This was an invaluable video. Ironic how an actor can forget that 'acting' is a massive component of their headshots. The headshot is selling the actor (their brand), not the person, so it can't be a stiff shell of an individual without an internal life. Loved this!
if by invaluable you mean without value... i completely agree. this is what happens when someone stumbles into or invents a position of authority and proceeds to string together 15 minutes of meaningless words together.
Great info... a lot of people forget....to come to their headshot shoot well fed and well rested... also allowing themselves to be a bit nervous or anxious... it's normal !, also bring clothes that you LOVE ..not clothes that you never wear... and bring lots of clothes so you have lots to choose from and to mix and match with!
Agreed on all. Thank you @davidleyes640 …except the wardrobe. If you have isolated your market hits, how you fit into the film/TV industry, then you should already have ascertained your three major headshot “events”…and worked out the appropriate wardrobe in advance. Too much guesswork on the day can lessens the tine playing in front of the camera.
Thank you for this video! I love that I learn new things just by watching TH-cam. I loved how you went in depth on what you found effective and not effective in a headshot. I know it's not one of your favorite topics to talk about, but it's so important. You nailed it! I always find that a lot of beginning actors get amateur photos done and think it's great to send to casting directors. Hopefully this brings more awareness to people. You showed so many great examples of what an effective headshot should look like and you tied it with acting scenarios which is such great advice for actors. I agree with you on all the aspects of the images you showed. People need to see the authenticity that the actors bring to their headshots. You're also right that it isn't the photographer's job to direct them, but from my experience as a portrait and headshot photographer, it does help that you're able to coach them a little on body and facial positioning especially if they are just starting out. Thank you for sharing this video!
You can email info@actorsfoundry.com and I can give you a quick assessment. Or. There is a drop-in virtual business class Tuesdays at 10AM PST…if you’d like a thorough business assessment.
Wow this information is really valuable. It's hard to see the obvious. And the role of the actor is to convey an emotion, no photographer does that for you. The photographer can convey emotion for his work, but the actor has to do his job too.
I have to say, I clearly have problems getting good headshots - my headshots have not lead to any work but when people actually see me work (in theatre) I get all kinds of interest from folks wanting me to audition for their projects. I’m in a microscopically small market however.
Thank you for the valuable information. Where do i post these headshots ? Ps I can’t afford the payable websites , can one get international offer if outside country?
Depending on what country you are in, you need to connect yourself to a reputable agency in your market or the market you wish to work in...then they represent you and submit you to casting directors who are casting for film and television.
It all depends on who YOU are and what YOU bring to acting...your personality, and your specific sense-of-being that is unique to you. In this way, you wear WHATEVER best presents your product to the film/TV market. I've seen actors in everything from tank tops to bowling shirts to evening gowns...ask yourself "WHO AM I" and "HOW AM I GOING TO GET CAST"...don't follow other people's irrelevant gender rules.
At 4:26 is an example of a photographer who doesn't know how to edit for nice warm skin tones. This is possible even if the subject is pale and done right it's much more attractive than cool tones, the photographer was totally responsible for not knowing how to edit and or should send their work to someone who can edit the photo for a great finished image. I see lots of actors who end up with those cheap headshots because they didn't want to invest 150.00 or 200.00 dollars in a great headshot. Headshots are not the time to go cheap, it's an investment in your career. Also, I don't like her pose at all 14:16, looks like she's dress elegantly but comes across as a mug shot, shoulders square to the camera, closed mouth expression. Should have turned her slightly with a shoulder towards the camera and slight part of the lips. Literally looks like when a photographer is just checking their exposure while the actor is on set but photoshoot hasn't begun yet. 13:31 was much nicer of her. I like the lighting, background and expression of that one.
Thanks for the in depth look. Agreed very much on the over exposure of 4:26. COMPLETELY disagree on Rachel Mertens shot at 14:16. the cliche shot of turned away from lens is so absolutely boring at this point. It's a much more sophisticated publicity shot for a working actress to have one square-on shot which reads powerful, poised, taking on the world. There's no coyness or manipulation in that kind of shot. COMPLETELY disagree that it looks like a camera person was checking exposure. Her behaviour is stunning. Thanks very much for the feedback. Great to start conversations.
Great points! Thank you!
I love the fact that you go straght into the matter. As a photographer myself, thank you.
Pleasure! Where are you located?
This is one of the most helpful headshot videos I've seen. Thank you!
Pleasure!
This was an invaluable video. Ironic how an actor can forget that 'acting' is a massive component of their headshots. The headshot is selling the actor (their brand), not the person, so it can't be a stiff shell of an individual without an internal life. Loved this!
if by invaluable you mean without value... i completely agree. this is what happens when someone stumbles into or invents a position of authority and proceeds to string together 15 minutes of meaningless words together.
