05 May Acting Essentials: Choosing a Headshot Photographer
You commit to your dream.
You commit to slaving away hours slinging drinks to pay your bills.
You commit to your acting class, your scene partner, your motivation.
You live, breathe, sleep the business.
You can do all these things, but they’ll mean nearly nothing if you don’t have a headshot print that draws people in, emotions out, and highlights the absolutely best you – physically and energetically. No amount of dreaming or talent will get you into an audition. We’ve all heard stories about some famous actor discovered in line at the bank or after barging into a closed casting call. These incidents do happen, but don’t gamble your entire life away hoping for one of these moments to cross your path.
Sock away a little of that drink slinging cash and hire a fantastic photographer. When we say “fantastic photographer,” we don’t necessarily mean “expensive photographer.” We mean hire a fantastic photographer for you.
There will always be hyped photographers and actors, agents, managers that do the hyping. Here are some tips to choose a photographer that’s right for you. If your agent/manager encourages you to hire someone from their list, these tips can also help you narrow down your choices.
Their Work
Before anything else, look at the photographer’s shots. Do they bring their subjects to life? Does the clothing play a role, but ultimately fade away into oblivion when you look at the subjects’ faces? Are the lines clean and clear? Do the actors jump off the page and tell you a story?
Their Past Clients
Some photographers will have testimonials on their webpages or reviews on the internet. If numerous clients boast that they landed representation or a massive audition after getting shots with the photographer, that’s something to take into consideration. You and your agent can only do so much work. You’re not always in the room with a decision maker. It’s your headshot prints. Pick a photographer that knows how to make your shot perform.
Their Fee
If you’ve done your homework scanning the quality of work, it shouldn’t be too hard to choose who best fits in your price range. Sometimes a $1k shoot may have less quality than a $400 shoot. Expensive doesn’t always mean best. Also, do the prices include hair, make-up, and wardrobe selection? If you do hair and make-up on your own, is there a session discount?
Their Attitude
Once you’ve narrowed down your list to photographers in your price range, now it’s time to talk. Give them a call. Feel out his/her vibe. If they’re easy going and readily answer your questions, it might be a good fit. If the person dodges questions or is rude in any way, I doubt that’ll be a comfortable shoot day. You don’t need a sense of unease infiltrating your headshot vibe!