| Throughout your acting career you will need to | | | | your headshots done. Don't waste money on an |
| get headshots that are the size of an 8x10. 8x10 | | | | amateur photographer who happens to be a |
| is the standard size used in the industry of acting. | | | | friend. His work might potentially hurt you. There |
| They need to be quality printed with your name | | | | are good photographers around with plenty of |
| imprinted at the bottom of the white margin or | | | | knowledge of the kind of photo you need. Also |
| the photo itself. A 3/4 shot is typically used in the | | | | keep in mind that you don't need to pay top dollar |
| industry. This is when your body is slightly turned | | | | to have fantastic headshots. Many photographers |
| to a 3/4 angle, but your face is facing the | | | | are highly respected, do excellent work, and |
| camera. It is customary to have colored photos. | | | | charge reasonable prices. |
| If you're just starting out in acting, you should get | | | | At least three photographers should be checked. |
| 200 copies of your headshot; so you can submit | | | | If possible, get some input from other actors by |
| them to agencies, casting directors, and | | | | checking names and looking at their photos. When |
| production companies. | | | | you've chosen the photographer you'd like to use, |
| Make sure you have more than one headshot | | | | call and make the appointment and ask to see |
| that defines you as an actor. It is best to have a | | | | some samples of their work. If you use your |
| casual look if you are in your early 20's. For those | | | | money wisely, you definitely can come up with |
| that are in their mid 20's and above, you need to | | | | quality photos that reflect the personality that |
| have a casual and business look. The business look | | | | you choose to portray. |
| is for the professional type roles. Your headshot | | | | The hardest part of the whole process is deciding |
| must look like you. A simple headshot that makes | | | | on the image or images that fit you best. You |
| a statement can do the trick. Make sure you | | | | can get feedback from others in the industry, but |
| choose two of your best pictures to be blown up | | | | ultimately the final decision must be made by you.. |
| to an 8x10 size. | | | | Remember your headshot is essential to your |
| Frequently, actors spend several hundred dollars | | | | acting career. It is used to show your unique style |
| on photographs, blowups, and copies only to hear | | | | and experience so that the agencies, casting |
| from others that the headshot is not acceptable. | | | | directors, and production companies will want you |
| Then the actor has to spend money again to | | | | for a part. The headshot is one of the many tools |
| reshoot for another set of pictures. | | | | of the trade; so make sure it represents you well. |
| It's important to do your shopping before you get | | | | |