‘The fashion wear’s out more apparel than the man’ – Much Ado About Nothing…..
…..in other words choose what you wear carefully.
I advise my clients to wear something fairly simple and plain, there are exceptions to this, which I’ll go over later. But in the main the idea is to have your face as the main focus of the headshot and not a trendy fashion top that you’ve just bought.
Firstly it can date a picture as some fashion items are in one month and out the next.
Secondly we really don’t want anyone who looks at your actors headshot to be paying attention to what you’re wearing, if they are then they’re not looking where they’re supposed to and that’s at your face.
Thirdly as I’ve stated before your headshot has a very small time frame to make an impression and it has to make the right impression.
We all know that first impressions count and we have only a couple of seconds for the right impression to be made. We want the casting director to go ‘yeah I love this shot’ rather than ‘nice top shame about the face’ or words to that effect.
Make sure you stay away from strong jazzy patterns or bold stripes as these can all lead the eye of the viewer away from you face, similarly it’s the same with big bold earrings or big necklace’s as these draw the eye away too.
There are exceptions to the rule though, you may have a very distinct look that places you in a certain type of role, you may look like Bet Lynch (Coronation Street) or Pat Butcher (Eastenders), if so then play to your market niche. In this instance you could easily get away with big jewellery and a gaudy patterned blouse (lovely!!). Pitching your headshot in this way will limit you severely to the type of roles you get asked to audition for so think carefully.
So remember the words of the Great Bard above………fashion wear’s out…..
For more information on everything about headshots visit www.nickgregan.com
Thursday 23 July 2009
Friday 17 July 2009
How To Choose The Right Actors Headshot For You?
What Is The Right Actors HeadShot For You ?
As a busy actors headshot photographer in London’m often asked for my advice on ‘what is the right actors headshot for me?’ This can be a delicate subject as often actors see themselves in a particular way. A classic one is seeing themselves as younger than they actually look, especially women around the late twenty’s early thirty’s still believing they can play much younger roles.
I mentioned briefly in an earlier article helping the photographer can pay huge dividends in the final outcome of the actors headshot shoot. Having gone to the effort of choosing the right photographer, preparing for and choosing what to wear at the shoot, getting your make-up and your hair to look right if that’s what you chose. Making sure you’ve thought about and done some research on the type of headshot that’ll work best for you and your market – not simply what you’d like to look like. Once this process is done it’s time to think about how you can make sure that you’re choosing the right shot for you.
Remember it’s critical that you pick the right headshot.
As I alluded to in an earlier tip, most actors headshots need them to appear as versatile as possible, to open themselves up for as many roles possible. This means that your headshot should be open, friendly and above all else it must look like you. Remember we want the Casting Directors to be able ‘paint a character on you’ rather than see you in only one very narrow role. That is of course unless you have a particular ‘look’ that you’re only ever likely to be cast for.
If your dreams of the perfect role are in the musical theatre then often a great smiling headshot showing bags of life and personality is the one for you. On the other hand if you’re more of a ‘serious’ actor aiming at classical roles then something with a slightly more serious look, showing loads of emotional depth in the eyes would likely be more suitable for you.
In the past when the only option was to enter a single actors headshot into Spotlight or send out your individual 10x8’s you had to choose a shot that would cover all possible roles. However with the advent of the digital age and numerous casting websites you can now use a range of headshots showing your versatility. Spotlight is the oldest and best known among casting directories although there are others such as CastingCall and Castnet where you can now add several pictures to your listing on their website.
Making that all-important choice is critical to your exposure and who makes that choice ultimately has to be you, as you have to be happy and confident with the headshot you put out. Having said that, get a second opinion if you can. Ask your photographer what he thinks as in a lot of cases they’ll have years and years of experience with what works and what doesn’t. The other good thing about asking your headshot photographer is that they’ll give you a straight and unbiased opinion. You could always seek advice from other actors and friends, but remember that this is your career and you must try to get objective opinions from someone inside the business.
Asking your mum or dad or even your boyfriend or girlfriend can lead to drastic mistakes as often they see you in a particular way. Are you still ‘daddy’s little pumpkin’ or are you now a serious performer, and does your mum think that ‘you look cute like you did when you were a child’ in a shot and suggest you use that one? It’s usually the same with your partner simply because, as they have an emotional attachment they’ll also often see you in a particular light too.
Remember you’re trying to appeal to Agents and Casting Directors not the folks at home. It’s your main marketing tool and you’re using it to get you work.
Visit my site www.nickgregan.com for loads of useful tips and hints for actors headshots.
