Choose the right photographer: Okay, so you need new headshots. Those black-and-white film shots that were taken when you were 14 and 100 pounds heavier (or lighter) really don’t look like you – and though they may get you an audition, if you show up looking ten years older with a different hair color, the casting agent will feel duped, and you won’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of getting cast. The most important part of your headshot is that it looks like YOU!

A headshot should look like the best version of you… the you that will show up to the audition, the you that a casting agent or director will want to spend time with – whether it’s a single-day commercial shoot, or a three-year run on Broadway. So – point number one in this list is all about picking the right photographer to bring out that very best “you.”

Now, there are headshot photographers in every corner of New York and you can find a photographer in any price range… from the too-cheap to the oh-my-god-I-can’t-believe-anyone-would-pay-that-much-for-pictures. So how do you choose? The first thing to look at is a photographer’s samples. Most photographers now present their portfolios online. Remember, these are the shots that a photographer has chosen to exhibit, and usually reflect what he or she does best. Are they all natural light? Outdoors? Does the photographer do studio lighting and natural lighting both? Are they all studio shots?  Know what you are looking for and what that photographer can achieve.

If you are looking for purely theatrical shots, a photographer who does really great dramatic studio shots might be for you. If you are heading more to the commercial/film side of things, then outdoors and/or natural light might be better. If you are looking to cast a wide net and get several different shots you can use for different types of auditions – look for a versatile photographer who can master many different moods.

One other part of choosing the right photographer is choosing someone that you like. If you get a bad vibe from a photographer – don’t use them! Remember, you are going to be spending several hours with this person – and they are responsible for making you look relaxed, comfortable, and confident on-camera. If you don’t feel comfortable around the photographer, or you feel as though you’re being rushed, etc., that discomfort will show in your eyes in your pictures. Choose wisely! Choose meeeeee! Click here to book your photo session with me now.

By: JM Spafford, Headshot Photographer

Tags: headshot tips, JM Spafford