Denice Duff former Talent agent, actress and now photographer, director and public speaker gives tips on what makes an irresistible headshot that will get you called in by agents and casting directors
They were very VERY pleased and I already have my list of touch-up images to remove fly away hairs etc. I generally don't feature client head-shots on my website but would happily send a sample via e-mail if you would like to send me your e-mail address via RU-vid message?
if you've purchased the photograph the watermark shouldn't be on it. although, it does matter. if you need anymore help with headshots ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3OQBoc_RcZA.html check that out
Have you started a business with zero money down? As an actor you are starting a business and one acting job can earn you $2000 at the low end. Headshots are done only once a year...the cheapest investment even at 500 a sitting per year. :)
Denice, With your background as someone who did casting, what is your opinion of headshots that are more "cinematic" in nature - ones that look like they might have been production stills that were created on location on the set of a film or TV show? The lighting might be a bit more dramatic and the background have out of focus elements. Thanks, Terry Thomas... the photographer Atlanta, Georgia USA Skype: AtlantaTerry www.imdb.com/name/nm1669504/?ref_=nv_sr_2
Personally I love them and to be honest a casting person would too if its an awesome shot BUT when it comes to "playing by the rules" and looking like an actor who has done their homework, the ONLY thing early on in the career of an actor that a casting director or agent or producer can judge on is the type of headshot they are submitted. It needs to still be a more standard blurred background head and shoulders, looking at the camera headshot. But you can always add those cinematic shots to your casting websites as another marketing tool for your team to use. Good question!
Denice, Thanks for the video. As a fellow headshot photographer and a Director of Photography, may I make a suggestion? Your audio track sounds like you are talking in a box because the microphone is not properly placed. Is it on the camera? Try experimenting with a tiny lavalier microphone clipped to your blouse - either wired or wireless. Or even better, do like the movies - suspend a directional microphone over your head and just out of frame. You are in LA so should be able to rent Sennheiser lavalier wireless kit for about $40 for one day. Terry Thomas... the photographer Atlanta, Georgia USA Skype: AtlantaTerry www.imdb.com/name/nm1669504/?ref_=nv_sr_2
Sorry That is Wrong Message . If you don't have Talent and you Work Hard on Ur Skills you Can go to the Grave with ur $1500 headshots . Casting Directors Don't give a Shit they have a job to do . and you are not the Only one in That Room . . If You don't make it in the audition Don't Cry .
Dead on, about being creative, Denice. Most of today's headshots are about creativity. Some of the angles that a few photographers are able to capture are beyond cool and awesome. Yes, it is about angle...and lighting. I used to do modeling shoots, where I learned so many cool, award-mentioning angles that would make you tear. The beauty of creative photography.
I agree with the majority of things you say, however I disagree with postproduction work. The casting director expects that the person they called in for the audition looks like the person that is represented on the headhead shot. Post production work should be limited to making color adjustments, contrast, cropping and blemishes that the actor DOES NOT normally has - touchup work should not include getting rid of things on their face that the Actor has, be it gap in their teeth, wrinkles, mole, bags, etc.
Totally agree! And thats why so many agents have me on their recommendation sheet because they always say :Your clients look like they do when they come in the door!" Post production in the digital world is another term for developing. You see, I used to shoot in the film days and you would send the film to a lab. Now WE photographers are the lab! We have to make sure that the raw digital picture taken represents the correct skin tone of the person, Im sure you've seen cheap cameras that blow out the skin tone of a person or come out with the person looking like they have red skin or overly yellow etc. So post production is done to develop the pics like in the old days of film. ANd also to make it so it uploads and is easily viewable on the internet. Lots of work..but very worth it to help artists get opportunities!
Right on the money! I can't tell you how many times several agents and CDs I know, have restated this to even experienced or seasoned actors, RE the post process. The headshot must look like YOU, no exceptions. Scars, tattoos, a crooked tooth, wrinkles, birthmarks, moles, under-eye bags, etc. All will be visible at the audition, so it's pointless (and unprofessional) to try to hide them. An actor friend got turned away at a film audition because he had his photographer Photoshop the mole on his cheek. Big no-no. Actors must be real, and stay real (no pun)
Hi, is it possible for someone with Alopecia to be an actress? I have to wear a wig. It's very natural looking, but I don't know if it would be a big issue..
Absolutely! Especially in todays climate of women and diversity! Gene Davis has a film festival to celebrate everything women! Its called the Bentonville Film Festival. But wigs are great these days!
Skyla Shugart Yes, talent always wins out. I mean, there are even some successful disabled actors like Marlee Matlin and Peter Dinklage. Maybe being able to wear different wigs could be a sort of advantage even.
Thank you! I have been in the biz over 30 years. My look has obviously changed. I am a grandma now. Any tips for us older actresses on headshots. I am getting new ones done. I have been playing a lot of depressed ladies and it's good for me. I want to make sure that look comes across without looking mad or mean or too sad any tips would be great.
Terri Lenee Peake you can always create that “weary overworked down and out woman” by wearing things like a brown or white T-shirt layered with a grey or navy zip up hoodie - it has that worn worse for the wear kind of look and don’t wear much make... and then softly smile. Let the wardrobe and lack of hair and makeup do the “casting” for you and still have a touch human warmth to your expression :)
Terri Lenee Peake and because you are blond, a dark background is not only serious and theatrical but it also really “pops” you from the background. :)
