This is me, I am the best person for the job.”  Many times your headshot is the only thing casting directors have to judge you by, so make sure your shot is great!  Many amazing careers were started with a solid headshot!  Unfortunately, many promising careers never got started at all due to a bad shot.  Choose wisely, the only thing of more abundance than opportunity is competition.