As I've mentioned before, there are many similarities between pursuing a modeling career and an acting career but it's essential to understand the nuances.
One of the first to take note of is that the road to getting a professional headshot comes at different times for a model than it does an actor.
MODELING HEADSHOTS
When first submitting to agencies, aspiring models with no experience aren't expected to have professional headshots yet.
In fact, a majority of agency websites state their preference for non-professional, digital snapshots, with female and male models wearing no makeup. In addition to other digital snapshots (profile, full body, etc.), those types of images are enough for an agency to determine your modeling potential.
If you already have professional headshots to submit, a modeling agency will look at them BUT could still encourage you to send digital snapshots, too. I always recommend NOT getting professional modeling headshots done BEFORE submitting to agencies for the first time simply because digital snapshots are easier to obtain, not to mention free since you can take them with your own camera.
When you get signed to an agency, the next step is to do your first test shoot in order to get the professional headshots needed to market you properly to potential clients.
ACTING HEADSHOTS
99.9% of the time, aspiring actors must have a professional acting headshot to submit for agency representation. I didn't say 100% because I'm sure someone, somewhere accepts digital snapshots for new actors seeking representation but I'm going to speak for the general norm here.
Why do actors have to deal with professional headshots off the bat compared to models who can get their foot in the door with agents simply by submitting digital snapshots? Because these two fields aren't exactly the same in terms of the approach agencies take to market and promote their roster.
With models, they're a "clean slate," whose job is to transform into whatever a designer, photographer, brand needs them to be. As such, it's important for agencies to see what those individuals look like without any makeup or fancy hairstyles.
In an actor's world, you're also required to transform for a role but the difference is actors are always presented as a complete package with hair, makeup, and suitable wardrobe in their headshots. It's about what polished look you bring to the table from the beginning. The clients/audience is different so that's why even as a newbie actor, getting those headshots are the ticket to showcasing right away the types of roles you can portray. You're not a blank slate.
TIPS FOR GETTING ACTING & MODELING HEADSHOTS DONE
- Are you a model AND actor? Then you're going to need BOTH types of headshots. Period. There might be an instance or two where a particular headshot can double as both but it really depends. Be prepared for both types regardless.
- You'll need more than one headshot. Ideally, you'll want a headshot for at least 3 "looks." By that, I mean a different outfit for each. This is especially the case for actors, who should have a headshot that reflects the type of character/role they want to pursue (i.e. teacher, girl/guy next door, parent, nerdy friend, bad guy/villain, military/law enforcement, etc.). In my next blog post, I'll go into more detail about these types of looks and requirements as they apply to both models and actors.
- Agencies sometimes offer a list of recommended photographers they like BUT you should never be forced by your agent to work with someone (huge red flag). It should always be optional to go with an agency recommended photographer or to choose your own.
- If you decide to find your own headshot photographer, make extra sure they can achieve the kind of headshots your agent is looking for. Ask your agent for examples of how your headshots should look and provide those reference images to the photographer you select. Failing to do so could result in a waste of time and money if the agency feels they can't use the photos because they're not the right style, type or worse: the pictures just aren't good.
- Hire a photographer who specializes in headshots! Not all photographers specialize in the same things and just because they take great pictures overall, that doesn't necessarily mean they're adept at the lighting, style, posing, and other territory that makes for a strong headshot.
- When searching online, use keywords "headshot photographer," "actor headshot photographer," and "modeling headshot photographer" to get more accurate search results. Professional headshot photographers 9 times out of 10 specifically have the words "headshot photographer/photography" on their websites and social media profiles.
- Thoroughly look through the photographers' websites and social media accounts. Browse through their headshot galleries and see if they have the right kind of style that fits your needs. Remember modeling headshots and acting headshots are NOT the same!
- Don't assume that photographers who do corporate/business headshots can pull off the same for models and actors. I know several photographers who excel at business headshots AND headshots for models and actors BUT there are MANY more who think because they take headshots/portraits of business people that they know how to do images of models and actors. Trust me, I've seen the examples of some and they don't have the eye to really achieve this look.
- Please don't have your friend who does photography do your headshots unless they actually have proven experience in getting professional results. There's nothing wrong with saving money but your headshots are a small investment to ensure a strong start to your modeling and acting career.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Professional quality headshots are the first step towards getting you booked. This is the first impression agencies and clients get to see your potential so please take this initial step into a professional career in the industry seriously. Cutting corners and accepting subpar images will be a direct reflection on how you carry yourself and your brand. Put your best foot forward from the beginning with solid headshots and everything else will fall into place.
Stick around for my next post, which will do a deeper dive into the types of headshots that are best for models and actors, with plenty of visual references for inspo!
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