Almost every single actor headshots in NYC session I shoot begins with one phrase:
“I hate having my headshots taken!”
I can’t help but laugh, that response is so common. I also cannot help but be heartbroken that many actors have not had wonderful experiences with their past headshot photography sessions.
When pressed to ask why so many didn’t love taking their headshots, I have gotten a variety of answers:
- “The photographer didn’t listen when I told him/her about the looks I wanted to achieve.”
- “The makeup artist went way too heavy on my makeup and I don’t look like myself.”
- “I chose the wrong outfits and the photographer didn’t help me choose better ones.”
- “I felt a little lost and didn’t know what to do.”
This should never be the experience that anyone has with their headshot session. I can promise you that will never be the experience that you will have in my studio!
Choosing the right headshot for you
Another reason actors often tell me they dislike the headshot process is that they often find it difficult to choose the right headshot from their proofs. When you are presented with so many photographs of yourself, how do you know which one is the right one to choose?
Choosing your headset can be difficult because the headset has to accomplish several different things. First and foremost, it has to look like you. Not you from five years ago, not you with a lot of makeup on, but genuinely and honestly you. Second of all, your headshot has to give the viewer a great sense of your personality.
I recommend that you seek the opinions of your closest friends, family, agents, and managers when choosing your headshot.
Why is this? After all, if you seek the opinion of so many people, aren’t you just going to become confused when everybody chooses different pictures that they like best?
I know this may sound complicated, but I am often the worst person to rely on when choosing a photograph of myself. I tend to pick images that minimize what I perceive as my flaws. I tend to like my face to look a specific way, and that way might not be the best and most accurate representation of what I look like.
If you are working with an agent or a manager, I highly recommend that you involve him, her, or them in any headshot selection process. If they know you and they know the type of work that you are often going out for, they can use their highly dialed-in professional opinion to help you pick the best shot possible.
I would love to talk to you about your headshot needs. I would love to hear your fears, your thoughts, and your desires for the one picture that will represent you in auditions in the near future.
I would especially love to hear if you have had a headshot taken in the past and not been completely thrilled with it. I would love to work with you to create a headshot that makes you feel the most like yourself and one that you are excited to get out at the audition!
Booking a headshot session in Manhattan
When you are ready to book your headshot session, drop me an email or give me a call! We will start by talking about your session, and what you want your headshots to be like. We’ll discuss style, attire, hair, makeup, and all the details of the shoot.
From there, we will choose a date and time for your headshot shoot. I will provide comprehensive directions to my studio on 38th Street in Manhattan.
I will also email you the booking information and your booking contract. The entire booking process is very easy, self-explanatory, and takes place one hundred percent online. It’s very simple and can be done at any hour of the day or night.
To learn more, and book your session today, get in touch! I look forward to hearing from you!