Great info... a lot of people forget....to come to their headshot shoot well fed and well rested... also allowing themselves to be a bit nervous or anxious... it's normal !, also bring clothes that you LOVE ..not clothes that you never wear... and bring lots of clothes so you have lots to choose from and to mix and match with!
Agreed on all. Thank you @davidleyes640 …except the wardrobe. If you have isolated your market hits, how you fit into the film/TV industry, then you should already have ascertained your three major headshot “events”…and worked out the appropriate wardrobe in advance. Too much guesswork on the day can lessens the tine playing in front of the camera.
Thank you for this video! I love that I learn new things just by watching TH-cam. I loved how you went in depth on what you found effective and not effective in a headshot. I know it's not one of your favorite topics to talk about, but it's so important. You nailed it! I always find that a lot of beginning actors get amateur photos done and think it's great to send to casting directors. Hopefully this brings more awareness to people. You showed so many great examples of what an effective headshot should look like and you tied it with acting scenarios which is such great advice for actors. I agree with you on all the aspects of the images you showed. People need to see the authenticity that the actors bring to their headshots. You're also right that it isn't the photographer's job to direct them, but from my experience as a portrait and headshot photographer, it does help that you're able to coach them a little on body and facial positioning especially if they are just starting out. Thank you for sharing this video!
Pleasure…
Hi! I love your insight into the headshots and I would love to hear what you think about the one I got from my recent shoot.
You can email info@actorsfoundry.com and I can give you a quick assessment. Or. There is a drop-in virtual business class Tuesdays at 10AM PST…if you’d like a thorough business assessment.
Good connecting with you - great shots.
Good to hear from you!
Clear-cut advice! Thank you!
this is a really insightful video. Thanks for posting
Pleasure. Enjoy all the videos!
Wow this information is really valuable. It's hard to see the obvious. And the role of the actor is to convey an emotion, no photographer does that for you. The photographer can convey emotion for his work, but the actor has to do his job too.
Glad it helped.
I have to say, I clearly have problems getting good headshots - my headshots have not lead to any work but when people actually see me work (in theatre) I get all kinds of interest from folks wanting me to audition for their projects. I’m in a microscopically small market however.
Know exactly what you are representing as an actor and presenting to the market, and then let the camera in on the secret of that truth…
It’s hard for me to say without seeing your shots, Ray. Post a link her and I will take a look.
My favourite two headshot photographers in VANCOUVER are: Kristine Coffsky www.kristinecofsky.com and Shimon Photography www.shimonphoto.com
Also check out CHARLES ZUCKERMAN www.zuckermannwong.com/
Thank you for the valuable information. Where do i post these headshots ? Ps I can’t afford the payable websites , can one get international offer if outside country?
Depending on what country you are in, you need to connect yourself to a reputable agency in your market or the market you wish to work in...then they represent you and submit you to casting directors who are casting for film and television.
Also, you will need to subscribe to IMDbPro and upload your pics and demos
th-cam.com/video/OYYmqMryWcU/w-d-xo.html
The BRANDING AND MARKETING forum was at actorsfoundry.forums.net
what should a female wear? can we wear sleeveless shirts? etc
It all depends on who YOU are and what YOU bring to acting...your personality, and your specific sense-of-being that is unique to you. In this way, you wear WHATEVER best presents your product to the film/TV market. I've seen actors in everything from tank tops to bowling shirts to evening gowns...ask yourself "WHO AM I" and "HOW AM I GOING TO GET CAST"...don't follow other people's irrelevant gender rules.
At 4:26 is an example of a photographer who doesn't know how to edit for nice warm skin tones. This is possible even if the subject is pale and done right it's much more attractive than cool tones, the photographer was totally responsible for not knowing how to edit and or should send their work to someone who can edit the photo for a great finished image. I see lots of actors who end up with those cheap headshots because they didn't want to invest 150.00 or 200.00 dollars in a great headshot. Headshots are not the time to go cheap, it's an investment in your career. Also, I don't like her pose at all 14:16, looks like she's dress elegantly but comes across as a mug shot, shoulders square to the camera, closed mouth expression. Should have turned her slightly with a shoulder towards the camera and slight part of the lips. Literally looks like when a photographer is just checking their exposure while the actor is on set but photoshoot hasn't begun yet. 13:31 was much nicer of her. I like the lighting, background and expression of that one.
Thanks for the in depth look. Agreed very much on the over exposure of 4:26. COMPLETELY disagree on Rachel Mertens shot at 14:16. the cliche shot of turned away from lens is so absolutely boring at this point. It's a much more sophisticated publicity shot for a working actress to have one square-on shot which reads powerful, poised, taking on the world. There's no coyness or manipulation in that kind of shot. COMPLETELY disagree that it looks like a camera person was checking exposure. Her behaviour is stunning.
Thanks very much for the feedback. Great to start conversations.
Where are you located? We have Foundry actors all over.
Nice