As a busy actors headshot photographer in London’m often asked for my advice on ‘what is the right actors headshot for me?’ This can be a delicate subject as often actors see themselves in a particular way. A classic one is seeing themselves as younger than they actually look, especially women around the late twenty’s early thirty’s still believing they can play much younger roles.
I mentioned briefly in an earlier article helping the photographer can pay huge dividends in the final outcome of the actors headshot shoot. Having gone to the effort of choosing the right photographer, preparing for and choosing what to wear at the shoot, getting your make-up and your hair to look right if that’s what you chose. Making sure you’ve thought about and done some research on the type of headshot that’ll work best for you and your market – not simply what you’d like to look like. Once this process is done it’s time to think about how you can make sure that you’re choosing the right shot for you.
Remember it’s critical that you pick the right headshot.
As I alluded to in an earlier tip, most actors headshots need them to appear as versatile as possible, to open themselves up for as many roles possible. This means that your headshot should be open, friendly and above all else it must look like you. Remember we want the Casting Directors to be able ‘paint a character on you’ rather than see you in only one very narrow role. That is of course unless you have a particular ‘look’ that you’re only ever likely to be cast for.
If your dreams of the perfect role are in the musical theatre then often a great smiling headshot showing bags of life and personality is the one for you. On the other hand if you’re more of a ‘serious’ actor aiming at classical roles then something with a slightly more serious look, showing loads of emotional depth in the eyes would likely be more suitable for you.
In the past when the only option was to enter a single actors headshot into Spotlight or send out your individual 10x8’s you had to choose a shot that would cover all possible roles. However with the advent of the digital age and numerous casting websites you can now use a range of headshots showing your versatility. Spotlight is the oldest and best known among casting directories although there are others such as CastingCall and Castnet where you can now add several pictures to your listing on their website.
Making that all-important choice is critical to your exposure and who makes that choice ultimately has to be you, as you have to be happy and confident with the headshot you put out. Having said that, get a second opinion if you can. Ask your photographer what he thinks as in a lot of cases they’ll have years and years of experience with what works and what doesn’t. The other good thing about asking your headshot photographer is that they’ll give you a straight and unbiased opinion. You could always seek advice from other actors and friends, but remember that this is your career and you must try to get objective opinions from someone inside the business.
Asking your mum or dad or even your boyfriend or girlfriend can lead to drastic mistakes as often they see you in a particular way. Are you still ‘daddy’s little pumpkin’ or are you now a serious performer, and does your mum think that ‘you look cute like you did when you were a child’ in a shot and suggest you use that one? It’s usually the same with your partner simply because, as they have an emotional attachment they’ll also often see you in a particular light too.
Remember you’re trying to appeal to Agents and Casting Directors not the folks at home. It’s your main marketing tool and you’re using it to get you work.
Visit my site www.nickgregan.com for loads of useful tips and hints for actors headshots.
Saturday 11 July 2009
‘This above all else: to thine own self be true’ – Hamlet…...in other words Shakespeare says 'look like your actors headshot'.
This is perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of your actors headshot. It has to be a true representation of you. There is no point in sending out a shot that no longer looks like you for instance; if your hair was blonde and long but is now black and short. Equally so for the guys, if for some strange reason you had your shot taken with a beard and then decided you’d shave it off – well you really need a new headshot.
The first thing a casting director or agent wants in a headshot is a true likeness. Imagine traveling for a couple of hours for a big audition waiting in line and getting yourself all psyched-up for big moment and when you walk in you see the look of confusion on the casting directors face, the last thing you want to hear from them is ‘ where’s the person in the picture’?
So let’s make it clear you have to look like your picture, it’s no good guys if you’re going a bit thin on top ( like me ) and you ask the photographerto retouch the hair line a bit, just as it’s no good ladies getting your lines of life ( wrinkles ) retouched out because they may just say to you “ where’s you’re younger sister, we wanted the one in the photo’?
I once had a lady who only wanted to be photographed dead straight on as she didn’t want anyone to see that she had a bigger than normal nose. After a bit of cajoling and persuading from me she eventually agreed to my suggestions and got a great actors headshot. Six weeks later she landed a great character role in London's West End and has since gone on from strength to strength.
The moral of the story, don’t shy away from the fact that some of your facial features may not be perfect – hey none of us are! There may be the perfect role for you just around the corner.
So remember the Great Bards words from Hamlet…
……"to thine own self be true”
The first thing a casting director or agent wants in a headshot is a true likeness. Imagine traveling for a couple of hours for a big audition waiting in line and getting yourself all psyched-up for big moment and when you walk in you see the look of confusion on the casting directors face, the last thing you want to hear from them is ‘ where’s the person in the picture’?
