PREPARING FOR A HEADSHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION

How should you prepare?

The fact that you are reading this is a start. The rest of the process should be somewhat back-to-front. Think first about what the photos are for and who will see them. Then think about the process that creates the right head shot to show that group. In the very-long term, you need to make some decisions that have to do with much more than just your head shot. It's a real advantage to know what type of acting work you want to do. Different markets have different conventions for their resume pictures. For example, soap opera head shots are a lot more over the top in glamor and production value than photos for stage. TV commercial work may require a "composite" of several photos printed on a card.

One decision you'll want to think about is whether to have your photo made in color or black-and-white. Normally, everything gets shot in color and then converted to black-and-white in the computer, so in that respect you have your options open. The advantage to deciding early lies in makeup and clothing selection. Makeup is different for the two types, and a color photo will certainly make your color choices matter when dressing.

Now, it won't be a crisis if you can't decide on this ahead of time. We can make minor compromises as we go along that will keep your options open. The only real problem would be for you to definitely decide on one and then change your mind after the photography. In short, just remember to tell me: color, black-and-white, or undecided.

On a more philosophical level, different markets and role types will need different mental attitudes when you have your picture taken. It will be easier for you in the studio if you can look in the lens and know that you want to project the image of, say, comic sidekick. If you haven't made these decisions, all is not lost. For the purposes of the head shot, just go with what's a reasonable start. The important thing is that you have something, even if inaccurate, in your mind that you can project into the camera.

Regarding another philosophical matter, get used to your face. You are not Gable or Garbo. Too bad. Now get on with it. If you expend energy obsessing over your imperfect earlobe, you will never create the immediacy and presence that makes a head shot stand out in a crowd.

As the date of your photography gets nearer, give yourself a few days to think about hair and clothing. That way you will be more confident with your choices and still have time for a last-minute brainstorm. By all means consult with photographer and friends on these matters. Schedule your photo session to account for your cycles of sleep, medication or exams, and allow plenty of extra time to spend at the studio. Also, give haircuts a few days to fall into place, and shave your face (men, and women when necessary, please) at a time that leaves you neither too rough nor too red. The morning of your session, get a good breakfast and read the paper. Then go wash your face and apply some moisturizer to replace the skin oil you just scrubbed out. Under no circumstances should you stay up late, party or drink the night before your session, even if you are not scheduled until late in the afternoon. You just can't get away with it.

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Michael Bailey Photography does talent headshots, commercial, advertising and editorial photography in Virginia, Washington DC and surrounding areas. He is a member of ASMP with many years photography experience. For more information on his services visit http://www.michaelbaileyphoto.com or call Michael Bailey Studio @ 434-296-4295