What Is a Headshot?

What is a Headshot? How much is it? - A headshot as a 10x8 sized portrait or a mug shot...

A headshot as a 10x8 sized portrait or a mug shot. It includes a person's head and sometimes shoulders, and it focuses on the face. The headshot that includes persons' shoulders is usually called the 'three quarter' headshot.

In the UK 10x8, actors and entertainers often use both types of headshots. Traditionally in the UK, actors use black and white headshots and in the USA they are often done in colour. Therefore here it is very important to let the photographer know which market you are going to use your headshots for.

A headshot is used by the actor or entertainer to apply for casting or audition and is usually presented to a casting director, who then makes a decision whether the candidate is suitable for the role.

The best headshots should present a person as they really are, i.e. their look, style and most importantly age. So, if the person have cut or coloured their hair, then they will need another set of professional headshots. The headshot should also reflect the person's best qualities. Good photographer will capture person's character and therefore increase chances of getting the right job.

Great professional headshot will focus on the person and not on the person's clothing. Therefore it is important to get ready prior to the shoot and take a few different tops in black, white, grey and round and v-neck. V-neck top usually helps to elongate the neck rather than to shorten it like round neck top does. Plain clothing is important because no one would want their headshot to be focused on the writing, logos or a set of palm trees that you have on the t-shirt.

There are several TYPES of headshots:

- Commercial Headshots: smiling and projects warmth and friendliness.

- Theatrical Headshots: serious, focused and actors are NOT smiling.

- Studio Headshots: shot in the photography studio with studio lighting

- Natural Headshots: these are shot outside with natural light

- Black and White: usually shot for the UK entertainment market and used for actors and actresses to apply for the acting roles

- Modelling Headshots: these are usually shot for Modelling portfolios and are used to show model's skin completion for the modelling assignments. These are usually done in colour.

Actors headshots prices do vary. Headshots could cost from £50 to £300. This usually has a lot to do with how professional the photographer is. However, booking the session only relying on the price probably is not the best way to go about your future career. There could be possibilities of either not getting a good quality or simply overpaying for the services that could be obtained elsewhere.

It is important to remember that to get the best results it is worth investing in a professional work rather than do-it-yourself work. DIY headshots most likely will not get you anywhere and it could take a lot longer getting that role you have always wanted.

When choosing your professional actors headshots photographer, first make sure they have a professional portfolio, website and a good list of clients. Every photographer could easily be judged on their work. See if their work is varied with different types of styles or all the same style with the same lighting set up. You are an individual and therefore there has to be an individual approach to you and the types of roles are going after.

If you would like to know what to do before your photography session and how to make sure you look your best keep reading our articles for more information.

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