5 Tips To Help Maximize Your Headshot Session
Let’s face it, your headshot is your first point of contact; It’s your brand and your signature. It represents what you look like, your age, your demographic, the soul that stirs inside of you. My job as the photographer is to capture that glimpse of personality that is hidden deep within your heart. If I succeed, your photo pops out to the casting director when they quickly scroll through the endless grid of submissions.
Getting the headshot that stands out against all the rest is easier said than done. A photographer can be a master of lighting, a guru in posing subjects, the most expensive, the goat of all photographers. But, that does not mean you will end up with headshots that work for you.
Fine, I’ll give it to you; You did all the prep work needed leading up to the shoot (If you have not done so yet, check out the blog I wrote for advice on how to be most prepared by CLICKING HERE. You found the photographer with a dope portfolio that fits in your budget, you did all the necessary preparations leading up to the shoot, and now you just need to show up…right? Wrong! The easy work has been done. The hard work happens during the shoot. That’s the time to make magic. Even though it may seem like a simple process, so many actors get so stressed out at their shoot. Acting in front of a moving camera can feel like second nature, but posing in front of a still camera can feel like doom. So, let me enlighten you with some tips that will help you be at your best for your headshots so you feel more relaxed and at ease.
1. CONNECT WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER
The first thing I do with every actor when they come into my studio is sit down to talk. I ask them the routine questions such as what they are looking for, when was the last time they got headshots, etc. But even more important, I get to know them. My job is to capture your essence, who you are as a person, on stage and off. Nothing gets me inspired more than understanding what drives the person I am shooting. What are their interests? What are their dislikes? Where were they born and raised? What drives them to be an actor? Obviously, each actor is different and I may get more personal than one actor and less with another. I read the room and do what I can to learn about each one of my clients. Any photographer you hire should also do the same. They should make you feel like they are interested in who you are. And to make that happen, it’s important you stay open and vulnerable. Because, being open and vulnerable doesn’t just help the photographer, it will show in the headshot itself.
2. BRING WARDROBE OPTIONS…LOTS OF THEM
If you have not done so yet, I wrote a great blog on wardrobe advice for actor headshots. Feel free to read it HERE. But to give my number one piece of wardrobe advice in one sentence; “Bring as many wardrobe options as possible”. Even if you prepared with your team and arranged exactly you want to wear with a stylist, bring extra options. Oh how much I love it when an actor walks into my studio with two shirts, no jacket, the outfit they are currently wearing, and says, “Okay, I am ready for my three looks.” With all sarcasm put aside, it’s most likely going to lead to conversation where we both wished they had brought their favorite sport coat or that denim jacket that makes them look cool as heck. Also, one option that you think looks great, may be the completely wrong color and be a total no no for the camera. But must I say more? Bring options….pretty please and with a cherry on top.
3. GET THE MAKEUP ARTIST
Using my in house Makeup Artist (MUA) is always an option my clients, but sometimes I wish it was a must. Having a Makeup artist makes you look better, and the entire shoot is 1000% better. Too many people are convinced they can do their own makeup better themselves, only to end up with blotchy lip liner or foundation that looks horrible on camera. Yes, the magic of editing allows for skin softening, but blotchy skin is near impossible to fix. Aside from looking better, having an MUA just makes the entire process so much more fun. They are there to talk with you, to share stories, and to just get the mood going. While I love interacting with my clients, I am usually busy prepping the next setup, moving things around, fixing lights, etc. Also, throughout the shoot so many things need to be fixed such as fly away hairs, a crooked collar, a shiny forehead, you name it. Having a third set of eyes plus extra hands to fix these things without the photographer distracting him/herself from being IN the camera makes the process and results so much better. Best of you, with a MUA on hand, you can focus on the shoot and not have to bother fixing every little thing wrong with your makeup. Nothing breaks up the flow more than when I have to keep stopping so the client can fix their makeup that isn’t working.
Yes, I hear it so many times,, “During my last headshot session, I used the in-house make up artist and they made me look so ugly!” While I can’t argue their past experiences I can always reassure them that the MUA artists I use specialize in headshots and are vetted by me personally. And worse comes to worse, I allow all my clients to hire their own makeup artist to come into the studio (I just require the makeup is done before coming into the studio). I am sure most photographers will allow the same thing, so don’t be afraid to ask if you are skeptical about using their in-house MUA.
4. Make a Playlist
Music is a must for all my shoots. It sets the tone and creates a vibe so much better than mundane silence. Yet, everyone has music that inspires them, that uplifts them, that helps get the juices flowing. My choice of music may not be the same as yours. While I always ask each client what type of music they like, it’s always best when they ask, “Can I send you a playlist?” My answer, “Heck Yes!”. I once had a client come into the studio and requested if we can play hit broadway songs from a specific musical. The moment I turned on the soundtrack from the new West Side Story, they morphed into a new person. Their faces lit up, and their spirit sprung out of their eyes. Their energy was apparent just from looking at the final photos we got. So, don’t be afraid to prepare your favorite playlist on Apple Music or Spotify. They can easily be shared and played.
5. LET GO OF INHIBITIONS
I’ll be honest. This is the toughest of them all. Inhibitions are like writer's block for actors. They always creep up when the cameras roll. They keep actors from performing their best. And even the actors who are natural when it comes to performing, they freeze up when it comes to still photography. My advice, stop judging the situation. Don’t worry if these new headshots will actually work this time. Don’t think about how you could have worn the other top but chose this one. Don’t think about all the things that are blocking you from being in the moment. A great tip I provide every actor I work with is to forget about the camera. Too many times actors feel obligated to stay engaged with the camera at all times forgetting to blink. Remember, this is a still photo shoot. It’s okay to look away, relax your body, and get back into character. As the photographer, I am always watching you through my viewfinder, ready to capture the moment your gaze looks right into the lens. So take a moment to breathe through the motions and then find the camera again.
ENJOY THE MOMENT
Play, play, play,and then play some more. Experiment with your poses, have fun with the camera, embrace the photographer’s directions, and make it the best photo shoot you ever have. The best acting happens when you let yourself get swept up in the moment and play. In the end, it’s only a picture. And the more pressure you put on the importance of that picture, the more difficult it will be to relax. So just let go and have the best time of your life.
If you have any other questions or would like to set up a consulation to book your next headshot session, please CONTACT ME HERE.