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The first step in putting together your ACTING CV is to get yourself some decent photographs.
Your photograph should be an 8”x10” black and white shot (not colour, unless you’re submitting yourself as a professional model), and the quality should be as good as you can afford.For best results, find out what your “look” or “type” is, and try to get your photograph to reflect that as much as you can. Your CV should be typed and free of errors
Many professional actors get headshots for three different purposes: one for commercials, one for theater, and one for film. When you get your photographs, get as many different photographs of yourself as possible.
You will probably want to wear casual clothes for a commercial shot, and the photographer will probably suggest relaxed body positions.Remember that agents and casting directors look for a certain energy in a headshot. Most commercial shots are “smile” shots in which the actor is smiling and their eyes show energy. These are good shots to do at the beginning of a session when you’re fresh and lively. They’re difficult to pull off if you’re a little tired.
Headshots for theatre and film are usually more serious-looking. The photographer may suggest dark clothing or a more dramatic style of dressing. This is where you can really “show your stuff.” Be sure to let your eyes reflect energy again—and the depth that you feel inside. . .
When you’re getting ready to get your first headshot, or to update your old photos, what’s the best way to prepare? You want the very best photo you can get, one that will make casting directors and agents want to meet you when they see it. Some things that contribute to a good photo are physical: good grooming, attractive clothing, a flattering hairstyle. But the most important aspect of the photo is how much of your personal energy comes through.
You’ve probably seen some old photos of early American settlers—these folks are often portrayed as practical, unsmiling, perhaps even seeming a bit annoyed at having their picture taken. Compare that image with photos of celebrities that you’ve seen: most often the actors are smiling or look pleasantly calm, and there’s something about the photo that makes you want to meet that person (or at least to check out their latest movie or their show on TV). What is that quality? It’s a mixture of openness, friendliness, approachability—qualities that we’d look for in a good friend.
Try an experiment the next time you have some photos taken: instead of letting the camera intimidate you (we all worry about what we’ll look like in a photo), try to forget that someone is taking your photo, and imagine that the camera is your best friend. Look into the camera as if you were looking into the eyes of someone you enjoy being with. Pretend that you have a great joke to tell them, or that you share a special secret. Let light shine from your eyes the way it does when you’ve just received a great present or a special surprise. Interact with the camera as you do with people, rather than just sitting stolidly and trying to paste a smile on your face.
Before you go to a photographer for headshots, try the technique with a friend or family member. Tell them what you’re working on, and ask them to take a roll or two of film while you experiment with this idea—it’s easier to try new ideas around familiar folks, and you’ll get a chance to give it a try before you face the stress of a professional photo session. If you can get the photos developed before your headshot session, you’ll be able to see what worked and what didn’t.
It’s a bit of a stretch to imagine that the camera is a friend instead of a small box with gears and mechanical parts, but as an actor, you’re training yourself to use your imagination, and having your photo taken is another opportunity to stretch your skills. You might even end up with the best headshot you ever had.
You need a photo.You need lots of photos. Tons of photos. An endless supply of photos. Agents use these photos to send to casting directors who are requesting info on performers who might fit certain rolls they are trying to fill.Your agent will send your photo and resumé to casting directors. If you have a good agent, and if you are talented, skilled, dependable, and eager to work, this will happen frequently. So you will need to provide your agent with alot of photos. (Yes, you provide the photos to your agent - they should not charge you for photos, or for keeping photos on file, or any other fees.)
Sometimes, an agent will ask that you get a different photo taken. (This should not be handled or done directly by the agency.) Good photos are expensive. You do not have to run out and get another photo taken, assuming you have a good photo to begin with. However, this is a judgement call. You should discuss this with your agent. It might be the case that the photos you had taken were good for getting you an agent's attention, but they might not be right for selling you to casting people. If your agent suggests that you should get new photos, discuss the reasons why. The agent might have some good reasons why your current photo wouldn't be right.
If the agent suggests a specific photographer, then the agent should suggest two or three others too. The agent should not make the photo shoot appointment for you, or set up the shoot in the agent's office, or tell you that you have to use a specific photographer if you want representation or charge you a fee of any kind. All these things indicate you are being scammed and you should get another agent.
What's a good photo? First, let's talk about some things to avoid:
- An acting photo is NOT a modeling photo.
- It is NOT a glamour photo.
- It is NOT a Polaroid picture
- It is NOT a picture your friend or relative took because she has a nicer camera than yours.
- EXCEPT FOR PICTURES OF YOUNG CHILDREN, 12 YEARS or YOUNGER!!!
For toddlers and young children, a good quality, close-up photo is accepted. If an agent or"manager"tries to tell you that you need to get expensive professional photos done of your toddler or young child - especially if they provide the photo services or tell you someone you need to go to - they are scamming you and you should go elsewhere for representation.
Toddlers and young children change their appearance so much over a year, there is no need to get expensive professional photos taken. Don't let ANYONE try to convince you that an expensive, professionally shot, studio photo will give your child an advantage. It won't. No legitimate agent or casting person requires it. In fact, what they really want to see is that wonderfully candid photo of your kid. You know, that great close-up you took in the park a few weeks ago. The one where she smiles so big and broad, with her first little tooth gleeming in the sun, and her eyes are all lit up and her smile makes you feel all warm and cuddly inside - that one. That's the one that will sell you child to the agent and director
BUT, make sure the photo you use of your toddler or youngster is:
- Fairly recent (Get new photos at least once a year - make sure you send the new ones to all the agents you sent the old ones to a year ago.)
