What
Is A Headshot Photographer?
Actors need headshots to obtain acting work.
Therefore, an actor needs to find a headshot
photographer, a photographer who specializes in
producing headshots and other photos for actors. A
headshot photographer, unlike a general photographer,
understands how show-business works and understands what
actors need in a headshot.
Finding A Good Headshot Photographer
Because the actor's headshot is extremely important
to his ability to find acting jobs and representation,
actors need to be sure they find a reputable headshot
photographer. Actors who have a talent agency should ask
their agency for advice in finding a good photographer.
Actors who don't have an agency can still find great
advice by asking local actors about the photographers
they may have used in the past.
What Is A
Consultation Meeting?
Actors who have chosen a headshot photographer to
take their headshots should look to set up a
consultation meeting. A consultation meeting is a
meeting that allows the actor to describe to the
photographer exactly what he or she is trying to
accomplish. It is also a chance for an actor to discuss
with the photographer what should take place at a photo
shoot. For example, actors can ask questions about what
to wear, how much makeup should be worn and discuss what
kind of look or image the actor is trying to achieve.
The photographer is also able to give advice to the
actor about what looks good on camera, such as the color
of the actor's clothing and how that clothing will look
under certain lighting.
What Is A Photo Session?
Once an actor has had a chance to consult with
the photographer, a date is arranged for a photo session
to take place. A typical photo session will run anywhere
from 1-3 hours in length, depending on what the actor
and photographer hope to accomplish. There can also be
other factors that affect the length of a photo session,
such as weather, camera equipment complications, and
scheduling.
During this photo session, the actor may be asked to
change clothing, go to different shoot locations and
make many different poses for the camera. A good
headshot photographer will always ensure that his
clients are made comfortable during the session, have
private areas to change clothing and are able to provide
feedback as the photo session progresses. After all, the
goal is to make sure the actor has a great experience
and is happy with the way his photos turned out.
What Is A Proof
Sheet?
After an actor has completed a photo session, the
photographer may send over, or have the actor come by
and view, a proof sheet. A proof sheet is a collection
of the photos taken during the actor's photo session.
These photos are miniature images, and contain the
images that the actor will choose to go on their
headshot or composite card.
Many times, the photographer may suggest or advise
the actor to choose certain photos from the proof sheet.
While this is helpful, it's always good for an actor to
get advice directly from his or her talent agent as to
which photo should be chosen. The talent agent knows
which photos will work well in the market and will raise
the most interest, so the agent's expertise should
always be decisive.
What Is Headshot Reproduction?
Once an actor views his proof
sheet and selects his photos, it is now time to
reproduce those photos so that the actor can begin
marketing himself. In many instances, the headshot
photographer not only takes the photos but reproduces
them as well. However, this may not be the most
cost-efficient method for actors. That’s because,
headshot photographers specialize in photography, not
headshot reproduction. For this reason, it is usually
advisable for the actor to go to a headshot reproduction
company that specializes in mass producing actor
headshots. Headshot reproduction companies provide a
quality service at a price most struggling actors can
afford.
