Why Your Old Acting Headshots Aren’t Getting Noticed.
As a headshot photographer in Washington, DC, I love helping talented individuals make their way in a competitive market. This city isn't normally thought of as a creative city, but we're out there! If you've noticed that your old actor headshots are no longer doing the trick at getting you auditions and call-backs, then I have a few ideas as to why that might be. If you think any of the following apply to you, then it might be time to get some new ones done.
Wear your hair in your headshot the same way you wear it to your auditions.
They Don't Look Like You
Obviously, you want to look your best in your headshots. This is why there is make-up, wardrobe choices, and even photo-shopping. That being said, you really do want your headshots to look like you. If a casting director sees that there is a big difference from what they see on the audition floor, and what they see on your headshot, they might feel a bit confused. This can also make it hard for them to remember who you were when they are flipping through the headshots after the auditions. You want your pictures to appear natural and very much like you.
They Are Not Professional
Yes, it is sometimes expensive to get professional shots done. Yes, it is worth it. If you've been trying to cut corners by having non-professional pictures work as your headshots, then that could be your main problem in getting the kind of attention you want. You need to get the best pictures, and you want to show the casting directors that you are very serious about the career. Many times people see your headshot before they see you, if someone isn't impressed by your headshot, they probably won't be impressed by you.
They Do Not Show Enough Personality
Gone are the days when you would submit a headshot with a bunch of different posed shots with different facets of your life. This means that you have to show through your eyes and your resting expression just how dynamic your personality really is. This can be hard, but when it is done right, the calls will come flooding in.
There Are Too Many Distractions
You want your shots to be very simple and all about you. There should not be anything in the background or patterns in your clothing that would distract from you and what you can bring to the table. The headshot should be all about YOU! Not your clothing or anything else.
Tthis shot has shapes in the background, but the focus is still on the actor.