The headshot is one of the most important marketing tools for every actor in the movie, TV or theater industry. The headshot is a black and white photo of your face in a 8" x 10" dimension and it is often backed with a printed resume. The headshot is primarily the first thing agents and casting directors will look at in determining if you are suited for the role. If you have a great photo, you can establish a good first impression with the people wishing to hire you even if you are inexperienced.
Even with your good looks, you will need an equally good photographer to capture it on a headshot. There are so many photographers in the business nowadays that it's quite difficult to determine which one is reliable and which one is just a mere scam artist out to rip you off at every opportunity. Don't ever let yourself be victimized by these headshot scams. Here are a few tips.
There's no need to put yourself into so much trouble. All you need to do is to get a reliable photographer. You can also ask your acting teachers and other actors for those good ones they know. Licensed talent agencies have in-house or referral photographers whom know what the agency is looking for in your composite.
Make sure the photographer can deliver your charm and personality in the headshot. He or she should collaborate with you, not berate you. Arrange for the photographer to take a few test shots at the start of the session. A good photographer notes those strong test shots and even encourages you to have them reviewed by your teacher or agent. It is not the photographer's job to choose the headshot for you.
The photographer should also know that you are paying for the headshot as a marketing material and so he or she should never claim ownership by putting his or her name on the front of the photo. Of course, some editing will be necessary but it should never be too much. The photo shouldn't be over-glamorized.
You might want to start backing off if the photographer has an unbelievably small fee for the whole session. Good photographers charge around $300 to $700 and any lower or higher than this range is already quite questionable. Make sure that you meet with the photographer in a professional environment, not a restaurant or coffee shop.
There is safety in numbers and therefore, you should back yourself up with some friends when going to the set to avoid getting harassed or scammed. This is especially important for under-aged actors or if you are unfamiliar with the area. There are photographers who wouldn't mind having people sitting in.
Making it big in the industry has no short-cuts. There are also a lot of scam artists on the prowl. All you need to do is to be smart and give an extra effort to have a successful start in your career.
Even with your good looks, you will need an equally good photographer to capture it on a headshot. There are so many photographers in the business nowadays that it's quite difficult to determine which one is reliable and which one is just a mere scam artist out to rip you off at every opportunity. Don't ever let yourself be victimized by these headshot scams. Here are a few tips.
There's no need to put yourself into so much trouble. All you need to do is to get a reliable photographer. You can also ask your acting teachers and other actors for those good ones they know. Licensed talent agencies have in-house or referral photographers whom know what the agency is looking for in your composite.
Make sure the photographer can deliver your charm and personality in the headshot. He or she should collaborate with you, not berate you. Arrange for the photographer to take a few test shots at the start of the session. A good photographer notes those strong test shots and even encourages you to have them reviewed by your teacher or agent. It is not the photographer's job to choose the headshot for you.
The photographer should also know that you are paying for the headshot as a marketing material and so he or she should never claim ownership by putting his or her name on the front of the photo. Of course, some editing will be necessary but it should never be too much. The photo shouldn't be over-glamorized.
You might want to start backing off if the photographer has an unbelievably small fee for the whole session. Good photographers charge around $300 to $700 and any lower or higher than this range is already quite questionable. Make sure that you meet with the photographer in a professional environment, not a restaurant or coffee shop.
There is safety in numbers and therefore, you should back yourself up with some friends when going to the set to avoid getting harassed or scammed. This is especially important for under-aged actors or if you are unfamiliar with the area. There are photographers who wouldn't mind having people sitting in.
Making it big in the industry has no short-cuts. There are also a lot of scam artists on the prowl. All you need to do is to be smart and give an extra effort to have a successful start in your career.
About the Author:
A review of a career in acting and what to look for in a scam. Check out Ave Models scam avoidance tips.
No comments:
Post a Comment