How to Take Headshots for Actors

A headshot is the actor's first tool. It is the first impression many casting directors, directors, agents and talent managers will have of the actor. It is also a great way for art or fashion photographers to capitalize on their skills and make some money on the side. Of the millions of actors out there, thousands are in need of headshots. Therefore, if you can take good headshots, you will always be in business.

Instructions

1

Design a space to shoot the actor. This can be a studio space or outside in a park or garden. Generally, look for a spot away from people where you will have space to move around. Direct sunlight can be a killer, so shady spots, cloudy days or indoor locations with large windows and distilled sunlight are all good ideas.

2

Prepare the actor by helping him select clothes and hire a make-up and hair stylist. This will give the actor confidence and you the freedom to spend your time on lighting and camera concerns.

3

Use diffusion in the form of silk screens on stands to soften direct sunlight. Use "bounce" or "reflector" boards, which can be aimed at direct sunlight and reflected into the area you are shooting if you need more light. Be sure your lighting setup gives the actor space to move a bit.

4

Take a reading with your light meter to determine proper exposure.

5

Set your camera either on an automatic setting or on the proper manual settings for a series of photos from the same location. Your lens should be wide enough to capture a dynamic head and shoulders shot, ideally with the background out of focus.

6

Talk to the actor as you are shooting to increase his comfort level and allow you to see the most natural and charismatic side of the actor.

7

Shoot from slightly high and slightly side angles to capture the most flattering sides of an actor who is slightly overweight. Actors should consider lowering their chins a bit for a nice pose. Try different angles, ask for different poses and continue to be encouraging. Taking good headshots can be a lot like directing actors on stage and screen. Use cues that motivate them to be themselves.

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A headshot is the actor's first tool. It is the first impression many casting directors, directors, agents and talent managers will have of the actor. It is also a great way for art or fashion photographers to capitalize on their skills and make some money on the side. Of the millions of actors out there, thousands are in need of headshots.

Enhance your photography skill,The Top Secret Photography Techniques

. Therefore, if you can take good headshots, you will always be in business.

Instructions

1

Design a space to shoot the actor. This can be a studio space or outside in a park or garden. Generally, look for a spot away from people where you will have space to move around. Direct sunlight can be a killer, so shady spots, cloudy days or indoor locations with large windows and distilled sunlight are all good ideas.

2

Prepare the actor by helping him select clothes and hire a make-up and hair stylist. This will give the actor confidence and you the freedom to spend your time on lighting and camera concerns.

3

Use diffusion in the form of silk screens on stands to soften direct sunlight. Use "bounce" or "reflector" boards, which can be aimed at direct sunlight and reflected into the area you are shooting if you need more light. Be sure your lighting setup gives the actor space to move a bit.

4

Take a reading with your light meter to determine proper exposure.

5

Set your camera either on an automatic setting or on the proper manual settings for a series of photos from the same location. Your lens should be wide enough to capture a dynamic head and shoulders shot, ideally with the background out of focus.

6

Talk to the actor as you are shooting to increase his comfort level and allow you to see the most natural and charismatic side of the actor.

7

Shoot from slightly high and slightly side angles to capture the most flattering sides of an actor who is slightly overweight. Actors should consider lowering their chins a bit for a nice pose. Try different angles, ask for different poses and continue to be encouraging. Taking good headshots can be a lot like directing actors on stage and screen. Use cues that motivate them to be themselves.

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