Take a Headshot
Whether you are going to an interview with a new agent, looking to improve your overall portfolio or just wanting to take a great picture of yourself, a great headshot can be a difficult picture to take. It's important to shoot multiple photos and try your best, knowing it can be extremely difficult to take a perfect shot!
Steps
- Before you take your pictures, you're going to have to decide whether you want them professionally done. This can be rather expensive, and especially if you are just starting out in the world of modeling, they are not required. The average professional headshot photo shoot can cost $600-1,000, depending on the number of wardrobe changes and photos taken.
- If you decide to go professional, find a reputable company that specializes in artistic modeling photographs. Take a look at some of their previous work and decide whether the place is right for you. If you decide to avoid high prices and go non-pro, find a friend or family member that is a moderately good photographer. You want to make sure they own a good camera - preferably an SLR-style camera from a brand like Canon, Nikon or Panasonic.
- Once you have chosen, schedule a date and time for the shoot. Make sure it's a free day when you have nothing else planned - you don't want to rush to or from the shoot, it could affect the quality of the pictures you get. You'll also want to select your outfit. Headshots are meant to focus on the face, not the wardrobe, so go for something simple and non-distracting. Avoid spaghetti straps, although tank tops are okay. The best shirt is a solid color that complements your body and face. Stud earrings are okay, but stay away from necklaces, dangle earrings or other jewelry.
- Leading up to the shoot, make sure you eat healthy and continue with hair and acne care as you always would. Take super good care of your face, it's the only one you have. On the day of the shoot, eat a good breakfast and get plenty of sleep! No one wants baggy eyes! If you are doing pro photos, head off to your appointment early and arrive ready to smile!
- If you are taking non-professional pictures, you're going to need a good backdrop. The best are gray, white or black, or a very simple home or nature setting. The focus should be on your face, not the stuff behind you! Make sure you have good lighting- natural is best, but studio will do. Avoid dramatic shadows on your face.
- Apply a little or no makeup- just a small amount of eyeliner, mascara and smudge of blush. Try to look as sophisticated but natural as possible. Hair should be worn natural- don't straighten or curl. The agency wants to see the natural YOU!
- When you stand in front of your backdrop, smile! Let it be natural- have a friend tell a joke or a funny story if you are having trouble. Look at the camera. If you like, you can turn sideways, but always have your head facing the camera straight-on. It is generally best to not have your body straight-on, though- turn at a slight angle to the camera.
- Have the photographer take plenty of pictures, with varying positions. Always get the whole head in the picture, with the face generally centered. You'll want options later on, so take lots of photos to choose from! You can even change wardrobe or backdrop if you like, so more options are available.
- After you've finished shooting, import your photos to a computer and select which ones you'd like to use- you can generally have a couple, but it's better to have a few REALLY good ones than many mediocre ones. You can do some extremely minimal editing- adjust light, slightly crop- but overall the pictures should be left natural.
- Print your photos. Some people prefer black and white, and others color. See if the agency has a preference. If not, go with what suits you best. You can print your pictures with or without a border and that's also your choice. Remember, an agency isn't going to reject you just because your pictures don't or do have a border.
- Congrats! You have completed your head shots!
Tips
- Have fun! Agencies like pictures and people that can smile, laugh, and show true loving personality. Be the best version of yourself!
- Be confident and relaxed- it will show through in the pictures.
- Get your nails done. If one should happen to slip into the picture, it should be looking nice. You don't want to have to delete amazing pictures because of not-so-amazing nails.
- Practice smiling in the mirror leading up to the day of your shoot- it will help you look more photogenic.
- Don't drink soda or alcohol the days before the shoot- this can bloat your stomach and leave you looking and feeling large, slow and sluggish.
Warnings
- Headshots are more than just cheesy family photos- they can be EXTREMELY difficult to take! Don't underestimate the ability for one photo to be so time-consuming.
- Head shots are truly a representation of what you are as a model. Make sure yours are accurate- don't look like something or someone you're not- this is misrepresenting yourself to the agency, and they will not appreciate it.
- If you get pricey professional pictures taken, make sure the photographer satisfies you, and go to a reputable place. Its just not worth a huge chunk of money to get mediocre pictures or be scammed by a place. Talk to clients that have gone to the place before, and ask their opinion. Are they satisfied with the service?
- If you cannot take good head shots, it may be best to go to an interview with none at all. Most agents will understand if you are just starting out in the modeling world and won't mind your lack of pictures.
Things You'll Need
- A few family members or friends
- A grey, white, black or simple backdrop
- A good camera
- A computer
- Healthy food
- Acne Products
- Hair products
- Minimal makeup
- A simple outfit
- A smile
- A good personality and attitude!
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