What makes a great New York headshot photographer? To that point, what makes a great headshot? There is a lot more to a headshot than just a pretty picture of a performer, so how does a New York headshot photographer know where to begin?
What is a headshot?
Headshots101.com describes a headshot as “a photograph used by actors and actresses in order to get them work.” That is such a simple description of such a crucial part of your arsenal as an auditioning actor.
Your headshot has to encapsulate you, your spirit, who you are as a person, who you are as a performer, and that intangible you that makes you different. All of that has to happen in one image.
With so much riding on just one photograph, it’s crucial to understand what makes a great headshot. A good New York headshot photographer will understand how to bring each of these things to the surface.
A great New York headshot photographer will do all of that and also capture that beautifully intangible you that makes you a performer unlike any other.
What makes a great headshot?
The most important thing that a New York headshot photographer will do to give you the greatest headshot possible is to show your personality. This is beyond crucial.
You need agents and casting directors to look at your headshot and feel that spark of soul that makes you the unique performer that you are.
You need a picture that reaches out and pulls at the head and the heart of the viewer. An accomplished, talented New York headshot photographer will know how to bring that out of you.
It is also crucial that you look like yourself now, age and all! Casting agents and directors don’t want to see a highly retouched version of yourself with no bearing on reality.
They need to see what you really look like. A talented New York headshot photographer will make you look like yourself. He/she will also make you look like the best version of yourself, enabling you to represent yourself not only properly, but in the most flattering light possible.
Makeup for headshots
Another thing that contributes to a highly successful headshot is makeup.
If you’re male, all you might need is a touch-up on your face’s shine or evenness of complexion.
Women, makeup can help highlight all your best features, but you want to take it easy. Too much makeup will again create a non-realistic look in your headshots, which you want to avoid.
A good New York headshot photographer will work closely with a talented hair and makeup artist to create a natural yet flattering look for your headshots.
Please talk to your photographer if you’re concerned about the hair and makeup artist’s work. I am confident in showing examples of my favorite hair and makeup artists’ work so that my clients can be comfortable with who will be creating their headshot look!
What to wear for headshots
Keep. It. Simple.
Many actors show up with complicated patterns, overly dramatic cuts, and crazy outfits for their headshots. I highly recommend keeping it simple.
A plain-colored shirt with a simple neckline is often the most flattering choice. Remember, it’s not a picture of your clothes! Your headshot needs to show you off, not what you’re wearing!
If you have any questions about what to wear for your headshot, just contact the studio. I’d be glad to discuss options that might be best for you, your look, and your headshot!
How do I find a New York headshot photographer?
Headshots are incredibly personal. The process of being photographed can be nerve-wracking, knowing that you are having images taken that can dramatically affect the trajectory of your career.
You can find many New York headshot photographers online via a simple Google search.
From there, email or call to get more information. Ask around and see if your friends have worked with that photographer before, and ask what the experience was like.
Set up a chat with the photographer to make sure you’re on the same page. At the end of the day, you’ll be spending a lot of time around that photographer and you want to make sure that you love their work – and them!
To learn more, and book your session today, get in touch! I look forward to hearing from you!
