ACTOR

Actors need photographers. They need to maintain picture portfolios that present themselves attractively to potential employers. One of the pictures you will need is a head shot. A head shot is an 8? x 10? black-and-white photograph of your head and face. This photo will become your calling card. It is often the first image that the people who hire actors for movies, television shows, and commercials will see of you. Because your photographs may be looked at before you actually are seen in person, it is crucial that you have an excellent, flattering head shot that also looks like you.

The head shot must be taken by a professional photographer who specializes in photographing actors. You can find the name of a good photographer back at that bookstore, or in one of the actors’ trade journals like Variety or Billboard. Do not skimp or try to save money when you are getting your head shot done. Good head shots can be expensive, especially if you are having them taken by a well-known photographer. Spend the money. A good head shot may mean the difference between getting work and not getting work. A reputable photographer should allow you to stop by his or her studio to have a look at the work he or she has done. This is a courtesy and should not cost you any money. If the photographer asks for money, cancel your appointment and look for another photographer. No money should change hands until you actually have an appointment set up to have your photos taken.

Find out how much the photographer charges for each roll of film he or she shoots. Then ask, on average, how many rolls of film are shot in a session. You'll want to know how many actual photos you will get. It's important to know what to wear, whether or not you should do your own hair and makeup, or whether the photographer has someone in the studio to do these for you. Ask if the photographer guarantees his or her work. If you get your proof sheet back and you do not like any of the shots, will the photographer re-shoot for a nominal fee, or only if there is an obvious error in the lighting or the focus? Any good photographer should guarantee his or her work. Head shots are too important; you need to have the best.

“Make sure your head shot stands out,” says Sandy Watson, an actor, director, and producer in Los Angeles. “And not because it is a stunt shot, like you posed half naked or something. It should stand out because there is a special glimmer in your eyes that makes the person looking at it wonder what you are thinking about. That is the best shot.” Once you have chosen the photo you feel best represents you, you will need to have it reproduced. Ask your photographer if he or she can recommend a printer. To start out, have about 100 to 200 head shots made, with your name printed along the bottom. Having more made later will never be as expensive as this first time.