[LA Headshots for Actors by Vanie]
I was once asked
by what was then Backstage West (an industry publication before they went online as Backstage.com) to give my input on what actually makes a headshot effective. My advice then was the same as it is now, because while the industry may change, marketing doesn’t.
So here it is, my advice on what makes a headshot effective: 👇
Your headshot should not simply be a pretty picture, which is a trap most novice actors fall into. Your headshot is a marketing tool.
So instead…
1️⃣ Your headshots need to market you SPECIFICALLY for the type of roles you’re auditioning for in your age group. Your type, or what I call your “marketing look,” is based on your age range AND your look. 🎯
For example, if your age range is 18 to 23, your marketing looks may include “all-American guy next door,” or possibly “edgy hipster” or “edgy urban,” as long as you can pull off those looks with your look.😉
And…
2️⃣ Your shots should have your personality.
How do you show personality in a still photo? You’re asking the right question, my friend.
👉 By being directed to act on camera instead of simply posing for the camera.
The shots I aim for are always full of personality, which is something I draw from actors by directing them, but specifically in a way that brings out the emotional arc of the character we’re shooting.
So not only is it full of your personality, but it serves a second purpose which is to showcase your acting range. Because your personality will be different from one look to the other, meaning it’ll vary from one character to the other.
Make sense?
WHEN THE CASTING COMMUNITY isn’t familiar with your work yet, a headshot that closely resembles the “type” in the breakdown that also shows you embodying that character (not just posing as one), gives them a reason to believe you can act the part and to call you in. 🎭
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Cara Guglielmino: Gamer / Girl Next Door / Casual Business
Mark Neely: FBI Agent / Casual Grandfather
Luciano Leroux: The Good Kid / The Studious Kid / The Bad Kid 😉
Robyn Flowe: Grad Student / FBI Agent
Jason Lawrence Boggs: Blue Collar / Dumb White Guy (his label, not mine LOL)
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I love helping you by putting out this free information (often written on weekends and evenings) so please help me spread the word by commenting and or sharing this post on your social feed! 🙏
Pitch perfect advice from the best headshot photographers in the world. These photos are nothing less than brilliant.