Actor Headshots: 6 Steps to Getting Great Pics!

1. Search out headshot photographers in your city or in the city you want to have them taken in.
Look at the different websites and look over the pictures.
When looking at photographers’ pictures, take note of the following:
The quality of the pictures: Click here to see 10 things to look for or see the article on this site: Choosing A Headshot Photographer: 10 Things To Look For

If a photographer doesn’t have a website, that’s not a good sign, that he/she is reputable. Today in 2007 a website is the way to showcase yourself in this business. If a photographer doesn’t have one, then that should raise a flag as to his/her credibility in this business. It doesn’t mean they are not good, but let it be a first alarm that you park in your mind until you move on and see his/her work.

2. Think about how much you want to spend. Know your budget, but remember that you often get what you pay for. So if you want to spend less, you just might get quality that is in line with that price. There are, however, photographers who have low prices, because they are at the beginning of their careers or they are trying to break into the market until they establish themselves.

3. Once you have looked over some of the sites and narrowed down your choice, now it’s time to contact each one of your favorites. My recommendation is to have at least four or five to choose from.
Basically, when you contact each photographer, you will want to let them know you are considering them to take your actor headshots, ask for the possibility of a consultation (see point 4 below) and find out how much the headshot session will cost. You can save time by getting a price beforehand. If the price is way out of your budget, it’s better to know that before you set up a meeting with the photographer.

4. You will want a personal interview/consultation with your photographer BEFORE you go in for the shoot. In Peter’ opinion, a serious headshot photographer will grant you a free consultation and it should be free of charge. The photographer should be interested in meeting you beforehand to discuss your needs and concerns and build rapport with you. Remember that a successful actor headshot shooting session is much about the actor and the photographer creating rapport with one another. That is critical!

So what are the questions you will want to ask the photographer during the interview?

Here are the questions that will help you ensure you get the best actor headshots possible. Just click here or see the article on this site: Acting Headshots: 11 Sets Of Questions To Ask Your Headshot Photographer BEFORE The Shoot!

5. After all your research, you can now make an informed decision.

On the day of the shoot

There’s just one more thing. You’ve made a decision, so now prepare yourself for the day of the shoot.

6. Arrive early so that you can lay out your clothes, relax a bit mentally, do your make up and hair. If you arrive late, those things might eat into your shoot time. Utilize the time you have to shoot to the fullest. The last thing you want is to arrive late, flustered and in a hurry. You want to be as relaxed as possible for the shoot!

So, to sum it all up, There are six steps to ensuring you get the best actor headshots possible:
1. Research
2. Narrow down your selection to 5
3. Contact them.
4. Set up consultations with at least 2 – 3 photographers.
5. Make an informed decision
6. Arrive at the shoot early and ready to shine!