My conclusion to How much should I pay for headshots in Los Angeles? is if your starting out or if your a seasoned veteran, look to the mid range guys and find someone you can connect with, that have a package that fits your needs, and that will be your guy, he or she will help bring out the best in you, which will translate into work for you. Don't let price be the barrier between you and getting work. Remember like the Indy 500 use smarts and research to get to the top 3 and enter the winners circle. Use Timmy and you will be at the back of the pack forever.
Many young actors do their best to prepare by asking fellow actors from their acting classes, researching tirelessly to find a talented photographer, and others are lucky enough to just have a look or be that shining talent that casting directors just can't say no to. However, for those just starting out, these next few points may help during the process of achieving a great headshot.
- When you are finally in front of the camera, don't let nerves take over, and remember this is not like any other image you have taken before. Go into your character, this image needs to show personality. The best way to achieve this is to think about the character you would like to portray. Once you have it in your mind it will translate to your expressions.
- Do your homework, make sure the photographer takes headshots of people like you, and that he does them very well. Also look for personality in the images.
- Meet or call the photographer before the shoot to make sure, you and she or he has a good working chemistry. You can tell if a photographer is passionate about their work in five minutes, if you don't feel their passion or their quality of work is lacking, find someone else.
- When posing one goal is to show a strong straight jaw and neck line. The photographer should be able to assist with this, but you can practice at home in the mirror by posing with your chin down and leaning slightly forward toward the mirror, also play with the angles of your face. With a little practice you can make your headshot shine.
- Lastly, this one may sound silly, but trust me it is the most important. Be prepared, put as much effort into getting your headshot right as possible, because it is your calling card and the right actor headshot can take you from the idea of being an actor to actually being a great or actively work actor.
One of the most asked question I get as a Los Angeles headshot photographer is "what color should I wear for my headshots." It's a very good question and also one that has an answer that has changed from time to time, place to place and headshot to headshot. I could give you the regular run down blue, grey no whites, and blah, blah, blah. Before I get to far into the weeds, let me say I still believe that you should wear lighter brighter colors for commercial and darker items for more dramatic theatrical looks or character looks. But come on people we are creatives, lets break some rules. Try it! Break one, I promise you will love the feeling. Actors, and photographers we are all living in a world filled with creativity, and Yes, it comes with it's praise and a ton of criticisms, but when someone breaks a rule and stands out of the crowd, some may call him great, ahead of his time, or genius in his field, but in reality he is just a rule breaker who has decided to follow his creativity and leave behind the crowd with the rule books. Something to think about, money, rules, guidelines deadlines or art, creativity, passion, love, ambition, motivation. So here I find myself in the weeds. "what color should I wear for my headshots." Answer, keep it simple, bring your favorite tops, shirts, and more than one. We will sort through them, and guess what in your favorite shirt you will feel like a million bucks, and your image will feel like that too.
Fast Tip...
This video with Liz Fuller has some great pointers to how to arrange your headshot in your portfolio, and how to figure out what type of headshot you need to take for you style and career. Great quick information, Kerry James Photography





