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Headshots, Preperation Todd Tyler Headshots, Preperation Todd Tyler

Headshot Photographer Los Angeles

You need a new acting headshot and you don’t want to screw it up

Headshot Photographer Los Angeles

You need new acting headshots and you don’t want to screw it up.

After reading this you'll be ready to go for your acting headshot session

You might have started by searching for headshot photographers in Los Angeles. You’re getting ready to make your appointment and you want to get it right.  There’s lots of Headshot photographers in Los Angeles. Are you picking the right one? Did you do headshots 9 months ago and now you're updating and you want to make sure you’re getting the headshots that are going to get you called in.  It’s big puzzle that you need to solve.

Keep reading and I’ll tell you how to get great headshots.

The shots that get you called in. Some actors just call up a headshot photographer and make an appointment. Then the day of their headshot appointment the go to their closet, grab a few shirts, jump in the car and then it’s off to their appointment. You don’t want to be that guy/girl. Is that the level of professionalism you want to have for the most important part of the audition process. I don’t think so. You need to take this seriously.

Plan out your Headshot Session.

You’ve decided to do 3 Looks. What are those looks? What wardrobe best defines those looks. Do I need to go shopping or is it in my closet. If it’s in my closet is that piece of clothing in photoshoot shape? Is it faded, has a few stains or a few little holes in it? Then it’s probably not ready for a photoshoot.

Good lighting for Acting Headshots what is it?

You absolutely must have great lighting for your headshots.  This is the difference between looking like a professional actor and looking like an amateur actor.  In order to be a professional actor you must present yourself as a professional actor. You acting headshots are your first step in looking professional.

So what is great lighting? Great lighting just makes you look good. It's as simple as that.   sometimes it's a soft even light with no shadows on your face. Other times it's a slight Shadow on one side of your face that gives you an edgy look.  Here are some samples of photos with great lighting.

Am I bring the right wardrobe?

This is the place you yourself have the most impact on how good your headshots look.  You really want to spend a lot of time putting together great wardrobe for each of your looks.  You should have already researched your character types and have them well defined. For example let's say you're doing a nerd look.  Obviously, you want to wear glasses. Find a cheap pair and pop out the lenses so there's no reflections. Then maybe a colorful T-shirt with a cardigan sweater over it.  That's a great example of a nerd wardrobe. Or, you're the leading man type. You could wear a dark T-shirt with a black leather jacket. That's going to come across as strong and dramatic.  As you can see from these two types you couldn't wear a cardigan sweater and glasses and expect to come across as strong and dramatic. On the other hand you couldn't wear a black leather jacket and come across as a nerd.   You can see your clothing selection is very important to the outcome of the final product of your headshots. Put a lot of effort into this. It’s the place you can have the greatest impact on the success of your headshots.

Are you nervous? How to stay calm.

We all get nervous when we think about doing our head shots.  One way to stop being nervous is to be very prepared. Get your character's together. Get your wardrobe together.  Get everything you need together to do great photos. If you know you're prepared you'll be less nervous. When you show up at the photography studio it's okay to feel a little nervous.  Remember you'll be taking a lot of photos and you only need one good one so you can screw up a lot and it's okay. The headshot photographer should be showing you pictures as you go. You can see what's working and what's not working.  This is a great way for you to get feedback and make changes if you need to.

How to choose the right acting headshot photographer?

You can start by asking all your fellow actor friends.  They’ve had headshots taken many times and I'm sure they'll give you great recommendations.  You can always do a Google search for headshot photographers in Los Angeles. You'll find countless websites where you can research their style and see what you like.  Weigh all your options from what your friends say and your own research and decide who is the best acting headshot photographer for you.



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