3 Tips to Prepare for Your Actor Headshot Session
1) Know why you’re getting a headshot.
There isn’t a wrong answer for this one - but having a reason to go out and get new pictures taken will help you feel confident and decisive during the process. Maybe you colored or chopped off your hair. Maybe it’s been years and you feel like your old actor headshots no longer serve you. Maybe you’re doing incredibly well and are getting a wide range of auditions and want some more specific looks that will aid you in certain areas (musical theatre, commercials, serious films, etc.).
Whatever the reason is, having one will help you focus both when seeking out a photographer and when preparing for the shoot you eventually do book. Headshots are an investment, yes, but something we do not need when preparing to be our best, shining self, is that little voice asking, “Do I really need this?” You are your own business! Doesn’t it feel better to seek out headshots because you’re ready for them and you know what you need out of them, rather than just because you feel like you should?
Your reason can be as broad or as specific as you need. If you aren’t an actor, maybe you’re just looking for media to help your networking profiles. Maybe you want to appear more professional, warm, knowledgeable, or inviting in your corporate or Linkedin headshot. Maybe you want to shine on your dating profile … maybe you just want to treat yourself for your birthday. Have a reason, own it, and bring it to your shoot!
2) Talk to the photographer.
If a photographer you are interested in offers free consultations, take advantage of this! Having a conversation with the photographer about your needs will help you both prepare for the shoot and establish a familiarity with the photographer before even entering the studio. So much of the success in a photoshoot comes from having a relaxed and fun session. There is a social element to this process!
Getting the chance to speak with your photographer will break the ice and help you feel relaxed and confident for your session. This conversation can be as little as a meet and greet to put a face to a name and make it so that you don’t have to worry about meeting someone new on the day of your photoshoot. (And you don’t have to trek to New Jersey in order to meet me!) This consultation can also be an excellent opportunity to talk through the looks or types you want to capture, ask questions about how to prepare for them, or to let the photographer tell you about their process so that there are no surprises on the day of the shoot.
There are no silly questions! Headshot photographers are professionals and can help clarify things for you - especially if you’re on the fence about an outfit or what types of headshots will be the most beneficial to your career. I want my clients to be as comfortable as possible when shooting with me. I also want to be as prepared as I can be before the session begins. Often, a quick chat with a client gives us a chance to click in advance and also gives me an idea of the client's personality and how I can best design our session to reflect it. Consultations are as beneficial to the photographer as they are to the client!
(Click here to book a consultation with me!)
3) Don’t be afraid to collaborate!
I think of my headshot sessions as a collaboration between two artists. The more you bring to the table, the more ideas I have to work with! Some clients are more comfortable handing over the wheel to the photographer - and that’s perfectly okay! I want my clients to feel comfortable and confident in my ability to get them fantastic headshots. Some clients want to sit back, relax, and have a good time jamming to music in my studio as we work through our session.
Often, my sessions are extremely collaborative as we each give input into what looks and feels the best. If a client has an idea, or wants to try something, I am always more than happy to go for it. Don’t feel like you aren’t in control of what is going on before, during, or after your headshot session. Remember, you are the client, and the photographer is providing a service.
If you feel like something is missing, or have an idea that excites you, don’t be afraid to speak up! At the end of the day, these headshots are going to be on your website or profiles. I try to end each session with the question “Is there anything you feel like we missed?” After each session of back and forth idea sharing, laughter, and excitement over the stunning photos we’re getting, the answer is always “No! I feel like we covered everything I was hoping for!”
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Headshot sessions are an incredible opportunity to work with another artist and create something wonderful together. Seeing these sessions as an opportunity over a necessity can help cut through the anxiety that we so easily associate with getting our photos taken. If you go into a headshot session with a sure mind of what your needs and expectations are, form a clear line of communication, and approach with the spirit of collaboration, you are sure to nail your next headshot session!