In order to enter the wonderful world of acting, not only must an aspiring actor create and maintain an updated acting resume but he or she must also obtain headshots.
Atlanta based photographers Charles Forde, owner of Forde Fotog, LLC, and Donna Permell, CEO of Prime Phocus, LLC, provide useful tips on the best way to achieve the most perfect headshot.
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Do the following:
-Forde said it is important to dress the part, especially since it's the first introduction. So consider it as if you're meeting your audience for the first time. "Whether you are a corporate executive or an actress you need to dress according to the message you want to convey and how you want to be perceived," he said.
-"You have to exude confidence, and the best way to bring that out, if it doesn't come natural, is to practice power poses," Forde said. He suggested doing poses like putting your hands on your hips and fists clenched above your head as in a victory pose. Forde also said you should keep the mindset of a winner. However, these are poses to build confidence, not to use in the shot.
-According to Forde, smiling naturally comes across as clean and genuine to the general public. "Most would prefer to do business with a pleasant and/or amenable person," Forde said.
Don't do the following:
-Permell said it's better to not be a distraction. "Don't wear clothes with loud colors, or jewelry," she said. "Cut any hair, including facial hair, the day of the shoot to ensure that you are OK with your hair."
-"Don't use props in your headshot," Forde said. If you don't meet people with props then it should not be in your headshot, he said.
-Oh, and the popular arms crossed pose - don't even think about it. "Contrary to popular belief this is a posture that assumes you are closed off. Think about if you were speaking with someone face to face and his or her arms were crossed. It conveys a defensive positive versus one of confidence," Forde said.
Since you'll be paying a lot for headshots, make sure you adhere to the rules above to get the most of your time and money.
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