So let’s make it clear you have to look like your picture, it’s no good guys if you’re going a bit thin on top ( like me ) and you ask the photographerto retouch the hair line a bit, just as it’s no good ladies getting your lines of life ( wrinkles ) retouched out because they may just say to you “ where’s you’re younger sister, we wanted the one in the photo’?
I once had a lady who only wanted to be photographed dead straight on as she didn’t want anyone to see that she had a bigger than normal nose. After a bit of cajoling and persuading from me she eventually agreed to my suggestions and got a great actors headshot. Six weeks later she landed a great character role in London's West End and has since gone on from strength to strength.
The moral of the story, don’t shy away from the fact that some of your facial features may not be perfect – hey none of us are! There may be the perfect role for you just around the corner.
So remember the Great Bards words from Hamlet…
……"to thine own self be true”
Friday 10 July 2009
Don't Let This Beautiful Weather Ruin Your Actors Headshot
I just thought I'd jot down a few notes on how this beautiful hot weather can affect your actors headshots
• Firstly and most obviously, drink plenty of water – and that’s a general living guide but is extremely important when we think of getting a new actors headshots. The water will help your skin to appear smooth and clear, it helps clear the body of toxins and reduce spots and dryness and above all else prevents dehydration. So remember to drink plenty of water in the week leading up to your headshotsession.
• Secondly, drinking plenty of water in the hot London weather of the moment will help to keep you cool, an important point when you are on your way to the studio for your shoot. Arriving hot and bothered will leave you feeling uncomfortable which may then manifest itself as stress leaving you unprepared to have a headshot done for some time.
• Thirdly, if you arrive overheated and sweaty you’ll have to cool down before the before the headshot photographer can begin to shoot. This is simply because your photographer cannot shoot an actors headshot when you are glistening as this will show up clearly as shiny patches around your face. Worse still if you are perspiring heavily, this will show up clearly as beads of moisture and ruin your actor’s headshot.
• Fourthly, another thing to think about is the photographer’s time. Some headshot photographers run to a very tight schedule and arriving late or not being ready to shoot when you do arrive can lead to rushed or shortened sessions as the next client may be arriving shortly. Fortunately I always allow a minimum of one and a half hours for each appointment as this leaves plenty of time for late arrivals, stress on arrival and in some cases a reluctance to have a headshot done – as I’ve discussed previously on this blog.
I hope these few tips are of use. As an actors headshot photographer in London there is more hot humid weather predicted throughout the summer.
• Firstly and most obviously, drink plenty of water – and that’s a general living guide but is extremely important when we think of getting a new actors headshots. The water will help your skin to appear smooth and clear, it helps clear the body of toxins and reduce spots and dryness and above all else prevents dehydration. So remember to drink plenty of water in the week leading up to your headshotsession.
• Secondly, drinking plenty of water in the hot London weather of the moment will help to keep you cool, an important point when you are on your way to the studio for your shoot. Arriving hot and bothered will leave you feeling uncomfortable which may then manifest itself as stress leaving you unprepared to have a headshot done for some time.
• Thirdly, if you arrive overheated and sweaty you’ll have to cool down before the before the headshot photographer can begin to shoot. This is simply because your photographer cannot shoot an actors headshot when you are glistening as this will show up clearly as shiny patches around your face. Worse still if you are perspiring heavily, this will show up clearly as beads of moisture and ruin your actor’s headshot.
• Fourthly, another thing to think about is the photographer’s time. Some headshot photographers run to a very tight schedule and arriving late or not being ready to shoot when you do arrive can lead to rushed or shortened sessions as the next client may be arriving shortly. Fortunately I always allow a minimum of one and a half hours for each appointment as this leaves plenty of time for late arrivals, stress on arrival and in some cases a reluctance to have a headshot done – as I’ve discussed previously on this blog.
I hope these few tips are of use. As an actors headshot photographer in London there is more hot humid weather predicted throughout the summer.
Thursday 9 July 2009
What is a Good Actors Headshot?
What is a Good Actors Headshot?
I'm often asked by clients what is the best type of shot to use, "is a smile better than a straight face"? "is a tightly cropped shot better than a full head shot"?
Obvious things such as wearing a boldly patterned top or something with heavy and strong stripes can seriously affect the whole look of the picture, distracting the eye of the viewer away from your face towards your busy top. Another thing to think about is the effect of jewellery on how the image is perceived and if it distracts the eye away from the most important part of the shot - your face.
