Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Are You Ready For Your Close Up?

We’ve had a lot of new members join the site this week and I was browsing through their profiles and I was really impressed with the quality of their headshots. Your headshot is your passport to success. While your talent dictates whether you’ll get the job, initially it’s your headshot that gets you in the door. Casting directors and other industry professionals will review your headshot to determine if you’re what they’re looking for. So choosing a photographer is a huge decision and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Just like with any other major decision, you want to make sure you: 1) Do your research, 2) Shop around and 3) Get recommendations and advice from people you trust.

The internet is a great tool to use when searching for a reputable photographer that you can trust to do a great job and deliver photos you can be proud of. Visit lots of photographers’ websites and review their online portfolios. Are the photos lit well? Are they crisp and clear? Are you drawn to the headshots? Once you’ve reviewed all of the sites, make a list of the photographers you may want to hire.

Once you’ve made a list of potential photographers, make a list of questions you want to ask them. Be sure to ask questions like:

How many looks are included in the package price?
Will I receive a CD of high resolution photos once the shoot is finished?
Do you offer an online proof sheet?
Is hair and makeup available? Is it included or are there additional fees?

(Note: If you have ethnic hair and skin, it’s very important that your photographer has experience lighting for your skin type and that the hair and makeup artists they work with have experience working with your skin and hair type as well.)

Once you’ve made your list of questions, begin calling potential photographers. You may need to make a chart to organize information for each potential photographer. You may even want to ask if you can stop by the photographer’s studio to meet him or her. Remember that you’ll need to feel comfortable with this person. If the photographer rushes you off the phone, or seems curt or cold, you may not feel comfortable shooting with that person and your discomfort might be apparent in your photos.

Lastly, ask others in the industry for recommendations. If you know actors, models, dancers or other people in the industry, ask them for referrals or ask them to review the website of your potential photographer to get their opinion of the photographer’s work.

Whether you’re trying to land an agent or a job, the photo that you submit will determine whether you get the call that could lead to your big break so when you take your headshots, make sure that you take a photo that’s as dynamic as your talent. Click here to review a list of photographers on our website. And don’t forget to visit the message boards for more information on taking a great headshot.

Join me here tomorrow and get more info on how to book a job in Hollywood without an agent!

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