- Clear, in focus and in good physical condition
- Shows well defined facial features (not cast in dark shadows)
- A close-up head or head and shoulder shot
- Happy, smiling, showing off your child's wonderful, energetic personality
- Not wearing clothing with distracting patterns
- Not wearing clothing that obscures your child's face
- Not sharing the photo with an animal, other children or props that distract from your child
- Includes your child's date of birth
An acting photo for everyone else is something done by a professional photographer who is experienced with such things. They look easy. They are not.An acting photo can be a traditional head shot or can be a composit of several"looks"on the same photo. A composit is usually only done if you are aspiring to be a character actor and want to depict several character looks you are good at.
An acting photo (head shot) should look like you. If you had long hair when your photo was taken, then several months later you got your hair cut and styled, get new pictures. Your picture should look like you.Slight imperfections like pimples can be retouched out of your photos.Prominent imperfections like tooth gaps, crooked noses and the like should not be retouched. A good photographer can minimize such things by lighting and posing methods. A bad photographer can maximize them too, so watch out.
This is no time to deny your imperfections. Everyone has them. Look at your imperfections with as much objectivity as possible. Deal with them in an objective, practical way. If your nose is big, then your nose is big. People with big noses can make a decent living in the acting business. They don't, however, make it a prominent feature on their photo. (Unless that's what they're selling.)
Severe, dramatic lighting usually doesn't work well with head shots. Unless you want to accent every ripple of every muscle on your well oiled, muscular body. (This goes for muscular men and women if that's the look you're selling.)What should you wear to your photo shoot? Well that depends upon what"look"you are trying to convey. Your look should be consistent with your"type". Are you trying to convey that clean-cut, cheerful, schoolgirl look you see in many commercials? Then wear a simple, nice looking, uncomplicated blouse and skirt or dress with medium to light colors. No jewelry or heavy make-up. Don't let your hair style dominate your photo image.
Are you a muscular, rugged, outdoor girl who is looking to do muscular, rugged, outdoor, action roles in film or commercials? Then wear clothes that reflect that kind of image.
Take a variety of clothes that will reflect different looks that work for you. Then discuss the possibilities with your photographer. You will want to get a number of different poses and looks photographed so you can be a bit more flexible in deciding on one or possibly even put together a composit of different looks appropriate to your type.Just keep in mind that the image(s) you convey with your photo will steer casting agents to consider you for the kind of roles your look suggests you are capable of doing. You won't be hired to do household goods or bank commercials if your"look"is spiked hair and lip rings.
Where to find a photographer? If you live in a large metro area where there is lots of professional acting work, there are apt to be several or even dozens of photographers. If you live in a small town - good luck! You might want to search in a larger town near by.Personal referrals are usually better than blindly calling numbers in the phone book. If you do not know any professional actors, then get to know some. Do you have any professional repertory companies or other professional theatre groups in your area? Call them and ask about area photographers who are experienced with theatrical and commercial head shots.
Attend a professional show with local actors in the cast. After the show, go backstage (or wait until they come out the stage door exit) and talk to some of the actors . Be brave. The worst that can happen is that someone asks you to leave and you won't be able to talk to any actors - which is exactly the same position you were in before you went backstage - so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
If you live near a college that has a professional theatre training program, or an acting training conservatory, call some of the acting instructors and ask them about local photographers.
If you have an AFTRA, SAG or Actors' Equity Association (AEA or Equity) office near you, call them and see if they have a list of local photographers.If getting referrals does not work for you, and you live in an area that carries a local acting trade paper (like PerformInk for Chicago actors) then get a copy of the trade paper and look at the ads.
If all else fails, then open the phone book and start calling. However keep in mind that:
- An acting photo is NOT a modeling photo.
- It is NOT a glamour photo.
- It is NOT a Polaroid picture.
- It is NOT a picture your friend or relative took because she has a nicer camera than yours.
An acting photo is something done by a professional photographer who is experienced with such things. They look easy. They are not.You will be spending several hundreds of dollars to get you head shot. Take your time looking at the photographers' portfolios, discussing the"looks(s) you want, discussing what your photo"package"will include and what the cost will be for the session, contact sheets, proofs and high quality copies. Purchase the negatives, otherwise they remain the property of the photographer and you will be forced to return to that photographer and noone else for future copies.
Get all terms and conditions in writing!!! If you do not and things do not go well you will have no legal recourse to settle the dispute. Remember - getting photos taken means you are entering the BUSINESS side of acting. Business agreements need to be spelled out in writing or you are apt to be sorry and out of luck later on. Trust and a handshake works great until something goes wrong. Then a detailed, signed and dated agreement sure does come in handy.
8"X10", glossy finish is a standard size. You can also get 5X7 or postcard size to use as follow-up mailings to agents you have already contacted.
Put a"slug"(your name) on the front, in the lower corner or lower center.
I suggest you search the web and look at the photos other performers are posting at casting sites or their own home pages. (see"Hundreds of Great Acting Links"link on AWOL homepage)
I also suggest looking in the trade magazines. There are usually numerous head shots as part of articles and in the classified setion. Most large newsstands or bookstores with large magazine and newspaper displays will have one or two popular trade magazines for sale.
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