Headshot Homework: Prepping for Your Pro Session

We have to give a big shout out to Stefanie Flamm who is one of our headshot photographers during this workshop for sharing her Headshot Homework! This is jam packed with tons of great prep info to ensure you get the best possible headshots for you. We recommend reading the full article if you plan on attending the workshop or are getting ready for your very own headshot session.

HEADSHOT HOMEWORK

The most important thing about your headshot is that it looks exactly like YOU when you walk into the audition room. It should also show your essence, who you are, and how you are going to act the part that you are auditioning for. That’s a lot to stuff in one picture! Don’t worry it is possible (with a bit of preparation).

This homework will not only assure that your acting headshot truly represents you, it is also a great way to prepare yourself for interviews with casting directors, managers, and agents.

How would your friends, family or people who know you best describe your personality?
What types of roles are you going out for?
Is there a working actor who is having your career, playing the types of roles you should play? Who is it?
If there was a break down describing the perfect character for you to play what would the adjectives be?
Is there a specific look you want to go for in your headshot?
If you were on a T.V. show what would would it be? Or what type would it be?
If you were in a commercial what products would you sell?
What do you want your headshot to say about you?

If you can take your time and answer these questions thoughtfully, specifically, and accurately AND communicate the answers to me it will give us both a great professional advantage to get you headshots that WILL work for you.

WHAT TO WEAR

What to wear in your headshots is one of the most important things to think about before your session. Clothes should enhance and not distract; say something about the characters you're right for, but not look like a costume; show you off at your best, stand out in a pile of headshots; and finally show your personality. Think about what outfits you have that make you feel hot, get you lots of compliments, or that you wear for auditions. There are no rules in my book, but some of the guidelines below might make it easier to choose from your wardrobe.

1. SIMPLE: The simpler the better, we don’t want the clothes to distract from you and your personality in the shots.

2. FITTED: This is most important! Tailored, fitted clothes photograph best! Baggy clothes will make you look heavier in the shots.

3. CRISP: In a perfect world we would prefer clothes to be brand new- but washed once. So that it isn’t straight out of the package, but also isn’t faded or distressed. I recommend having everything you bring professionally cleaned and very well pressed/ironed. Bring your clothes on hangers if possible. Wrinkled clothes photograph very messy and are distracting. *Dress/button up shirts MUST be ironed as crisply as possible (pressed professionally is ideal) or they may not be usable.

4. COLORS/PATTERNS: Blacks, browns, and vibrant colors (yellow, green, red, bright blue) all look great in headshots. Solid colors are best. Bring at least one color that matches or brings out your eyes. Patterns that are bold but not busy can work- stripes, gingham, bold polka-dots, stuff like that can look pretty cool.

5. LAYERS LAYERS LAYERS: Layers look GREAT in shots- especially for men. Bring a variety of shirt styles and layers that can go on top. Blazers, jackets, hoodies, sweaters are all good choices.

6. JEANS: Bring a pair of nice-fitting jeans. They look great, plus, having pockets gives you something to do with your hands in the shots.

7. T-SHIRTS AND TANK TOP: Bring a couple t-shirts, V NECKS tend to be more flattering than crew necks. And if you don’t have any FITTED, SOLID COLORED NEW t-shirts (Preferable v-neck) head to Uni Qlo, Old Navy, or Express for men.

8. BELTS: Wear a belt - it looks more put together.

9. AVOID: Busy patterns, baggy clothes, and jewelry/accessories. Pastels don’t usually work- richer colors photograph better. Cardigans VERY rarely work for men. Although they are very trendy right now, they do not always translate well in headshots.

If there is something that you really love that doesn’t fit the guidelines, bring it and we can try it out!

GROOMING FOR GIRLS & GUYS

Girls, here are some reminders... Men! It’s time to step up your grooming game! If you’re not already, it’s time to do the following:

Exfoliate: This is a vital step that will help make your skin look great on camera. Use a gentle soap like CeraVe and a washcloth or, even better, an exfoliating pad to sluff off that outer layer of dead skin.
Moisturize: I recommend using an oil free moisturizer with SPF (Neutragena makes a good one but there are also store brands that are great as well). You need to do this everyday, it will keep your skin looking younger longer and make a huge difference in front of the camera.
Lip Balm: Wear it! Chapped lips are very tricky to retouch, so protect your lips every day with your favorite lip balm and every night before bed try putting on Vaseline or Aquaphor for extra healing at night. If it’s too late and your lips are super chapped, DON’T WORRY, here’s a couple of tips to fix the issue — Method 1.) Layer on a bunch of Vaseline and let it sit for 20 minutes, then use an old tooth brush to exfoliate and get rid of the dead skin. Method 2.) You can also use brown sugar and olive oil the same way- the brown sugar works as an exfoliant.

MEN ONLY...

Shaving: It’s important to have a shaving routine that works well for you. My process is this: 1.) Exfoliate, this softens the beard and makes the shave smoother to reduce irritation, 2.) Use a good shaving cream- I love Jack Black Supreme Cream, it’s pricey, but for me it’s the difference between hamburger neck and a smooth clean clear skin. 3.) Moisturize: you just stripped lot’s of oil from the skin while shaving, so moisturizing with help that and it will also help protect the new tender skin you’ve exposed from irritation.