WHO SHOULD TAKE YOUR ACTING HEADSHOTS?

A photographer who is familiar with the conventions of the talent headshot business. Your local family portrait studio is probably not right for the job. Find that competent headshot photographer by checking with friends. A personal recommendation is always best. Just keep in mind that your friend, even if an actor, will have different needs than you.

Also check with teachers and mentors for suggestions. If you're really new in town, look for headshot resume photographs that you like, get the actor's name, and call them to find out whom they used. As an absolute, start-from-scratch point, consult the ads in Backstage. (By the way Backstage does a headshot issue every September.)

Do not hire someone who: intimidates you, hides costs, appears to have ulterior motives, or appears in general to be a creep. There are a lot of us out there (photographers, not creeps) so don't worry if you don't go with the first one you meet.

Speaking of costs, find out early what your financial commitments are and at what point in the process you can back out of them. That way you can avoid creeps without paying for the privilege.

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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