I can only give this advice; the actors headshots has to work in a split second, if you think that casting directors and agents view many photographs often in rapid succession, your shot has to stand out, it has to make them stop and think - wow! - and we've all heard of the wow factor
The casting director needs to stop at your picture, and love it. Then they'll be prepared to look at your CV. I like to think that even though there may be several people with a similar look or CV as you, they'll be impressed enough by your picture to look at your CV and then to ask you for audition or interview.
My style of headshot photographer is very relaxed and easy going. I'm here to help you get the best possible shot. I like to have fun and I always try to get a natural shot that is clearly you. I want my pictures to say to people, " Hey this is me, aren't I great "
Most of all I enjoy my work and I like to have fun, hopefully you'll have fun too and actually enjoy having your headshot taken for change. See more of my work and ton more info at www.nickgregan.com
Give your module a title. Titles can only be one line, so keep it short. Give your module a subtitle. Enter your text below. The limit is 10,000 characters. I'm often asked by clients what is the best type of shot to use, "is a smile better than a straight face"? "is a tightly cropped shot better than a full head shot"? Obvious things such as wearing a boldly patterned top or something with heavy and strong stripes can seriously affect the whole look of the picture, distracting the eye of the viewer away from your face towards your busy top. Another thing to think about is the effect of jewellery on how the image is perceived and if it distracts the eye away from the most important part of the shot - your face. I can only give this advice; the actors headshots has to work in a split second, if you think that casting directors and agents view many photographs often in rapid succession, your shot has to stand out, it has to make them stop and think - wow! - and we've all heard of the wow factor The casting director needs to stop at your picture, and love it. Then they'll be prepared to look at your CV. I like to think that even though there may be several people with a similar look or CV as you, they'll be impressed enough by your picture to look at your CV and then to ask you for audition or interview. My style of headshot photography is very relaxed and easy going. I'm here to help you get the best possible shot. I like to have fun and I always try to get a natural shot that is clearly you. I want my pictures to say to people, " Hey this is me, aren't I great " Most of all I enjoy my work and I like to have fun, hopefully you'll have fun too and actually enjoy having your headshot taken for change. See more of my work and ton more info at www.nickgregan.com
I'm often asked by clients what is the best type of shot to use, "is a smile better than a straight face"? "is a tightly cropped shot better than a full head shot"?
Obvious things such as wearing a boldly patterned top or something with heavy and strong stripes can seriously affect the whole look of the picture, distracting the eye of the viewer away from your face towards your busy top. Another thing to think about is the effect of jewellery on how the image is perceived and if it distracts the eye away from the most important part of the shot - your face.
I can only give this advice; the actors headshots has to work in a split second, if you think that casting directors and agents view many photographs often in rapid succession, your shot has to stand out, it has to make them stop and think - wow! - and we've all heard of the wow factor
The casting director needs to stop at your picture, and love it. Then they'll be prepared to look at your CV. I like to think that even though there may be several people with a similar look or CV as you, they'll be impressed enough by your picture to look at your CV and then to ask you for audition or interview.
My style of headshot photographer is very relaxed and easy going. I'm here to help you get the best possible shot. I like to have fun and I always try to get a natural shot that is clearly you. I want my pictures to say to people, " Hey this is me, aren't I great "
Most of all I enjoy my work and I like to have fun, hopefully you'll have fun too and actually enjoy having your headshot taken for change. See more of my work and ton more info at www.nickgregan.com
Give your module a title. Titles can only be one line, so keep it short. Give your module a subtitle. Enter your text below. The limit is 10,000 characters. I'm often asked by clients what is the best type of shot to use, "is a smile better than a straight face"? "is a tightly cropped shot better than a full head shot"? Obvious things such as wearing a boldly patterned top or something with heavy and strong stripes can seriously affect the whole look of the picture, distracting the eye of the viewer away from your face towards your busy top. Another thing to think about is the effect of jewellery on how the image is perceived and if it distracts the eye away from the most important part of the shot - your face. I can only give this advice; the actors headshots has to work in a split second, if you think that casting directors and agents view many photographs often in rapid succession, your shot has to stand out, it has to make them stop and think - wow! - and we've all heard of the wow factor The casting director needs to stop at your picture, and love it. Then they'll be prepared to look at your CV. I like to think that even though there may be several people with a similar look or CV as you, they'll be impressed enough by your picture to look at your CV and then to ask you for audition or interview. My style of headshot photography is very relaxed and easy going. I'm here to help you get the best possible shot. I like to have fun and I always try to get a natural shot that is clearly you. I want my pictures to say to people, " Hey this is me, aren't I great " Most of all I enjoy my work and I like to have fun, hopefully you'll have fun too and actually enjoy having your headshot taken for change. See more of my work and ton more info at www.nickgregan.com
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