Mindful Headshots – Actor Prep
The following tips are meant to help make your session fun and productive by helping you look and feel your best!
Tips for Pre-Shoot:
- Leading up to the shoot, eat healthy and exercise daily. Avoid alcoholic drinks the night before, or even the week before. Maybe try that juice cleanse you’ve been contemplating! Not only will you have tons of energy for your session, you’ll look your best too.
- The week of the shoot, GET SOME BEAUTY SLEEP! There’s a reason it’s called that. If you only get a couple hours of rest the night before, trust me, it will look like it in the picture. My fancy camera is built to pick up every wonderful detail of your face, but it will also pick up the bad details.
- The day of the shoot, uplift your mood and get your blood flowing with a workout. If you’re concerned about sweating out your hair then do a 30-minute brisk walk. This will activate your best self and your best look.
- Prepare yourself as if you were preparing for a role. Emotion comes through in stills the same as film. Actors are storytellers! Come up with a few stories to tell for each character you want to capture in your looks.
Makeup:
I highly recommend you get your makeup professionally done for the camera. If we are shooting several looks, you will want to change up the hair and makeup to match. Having a professional on hand to help bring each look to life is essential. My make-up artists specialize in bringing out each client’s natural beauty while highlighting their unique personality.
If you can’t afford professional make-up for the session, keep the following in mind — K.I.S.S. — keep it simple sweetie! The more natural the better. You want the casting director to notice YOU, not your hair or make-up.
Hair:
For your hair, you will want it to look natural. It’s a common mistake to get glammed up for a shoot. Style your hair as you would for an audition, keeping in mind the roles you aspire to. Also, It’s not a good idea to get your hair cut or colored the day before a shoot. I mean, have you ever gotten your hair trimmed only to realize they cut it too short? Yikes! Give your luscious locks at least a week to relax into a new style.
Wardrobe:
Ever heard the saying “dress for the job you want?” This is true for auditions and headshots too. That doesn’t mean you show up to your session dressed like one of the Village People… I mean, you could… but that’d be a little weird. I’m talking about playing up your type. You could be the girl next door, the loyal best friend, or even the rugged rebel!
Keep in mind, a wardrobe consultation is included in your session. I am happy to suggest outfits that will both flatter and inspire. If you already know what wardrobe is best for the roles you want, free to bring what you like. Otherwise, please e-mail me your answers to the following questions to prepare for your consultation:
- Is there a specific character you want to portray?
- What roles from recent film and television could see yourself playing?
- If you could play any character, regardless of your age, look and branding, who would it be?
- Pick four characters you want to play and figure out their essence: Are they funny, vibrant, sad, mysterious, etc.?
- Who’s your favorite singer/group? What music makes you feel alive?
- What are five things people say about you?
- Do you have a website? If you don’t, please send a photo of yourself.
Not sure what character/role you are best for?
Figuring out your type may require some detective work. This is not a question for your family and friends — they love you too much to be honest. Ask your agent or acting coach what characters they see you as. Step out of your comfort zone and ask a complete stranger! Also, pay attention to what roles you are auditioning for and booking — is there a pattern?
More Wardrobe Tips:
- Bring clothing that fits well and makes you feel good. Jeans (light blue, dark blue and black) are perfect for a shoot! White, black and gray t-shirts look good under denim shirts, sports jackets, etc. It helps to bring a variety of button-ups and pullovers. Avoid bulky clothes that hide your figure.
- Aim for colors that match or bring out your eyes. Solid colors, especially medium to dark tones work well. Avoid white t-shirts (except under a button down or jacket). Even light pastels can end up looking white. Texture is fine, but avoid patterns. Stay away from stripes, polka dots, big paisleys, artsy patterns, and logos.
- DO dress according to your character type. DON’T over-dress or arrive in costume. Like make-up and hair, you don’t want your clothes to take attention away from you. Bring three outfits per look to choose from.
- Keep jewelry simple. Studs and small earrings are best. Watches, rings, bracelets and other distracting jewelry should be avoided. Feel free to talk to me about exceptions if desired.
- If you wear glasses, please wear frames without any lenses in them. Even non-reflective lenses can cause difficulties during a shoot. Try finding cheap, drug store reading glasses or shades close to your original frames and pop out the lenses.
- Try on your clothes before the session. Make sure everything fits well, is clean, and well pressed. I will have a steamer handy to rescue any last minute wrinkles.
- If after digging through your own wardrobe you still think you’re missing that special piece, feel free to go shopping and keep the tags on during the shoot, just in case you’d like to return any items after. Who knows! Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite audition outfit!
For Theatrical Shots:
Dark colors and blacks have a more theatrical feel than lights. Women: wear simple shirts with clean lines. Body suits and business suits can work well if appropriate to your type. Remember to choose necklines that highlight your face: sleek and sexy is great, cleavage may not be.
For Commercial Shots:
The typical dress for most commercial casting calls is “nice casual.” This means keep it simple, with a touch of style. It’s the look captured by GAP, Banana Republic, J.CREW, Eddie Bauer, etc. Grab one of their catalogues for ideas, or watch what people wear on commercials. Layered looks also work well. Remember to wear something that feels comfortable and allows you to have a good time.
NOTE: To avoid the expense of reshoots, I am happy to communicate directly with your agent or representation before the shoot about their expectations for the photos. We can also review images during the shoot to ensure you’re getting exactly what you need.